40: Chapter 41 Encountering Shen Nian in a Foreign Land

Yu Bo was taken aback, not expecting the topic to be so "domestic." He thought for a moment and replied naturally, "That depends on what kind of 'good thing' it is. If it's to one's taste, you won't get tired of it even if you eat it every day. If it's not to your taste, tasting it once is enough."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Yin Tianxue, his eyes gentle, "Just like the dishes Tianxue cooks; I never get tired of them."

A flicker of almost imperceptible disappointment flashed in Shen Nian's eyes, but her smile remained unchanged, "Chairman Yu is truly devoted. However, sometimes changing your palate isn't necessarily because the original wasn't good; it might just be... wanting to experience something different. Humans, after all, are curious."

Yin Tianxue had been listening quietly, and only then did she speak calmly, her tone devoid of ripples, "Curiosity is fine, but you have to see if it's worth the risk. If you change your palate and find the new isn't as good as the old, ruining your appetite or even getting a stomach ache, then the loss outweighs the gain. Don't you think so, President Shen?"

Shen Nian was choked up for a moment, then smiled, "Miss Yin is right; it was my oversight. It seems Chairman Yu has found the 'chef' most suited to his taste. Congratulations."

She raised her glass again, this time as a genuine toast, also implying an end to the topic.

Although Yu Bo felt the conversation between the two women was a bit "earnest," he didn't overthink it, assuming it was just a clash of dietary philosophies, and raised his glass in response.

During the latter half of the dinner, the atmosphere returned to a superficial harmony. Shen Nian stopped mentioning any sensitive topics, only chatting about industry trends and the future work plans for Wing Flight. Yu Bo and Yin Tianxue cooperated, and the meal finally concluded in a relatively peaceful atmosphere.

When parting, Shen Nian shook hands with both of them to say goodbye, her smile still bright, though when she looked at Yu Bo, there was a complex emotion deep in her eyes.

"Chairman Yu, Miss Yin, thank you for coming today. Wing Flight will certainly not disappoint you." Shen Nian's tone was solemn.

"Looking forward to your good news." Yu Bo nodded.

"Good luck, President Shen." Yin Tianxue also said politely.

Settling into the car, they drove away from the restaurant. Yin Tianxue leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes to rest.

"Tired?" Yu Bo asked, reaching out to massage her temples.

"Mm, a little." Yin Tianxue replied, opening her eyes to look at him, "Didn't you catch the meaning behind what President Shen said just now?"

"What meaning?" Yu Bo asked, puzzled, "Wasn't it just discussing food preferences? Does she think we'll get bored eating together every day? She's overthinking it; I could eat the food you cook for a lifetime and never get tired of it."

He hadn't thought in that direction at all, his tone sincere.

Yin Tianxue looked into his clear eyes, and the last bit of subtle emotion caused by Shen Nian's provocation vanished completely, replaced by a mixture of annoyance and amusement, as well as a trace of sweet peace of mind. Her man was truly full of "insensitivity" in some aspects. But that was fine too; it saved so much unnecessary trouble.

"It's nothing, she was just chatting aimlessly." Yin Tianxue leaned back on his shoulder, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned.

Jiangcheng International Airport.

Due to a merger case in the group, Yin Tianxue could not travel with Yu Bo to Huazhong University of Science and Technology. She accompanied Yu Bo to the security checkpoint, a look of apology on her face.

"I'm sorry for cancelling at the last minute." Yin Tianxue straightened his collar for him.

"Work is important." Yu Bo held her hand, "I can go by myself. I'll come back as soon as I finish looking at the projects."

"Stay safe, and call me every day." Yin Tianxue instructed.

"Okay, you too, don't get too tired." Yu Bo lowered his head and kissed her lips lightly, "Wait for me to come back."

Watching Yu Bo enter security, Yin Tianxue turned to leave, the slight regret of not being able to accompany him quickly diluted by the complex official business.

That same afternoon, at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in the corridor outside a key laboratory.

Yu Bo had just finished discussing preliminary intentions with the head of an energy storage materials team and was coming out of the meeting room, preparing to contact the next biosensing chip team he had an appointment with. Looking up, he saw an unexpected figure.

