Siheyuan: tomb robbing? I am serious about hunting.

Chapter 349: Seemingly enthusiastic encouragement, but actually a hidden secret

Chu Tian nodded and bowed quickly: "It's not hard, it's not hard."

Chairman Lou shook his hand enthusiastically and shook it vigorously. "I've heard of your name for a long time, and today I finally get to see you in person! Come on, come on, take a seat."

Chu Tian sat cautiously on the soft sofa, feeling uncomfortable all over. Chairman Lou personally poured him a cup of tea, the tea fragrance was overflowing, but he didn't dare to drink a sip, for fear of dirtying the delicate teacup.

"Comrade Chu Tian, ​​I have heard of your name for a long time! I heard that you are very knowledgeable about mechanical manufacturing and have become a technical backbone of the factory at such a young age. You are really a young man to be feared!" Chairman Lou praised generously.

Chu Tian smiled awkwardly and rubbed his hands, not knowing how to respond. He knew that Chairman Lou must have something to ask for since he was so enthusiastic.

Sure enough, Chairman Lou changed the subject and said, "I heard that you are researching a new type of steel rolling mill recently. How is the progress?"

Chu Tian's heart tightened. This was his current research project and the purpose of his trip. He hesitated and said, "It's still in the research stage. I encountered some technical difficulties..."

Chairman Lou laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "It's normal for young people to encounter difficulties! Don't worry, if you need anything, just ask, I will fully support you!"

Chu Tian felt mixed emotions. Chairman Lou's words seemed to be enthusiastic and encouraging, but in fact they were full of hidden meanings. He understood that Chairman Lou valued his technology, not him as a person.

In the following time, Chairman Lou kept asking about the progress of his research project. Chu Tian responded carefully, trying to avoid the important issues and not daring to reveal too many details. He knew that this project was related to his future destiny and the development of the factory, and he could not easily give up the technology.

At lunch time, Chairman Lou hosted a banquet for Chu Tian. The table was filled with delicacies from land and sea, which dazzled Chu Tian. He could not even have a full meal normally, so he had never seen such a scene. He sat at the table stiffly, not daring to pick up his chopsticks.

Chairman Lou enthusiastically picked up some food for him and urged him to eat more. Chu Tian couldn't refuse, so he had to bite the bullet and eat a few bites. He felt like he was dreaming, and it was all too unreal.

After three rounds of drinks, Chairman Lou finally revealed his true intention. "Comrade Chu Tian, ​​I see that you are a straightforward person, so I will tell you directly. I hope you can transfer your research results to our company, and the price is negotiable."

Chu Tian was stunned. He didn't expect Chairman Lou to be so direct. He took a deep breath and tried to keep himself calm. "Chairman Lou, this project... I haven't finished it yet..."

Chairman Lou interrupted him, his tone becoming tougher: "Comrade Chu Tian, ​​you should understand that your research results can only play the greatest value in our company. What can you achieve by fighting alone?"

Chu Tian clenched his fists, feeling a surge of anger burning in his chest. He wanted to stand up and walk away, but he knew he couldn't do that. He needed the money and the opportunity.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Chairman Lou, I think... I need to think about it..."

Chairman Lou narrowed his eyes, stared at him for a long time, and then suddenly smiled. "Okay, I'll give you some time to think about it. But I hope you won't make me wait too long."

Chu Tian returned home and tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. He didn't know what to do. Should he transfer the technology to Chairman Lou or continue to research on his own? He felt unprecedented confusion and anxiety. Outside the window, the north wind howled, as if foreshadowing the coming storm...

The howling north wind slapped the window, like an invisible hand, scratching Chu Tian's heart again and again. He lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep. Chairman Lou's words echoed in his ears, like a tangled mess, tightly entangled with him.

He stood up and lit a cigarette. The dim light shone on his tired face, reflecting deep anxiety. In the smoke, he seemed to be back in that magnificent living room and saw Chairman Lou's smiling face with a knife hidden inside.

"Your research results can only play the greatest value in our company. What can you accomplish alone?" This sentence was like a thorn, piercing deep into his heart.

Chu Tian took a deep puff of his cigarette and pressed the butt into the ashtray. He knew that Chairman Lou was right. With his current conditions, it would be extremely difficult for him to complete this project alone. He needed funds, equipment, and a team, but he had none of these.

However, he was unwilling to give away his hard work. He had put so much effort into this project, spent so many days and nights in the workshop, and conducted repeated experiments to achieve the current results.

He walked to the window, looked at the dark night sky outside, and had a lot of thoughts in his mind. He thought of his elderly parents, his younger brothers and sisters who were still in school, and the expectant eyes of the people in the factory. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and he couldn't fall down.

The next morning, Chu Tian came to the factory with dark circles under his eyes. He forced himself to concentrate on his work. However, Chairman Lou's words kept lingering in his mind, making him upset.

During the lunch break, co-worker Li Dazhuang came over and said mysteriously, "Chu Tian, ​​I heard that Chairman Lou is looking for you? How is it? Does he want to poach you?"

Chu Tian forced a smile and said nothing.

Li Dazhuang patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Chu Tian, ​​you have to think it through! Lou's Group is the largest enterprise in our city, with good treatment and benefits. If you go there, you will be able to rise to prominence! Don't be stupid and stay in this broken factory!"

Chu Tian was silent for a moment, then said: "Da Zhuang, I know you are doing this for my own good, but... I have put so much effort into this project, I don't want to give up just like that."

Li Dazhuang sighed and said, "Chu Tian, ​​you are just too stubborn! Do you think you can fight against Lou Group alone? Don't be silly! They can crush you into slag with just a flick of their fingers!"

Chu Tian didn't say anything, just smoked silently. He knew that Li Dazhuang was right, his power alone was too small.

In the afternoon, Chu Tian received a call from Chairman Lou, inviting him to meet again. Chu Tian hesitated for a moment, but still agreed.

In the evening, Chu Tian came to the Lou family compound again. This time, he was not as uneasy as last time, but seemed more calm and steady.

Chairman Lou still received him warmly, pouring tea and chatting with him, as if they were old friends for many years.

After the greetings, Chairman Lou got straight to the point and said, "Comrade Chu Tian, ​​how have you considered this?"