Rebirth: Start to Save the Treasure Girl

The cicadas' chirping had not yet faded away when the sycamore leaves along the roadside turned pale yellow.

The saying "one leaf heralds autumn" is merely a fleeting gust of wind.

It's a pity about Lin Ruoxi's newly made slingshot. Before the net could even be aimed at the treetop, the cicadas had already put away their arrogant attitude—Lin Ruoxi couldn't find an excuse to pull the rubber band.

My sophomore year was when things really accelerated. Life lost its novelty and entered a true endless cycle: attending classes in the classroom, eating in the cafeteria, and playing games in the dorm.

If you have a partner, you have to add one more rule: not coming home on weekend nights.

However, Xue Rui was different; he lived a monotonous life, going from one place to another every day.

“N” indicates that the location is uncertain.

One month after the official launch of the Orange Open Source Community, Xue Rui’s ideal model allows the community to drive the operation of the computing center.

Universities partnered with communities, and communities partnered with computing centers, resulting in Github ProMax.

Universities gain access to computing power, platforms gather data and talent, and everyone has a bright future.

However, the ideal is very full and the reality is very skinny.

When it comes to computing power, the operations team dares not make decisions on their own. Computing power is different from other resources; it consumes electricity and equipment, and there are similar cloud services on the market, which are essentially equivalent to money.

In the early stages, computing power is still needed to drive progress and build trust with universities, so Xue Rui has to personally approve every project.

At the end of September, on the afternoon of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xue Rui was still working overtime.

Orange Calculations, in the office.

"The professor truly lives up to his reputation; his vision is far broader than mine," Xue Rui remarked with admiration.

Under the guidance of Professor Wang from the Industrial University, Orange Computing successfully obtained approval for a big data pilot project and received a subsidy of one million yuan.

His project had always met the standards, but he had never applied for it. This time, Professor Wang took the initiative to help him make the connection.

Xue Rui looked at the subsidy payment slip in his hand and couldn't stop smiling.

Professor Wang asked, looking puzzled:

"Compared to the scale of your investment, this amount is barely a drop in the ocean. Why are you so happy?"

"Hehe, this isn't the first time we've been paid by the government, I'm a little excited."

Xue Rui carefully placed it in the drawer, thinking to himself that this time he wasn't taking it for nothing; it was a genuine case of blood loss.

“What you’ve done is a good thing for the country and the people. You should continue to apply for national-level pilot projects and get subsidies. This kind of infrastructure is too expensive.”

Professor Wang sighed, saying that he had met Xue Rui many times during this period because of project matters, and after learning about the concept and goals of "Orange Open Source Universe", he sincerely admired him.

"It's alright. With great power comes great responsibility. I have enough cash flow, so I don't need to take any subsidies."

Xue Rui waved his hand, saying he had plenty of ways to make money.

For example, Xue Rui designed some popular small home appliances and electronic waste products specifically for the living environment of college students...

Thanks to the massive daily active users of the campus network and the benefits of the e-commerce era, the situation at the electronics factory has turned around this year, with an estimated gross profit of 20 million yuan in the two months of the back-to-school season.

Factory Director He was a smart man, and he wisely sold his shares to Lin Ruoxi, who now enjoys 90% of the profits.

Even that one percent profit is dozens of times better than Director He working alone.

"You have too much money to burn?"

Professor Wang immediately became agitated, his beard bristling and eyes wide with anger. He subconsciously slammed his hand on the table, just as he would when reprimanding a student.

Xue Rui was startled, and the feeling of being controlled by the homeroom teacher welled up inside him, almost making him jump up from his office chair.

But after thinking about it carefully, this is my territory, isn't it?

So Xue Rui coughed twice, leaned back lazily in his chair, and said casually:
"Mr. Wang, you don't need to worry about that. I will definitely not go bankrupt within ten years. I will sell everything I own to keep going. Your project will not be suspended."

Professor Wang sighed:

"I feel sorry for you. You did the work but didn't apply. Do you want to give it to those who get something for nothing?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Rui's expression changed: "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Professor Wang nodded and placed a box of mooncakes and tea on Xue Rui's desk.

"It's the Mid-Autumn Festival today, you should go home early too, I'm leaving now."

"Hey, hey, hey?"

Xue Rui immediately stood up. So Professor Wang brought these things for him?
"You are corrupting a promising young man."

"It was a gift from someone else; I really have nowhere else to put it."

Professor Wang turned and left without giving Xue Rui a chance to be polite.

"This old man."

Xue Rui opened the box and began to inspect it, wanting to confirm whether it contained mooncakes and tea.

A few minutes later, Xue Rui's lips curled into a faint look of disappointment.

The package contained both mooncakes and tea.

What am I expecting?

Xue Rui leaned forward and smelled it, thinking that this tea was not bad, and he would give it to Old Gu to drink during the New Year.

