Chapter 111: Educated Youth Who Abandoned His Wife and Child – 43

There was absolutely no danger—at this moment, Shen Xiuyan was basking in the praise of the crowd.

The researchers had completely surrounded the computer, gawking at it from every angle in disbelief, not even daring to touch it.

“It’s actually this thin? And this small…”

“Wait! It’s… it’s in color! Come look at this, everyone!!!”

This discovery sent a shockwave through all the researchers present.

In an era where even black-and-white televisions were still the norm, the appearance of a color computer was earth-shattering.

The professors might not fully understand the implications, but the researchers certainly did.

This was a generational leap forward—perhaps even enough to catch up with Country M.

They had previously heard rumors that someone in Country M had developed color TVs, but due to control by capital interests, they never made it to market. And now their own Country H had developed a color computer on its own???

And it was a computer, not just a TV—this was on a whole other level.

This was unquestionably something worthy of the history books.

Everyone’s gaze toward Shen Xiuyan had changed completely.

The compliments came freely and endlessly, one after another, making Shen Xiuyan float with delight.

You had to understand, these people were all top talents in their own fields—none of them admired anyone easily. Praising others? Never. From childhood, they’d only ever been on the receiving end of praise.

Yet now, one by one, they were showering Shen Xiuyan with praise. Even if they weren’t quite used to it, the more they said it, the more natural it felt.

Finally, the director of the research institute stepped forward and got to the real point.

“Student Shen, we’re going to requisition this computer. If you have any conditions, feel free to name them—we can negotiate.”

The researchers silently cheered on the director in their hearts. Go get him, Director. We’ve done our part. Now it’s up to you to talk him into it.

Shen Xiuyan looked troubled. “Requisition it?”

The director nodded. “Is there some difficulty?”

Shen Xiuyan replied, “This computer was made for my wife. If you take it, what is she supposed to use?”

Director: “…”

Everyone: “…”

Did they hear that right? He made it for his wife???

Why did they understand every single word, yet the sentence made no sense at all when put together?

Director Wang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. This unlucky kid… saying something like that at a time like this…

He stepped forward to explain, “His wife is in the computer science department. They have a very close relationship. It’s well-known across our campus…”

Everyone: “…”

Shen Xiuyan, oblivious to the chaos he was stirring, helpfully added, “Director’s right. My wife told me the school computers were terrible, so I decided to develop this one. Otherwise, why would I study this stuff? If you take it away, what’s my wife supposed to use?”

The institute director was at a loss for words—he didn’t even know where to start.

From the sound of it, if Shen Xiuyan’s wife didn’t need it, he wouldn’t even have bothered making a computer, even though he could?

For a brief moment… the director kind of wanted to be his wife.

The director took a deep breath and patiently said, “Student Shen, you can’t think like that. This may seem like a small step for you, but it’s a giant leap for the country. Do you understand what it means for this computer to go public?”

Shen Xiuyan shook his head as if he didn’t understand.

“It means the country will finally have the power to negotiate on the world stage. It marks a new chapter in our national progress.”

After all, this machine was a huge shock—it took a failing-grade product and turned it into a perfect one.

This level of technology was something no country could turn away from. It gave their homeland real leverage at the negotiating table.

Seeing Shen Xiuyan still silent, the director sighed. “Fine. Maybe you’re too young to fully understand. But this computer and this technology must be handed over to the country, understood?”

Shen Xiuyan continued shaking his head. “But then what will my wife use?”

Director: “…”

Everyone: “6.”

The director had appealed to patriotism and national duty—and yet this kid was still hung up on his wife…

Was this little genius… just a hopeless romantic?

Realizing he might have pushed it too far, Shen Xiuyan quickly added, “How about this: let me give this one to my wife first, and then you give me the materials—I’ll make another one for you. I can even teach you step-by-step~”

As soon as he finished, he thought for a second and added, “The materials for this one weren’t even top-tier, and I didn’t have the money to buy better ones. If you can provide higher-quality materials, I can make one that’s twice as good.”

“!!!”

Twice as good?

Did they hear that right?

In an instant, the director threw all patriotic ideals out the window. His head was filled with just one thing: twice as good.

And Shen Xiuyan could teach them personally? That was a temptation no one could resist.

Trying not to seem too eager, the director forced himself to look thoughtful. “Wait a moment. I need to discuss this with the higher-ups.”

Then he signaled the researchers with a look. They got it instantly.

In a flash, everyone surrounded Shen Xiuyan again, launching a new round of praise.

Their goal was clear: make Shen Xiuyan feel absolutely cherished—only then would he consider handing the technology over.

After all, this was his personal achievement. If he chose not to give it up, they had no way to force him.

If they tried to take it by force, what would the nation’s talents think? Would anyone still want to serve the country? Such actions would only tarnish the nation’s reputation.

Besides, no one dislikes flattery. And if someone does, it only means the flattery wasn’t good enough.

The director went to report the situation—this was going to need approval from the very top.

Upon hearing the full story, the top leader took a deep breath, then excitedly said, “As long as it doesn’t break any principles, you can agree to any of his conditions. We absolutely must win over someone like this—don’t let him grow disheartened.”

Director: “I was thinking the same. Also, I’d like to discuss something with you—I want to use all possible channels to invite him to join our research institute.”

Top leader: “If I’m not mistaken, you said he’s just a freshman, right? His campus life has only just begun—are you sure he’d be willing to leave all that to join your demanding institute?”

Having been young once himself, the leader understood. At that age, people wanted to enjoy life. Getting him to leave school would be tough.

Even knowing the leader couldn’t see him, the director solemnly nodded. “If the incentives are strong enough, I believe he’ll agree. Besides, the fact that he singlehandedly developed this new computer means his knowledge base far surpasses anything his professors can teach. School? What school? Who’s teaching who here…”

Top leader: “…”

Fair enough. He admitted his own thinking had been too narrow. For someone this brilliant, school might actually be the more boring choice.