Since we are both reborn, of course I would choose the rich woman!

Chapter 413 Gan Xiaoxi: You're doomed (6k views, please subscribe)

Many important moments in life are often highlighted in such ordinary circumstances.

Humans are dull and numb creatures. Usually, it is only when a person gets old and looks back on their life that they realize that when they went abroad to study, when they decided on their first job, when they chose a partner and fell in love, and when they got married were all major changes in their destiny.

But the day you stood at that crossroads, witnessing the turbulent changes, and made your choice, was described in your diary as quite ordinary and dull. At the time, you thought it was just another ordinary day in your life.

This sudden realization, which comes after many years, can leave many people feeling lost and even cause them to lose their sense of life for a moment.

Therefore, the middle-aged and elderly population may appear to be highly respected, but in reality, they are a complete mess.

Having studied abroad in the future, Lü Yao knew immediately upon returning that the emotional turmoil he had been caught in before graduation was not due to resentment, but rather a dramatic shift in his destiny. This allowed him to make swift and decisive changes.

Now, his life seems to be undergoing another major change.

However, this time Lü Yao knew better than anyone else that this was a huge change.

The Lü Yao of today is not the Lü Yao of the past. He has been able to remain calm and composed even when his heart is filled with turmoil. So, after becoming alert without showing any emotion, Lü Yao asked, "What is this Global Economic Cooperation and Development Conference? Who is the organizer?"

Without hesitation, Rong Nianqing replied, "Oh, this is organized by the WTO. It's held every year. This conference mainly promotes global economic development. Well-known companies, organizations, and institutions with global influence are invited to participate and discuss processes to promote economic cooperation."

"In essence, it's about business leaders from all over the world sitting together to share and integrate resources, making cooperation easier for everyone."

This isn't anything new, so why is Lü Yao suddenly so interested in it?
Rong Nianqing explained, but was also a little puzzled.

This "slight" question was quickly confirmed, as Lü Yao then asked, "When will this meeting be held? What is the agenda? Where will it be held?"

The three questions made Rong Nianqing's eyes narrow immediately. She asked curiously, "What's going on?"

Lu Yao didn't intend to hide anything from Rong Nianqing, so he smiled and said, "Let's go over there and chat."

Rong Nianqing became serious and followed Lü Yao as they got up and left the banquet table.

Once they reached a quiet corner in the courtyard, Lü Yao sat down, took out a cigarette, and offered one to Rong Nianqing. After they both started smoking, Lü Yao said, "I just feel something's not right. What's going on? International trade is in a downturn, and many domestic foreign trade companies are already under pressure."

“Even our overseas projects are being halted, yet we’ve been invited to some kind of global economic cooperation and development conference. It’s like a trap.”

Rong Nianqing didn't seem to have much of a feeling about this: "Aren't you overthinking it? It's normal for major powers to trip each other up, but in today's globalized economy, no company can escape the framework of global economic cooperation."

This global economic framework has been operating for more than half a century, so how could it possibly have problems?
This is a common way of thinking for many people.

You might think that if something has lasted for more than ten or twenty years, it has become fixed and unchanging, but how is that possible?
Instead of delving into the question, Lü Yao abruptly changed the subject and asked, "Do you know how many years dinosaurs existed on Earth?"

Rong Nianqing was taken aback. She remembered the answer to this question from when she was in elementary and middle school reading "100,000 Whys", but she couldn't remember exactly how many years it had been there.

Lu Yao then asked, "Do you know how long the Triassic period lasted?"

Rong Nianqing smiled speechlessly, "When did you start paying attention to ancient history?"

Lu Yao exhaled a puff of smoke and laughed, "The Triassic period lasted for about 50 million years, while dinosaurs existed on Earth for 160 million years." After giving his answer, Lu Yao sighed with emotion, "What a long timeline that is! In comparison, how long has human civilization lasted? Five thousand years? Ten thousand years? Anyway, less than twenty thousand years."

"This time span is pitifully short, not to mention compared to Earth, even compared to the era of giant insects and dinosaurs."

Rong Nianqing was completely bewildered. She didn't understand what Lü Yao was trying to say by rambling on and on, which left her completely confused. But she was very patient and quietly watched Lü Yao, waiting for him to finally get to the point.

Lu Yao didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "If we observe things over a sufficiently long time span, we will find that our current peaceful and stable life is both a blessing and a coincidence, and the development of human civilization as a whole is also a blessing and a coincidence."

"Since it's luck, it's accidental, then it will come to an end one day."

Rong Nianqing understood.

Just as dinosaurs went extinct, but the dinosaur species never considered this question before their extinction, they kept pushing the limits of carbon-based life forms, racing towards the direction of Titan life.