I glanced at the time; it was already 4:30 PM. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so probably no one else will come.

Xue Rui walked around the company and could hear the howling sound from the server racks even through the door. He wondered how the maintenance engineers could stay there for eight hours straight.

Suddenly, the door opened and a man who looked to be in his thirties walked out.

The moment the man and Xue Rui locked eyes, he instinctively tried to dart back.

"Wait a minute." Xue Rui handed over the mooncake in his hand, and then took out about a thousand yuan in cash from his wallet:

"Treat the brothers on duty to a good meal for the Mid-Autumn Festival."

The man opened his mouth, but felt a tightness in his throat. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out, "Thank you, boss."

Xue Rui was a little surprised, thinking that this person's mood was not right. Was he going to burn out my machine later?

So he lowered his voice and asked:
"Is something wrong at home? Would you like me to arrange for you to take a break?"

Upon hearing this, the man's eyes reddened, and he shook his head repeatedly, saying:
"I'm fine, it's just that it's my first time working an eight-hour shift with triple pay on holidays, so I'm a little excited..."

Xue Rui's lips twitched. He thought to himself, "I felt bad because of your terrible working environment, so I treated you to something nice to eat. Why are you scaring me like this?"

"What about your last job?" Xue Rui asked curiously.

"Outsourced IDC, 12-hour shifts."

"Hi~"

Xue Rui gasped, cursing inwardly: "Damn capitalists."

"Do a good job, I'm off now."

On his way out, Xue Rui kept rubbing his neck in pain, thinking that he should at least pretend to be tired so that his employees would feel more at ease and take better care of their graphics cards.

As I drove towards the company square, I heard worried voices:
"What happened to your neck?"

Xue Rui didn't need to turn his head to know who it was. That soft, childlike voice belonged to Lin Ruoxi, the tall and petite girl in his family.

"It's okay, I'm just acting," Xue Rui said in a low voice.

"Hmm, what are we acting in?"

Lin Ruoxi imitated Xue Rui, lowering her voice very, very low.

"Well, how should I put it?" Xue Rui put his arm around Lin Ruoxi's shoulder and said with a grin:
Have you ever seen Los Angeles at 4 a.m.?

Actually, Xue Rui wanted to show off so that when he achieved success and was interviewed by reporters, he could say how hard he had worked, thus adding another layer of prestige to his achievements.

Xue Rui felt that quoting classics was faster, so he uttered this famous saying.

However, Xue Rui overlooked one thing: this phrase was not widely circulated in 2015, so Lin Ruoxi naturally wouldn't understand it.

A hint of worry flashed in Lin Ruoxi's eyes as she wondered why Xue Rui was asking this.

I've never been to the United States, so of course I've never seen it, let alone at four in the morning.

She glanced back at the orange calculation, a flash of understanding crossing her eyes.

What did Uncle Wu say to Xue Rui again?

Should I ask myself if I want to go to the United States?

Lin Ruoxi pouted and said weakly, "Hmm, Los Angeles at four in the morning... the streets must be very dangerous."

Xue Rui raised an eyebrow. "I'm quoting famous sayings to you, and you're talking to me about public security?"
What's going on? Why is Lin Ruoxi contradicting me today?
Xue Rui glanced to the side and saw Lin Ruoxi looking aggrieved and unwilling. Oh no, he'd probably misunderstood; he thought he was going to send her to America…

Therefore, whenever the topic involves the United States, Lin Ruoxi will contradict herself.

Xue Rui suddenly became interested, and like a couplet contest, he posed questions and Lin Ruoxi provided the answers.

But what should he ask?
After thinking for a long time, Xue Rui threw out a few famous scenes that he couldn't understand:
"I heard that the air and water there are sweet."

"what?"

Lin Ruoxi was in a daze for a moment, then bit her lip, her little brain working at a rapid pace.

"How can the air be sweet?" Lin Ruoxi murmured to herself.

"why?"

Xue Rui felt that the question was a bit tricky.

"Hmm, I get it, it's leaded gasoline. Tetraethyl lead smells sweet, and smelling it too much will make you stupid."

Lin Ruoxi's eyes curved into a smile.

"Water is even simpler. Lead pipes cause excessive lead levels in tap water, making it taste sweet. Drinking too much of it will make you stupid."

Lin Ruoxi hugged Xue Rui tightly and pleaded weakly:

"I...I don't want to become stupid and foolish~"

"You're the smartest one."

Xue Rui poked Lin Ruoxi's head, thinking to himself that this little silly girl was becoming more and more skilled at acting cute every day.

"It's Mid-Autumn Festival today, didn't your grandmother call you?"

Xue Rui took out his phone and glanced at it, only to find that the old lady hadn't called him either, which was rather strange.

Normally, the old lady would bombard us with phone calls every time there was a family reunion holiday.

