Chapter 779: What a Good Way to Brace Yourself! (2)
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Hmph, Old Xiao, who doesn’t know about your little schemes? And now you’re reluctantly agreeing? I must say, your level of improvisation is still lacking a bit!” With that, Old Master Jiang even shook the tea canister in his hand.

“Old Jiang, you’ve gone too far! This is my grandson-in-law’s tea leaves. How can you just take them without asking? Have you no shame?” Old Master Xiao instantly donned the armor of morality and launched an attack on Old Master Jiang.

“Hmph, he’s still my grandson-in-law, even a bit higher than you! Haha!”

Jiang Youdao, Xiao Zhong, and others present seemed to have discovered a new world, all gaping in disbelief at the two men who were acting like children fighting over something, except these two were their fathers (or grandfathers).

Zhou Chao looked at them with a wry smile and said, “Gentlemen, why don’t you stop fighting over it? If you both like it, just split it!”

The good tea he just got his hands on, he hadn’t even had a chance to drink it yet, and now it might be gone. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have brought it out, especially considering the significance of these tea leaves!

After all, they were personally given to him by that big shot!

“Fine!” the two old masters said in unison.

However, even though they said that, Old Master Jiang still held onto the tea canister tightly, showing no intention of giving it up.

Seeing this, Old Master Xiao couldn’t help but say indignantly, “Old Jiang, what do you mean by this? Don’t you trust me?”

“Hmm, what kind of person you are, I know very well.”

Zhou Chao saw the situation and knew this couldn’t go on. After all, they still had business to discuss, and this argument could drag on indefinitely. So, he gave his father-in-law a meaningful look.

Jiang Youdao understood instantly and said, “Dad, let’s not argue over the tea for now. Let’s talk about the important matters first!”

Upon hearing Jiang Youdao’s words, the two old masters came back to their senses. They came here today to discuss business, not to “fight” over tea!

They both cleared their throats, realizing they had made a fool of themselves in front of the younger generation.

“Xiao Chao, you can put the tea aside for now. Let’s finish discussing our business first!” Old Master Jiang glanced at Old Master Xiao, who remained silent and handed the tea canister to Zhou Chao.

Without hesitation, Zhou Chao took the tea canister and placed it in a drawer under the tea table.

“Let’s have a cup of tea first and taste how it is!” Zhou Chao gestured to everyone.

Unable to contain their curiosity, Xiao Zhong and Jiang Youdao picked up their tea cups and took a sniff. It was rare to have the opportunity to taste the tea of a high-ranking official, and they could brag to their friends about the taste later.

Xiao Yang, on the other hand, didn’t think about these things. He picked up the tea cup on the table and drank it all in one gulp.

“Wow, the leader’s tea is so fragrant. I feel refreshed with the aroma of tea in my mouth, and I feel much more comfortable!”

Seeing Xiao Yang gulping down the tea like a whale, the two old masters shook their heads helplessly. It was a waste for Xiao Yang to drink it like that.

Although they thought about it, their actions didn’t stop. They tasted the tea carefully.

“Xiao Chao, what did No.1 talk to you about this time?” Old Master Xiao didn’t forget the purpose of today’s visit.

Zhou Chao finished his tea in one gulp before slowly saying, “It’s nothing important, just asked me to talk about artificial intelligence!”

“Artificial intelligence?” Xiao Yang beside him exclaimed in surprise.

Old Master Xiao gave Xiao Yang a fierce look, making him quickly shut his mouth. Although he wanted to ask what was going on, he knew it wasn’t the right time to inquire in this situation.

Turning back, he nodded at Zhou Chao, indicating for him to continue.

“No.1 didn’t ask me to hand over this technology. Instead, he hopes I can start a private company, research artificial intelligence and related technologies independently, and produce corresponding results!”

Upon hearing this, the two old masters and Jiang Youdao, who knew how powerful artificial intelligence systems were, were all shocked. They understood the importance of this technology, but they never expected No.1 to not ask Zhou Chao to hand it over to the country.

For a moment, the room fell into silence.

“Letting you decide for yourself?” Old Master Jiang couldn’t believe his ears.

As an expert in scientific research, he never expected No.1 to have such courage, letting Zhou Chao establish a company to research it himself, completely breaking his previous understanding.

“Yeah, that’s right. I’ve already discussed the general framework with No.1, and we’ll be setting it up soon.”

“What about the researchers? It’ll take quite some time just to gather the team, not to mention that experts in this field are pillars of various enterprises or research institutes. I’m afraid you’ll encounter quite a few obstacles in this regard!”

Old Master Jiang could foresee the challenges of starting from scratch, especially the competition from domestic sources, particularly in talent acquisition. Many large enterprises or state-owned enterprises have already recruited such talents. It would take a lot of effort for Zhou Chao to poach them.

Zhou Chao smiled faintly and said, “Grandpa, you don’t need to worry about that. No.1 has already made arrangements. The necessary research personnel and relevant experts will be assembled in due time. Besides, if I need anything, I can just call him directly.”

“Hmm?” All five of them looked at him in unison.