Chapter 60: Unfavorable Fate

  The Zhang family mansion had a special guest hall, and Zhang Lei naturally led him in that direction. The lively little girl from earlier was a new maid that Zhang Lei had just taken in, whom he called Huanhuan. She wasn't very old, but she was clever and lovely, and had won his favor.

  The two men sat down, one in the main seat and the other in a secondary seat. Huanhuan immediately served them two cups of hot tea that had just been brewed. Zhang Lei got straight to the point and asked: "I don't know where you got my information from? And where are you from?"

  Chui Ya said: "In my early years, I also studied a little in private school, and fortunately passed the imperial examination, but had no intention of continuing to study further. Instead, I was quite interested in those strange skills and clever tricks that were rejected by others. So I abandoned the classics and built a residence on the mountain outside the city to devote myself to research. A book like 'Elements' is also considered to be practical learning. Originally, I thought that there was no one in China who could match me, but suddenly I heard about Zhang's achievements, admired his great talent, and specially came to visit."

  "So that's how it is, I didn't know I was so famous. You said you've been immersed in this field before, so you must have done a lot of research on technology. What do you think about the things in our institute?" Zhang Lei asked enthusiastically. Regardless of who this person was, he was still the second person Zhang Lei had met at this time who had a strong interest in technology, the first being Xu Guangqi.

  When it comes to those machines outside, Ou Yue suddenly felt that all his years of research had been for nothing. He said with shame: "In front of you, I'd better call myself a junior. All these years, I thought there was no one in this world who shared the same language as me, so I found a secluded place to study alone, but it turned out that I was just reinventing the wheel. Compared to Boss Zhang, we are like heaven and earth."

  He recalled what Su Lun had said to him before, and at first he thought that the Su family was sure to win, and Huaxia would never have a freak like himself. But after seeing Zhang Lei's things, he suddenly felt that it was impossible for the Su family to surpass the Zhangshi business association.

  Zhang Lei thought to himself, he had been studying science since high school and majored in mechanical manufacturing in college. If he couldn't even think of something as simple as this, then he might as well go smash his head against the wall. It was just that due to limited conditions, some places still needed brainpower to adjust and modify, but other things like theoretical stuff had long been clear in his mind.

  "You're being too modest. In this era where everyone is keen on achievements and fame, you can give all that up to focus on scientific research, which is already something admirable in itself. As for what you end up researching, that's secondary; the main thing is your interest."

  Chui Yan sighed and said, "Although it's true that interest is just a hobby, but if we can turn this interest into practical use, wouldn't that be even better? Just like Zhang Laoban, who rose to prominence in such a short time and built such a large business empire, that's the right path."

  Zhang Lei's mind moved, and he said: "This is right, any interest that cannot produce benefits will not last long. From the conversation, I can also feel that you are really interested in this line. I have a proposal, why don't we cooperate with each other, what do you think?"

  "Cooperation?" Yu Ya was extremely surprised and said in doubt.

  "Yes, you see, I have so many things here, but they are only primary products. However, I am really busy and can't handle everything by myself. If you can proactively join me and help with some tasks, it would be much better than you being alone on that mountain." Zhang Lei said.

  Qiu Yan nodded and said: "Yes, what I see here seems to be what I want to learn. If I have this opportunity, then I really can't ask for more."

  Zhang Lei suddenly said: "You should have a pretty good relationship with the Su family, right?"

  Qiu Yan was startled in his heart and calmly said: "Why would Boss Zhang ask such a question?"

  "Before I came here, Su's family carpentry was the best in this area, and you happened to be around here too. So I have reason to infer that his advanced skills all flowed out from you." Zhang Lei said.

  "This is probably insufficient proof?" Ou Ya said.

  "Of course, this can only be said to have this possibility, but apart from Songjiang Prefecture, no one outside knows my residence. Since you suddenly heard about me and were able to come directly, I didn't see any signs of long-distance travel or searching on you, which means you came straight to the destination. Moreover, when I asked you to come, you agreed without hesitation. As a businessman, apart from thinking from your hobby, more importantly, there are some business things."

  Qiu Ya burst out laughing and said, "I didn't expect Boss Zhang to not only be knowledgeable but also have incredible observational skills." His words indirectly confirmed that what Zhang Lei said was correct.

  Zhang Lei picked up his teacup and took a sip, moistening his throat before saying: "Delving into academia isn't just about hard work and perseverance; one must also possess the ability to observe minute details and reason. Only through multifaceted efforts can one achieve academic success. However, being able to help the Su family establish such a foundation, you're already a meritorious official. I'm afraid this humble abode of mine won't be able to accommodate you."