"Hehe~" Lin Ruoxi hugged Xue Rui's waist and said softly:

"I went back to see her a few days ago and told her not to bother you."

"Hmm, should we go back and celebrate the holiday with our uncle and aunt?"

Lin Ruoxi waved her car keys.

Let me think about it.

Xue Rui hesitated for a moment, then looked at the time on his phone and slowly said:

"It's not even five o'clock yet, there's still time to go back..."

"Then go back."

While Xue Rui was speaking, he kept an eye on Lin Ruoxi's reaction out of the corner of his eye.

Lin Ruoxi's expression changed slightly when he said those words.

Too……

If I were Lin Ruoxi, I certainly wouldn't want to miss such a wonderful night.

With the recent string of holidays, Gu Muxue went back to spend the holidays with her parents, which was Lin Ruoxi's "privileged" time.

It's called a "privilege," but behind it lies a deep sense of sorrow.

Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion. Aside from Xue Rui, who can Lin Ruoxi reunite with?
There is only one old man and one yellow-haired man in the family.

The former has no topics to discuss, and the latter doesn't know how to talk.

"I've decided not to go back. I went back once during the summer vacation, and I think my mom would find me annoying."

Xue Rui made up an excuse.

"No, Auntie is just faking it."

Lin Ruoxi subconsciously defended him, but a faint smile appeared on her lips as she secretly rejoiced.

Compared to going back with Xue Rui, she still prefers her own little home, where she can do whatever she wants and let down her guard.

Xue Rui smiled. This little brat has two faces.

As soon as I said I wasn't going back, I started chuckling to myself.

"Is she faking it? Then let's go back." Xue Rui wanted to tease Lin Ruoxi.

"Well, let's go back."

Lin Ruoxi's eyes slightly upturned, her smile filled with unreserved doting affection.

"Ok?"

Xue Rui let out a soft "hmm" in his heart, wondering why this was different from what he had expected.

He guessed that his change of heart again, this feeling of "losing something as soon as it's gained it" should be even stronger than the first time he didn't get it.

"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing you. I wasn't planning on going back anyway."

Xue Rui pinched Lin Ruoxi's cheek; it was so tender and smooth.

"I... I don't want to affect your life because of me."

Lin Ruoxi shook her head stubbornly, vaguely sensing that Xue Rui might be taking care of her.

"You've already taken advantage of me, and you think it won't have any impact?"

Xue Rui said with a stern face.

Lin Ruoxi stared into Xue Rui's eyes and said in an extremely serious tone:
"I will take responsibility for you."

Xue Rui and Lin Ruoxi looked at each other for a moment, then Xue Rui held up a finger to Lin Ruoxi: "Pinky promise."

Lin Ruoxi subconsciously reached out her hand, wondering if Xue Rui had agreed.
"Stamp it again."

Xue Rui grasped Lin Ruoxi's thumb and pressed it down heavily.

It's like a child's game.

In theory, he should have made a reciprocal commitment.

Xue Rui wasn't afraid of making promises, but he was afraid that Lin Ruoxi would "add more and more pressure".

If you were to weigh him on a scale, he would definitely be on the side that Lin Ruoxi lifted far up.

It wasn't that Xue Rui didn't have enough chips, but that Lin Ruoxi had bet far too much, putting her life and fortune on the line.

In any case, Xue Rui could never be on Lin Ruoxi's side.

As the one being promoted, Xue Rui naturally possessed certain privileges, so he felt it was better to "learn from the barbarians' superior techniques to control them."

In any case, most girls don't make promises; they just unilaterally agree to them.

Does Xue Rui think he's a jerk compared to girls?
I'm not a jerk at all!

After all, not many girls would actually respond to a man's vows of eternal love.

Ultimately, I'm still above average, and I even made a pinky promise.

"Xixi, do you know why I don't go back?" Xue Rui asked.

"Hmm, why?"

After making a pinky promise with Xue Rui, Lin Ruoxi was in a great mood, and even her voice rose a notch, becoming crisp and sweet.

"Let me guess, is your refrigerator stocked with a ton of food?" Xue Rui asked rhetorically.

"You, you guessed right."

Lin Ruoxi blushed; her little secret had been exposed.

“If I don’t stay and celebrate the holiday with you, these foods will freeze for who knows how many days, and Dahuang will suffer a lot. I’m doing this for Dahuang’s sake, not for yours.”

Xue Rui was joking, hoping to ease Lin Ruoxi's guilt.

"rhubarb?"

"Yeah, I deleted its QQ account back then, so it couldn't add other female dogs. I feel a little guilty now," Xue Rui said with a grin.

"Dahuang's QQ? Where did it get a QQ from..."

Lin Ruoxi's words trailed off abruptly, a blush spreading across her cheeks, even her earlobes turning a deep red. (End of Chapter)