And what she just mentioned, the man-made trade rules that have lasted for more than half a century, will also collapse in an instant.

Or rather, your rules have already collapsed?

Lu Yao's hands moved across the coffee table beside him, performing a game of cards as if he were building a house of cards with invisible cards: "The order established by human civilization is like a house built with cards. Just removing one card is enough to destroy the whole house."

Rong Nianqing nodded, her expression turning serious: "I understand what you're saying, but I'm afraid the more this is the case, the more we need to participate in such meetings. The existing global division of labor in trade is advantageous to us."

It is certainly advantageous.

The University of Tokyo boasts the world's most comprehensive and largest industrial system. Any raw material that reaches the University of Tokyo will be transformed into a highly competitive commodity. The University of Tokyo alone supports almost half of the world's commodity supply, to the point that "made in China" is now used as a meme in American TV series and even movies.

However, it is precisely because of the ever-growing trade deficit that the buyers of goods imported from Dongda are unhappy.

The University of Tokyo can sell things to them, but their things cannot be sold here at the University of Tokyo, especially since many of their products are prohibited here.

Given this trade situation, how could buyers who purchase goods from Dongda University allow this to continue?
Although the buyers were very unhappy, the University of Tokyo, with its overwhelming trade advantages, didn't care whether they were happy or not. The University of Tokyo would do its best to maintain the current trade situation, since this thing was now in our hands.

So Rong Nianqing is right. The more this is the case, the more Dongda University will urge influential companies to participate in this conference.

This is also an opportunity for Lü Yao.

Lü Yao laughed and said, "In that case, let me represent our side at the meeting." As he spoke, Lü Yao relaxed and said, "Speaking of which, I've been working for so long and I've even been abroad. This is a good opportunity to broaden my horizons."

While Lü Yao was saying these words, Rong Nianqing just quietly looked at him.

Having worked with Lü Yao for so long, she considered herself to know him quite well. Lü Yao often seemed to laugh more easily about something, which was likely to be the biggest problem.

Rong Nianqing didn't ask or seek confirmation from Lü Yao. She just silently smoked, her half-closed eyes seemingly flashing with countless lights and shadows. All the strange phenomena that Lü Yao had exhibited over the past six months seemed to have an answer.

Why did he suddenly start learning English?
Why did he suddenly leave Shangnan and come to Mianyang?

Why did he stay in Mianyang for so long and set up so many marketing accounts and online trolls overseas?

Why does he still insist on setting up this new rural development support fund here?

because--

He was going to that treacherous banquet in his place.

It was a trap she hadn't realized he was already preparing.

How infuriating!
Why is this guy always like this?

Rong Nianqing gradually turned her face away. She was a very rational and composed person. Her innate personality and upbringing meant that she rarely experienced significant emotional fluctuations. But that guy, Lü Yao...
"call--"

Rong Nianqing couldn't help but let out a long breath to calm herself down.

After calming down, Rong Nianqing looked at Lü Yao: "So, this banquet was extremely dangerous?"

Lu Yao said honestly, "I don't know, but it won't be easy."

Rong Nianqing: "Then I can't let you go. They wouldn't dare to kill me because of my status and position. No one, no matter who it is, can afford the price."

Lu Yao remained calm and composed, saying, "I must go. The price you mentioned will take time to materialize and create a deterrent effect, and it may even fizzle out in the end. But as long as you are safe, then I will be safe too."

At this point, Lü Yao looked at Rong Nianqing with confidence and ease: "I believe you will definitely avenge me, even at any cost."

Rong Nianqing was moved, her brows furrowing involuntarily. For the first time, she stared at Lü Yao with an exceptionally complex gaze, a gaze so complex that Lü Yao could not decipher it, so complex that Lü Yao dared not decipher it.

Lu Yao avoided Rong Nianqing's gaze, turned his face to the side and smiled, "Of course, even if you don't want to, you have to put on this kind of attitude."

Rong Nianqing said firmly, "I will."

Will!

Lu Yao, however, said with a triumphant air, "So you agree to let me continue that conference abroad for you?"

what?
Rong Nianqing then realized that she had been outmaneuvered by Lü Yao.

What are you doing!

At this critical juncture, they still resort to such petty tricks.

Rong Nianqing said irritably, "Let's keep things separate and talk about that later. Actually, we can completely entrust someone on our side who is highly respected enough to represent us at that meeting."

This will prevent the worst-case scenario from happening.

But Lü Yao shook his head and said, "No one is more suitable than me. I have such a bad reputation, I am so young, and I am almost full of weaknesses."

Rong Nianqing pouted; she didn't like Lü Yao's self-deprecating manner.

