mtl008 Chapter 64: First Encounter with Liu Renxin
Chapter 64: First Encounter with Liu Renxin
"Look over there, what is that? It seems to allow people to see farther?" Someone in the crowd asked, pointing to an exquisitely shaped object in the corner.
"That's the Wucheng telescope, which is made with special techniques. It can magnify distant objects several times. It is extremely practical whether it is used to observe celestial phenomena or the enemy situation on the battlefield." Cen Jiexiao patiently explained to everyone.
"President Cen, can this telescope really see scenes ten miles away?" An old man holding a telescope asked in surprise.
"Of course, old sir. You can try it yourself." Cen Jiexiao replied with a smile.
After Cen Jiexiao demonstrated how to operate it to everyone, she let the old man experience it himself.
As soon as the old man put his eyes close to the eyepiece, he was amazed and exclaimed repeatedly: "Wonderful, wonderful! This is really like an eagle's eye, magical, magical. I have studied astrology for many years. If I had such a treasure to help me, I would be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort!"
At this moment, a cry of surprise suddenly erupted from the crowd, and everyone looked over to see students from Class 2 of the Craftsmanship Department slowly approaching on a wooden "vehicle." This "vehicle" had two wheels, a seat, and pedals on the frame. Although it looked a bit crude, it was undoubtedly a bicycle!
"What is this? It can actually walk on its own without a horse?"
"Could this be some kind of mechanical device? It's so magical!"
The crowd was buzzing with discussion, and many even took a few steps forward to get a better look.
"Everyone, please be patient." Sister Cen Xiao said loudly.
"This is our latest development in the Artisan Department – the bicycle. It's still just a prototype, but in time, it will surely become a convenient means of transportation."
"President Cen, can this bicycle really carry people like a horse-drawn carriage? How does it work?" a wealthy businessman asked curiously.
Cen Jiexiao explained with a smile, "This bicycle utilizes the principles of gear transmission and human power. Simply stepping on the pedals will turn the wheels, allowing it to move. As for carrying people, of course it can, but it's still in the experimental stage. Once the technology matures, it can be put into production."
"Great, great! It would be so much more convenient to go out and deliver things with this bicycle!"
"That's right. After I finish work every day, I can go home to be with my wife and children."
"Yes, yes. From now on, I won't have to hire a carriage. I can just ride this bicycle and go wherever I want. How convenient!"
Listening to the surrounding discussions, Cen Jiexiao's face showed a satisfied smile. This exhibition not only demonstrated the scientific research strength of Zhaoyin Academy, but also presented a new possibility to the world.
"This is the most incredible exhibition I've ever seen!" exclaimed a gorgeously dressed lady. "These inventions are truly amazing. President Cen is truly a genius!"
"Yes, yes," another old man stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, "Zhaoyin Academy is really full of talented people!"
The exhibition lasted for three full days, with huge crowds of people and an unprecedented grand occasion.
Cen Jiexiao watched the bustling crowd, listened to the constant exclamations and discussions, and felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction well up in her heart. For eight years, she had drifted through the modern city, toiling diligently, yet no matter how hard she tried, it was all in vain. Now, in this completely unfamiliar time and space, she had finally found her own stage, where she could realize her ambitions.
"Dean Cen, I've heard a lot about you for a long time! I've heard that Zhaoyin Academy is full of talented people. After seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved!" A middle-aged man with greasy hair and powdered face came up to Cen Jiexiao with a few followers, smiling and bowing.
Cen Jiexiao recognized him as Zhao Baiwan, a famous businessman in the capital. It was said that he was extremely wealthy and rich enough to rival a country, but he was cunning and was very good at scheming and taking advantage of others.
"Mr. Zhao, thank you for your kind words. The academy is just doing what it can do." Cen Jiexiao responded calmly, her tone neither humble nor arrogant.
Zhao Baiwan's eyes lingered on those novel objects, with greed flashing in his eyes.
"Dean Cen, are you willing to sell these items? I'm willing to pay a high price for them. What do you think, Dean?"
Cen Jiexiao certainly understood Zhao Baiwan's thoughts. Once these inventions were put into production, the profits they would bring would be immeasurable.
But she does not want to give these achievements to others, nor does she want these inventions to become a tool for some people to make money.
"Boss Zhao, you're joking. These are just some practice works by the students of the academy. They still need to be improved before they can be put into production." Cen Jiexiao politely declined.
"Oh? Dean Cen means that these things will be sold in the future?" Zhao Baiwan rolled his eyes and asked.
"Well, it depends on the situation." Cen Jiexiao deliberately spoke ambiguously, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Seeing that Sister Cen Xiao was unmoved, Zhao Baiwan did not get angry. He just smiled and said, "In that case, I will not bother Dean Cen any more. If there is an opportunity for cooperation in the future, I hope you will take care of me!" After that, he left with his entourage.
Cen Jiexiao finally managed to escape the crowd and found a quiet corner to rest for a while. She pulled a bright red apple from her sleeve pocket. She bit into it, the crisp sound resonating clearly in the quiet corner. Cen Jiexiao's eating style wasn't the delicate and pretentious manner of the ladies from wealthy families. Instead, she devoured it with big mouthfuls, completely disregarding her appearance, like a man who had been hungry for a long time.
"Dean Cen, you probably haven't eaten yet. You look starving." A gentle voice came from behind Cen Jiexiao.
Cen Jiexiao turned around at the sound and saw a woman in a lake-blue silk dress approaching gracefully, like a fairy from a painting. Her features were picturesque, her skin whiter than snow, and every gesture exuded grace. Cen Jiexiao was stunned by her presence. She was clutching a half-eaten apple, her mouth bulging like a hamster stealing food.
Seeing Cen Jiexiao's expression, the woman covered her mouth with her hands and chuckled softly, saying softly, "How about Dean Cen eat first?"
Cen Jiexiao finally came to her senses and realized that her current appearance was really inappropriate. She chewed the apple in her mouth twice and swallowed it. She smiled awkwardly and said, "It's okay, it's okay. I'm just like that. I can't walk when I see a beautiful woman, let alone..."
At this point, Cen Jiexiao paused, her eyes falling on the beautiful woman, and jokingly said, "What's more, seeing a stunning beauty like you, it's even more difficult to take your eyes off her."
Upon hearing this, the woman's fair cheeks flushed. She lowered her head shyly and said softly, "President Cen, you're joking. You're flattering me."
Seeing the shyness of the woman, Cen Jiexiao smiled heartily and said, "I'm a straightforward person, don't mind it, young lady. That's just how I am."
The woman blushed and said shyly, "Dean Cen is indeed as the rumors say. She has a bold and unrestrained personality, and is a heroine among women."
"No, no, after all, there are hundreds of people in the academy to manage. As the saying goes: Kindness cannot command an army, and righteousness cannot command wealth." Cen Jiexiao thought to herself, doesn't this just mean that I'm a tomboy?
"I'm sorry for disturbing Dean Cen's elegant meal. I also forgot to introduce myself. I'm Liu Renxin, the head of Puji Hall."
"What! You are Liu Renxin!" Cen Jiexiao's eyes lit up, like a fan girl seeing her idol.