Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 223: Chapter 220 Two Plans Chapter 223: Chapter 220 Two Plans Huo Sining was no fool; the research institute’s project had considerable future prospects, which she valued more than the outright purchase of five million. She was more optimistic about the patent royalties in the future.

She had noticed the performance of the two koi fish, and if even people from Dongyang were interested in them, their value was definitely out of the ordinary. If she were to break into the domestic and international markets in the future, the money she could make would be far more than this shortsighted five million.

Some might think that five percent was too little, and Huo Sining could simply take back the two fish to research and mass-produce on her own. In this way, the entire research patent would be hers, without the worry of others picking the fruits of her labor.

However, Huo Sining had no such ideas. Firstly, she had no interest in learning how to hatch and mass-produce koi fish; secondly, introducing koi fish to the market would require distribution networks, connections, and a well-managed corporate system, none of which were her strengths. Furthermore, she did not have the time and energy to sort out these matters. It was easier and more reliable for her to be a shareholder and collect dividends.

“I choose the second option,” Huo Sining said with a light smile, yet her eyes were firm and calm.

Huo Sining was not short of money now, and naturally, she did not take five million so seriously.

Qin Shaoyou could guess at a glance that Huo Sining would choose the second option, but the people from S University and the research institute did not know the details of Huo Sining’s background; their investigations showed only that Huo Sining was an orphan.

The people at the research institute had set up two options, but they felt that given Huo Sining’s age and family background, she would definitely choose the first one. Yet Huo Sining’s choice was a complete surprise to them.

This was entirely different from what they had expected. A girl from a poor family who had been dependent on others from a young age—suddenly confronted with a sum of five million, shouldn’t she hesitate and think it over? How could she make a decision so decisively?

The two middle-aged men with glasses from the research institute exchanged a look, both feeling somewhat surprised.

“Won’t you consider it further?” one of them hesitated before asking, “If you choose the second option, then this five million will have nothing to do with you.”

Huo Sining smiled, “But I believe the value of my two fish is definitely worth more than five million. Although five percent of the royalties is a little less, I think the research institute will not let me suffer a loss.”

With that frank statement, the two middle-aged men found they could not keep suggesting she think it over any longer.

Especially since Huo Sining’s gaze was sharp and clear as if she saw right through their thoughts, which made both men feel somewhat embarrassed and uncomfortable in their expressions.

The signing of the contract was swift, and after it was done, Huo Sining shook hands with the two middle-aged men, only then learning that they were the dean and legal consultant of the S City research institute.

Huo Sining hadn’t expected that such an affair would warrant the personal supervision of the institute’s dean, but upon reflection, she understood. The more importance they placed on it, the more precious and significant the two koi fish were, confirming that her choice was correct.

On the way back, Qin Shaoyou was looking at her with a strange expression. Feeling curious, Huo Sining couldn’t help but ask, “Teacher Qin, why are you looking at me like that?”

Qin Shaoyou felt a bout of frustration, “Do you really not know, or are you just pretending not to know?”

Huo Sining showed a perplexed look, “What?”

“The contract states that you will be directly involved in the project research, meaning your name will be listed on the national patents!”

Qin Shaoyou’s eyes revealed a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment, “Do you know what this means? It means you will be on the same level as those old professors in the research institute, and even just having your name there could boost your qualifications. When you graduate, if you want to enter a research institute, it would just be a matter of saying the word!”

“Do people really envy that?” Huo Sining was puzzled.

“How could they not?” Qin Shaoyou was nearly driven mad, “Do you know how difficult it was for me to get into the research institute in the first place? Tian Yuan and I went through round after round of exams, almost getting squeezed out. You’re only a freshman now, but by the time you’re a senior, you’ll realize how tough it is to get onto this narrow bridge of a research institution, not knowing how many people have busted their heads trying to get in!”

Huo Sining was so fixated on that five percent patent dividend that she hadn’t considered the importance of the right to be listed as an author.

But even if she had known, she might not have cared. To her, a nominal authorship title without real involvement in the project research was not a bragging right, but rather something that would make her feel embarrassed.

Gu Xu sat by the window, looking at Huo Sining across from him, her face innocent as she laughed, a hint of helplessness and frustration flashing through his eyes.

He had envisioned many scenarios for this dinner, even consulted his secretary for tips on how to drop hints and make moves, but reality was nothing like what he had imagined.

This is supposed to be a romantic dinner for couples, girl, be more aware, bringing such a huge third wheel, how is my plan supposed to proceed normally?

Bai Yishan, on the other hand, was smiling cunningly. She had been swayed by Huo Sining to come, and since she actually had something to discuss with Huo Sining, she hurriedly came to the feast when she heard Huo Sining was inviting her to dinner.

But as soon as she entered the restaurant, she felt something was off. This French restaurant’s ambiance seemed like the kind you’d find at a romantic couple’s dinner, so why would Huo Sining invite her here?

Bai Yishan didn’t think much of it at first, until she followed Huo Sining into the booth and saw Gu Xu sitting across from them. That was when she realized what was going on.

Why was Mr. Gu here? Bai Yishan immediately sensed something was wrong, seeing the stiff smile on Gu Xu’s face and the clueless Huo Sining beside him, she quickly figured out the problem.

She felt a bit embarrassed, but at the same time, thought it was both exasperating and hilarious.

Who would have thought the always sharp, clear-headed, and rational Huo Sining could be so clueless? Clearly, Mr. Gu was pursuing her, intending to have a romantic candlelit dinner, yet Huo Sining, oblivious to the mood, actually brought her, a big third wheel, along!

The waiter, who had been advised by Gu Xu to create a few surprises after his date arrived, became confused when two girls suddenly entered.

Out of these two ladies, which one is the main guest?

Huo Sining had never been to this western restaurant, so she had no idea about Gu Xu’s intentions with the setup. Once she sat down, she began to play matchmaker, trying to build a bridge between Gu Xu and Bai Yishan.

“Mr. Gu, you seem to be almost at the age of thirty, yes? Why aren’t you married yet?”

Gu Xu was stunned for a moment and glanced at Huo Sining. What’s this, checking on his personal details? No wonder she brought company, was it so her companion could assess him?

Both were completely off the same wavelength. Gu Xu misunderstood Huo Sining’s intentions and a flicker of unnoticed joy passed through his eyes:

“Um, my girlfriend hasn’t grown up yet, I need to wait a few more years.”