dognovel Chapter 627: Striving is so that you can say no at will.
Chapter 627: Striving is so that you can say no at will.
After they came out, Ji Mei had to leave first because she had something to do, but Yu Xiang made an appointment with her to have dinner together at another time.
Huang Xiaochuan chatted with Jiang Bixing, Ma Yifeng and a few others outside the ward for a while.
Especially Ma Yifeng, Sang Weihong, An Cheng, and Jiao Zhiyong, they hadn't seen Huang Xiaochuan for over a year since he left school.
Moreover, shortly after Huang Xiaochuan left, news reports stated that Huang Xiaochuan was the richest man in Asia, which surprised them even more. They never expected that Huang Xiaochuan, who worked and lived with them, was so unassuming. Although they knew that he was well-off, they never imagined that he was that rich.
As we chatted, the topic turned to the school anniversary.
Sang Weihong, a key member of the school's anniversary celebration organizing committee, said, "Xiao Chuan, I've already seen your name on the alumni list for the anniversary celebration. The school has placed you first on the list, and they're even going to arrange for you to sit on the stage and give a speech. I think the school values you so much because they want to use your fame to boost the school's reputation, and they also hope you'll donate some money to the school."
After saying that, Sang Weihong said to Jiang Bixing, "Senior Jiang, you are also a famous business tycoon, so you should also sit on the dais."
Jiang Bixing quickly waved his hand: "I'll pass. Xiao Chuan deserves to sit on the podium. I'm just a mediocre person, so I shouldn't join in the fun."
After hearing Sang Weihong's words, Huang Xiaochuan pondered for a moment and then said, "Senior, could you please pass on a message to the school leaders for me? I will definitely attend the school anniversary celebration, but I will refrain from sitting on the podium and giving a speech."
Apart from Jiang Bixing, the others were all puzzled. The school's actions were tantamount to admitting that what happened last year was indeed inappropriate, and there was an apology in it, although it also seemed to be trying to get Huang Xiaochuan to donate some money.
Moreover, if an outstanding alumnus like Huang Xiaochuan, who is both a Clark Medal winner and Asia's richest man, refuses to sit on the dais, then who is more qualified to sit there? What will happen then?
Especially Sang Weihong and Ma Yifeng, the couple, couldn't help but look at each other in dismay. If that were the case, then it would be troublesome.
In fact, Huang Xiaochuan did not want to be so high-profile. In his opinion, donating some money was no big deal. As long as it was for the sake of building a better alma mater, what did a little material wealth matter? However, he underestimated his current status in the hearts of the general public and school leaders.
Because of his other relationship with Huang Xiaochuan, Jiang Bixing felt it was inappropriate to offer advice, so he refrained from expressing any opinion on Huang Xiaochuan's expressed thoughts.
At this moment, Jiao Zhiyong advised Huang Xiaochuan: "Xiaochuan, I understand your thoughts. I knew you weren't a high-profile person when you were with us before, but this school anniversary celebration is different. The school is counting on you to represent them. If you refuse to sit on the stage, how many people will be embarrassed! What are they supposed to do?"
Ma Yifeng and An Cheng nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes! Xiao Chuan, you should reconsider this matter!"
Huang Xiaochuan was familiar with everyone present, so he voiced his concerns.
"Think about it, it's the school's anniversary celebration, there will definitely be big leaders from the city coming, right? And there will also be reporters coming, right? That's what I'm afraid of. You know, the reputation is hard to live up to. Things like being the richest man and winning the Clark Award have already affected my daily life. I'm like a refugee, going back and forth between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Compared to Hong Kong, I still prefer to stay in Shanghai."
"But if the school's propaganda goes like this, my idea of staying in Shanghai is out of the question. Besides, my two children will be starting primary school next year, and I don't want them to receive the kind of private elite education that Hong Kong offers. You should understand why I'm saying this, right?"
The group exchanged glances. This was indeed a big problem. They had known Huang Xiaochuan for so many years, knew his character, and could understand the importance and struggles a father had with his children's education.
Ma Yifeng scratched his head, unable to think of any better idea to help his friend solve this problem.
Sang Weihong, a member of the school anniversary organizing committee, was in an even more difficult position. The whole school knew that she and her husband had a close relationship with Huang Xiaochuan. Now she was caught in the middle. Should she pass on the message to the school? She would definitely be retaliated against later. But she couldn't disobey Huang Xiaochuan's opinion either. The two had known each other for more than ten years and had always had a good relationship. She couldn't afford to offend such a big shot over this matter, could she? Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
The atmosphere became somewhat somber, and none of them knew what to do.
In the end, Sang Weihong gritted her teeth and came up with a compromise.
"Xiao Chuan, how about this? You can still sit on the stage, but not in the main seat at the front. Let the school arrange for you to sit in an inconspicuous spot at the back. Also, I'll suggest to the school that you not speak, just show your face. As for whether you donate or not, that's entirely up to you."
An Cheng clapped his hands after hearing this: "I think this method is feasible."
Jiao Zhiyong, however, poured cold water on the idea: "What I think is fine is useless. The key is whether the school will agree, and whether Xiao Chuan can accept it."
Huang Xiaochuan remained silent, weighing the pros and cons.
After a long pause, he made his decision.
"Senior's suggestion is indeed good. I know you are also in a difficult position, so please help me convey this message to the school. I think the focus of the anniversary celebration should be on the history, achievements and development of our school, and we should not place all our expectations on me."
If the school respects my opinion, I am willing to donate a sum of money to the school, about 200 million yuan! It can be used for scholarships for outstanding students, basic research funding, or to improve the school's campus environment.
Furthermore, I do not request that my name be made public, nor do I require a building to be named something like "Xiaochuan Building," which I do not like. I ask the school to respect my choice, and I will not accept any media interviews; I will simply participate in the school's anniversary celebrations as an alumnus.
If the school feels that my request is putting them in a difficult position, then I will consider not attending this school anniversary celebration.
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked, both by the fact that he had donated 200 million yuan and by the fact that Huang Xiaochuan would threaten the school with not attending the school's anniversary celebration.
However, Huang Xiaochuan believes that he worked hard to achieve his current success so that he could say "no" at will, especially to things that go against his wishes.
Seeing Huang Xiaochuan's resolute attitude, Sang Weihong said, "Okay, I will convey your words to the school leaders."