In the evening, Chen Mo left the hotel with Julie to attend the business exchange event.
This was the second public appearance scheduled during the conference. The venue would host experts, scholars, and industry leaders from all over. Social events like these weren't Chen Mo's strong suit. If he had a choice, he'd avoid them altogether—but tonight, he had to bite the bullet.
As they exited the hotel, a car was already waiting for them.
Sitting in the front passenger seat was Sun Xian, the staff member responsible for escorting Chen Mo. Given Chen Mo's current status—rising tech magnate and domestic-level VIP—Sun Xian treated him with the utmost respect, speaking only when necessary. Chen Mo didn't mind. He leaned back in the seat, turned his head toward the window, and enjoyed the capital's glittering nightscape.
Fortunately, the venue wasn't far. Within five minutes, they arrived.
Inside, under Sun Xian's guidance, Chen Mo was soon introduced to Wu Hequan, chairman of the Internet Society.
Wu Hequan, with his neatly combed white hair and signature gold-rimmed glasses, looked every bit the esteemed academician. Despite his seniority, he wore a warm, approachable smile. As a scholar from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Wu carried a scholarly aura without the usual rigidity—more professor than politician.
He had been greeting guests, but upon hearing of Chen Mo's arrival, he immediately excused himself and came over.
"I've been hoping to meet you for a long time, little brother Chen. I didn't expect we'd finally get a chance today." His smile widened. "Young, brilliant, and full of potential—the future belongs to your generation."
Chen Mo wasn't used to such high praise from authorities like Wu. Aside from that charity event in Haisha, this was only his second major public exchange. He wasn't particularly skilled in formal etiquette, but he could read tone well enough. He responded politely:
"I've long admired your work, Academician Wu. It's truly an honor to meet you in person tonight. There's still much for me to learn."
His modest tone and calm demeanor left a strong impression.
Wu Hequan's eyes gleamed with appreciation. So young, and yet no trace of arrogance—this was rare. In fact, he found himself thinking: This young man is already better than most of the top students I've mentored over the years.
He laughed. "When I was your age, I was still buried in books, clueless about the real world. But you—already building such a successful company. Truly, the waves of the future are overtaking us."
Chen Mo smiled. "You're the one who paved the road for us, Academician Wu. Without your generation's efforts, we wouldn't even know which direction the beach was."
Wu Hequan chuckled at the clever remark. "A bit smooth with words, I see."
Then his gaze landed on Julie, who stood politely beside Chen Mo.
"And who might this be?"
Julie stepped forward with a smile. "Academician Wu, I'm Julie, head of Marching Ant's marketing department. I'm here to accompany the boss for the exchange. Please excuse me for a moment—I'll use the restroom."
She offered a quick handshake and walked off.
Once she left, Wu Hequan gently grabbed Chen Mo's arm and led him further inside.
By now, several people had noticed Chen Mo. After all, his face had begun making waves across the tech industry. Previously, the public didn't know what the low-key founder of the Marching Ant Company looked like. But now, with his keynote speech and media coverage, most in the industry could recognize him.
"This way, little brother Chen," Wu said. "Let's find somewhere quieter to chat."
"Of course," Chen Mo nodded.
They walked into a side courtyard, away from the crowd. Wu looked around before lowering his voice.
"There's something I wanted to ask you privately."
Chen Mo blinked. "I'm listening."
"You see, our generation is… aging. The country needs new blood. Would you consider joining the Chinese Academy of Engineering?"
Chen Mo was caught off guard.
So this is what he wanted to talk about.
"Academician Wu… I run a company," Chen Mo said, a little hesitant. "Wouldn't joining the Academy feel out of place? I'm just a young businessman. Besides, wouldn't I be taking the spot of someone who's worked their whole life for it?"
"There's a proposal already in progress," Wu replied. "A special nomination—off the regular quota. It won't take anyone else's place. We need talents like you."
Chen Mo hesitated again. "I appreciate the offer, but…"
"Now don't be so quick to brush it off, little brother."
Just then, a deep, confident voice interrupted their conversation.
Li Chengzhi, dressed in a smart suit, approached them with a smile. His demeanor was that of a successful entrepreneur—calm, composed, and sharp.
"Ah, Instructor Li," Wu greeted with a slightly surprised expression.
"Academician Wu," Li Chengzhi returned the polite nod. "Trying to bring Chen Mo into the Academy, are we? Perfect timing. I wanted to talk to him as well."
Wu chuckled. "All yours. I think I saw my niece earlier—better go find her while she's still looking for me."
With a smile and a wave, Wu turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Left alone, Li Chengzhi stepped closer.
"Chen Mo, about the intelligent assistant... thank you again."
"We had a fair trade," Chen Mo replied coolly.
Li didn't waste time. "About that offer we mentioned last time. Have you given it any more thought? Joining the Academy—not just in name, but as a strategic partner. I already passed word up the chain. The resistance from last time? It's mostly cleared up."
He glanced around, making sure no one was too close.
"You don't have to do any heavy lifting. Just hang the title. We won't announce it publicly. You'll get a research allowance, and if possible, provide technical support or mentor a student or two. That's it."
Chen Mo stayed silent.
Li leaned in slightly. "Let's be real. A lot of eyes are on you now. Having that title—it offers protection. Less interference, more freedom. And we'll assign someone to ensure your family's safety."
That last sentence struck home.
Chen Mo's gaze sharpened slightly, then he nodded. "If the conditions are as you described, I'm in."
As long as it didn't restrict his freedom, he had no objections. He was a Huaxia citizen—offering help within his limits wasn't something he'd refuse. And the promise of extra security for his family… that sealed it.
Li smiled brightly. "Good. That's settled."
He pulled out his phone. "Oh, and I've got one more bit of news."
Just then, Wu Hequan returned. "Instructor Li, that smile tells me it worked."
"As long as the final approval goes through, it's a done deal."
Wu beamed. "Then I'll thank you in advance, little brother Chen. Come, I want to introduce you to a few people."
With that, Wu led Chen Mo back into the venue, already excited to show off the rising star in China's tech world. Meanwhile, Li Chengzhi watched for a moment, then quietly turned and left.