Chapter 109. Academic Achievement

"Just give me the paperwork," A Jia said, taking the documents handed to him by Xie Yuanzheng with a touch of helplessness.

Liu Di nodded lightly. The paperwork for a civilian helicopter is notoriously complex, yet Xie Yuanzheng had managed to complete all the necessary procedures in less than two days. This feat required not just intelligence, but also connections and efficiency—qualities Liu Di knew were crucial. Missing out on such talent would be a great loss.

The graduates from the business management class stood in stunned silence, staring at the enigmatic smile on Liu Di's face, their hearts pounding with anxiety.

Who exactly is Liu Di? How could he afford a private helicopter? Wasn't he supposedly a "failure"?

But... unlike other assets, which can be faked for the sake of appearances, a helicopter... that's something you can't easily fake.

"Wow, it's really lively up here!"

A voice echoed from the elevator as the president of Haishi University, Li Weimin, along with Professor Wang Yuankui, the mentor for many of the students present, stepped out.

The two men were visibly surprised at the scene on the rooftop.

"Tsk tsk, these students, each class seems to outshine the last," Li Weimin remarked as they regained their composure and approached.

The students were even more puzzled now. Professor Wang's attendance at the reunion was expected, but why was the university president, Li Weimin, here as well?

Haishi University is one of the top ten universities in China. Li Weimin, who has served as president for nine years, is a figure of considerable importance, a national-level official, and one of the top ten economists in China. He became famous early on and enjoys an international reputation.

Many large companies have tried to hire him as a strategic consultant or to have him endorse their businesses, but he's turned them all down. President Li isn't interested in fame or fortune; he's focused on academic research and rarely attends events.

Yet today, he came to a small reunion for the business management class of 2002?

This is unprecedented!

Amid the confused gazes of the crowd, President Li ignored everyone else and walked straight to the stage, gripping Liu Di's hand tightly. He seemed a bit emotional, his lips trembling slightly.

The crowd fell silent instantly.

"Liu Di, the patents you gave me—I submitted them to the Huaxia Scientific Achievement Committee yesterday," President Li said, his voice trembling with excitement. "Although the formal evaluation will take some time, the preliminary reviewers were all astonished by your patent designs. They unanimously believe that your three patents are absolutely worthy of the Huake Award—specifically, the Gold Huake!"

President Li, seemingly overwhelmed with emotion, continued, "Liu Di, do you know? In all my years of teaching, I've never seen a student as outstanding, as talented as you! You are the greatest pride of my 20 years of teaching, and the greatest pride in the 70-year history of Haishi University!"

The Huake Award? The Huaxia Scientific Invention Award?

The graduates present were taken aback by the mention. This is the highest invention patent award in China, something that every researcher dreams of winning. It represents the pinnacle of academic recognition in China.

Anyone who wins a Huake Award, even just a Bronze one, will bring immense honor to their family, and their future academic career will be paved with opportunities. Moreover, a Huake-recognized invention often holds immense economic value. Every Huake Award-winning patent can lead to the creation of billion-yuan industries and companies.

Haishi University, despite being a top university, has had fewer than ten Huake Award winners in its history, and the highest they've achieved was a Silver Huake.

But Liu Di is expected to win a Gold Huake? And with three patents at once?

The graduates, all Haishi University alumni, were deeply shaken. They all had once dreamed of winning a Huake themselves, or at least having their inventions considered for one.

They remembered a senior who, during her studies, developed a new theory of modern economic management that was shortlisted for a Huake Award and eventually won a Contribution Award. Although the Contribution Award was far from the Bronze Huake, it was still considered an incredible achievement.

That senior was immediately sought after by major companies, receiving million-yuan job offers before even graduating—her success was the stuff of legends.

But now...

Liu Di, who they once thought of as a "cripple," has produced three inventions that might win Gold Huake Awards? It seemed unbelievable!

No wonder President Li himself came. Liu Di's capabilities are astounding! These three patents could propel him to unimaginable heights in the future.

President Li worked hard to calm his emotions before continuing, "Liu Di, I've decided to hold off on submitting your other three patents. I'm planning to use them as our trump card to compete for this year's Nuremberg International Invention Award."

"In my estimation, these remaining patents will undoubtedly make waves in the international invention community!"

As soon as President Li finished speaking, the crowd erupted in astonished whispers.

The Nuremberg International Invention Award—the very name resonates with prestige!

It's the pinnacle of dreams.

The Huake Award is the top domestic prize, but Nuremberg is on a global scale. Winning the Nuremberg Award would elevate one's reputation from national to international.

While a Gold Huake patent could create a billion-yuan company, a Nuremberg Award-winning invention could lead to a trillion-yuan enterprise.

Everyone was left speechless.

So this is the real Liu Di? Three years of silence, focused on research, only to emerge with six top-tier inventions to stun the world?

The intelligence, knowledge, perseverance, and patience this required are almost terrifying.

Meanwhile, Li Yuexiu, who lacked much formal education, was slowly coming to her senses. She knew helicopters were expensive and that Liu Di was not poor, but her husband was also quite wealthy. As for those academic accolades, she didn't understand them at all. What good are good grades? It's like the neighbor's kid who always excelled in school—what did it matter? They still ended up working for someone else.

Unnoticed, she curled her lip in disdain.

"Oh, by the way, there's one more thing!" President Li said, smiling as he took a red certificate from Professor Wang. "I hope you don't mind; this certificate cost 8 yuan to make, but it's the only way our university can express its gratitude."

He then unfolded the certificate for everyone to see:

Donation Certificate

To: Liu Di

Thank you for your donation of 100 million yuan, which will be used to help the university build a new technology exhibition hall. After discussion, the university has decided to name the hall the 'Creator's Hall.'

On behalf of the countless students, Haishi University expresses the highest respect and gratitude to Mr. Liu Di!

Haishi University Administrative Committee

July 3, 2020