Negative Electrode Material Chapter 9

Professor Lin

Chapter 9: Professor Lin

Li Qi, give Young Mr. Gao an overview of the battery lab project and the network map. As he spoke, Wang Yuan had already reverted to his capable, emotionless persona as a special assistant.

Li Qi had just turned thirty. Since graduating with her master’s degree, she had been working in project execution for the group. Quick-witted and steady, she possessed the unique tenacity of a hardworking woman, making her an indispensable asset under Wang Yuan’s command.

Assigning her to study with the prince was a rare opportunity. As long as the project went smoothly, she would be the hero behind the scenes. Li Qi had no internal resources or connections within the group; by placing her next to Young Mr. Gao, Wang Yuan was giving her a powerful tree to lean on. A surge of indescribable gratitude welled up in Li Qi’s heart. If she had known Wang Yuan’s nickname was Her Majesty the Empress, she might have knelt right then and shouted, Long live Your Majesty!

Understood, Yuan-ge, Li Qi replied briskly. She turned to Gao Huan, paused for a moment, and said with a smile, Young Mr. Gao, should we start now or after lunch? I will book a meeting room and walk you through the project’s history.

In the meeting room, the screen displayed the project flowchart. Li Qi’s explanation was concise and clear, and Gao Huan grasped the points instantly.

The one who truly calls the shots in the lab is Lin Yi, she said, her expression turning serious. Sometimes even if the university president calls him personally, he might not pay any mind. Assistant Wang has always been polite with him, but as you know, we won’t hesitate to be firm when necessary.

She looked up at Gao Huan. Young Mr. Gao, you need to meet this man yourself. I will arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

Alright. Gao Huan pulled Lin Yi’s card from a stack of business cards and held it between his fingers. Should we call today?

Li Qi couldn’t help but laugh. She had thought this young master was just a figurehead, but he seemed more impatient than she was. Sure, but today is Monday, and Professor Lin has classes in the afternoon. I will call a bit later to find a suitable time.

On Wednesday morning, Li Qi brought Gao Huan to National University. Professor Lin’s office was in the Energy and Chemical Engineering Building, which had just opened last year. Originally, university professors didn’t have independent offices; it wasn’t until the move to the new building last year that Lin Yi gained this small luxury. However, many older teachers were reluctant to move, preferring the old teaching building. They were so accustomed to the smell of lime and old wood that after visiting the new building once, they claimed they were unsuited to the environment.

Gao Huan had attended private schools since childhood and later went to university in the UK; he had never stepped foot into a domestic institution of higher learning. Standing before this brand-new building, he felt a subtle sense of unfamiliarity. The marble pillars, the gleaming elevators, the students bustling about with backpacks—these scenes were entirely different from the campus in his memory. He felt inexplicably nervous.

Professor Lin, we have arrived. Are you in your office? Li Qi was already on the phone with Lin Yi. We are coming up now.

Gao Huan stepped out of the elevator, still silently observing the new office building. At the end of the corridor, the office door was already open, and Lin Yi stepped out to greet them.

Li Qi, thank you both for making the trip. Please, come in. His tone was neither warm nor cold, carrying a hint of standard politeness mixed with a touch of genuine impatience.

Haha, it is only right. We have a new person in charge on our end, so of course we had to introduce him to the head of the lab formally. Li Qi followed his lead, her words stopping just short of saying that the group valued him and he should be sensible.

Gao Huan followed Li Qi into the office and finally saw Professor Lin again—the man he inexplicably could not forget. He was more than half a head shorter than Gao Huan and quite slender. He wore a shirt and trousers similar to their first meeting, but his eyes held more of an academic air than the sharp edge they had shown before.

Li Qi stepped aside to let Gao Huan forward, introducing him with a smile. Professor Lin, this is our Young Mr. Gao, Gao Huan.

Before this, Li Qi had specifically asked Wang Yuan if Gao Huan’s identity should be kept low-key. Wang Yuan felt it wasn’t something that could be hidden; being secretive would only arouse suspicion, so it was better to be direct.

Lin Yi’s movements suddenly stiffened. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes as he looked at Gao Huan, but he immediately forced a somewhat stiff smile onto his face. A pleasure to meet you, Young Mr. Gao. I am Lin Yi, in charge of the research project on battery anode materials.

Gao Huan bowed slightly. A pleasure.

Professor Lin’s office wasn’t large. Upon entering, one saw an L-shaped desk. There were two chairs for visitors near the door, and Lin Yi’s office chair was behind the desk. A bookshelf stood against another wall, and a case of bottled water was placed casually on a low cabinet behind it. Lin Yi handed them two bottles, a simple gesture of hospitality.

Li Qi took the water with a smile and said, Assistant Wang has always placed great importance on the lab. That is why he specifically chose a dedicated person to follow up this time, rather than handling it himself on top of everything else. Don’t let Young Mr. Gao’s youth fool you; he isn’t just a figurehead. He dealt with many investment projects while studying abroad.

Gao Huan thought to himself that she was exaggerating a bit, though it wasn’t entirely false; one did occasionally encounter investment case studies in economics.

Lin Yi listened and nodded, his thoughts unreadable. He changed the subject. So, will I still be coordinating with you, Li Qi, while Young Mr. Gao handles the upward reporting?

Gao Huan interjected, That is the plan. However, since I have just started, I want to learn more, so I will be following along with Li Qi.

Lin Yi looked up at him and smiled politely. That is even better, then. After all, the more a project lead knows about the project, the better.

Li Qi took out her laptop. Well, the introductions are out of the way. Since we are here today, I would like to go over the experimental plan and the next funding disbursement milestones with you, Professor Lin…

Lin Yi nodded and turned his gaze toward Li Qi’s screen, entering work mode.

Gao Huan, however, did not follow along immediately. His attention was still fixed on a moment ago—the small mole on Lin Yi’s upper lip that appeared when he looked up and smiled. The smile had not been sincere, but that mole had caught his eye.