  "What the boss means is that I haven't even started working here yet and you're already driving me out?" Qiu Ya said helplessly.

  Zhang Lei hastily said: "How dare I, how dare I? With your great talent, I'm not even able to cherish it, let alone drive you away. It's just that the Su family and I have never gotten along, so I'm afraid they had ulterior motives in sending you here. Although you helped the Su family, they probably also owe you a debt of gratitude."

  "This was great, during my most difficult time, it was Su's family who helped me get through the tough times, and that's why I decided to cooperate with them."

  "That's it, if you come to me and genuinely study academics, but one day the Su family asks you to do something that wrongs me, what will you do? And I also can't hand over my foundation for standing in society to someone with a potential threat. So, an upper-lower relationship is impossible to establish. Therefore, I think it's better if we two people have time to mutually polish and sharpen each other, far better than you coming to my business association. And it's not that I'm doubting your character."

  After hearing Zhang Lei's words, Qiu Ya finally felt relieved. After all, he was a bookworm and placed more importance on his reputation.

  "In that case, I won't mention it again. However, I'm still very curious about the machinery in the institute. If Master Zhang can explain a thing or two to me, I believe it will greatly benefit my future research." Qiu Ya requested.

  As for Ou Ya's request, Zhang Lei readily agreed and said: "It's just a small matter, if it can enter your eyes, that's my honor. Since you want to see, I'll explain it to you. But whether you'll gain anything from it is hard to say."

  "Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

  The two arrived in the courtyard, and Zhang Lei explained the functions of these machines to Qiu Ya. Qiu Ya listened very seriously to things that couldn't be learned from books, and before he knew it, it was already late afternoon. Zhang Lei had also briefly introduced the machines in the courtyard to Qiu Ya.

  He is not afraid of being imitated by others, because he only explained the structure and function of some mechanical parts. To thoroughly study and successfully manufacture them, there is still much work to be done. And if he waits until he has researched everything and reported it to the Su family to make into a finished product, they will have already pushed these products onto the market. By then, even if the Su family does manage to produce them, it will be useless.

  "It's truly hearing your words, better than reading ten years of books. Today, Boss Zhang has really broadened my horizons. For these ingenious ideas of yours, I can only say that I admire you, and I'm deeply impressed." Chou Kun didn't feel tired at all, but instead looked refreshed and revitalized, as if he had just eaten a full meal.

  It was getting late, so Chou Ying bid farewell to Zhang Lei and turned into the Su family's residence after walking through several streets.

  Su Lun had already reported his plan to Su Tong in the morning, and was now waiting for Qiu Ya to return and report. As soon as he heard that Qiu Ya had arrived, he hastily summoned him over.

  "How long has it been? How have things developed?" Su Lun asked eagerly.

  Chui Yao was still immersed in those mechanical things of Zhang Lei. When Su Lun asked, he told the two people about what he had seen and heard today.

  When Zhang Lei easily saw through Ou Ya's identity and purpose, Su Tong and Su Lun both felt a little embarrassed. Su Lun said: "Since he already knows your identity, how can he still agree to help you explain those machines? Isn't he afraid that you will plagiarize?"

  "Su Shao Ye is unaware, those mechanical designs and manufacturing are exquisite, each component's assembly is just right. I've also seen cutting machine tools and drilling machines, but compared to the unfinished ones he has now, they're truly insignificant. Even if he explained it to me, I listened carefully and remembered, but to think of manufacturing them before him is almost impossible." Qiu Ya said this with some disappointment, as if in one day, he had fallen from a high pedestal to become just a grain of sand.

  After sending Qi Ya away, Su Tong said: "I have already sent someone to investigate, and Zhang Lei is indeed a mysterious person. Even if I use all my intelligence network, the information I can get is limited. Now he has made such a complex machine, it seems that we no longer have a place in Songjiang Prefecture. Alas, our luck is really bad. Moreover, I also found out that he had met with the Minister of Rites several times, and it's probably not easy to move him. Besides, judging from the current situation, the Admiral of the Navy also appreciates him very much, compared to which we are insignificant."

  "Sister, what does this mean? Are we going to just sit back and watch him eat away our market, then drive us out of Songjiang Prefecture?" Su Lun suddenly stood up and said. Every time he mentioned Zhang Lei, he couldn't calm down.