Chapter 13: Chushan River

Not long after, the banquet officially began.

The sound of violin strings ceased, and everyone stopped chatting, looking towards the long staircase in the middle of the hall.

They saw Chushan River smiling as he descended from the staircase, raising his glass high and looking around:

"Welcome, everyone! Today, all the scientific luminaries and business talents are present, making my humble gathering shine brightly! Hahaha..."

Thunderous applause echoed in the hall.

Lin Xian had only seen Chushan River's back before, which was very robust. Now, he had the opportunity to see Chushan River's face.

His gaze was sharp, and his square face bore sharp and well-defined features. This appearance, back in his younger days... could be considered the epitome of handsome.

Even though Chushan River was already past fifty, one could still see his robust spirit and vitality. Despite his smiling and amiable appearance, the aura of authority and majesty emanating from his upright posture made people hold their breath involuntarily.

As the applause subsided, Chushan River slowly descended the stairs and walked to the center of the hall.

His voice was loud and resolute:

"For many years, I have always believed that science and technology are the primary productive forces! Our current way of life, the prosperity and strength of our motherland, all rely on the development of science and technology! They rely on the hard work and dedication of researchers!"

"I believe that the development of any industry cannot be separated from the support of science and technology. Those scientists who work tirelessly day and night, unknown and unsung heroes, are the ones we should respect and admire the most!"

"Someone like me, with little knowledge and talent... has only enjoyed the benefits of the times, barely managing to establish a foothold in Donghai. In terms of contributions to society and the country, I am nowhere near the scientists and researchers!"

"This is also the purpose of hosting this scientific fundraising banquet today! I hope that young business talents can also pay more attention to the development of scientific research! Contribute their efforts to the advancement of our country's science and technology!"

"I won't say much else—"

Chushan River put down his glass and raised his index finger high with his right hand:

"Shanhe Group! Donates 1 billion to the Donghai City Scientific Development Fund!"

The whole scene was in an uproar. Straight up, it was 1 billion.

President Chushan River was indeed generous.

After the shock subsided, there was immediately enthusiastic applause, and praise resounded from all sides.

However, it wasn't over yet.

When the applause died down, Chushan River picked up the microphone again and smiled:

"The previous donation was on behalf of the group, which is not enough to express my personal admiration for the researchers in the scientific field."

"Now, I'll donate another 1 billion in my personal capacity!"

The whole place was in an uproar!

2 billion!

Chushan River started with 2 billion!

Directly pushing the atmosphere of the whole venue to a climax!

The young entrepreneurs below... all applauded excitedly, admiration in their eyes.

It was evident that Chushan River held an exceptionally high position and prestige in Donghai, and he was genuinely respected and admired from the bottom of people's hearts.

...

Clapping continued incessantly.

It was only then that Lin Xian noticed that Professor Xu Yun, who had been aloof and unapproachable earlier... was now also applauding enthusiastically, his eyes full of admiration.

This surprised Lin Xian.

"That Professor Xu Yun seems to admire Chushan River a lot."

Lin Xian whispered.

Zhao Yingjun smiled and shook her head:

"What man doesn't want to be like Chushan River?"

"But there must be another reason for Professor Xu to give face to Chushan River like this. What Chushan River said just now wasn't just empty talk. Over the years, he has been a strong supporter of Longguo's scientific research."

"Investing in research institutes, setting up scholarships, supporting poor students, investing in niche scientific research projects, assisting overseas Chinese scientists in returning to the country... He has really done a lot for Longguo's scientific cause. So, he is highly respected in the scientific community, and many academicians have openly praised him."

"For so many years, Professor Xu's research hasn't made any progress... Who do you think has been supporting him?"

That's how it is.

Lin Xian understood now.

He had thought earlier that Professor Xu Yun seemed out of place at this kind of banquet, but it turned out he was here because of Chushan River's face.

But according to what Zhao Yingjun said, what Chushan River had done could indeed be considered noble.

With his stature, it's only natural for him to have a high position and earn money.

...

Next came the donation session for various entrepreneurs.

The minimum donation was several million.

Zhao Yingjun donated ten million.

It was evident that those invited today were not ordinary entrepreneurs.

Chushan River's circle was not one that ordinary people could integrate into. Being rich or noble was just the most basic ticket. At least for now, Zhao Yingjun hadn't had a chance to talk to Chushan River.

After the donation session, it was time for the traditional dance party.

Various high-end snacks and foods were placed on tables around the hall, leaving the center as a dance floor. The symphony orchestra on the second floor officially started, and the classical and elegant string music echoed throughout the hall.

Lin Xian didn't know when Chushan River had left, and Professor Xu Yun had left at the beginning of the dance.

Now, most of the guests were dancing in the center dance floor with their partners, enjoying a tango.

A few people sat at the tables around, enjoying food and chatting.

Zhao Yingjun sat at the dining table, elegantly eating snacks and sipping red wine. Lin Xian stood behind her.

He noticed... many people wanted to invite Zhao Yingjun to dance, both young and old.

But after they saw Lin Xian's presence, they all had a sudden realization, then smiled slightly and turned away.

"...Should I stand farther away?"

Lin Xian bent down and asked.

Zhao Yingjun dabbed her lips with a napkin, closing her eyes:

"If you stand farther away, then what's the point of me bringing you here?"

"Sit down and have something to eat."

...

The time that followed was quite boring.

Zhao Yingjun sat there, eyes closed, lost in thought.

Lin Xian guessed that she must be thinking about how to persuade Professor Xu Yun.

She had brought out ten million today, probably to improve Professor Xu's impression of her. But Lin Xian felt that her money was definitely going to be in vain...

Professor Xu Yun was so stubborn, so obstinate, not someone that ordinary people could persuade.

Maybe if Chushan River intervened, since he was Professor Xu's benefactor.

But with Chushan River's status, he definitely wouldn't come forward to plead for Zhao Yingjun. The two of them were obviously not in the same league.

"No chance."

Lin Xian stopped considering the matter. There was nothing he could do about it.

In front of these big shots, he was just a tiny figure, unable to make any waves or even attract any attention.

In his dreams, he was the lawless demon king of the city.

But in Donghai, he was just a sesame seed, a trivial little sesame seed...