Lu Yao continued, "Most importantly, if the event I foresee really happens, it may not be a bad thing for me."

At this point, Lü Yao's eyes turned serious and menacing: "I will be elevated to a divine altar and molded into a golden statue."

This is a significant turning point in Lü Yao's character. The values ​​of life and death held by students of Tokyo University are very unique. Throughout history, only one school of thought can compare with the values ​​of life and death that Tokyo University has inherited since ancient times. For students of Tokyo University, when the time comes, death is not something to be afraid of. When they are really only one step away from death, many students of Tokyo University do not think about fear or dread, but how to make their death more valuable.

Therefore, "trading one for one is a no-loss, and trading one for two is a huge profit."

The University of Tokyo's value system also has a very unique evaluation of the "value of death".

No matter how you are regarded during your lifetime, if you die in a meaningful way, your reputation will often rise from the mire to the clouds. This is because the people of Tokyo University believe that the standard for judging whether a person is a hero or a coward is never success or failure, but integrity.

This philosophical system, which links individual life and death with higher values, makes dying for one's country the most superior way to die among many methods.

Even those who can be completely whitewashed, those who are as black as can be.

Because dying for one's country proves that your values ​​are flawless, only your actions are problematic; this is what is meant by upholding the great principles without failing.

For example, Lu Xiufu of the Southern Song Dynasty was a treacherous minister who abused his power during his lifetime. However, after he jumped into the sea with the young emperor in his arms, his reputation was completely reversed.

For example, Emperor Chongzhen, as an emperor, was indeed ambitious but weak in his methods. However, the emperor died for his country, which brought his life to a glorious end.

Lu Yao's attendance at the overseas conference in place of Rong Nianqing was essentially a death wish.

When he is imprisoned overseas and could die at any moment, all the labels he previously attached to himself will no longer be stains.

He's just surrounded by more women, and he's made his fortune through women, so what?
Is it wrong of you to keep nitpicking other people's private lives?
Perhaps someone will praise Lü Yao like this: "A warrior with many flaws is still a warrior, while a fly, no matter how perfect, is still just a fly."

Rong Nianqing understood Lü Yao's idea, and this was indeed the best way to wash away the labels attached to Lü Yao.

But the price of this method... even if Lü Yao could bear it, she felt she couldn't.

At this moment, Rong Nianqing personally experienced the feelings of Cao Cao when he lost Guo Jia and Zhuge Liang when he lost Liu Bei. The feeling of losing a close friend and being powerless to do anything about it was truly heartbreaking and agonizing.

But now, it seems that I have to bear this heartache and torment all by myself.

It was only at this moment that Rong Nianqing truly felt sympathy for Lü Yao's various abnormal behaviors during this period.

However, unusual behavior is a good thing.

Among these many unusual behaviors, perhaps Lu Yao had a backup plan he had prepared for himself.
This is the path for Lü Yao to elevate his self-worth; this is the necessary means for Lü Yao to create a golden image for himself; this is... There are many reasons why Lü Yao attended on his behalf, but the most crucial one is that he went in his place.

Even Rong Nianqing herself could think of at least three ways to achieve a leap in her value, but Lü Yao chose this one out of the many.
Rong Nianqing's heart was churning with emotions, as if a tsunami was raging inside her, but her face remained calm.

In November, the nights in Mianyang grow increasingly chilly. Even in the villa area, the chirping of insects can no longer be heard; only the bleak autumn wind swirls in the courtyards.

Rong Nianqing looked up at the sky, remained silent for a while, and then asked, "When did you come up with this idea and plan?"

Lu Yao said casually, "It was around the beginning of this year."

Rong Nianqing nodded. The timing matched. She opened her mouth and asked again, "You?"

But the words caught in Rong Nianqing's throat, and she paused before saying, "You...you must stay safe and sound."

When she got to this point, Rong Nianqing was stunned.

She suddenly turned to look at Wang Shu, then at Lü Yao, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.

So it turns out everything is peaceful and safe.

So this is ah.

Rong Nianqing stared at Lü Yao, and for the first time said with some anger, "You man! When will you ever tell the truth?"

Lu Yao smiled gently at Rong Nianqing and said, "I've never lied to you, President Rong."

Rong Nianqing: "Then can you come back safe and sound, all intact?"

Lü Yao smiled confidently and said, "Yes, it will."

Rong Nianqing was so angry she almost laughed: "You're lying."

Lu Yao smiled gently as before: "I didn't."

Rong Nianqing looked up, and after a moment pulled Lü Yao up: "What are you sitting there for? Come and have a drink!"

She was truly distressed and annoyed, but she couldn't find a good solution because Lü Yao had already made up his mind about this matter.