Shen Nian was walking from the other end of the corridor, accompanied by an old professor with graying hair and a refined temperament. She was wearing a light gray professional suit today, her long hair pulled up, and her makeup was light, lacking the alluring charm of their previous meeting, but possessing a bit more intellectual competence. She was listening attentively to the old professor, her expression focused.

"President Shen?" Yu Bo was a bit surprised and called out in greeting.

Shen Nian looked up at the sound, saw Yu Bo, and a flash of surprise also crossed her eyes, which immediately transformed into a bright smile as she quickened her pace and walked over.

"Chairman Yu? What a coincidence, you're at Huazhong University of Science and Technology too?" Shen Nian's tone carried a perfectly measured sense of surprise.

"I'm here to look at a few projects." Yu Bo nodded, looking at the old professor beside her.

Shen Nian immediately introduced, "Chairman Yu, this is my master's advisor, Professor Chen Wenyuan, an authority in the domestic sensing field. Professor Chen, this is the founder of Tinglan Capital, Chairman Yu Bo, and also the investor in our Wing Flight."

Professor Chen shook hands with Yu Bo with a smile, "Chairman Yu, young and promising. Xiao Nian just mentioned you to me, saying that it was thanks to your support."

"Professor Chen, you flatter me; it is President Shen and the team themselves who are excellent." Yu Bo said politely, realizing in his heart that Shen Nian's mentor was also at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, which explained why they ran into each other here.

"Chairman Yu, are you here to look at projects?" Shen Nian asked, "Are there any directions you've taken a fancy to?"

"I looked at one for energy storage materials and was just about to go see Professor Chen's team." Yu Bo said truthfully.

"That's such a coincidence." Shen Nian's eyes lit up, and she said to Professor Chen, "Teacher, Chairman Yu has a very sharp eye. If he is interested in your project, it must be a good one."

Professor Chen smiled, "That works out well, Chairman Yu, why not join us? Our team just produced a batch of new data, and since Xiao Nian happens to be back for an exchange, you can listen together."

This invitation was reasonable. Yu Bo pondered for a moment, then nodded and accepted, "Then I will impose on Professor Chen and President Shen."

The three of them walked together toward Professor Chen's laboratory. On the way, Shen Nian walked naturally by Yu Bo's side, maintaining an appropriate distance.

"Miss Yin didn't come along?" Shen Nian asked, appearing casual.

"She had something come up at her company and couldn't get away." Yu Bo answered.

"Oh, that's a pity." Shen Nian's tone carried regret, "Miss Yin is very insightful; if she could have come to take a look, she surely would have had more good suggestions."

Yu Bo smiled and didn't respond.

For the next period of time, Yu Bo was immersed in the brilliant project report from Professor Chen's team and the professional insights Shen Nian interspersed from time to time. Shen Nian's solid foundation in the academic field and her keen insight into technical trends gave Yu Bo a new understanding of her capabilities. Her interaction with Professor Chen was tacit and profound; clearly, their mentor-student relationship was excellent.

The project discussion lasted for nearly two hours. After it ended, Professor Chen had other matters to attend to and left first. Yu Bo and Shen Nian walked out of the laboratory building side by side.

It was already evening outside, and the campus lights were just coming on.

"I didn't expect to run into President Shen here." Yu Bo said.

"I didn't expect it either." Shen Nian smiled, "My teacher asked me to come back to discuss a cooperation direction, and we just happened to run into each other. It seems Chairman Yu and I are quite fated."

She said this naturally, with a touch of sentiment, without any further implications audible.

Yu Bo nodded, "It is indeed a coincidence. What does President Shen think of Professor Chen's team's results?"

"The potential is great, but engineering implementation is the difficulty; it requires strong industrial partners and capital." Shen Nian analyzed, "If Listening to the Waves is interested, I can help bridge the connection; my teacher trusts me very much."

"Then thank you in advance, President Shen. We need to evaluate it internally first." Yu Bo responded cautiously.

"It's only right." Shen Nian was very understanding, "By the way, does Chairman Yu have any plans for the evening? I know a good private kitchen restaurant near the school; the old master's cooking is very authentic. How about... I treat Chairman Yu to a casual meal? Consider it a thank you for Chairman Yu's support of Wing Flight, and also to fulfill the duties of a host."