Awakening Elementary School System in University

At these words, Zhong Min’s eyes lit up instantly.

28% plus 5%—that was 33%! While this was still short of their initial expectations, it was an acceptable figure and a considerable show of good faith.

However, before the delight on his face could fully blossom, Huang Yiyi’s next words made him furrow his brow slightly.

"However," Huang Yiyi said, her tone unhurried and methodical, "this 5% equity stake will require a separate agreement from the original 28%. It will come with two special clauses."

"First, this portion of equity will have a three-year lock-up period, during which Tiansheng Investment may not sell or transfer it in any form."

"Second, after the three-year lock-up period expires, Mr. Chen Lin will have a priority buyback right. He will have the option to repurchase the entire stake at ten times the price of the initial investment. Of course, he can also choose to waive this right."

Huang Yiyi paused, her gaze sweeping over the pensive Peng Yifeng and Zhong Min opposite her, before adding a final clarification: "If, after three years, Mr. Chen Lin forgoes the buyback, Tiansheng Investment will then be free to dispose of this 5% equity stake as it sees fit."

As she finished, a strange silence fell over the conference room.

Everyone was stunned by the earth-shattering proposal, their minds racing to calculate the pros and cons.

Principal Chang Kai and He Qun exchanged a glance, and both saw a hint of worry in the other’s eyes.

Chen Lin’s personal shareholding would drop from 51% to 46%, meaning he would lose absolute controlling interest. In terms of corporate governance, this was no small matter.

But they also understood that this was a huge concession Chen Lin had proactively made to break the deadlock. For a moment, they couldn’t say much more and could only confer quickly in low voices with the legal advisor beside them.

On the other side, however, a playful smile touched Peng Yifeng’s lips.

’A tenfold buyback!’

’This kid... he’s making a gamble with me!’

’He’s betting that in three years, the company’s value will have grown by far more than tenfold. Buying back the shares at ten times the initial price would be an absolute steal for him.’

’How much confidence must he have in his own abilities and the company’s future to dare propose such a clause?’

Peng Yifeng exchanged a few quiet words with Zhong Min, whose expression grew hesitant and solemn.

"President Peng, I need to step out and make a call to check with the company’s risk control department," Zhong Min said in a low voice.

"Go ahead." Peng Yifeng waved his hand.

Zhong Min immediately got up and walked briskly out of the conference room.

About five minutes later, he reentered, walking straight to Peng Yifeng’s side. He leaned down and whispered a few words in his ear.

After listening, the smile on Peng Yifeng’s face grew wider.

Zhong Min straightened up, returned to his seat, and gave a solemn nod to everyone, his gaze lingering on Huang Yiyi. "Ahem, President Chen, Miss Huang... Tiansheng Investment accepts your supplementary proposal."

The moment he finished speaking, Chen Lin could clearly feel the tense atmosphere in the conference room instantly dissipate.

Principal Chang Kai’s face once again broke into his signature smile, as pleasant as a spring breeze.

With the core conflict resolved, the rest of the negotiations proceeded without a hitch.

The three parties quickly reached a consensus on a series of clauses regarding the corporate governance framework, board seats, and financial oversight.

Just as Chen Lin had predicted, the vast majority of the terms were extremely favorable to him as the founder.

It was clear that Principal Chang was dead set on deeply tying him to Yannan University, looking out for his interests at nearly every turn.

Peng Yifeng was even more magnanimous. He seemed to genuinely appreciate Chen Lin’s talent and boldness and just wanted him to go all out without restraint.

At one point, Zhong Min tried to propose stricter clauses on corporate governance, but Peng Yifeng stopped him with a single look.

This scene made Chen Lin even more certain of his earlier speculation—President Peng’s status and influence within Tiansheng Group were likely very high.

For Zhong Min, a professional manager at Tiansheng Investment, to be so deferential to him—practically hanging on his every word—spoke volumes.

Two hours later, all the details of the terms had been finalized.

Zhong Min closed his laptop and said, "Everyone, we will draft the formal investment agreement as soon as possible and expect to send it to you for review within three days. Once it’s confirmed, we’ll schedule a time for the university’s authorized representative and President Chen to sign. As soon as the agreement takes effect, Tiansheng Investment’s funds will be immediately transferred to Yanhai Technology’s corporate account."

"The same goes for our university," Principal Chang Kai immediately chimed in with a smile.

With the business settled, Peng Yifeng stood up, glanced at his watch, and smiled. "Alright, I won’t stay any longer. If I hurry to the airport now, I can still make it back to Modu in time for dinner."

"I’ll see you out," Chen Lin said, standing up at once.

...

At the gate of Yannan University, the summer breeze carried a hint of sweltering heat.

Peng Yifeng’s Audi A8L was already waiting by the roadside.

Before getting into the car, Peng Yifeng stopped, turned around, and looked at Chen Lin with great interest. "Chen Lin, be honest with me. That wager you proposed with the 5% equity—are you really that confident in your company?"

Hearing this, Chen Lin broke into a warm smile. He didn’t answer directly, but asked in return:

"President Peng, isn’t the reason you’re investing in me precisely because you have confidence in my abilities?"

Peng Yifeng was taken aback for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh.

"Hahaha! Good! Well said!"

He clapped Chen Lin firmly on the shoulder, his eyes full of unconcealed admiration.

"Then here’s to a successful collaboration!"

With that, he pulled open the car door and got in.

.....

.....

「August 14th, Thursday.」

After yesterday’s three-party meeting, the formal investment agreement was drafted by Zhong Min’s team that very afternoon and swiftly sent to the university and Chen Lin.

After an all-night review by Huang Yiyi and the university’s legal advisors, the three parties formally signed the contract this morning.

Both Tiansheng Investment and the university’s finance department stated that the first tranche of investment funds would be transferred into Yanhai’s corporate account within 24 hours.

At this moment, Chen Lin stood in an office on the second floor of the innovation hub, so empty he could hear an echo, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.

He took out his phone and opened WeChat. He looked at the group chat Huang Yiyi had just created: [Yanhai’s Founding Crew]. It had only three members: him, Huang Yiyi, and Sun Yu. The corners of his mouth crept up in a slight, unconscious smile.

’Everything is heading in the best possible direction.’

Just then, a new message notification popped up at the top of his screen.

Chen Lin tapped it open. It was from Professor Gu Ming.

Professor Gu Ming: "Chen Lin, I’ve revised and polished your paper from top to bottom and sent it to your email."

Professor Gu Ming: "Take a look and see if there are any issues. If not, you can go ahead and add the abstract, acknowledgements, and appendices."