So Rong Nianqing returned to the table, even though the food was already cold. She still noisily pulled everyone over to play games and drink. Everyone was confused by Rong Nianqing's sudden change of behavior. They were all ready to leave, so why did she suddenly become so energetic?
Gan Xiaoxi had also drunk a bit too much, so she dazedly pulled Rong Nianqing and said, "What's wrong with you? Even if we don't go back tonight, we should at least get up early tomorrow. How can you get up tomorrow morning after drinking so much?"

Rong Nianqing put her arm around Gan Xiaoxi's shoulder and laughed, "There's nothing earth-shattering happening in Shangnan, so it won't make a difference whether it's sooner or later."

As he spoke, he pulled Gan Xiaoxi along with him.

Unfortunately, the people from Jiangsu Province didn't have much experience with nightlife. Even though Rong Nianqing was emotionally supported, she couldn't hold on until a little after 2 a.m. and was eventually helped back to Lu Yao's villa room by Gan Xiaoxi and the others to rest.

Jian Xiaojie, with a smug look on her face, hugged Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen and went upstairs.

Before leaving, he even gave Lü Yao a smug look.

Lu Yao didn't argue with Jian Xiaojie, because Jian Xiaojie's smug look at the end also hinted at her wanting Lu Yao to come along.

However, Lü Yao really wasn't in the mood.

While chatting with Rong Nianqing just now, Lü Yao confirmed that the meeting that Rong Nianqing was invited to attend will be held next August. In addition to the meeting being held at the venue, the participants will also be invited to visit the companies of business leaders from various countries for "in-depth learning".

This timeline then matches up.

Lu Yao remembered that next April, the Land of Light would launch a comprehensive crackdown on ZTE in the country, and then make a big deal out of the foreign trade tax rate issue, the essence of which was to get Tokyo University to send them money.

However, the University of Tokyo is no longer the same as it used to be, so it has taken a tough stance on the issue of foreign trade tax rates.

In this situation, it would be perfectly reasonable to have an economic and trade cooperation organization act as a mediator. So, as Rong Nianqing said, they wouldn't be able to avoid going even if they didn't want to.

But once you're out there, it's hard to say how the wheel of fate will turn.

Sitting in the courtyard, Lü Yao took out another cigarette, but he smoked very little of it, only taking two or three puffs before the rest of it spontaneously combusted.

Rong Nianqing was right; everything he said to her before was a lie.

Lü Yao could not guarantee his own safety.

Because that's, after all, a foreign country.

He was caught in the turbulent waves of great power rivalry.

The most critical point is that Rong Nianqing, whom he represents, also controls the production and manufacturing of high-performance cutting-edge chips. At the same time, the domestic chip design industry is also rising rapidly, and even the software ecosystem is being built from scratch.

Behind all of these events, Lü Yao's shadow is more or less present.

Even if you let the keyboard warriors on the internet think about it, they would still be able to control Lü Yao.

However, Lü Yao's background is not as strong as others, and even his own position is not so stable or important. Not to mention the many external crises, Lü Yao is not sure what will happen to his family after he goes abroad.

This reminded Lü Yao of the TV series "My Chief and My Regiment". In the series, Yu Xiaoqing initially showed great passion and fierceness, but when the cannon fodder regiment rushed into Nantianmen and Shubao, Yu Xiaoqing was fooled by the old fox beside him.

As for the cannon fodder regiment, they waited day after day, for more than thirty days, before Yu Xiaoqing's reinforcements arrived just when the regiment was out of ammunition and food.

Even in the reality of Lü Yao's studies abroad, those with powerful connections spent over a thousand days abroad before finally being able to return home.

What about Lü Yao himself?

He could not predict whether his choice would lead to death.

His future experiences studying abroad could not help him with this decision.

Therefore, he prepared many backup plans for himself, but Lu Yao was not confident that these plans would really help him return safely.

Lu Yao crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, seemingly gazing lazily at the dark night sky.

To be honest, this move was very risky.

But he really is handsome.

Lu Yao laughed. Sure enough, he was still as bold as ever, in both his past and present lives.

As Lü Yao gazed at the night sky in the villa's courtyard, Rong Nianqing, who had returned to her room upstairs, also looked out the window at Lü Yao below. He sat there all alone, his thin, young face appearing desolate yet composed under the villa's lights.

Gan Xiaoxi, who shared a room with Rong Nianqing, reeked of alcohol. Her chin rested on Rong Nianqing's shoulder. Gan Xiaoxi glanced at Rong Nianqing, then followed Rong Nianqing's gaze downstairs, and then grinned mischievously.
"You're doomed~~"

(End of this chapter)