Negative Electrode Material Chapter 8

The Young Master Stays

Chapter 8: The Young Master Stays

For two weeks, Gao Huan followed Wang Yuan like a shadow. Whether at the elevator, in the meeting room, or at a hallway corner, his quiet figure could be seen everywhere. The group’s senior management quickly reached a tacit understanding: Young Master Gao was truly coming back to take over. Although no one stated it explicitly, their eyes held a sense of propriety and their tones were extremely respectful. As for their inner thoughts—whether doubt, observation, or expectation—those who could become group executives were all shrewd operators; no one would lay their cards on the table.

Gao Huan hardly spoke during meetings. He simply sat quietly beside Wang Yuan, flipping through documents and occasionally bowing his head to jot down a few lines. Others couldn’t tell how much he actually understood, whether he was listening intently or just going through the motions.

Only Wang Yuan noticed that Gao Huan had taken several laboratory documents home. When he brought them back the next day, the corners of the pages were neatly creased, and they were filled with detailed annotations. Wang Yuan felt even more certain about letting Gao Huan take charge of the laboratory project.

A few days later, in Gao Xuefeng’s office, Wang Yuan paused after reporting on their progress. In a low voice, he added, “President Gao, there is one more thing. Regarding the battery laboratory project, we have tracked it for two years and the funding has been in place for three. The research and development is progressing smoothly.”

“Mhm, that’s good.” Gao Xuefeng sat behind the large executive desk, his fingers lightly tapping the surface. “What else?”

Wang Yuan’s eyes flashed with a look of certainty as he continued, “Xiao Huan has shown an interest in this area recently. He proactively came to me to look through the materials and ask about the situation. I was thinking, why not let him handle the liaison directly? You know Professor Lin’s capabilities; he can produce results and ensure Xiao Huan actually learns something. More importantly, with responsibility on his shoulders, he won’t always be thinking about that retreat path of returning to the UK.”

Gao Xuefeng was somewhat surprised. First, he was pleased to hear that Gao Huan was taking an interest in company affairs, and second, he recognized that this was indeed a good opportunity.

“Do you think he can handle it?” His tone was restrained, but it held more of an inquisitive note than usual. “Is it too soon?”

Wang Yuan understood immediately and gave a slight smile. “President Gao, I believe in Xiao Huan. Think back to your own experience; when responsibility fell on your shoulders, it probably came much more urgently and faster than this, didn’t it?”

Gao Xuefeng was stunned for a moment. His gaze lingered on the desk for a while before he looked up, his eyes regaining their usual sharpness.

“Fine, it’s settled.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unquestionable weight. “Xiao Huan will be in charge. You keep an eye on him.”

Wang Yuan nodded in agreement, his expression as respectful as ever. “Yes, President Gao.”

Even though it was his own suggestion, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes internally—when was he ever not keeping an eye on him?

“From today onward, you are in charge of this project.” Wang Yuan pushed a folder in front of Gao Huan.

Gao Huan was startled. His gaze moved from Wang Yuan’s face to the folder. His eyes slowly lit up, and a surge of youthful spirit rose within him. “Me? Just me?”

“Young Master, is there anyone else in this room?” Wang Yuan said crossly. “The project coordination is there, the workflow is there. If you have any questions, you can come and ask Her Majesty.”

Gao Huan lowered his head and let out a long breath, trying to calm himself. The excitement was real, but it was followed by the unease he had felt all along—was he really going to stay with the group?

Gao Huan composed himself and lowered his tone. “Can I think about it?”

“Sure, I’ll give you five minutes.” The Empress’s authority was not to be questioned.

Gao Huan’s mind flashed back to that brief moment of eye contact with Lin Yi in the meeting room, to that man’s unyielding directness, and to the winding paths he himself had taken to avoid things over the years. It was as if two lines on a piece of paper were finally about to intersect.

He remembered the words from Du Mei that kept repeating in his mind: “Time will wear you down.”

“Fine. Then it’ll be me.” The Young Master stayed.