I'm back in 1990

Chapter 577: It's Time to Change Stages

A few days later, on another sweltering afternoon, the investigation team completed the final procedures, and Team Leader Zhao, along with two team members, once again arrived at Huang Xiaochuan's office, which was filled with Zen-like tranquility and scholarly atmosphere.

The atmosphere this time was completely different from the first meeting. Gone was the initial seriousness; in its place was a complex mix of embarrassment, apology, admiration, and curiosity.

Team Leader Zhao cleared his throat, trying to soften his voice: "Professor Huang, after a comprehensive and thorough investigation, we have found no evidence to support the anonymous allegations that you abused your position for personal gain and embezzled school funds."

At this point, he glanced at Huang Xiaochuan's expression and, seeing no unusual reaction, continued, "On the contrary, during the investigation, we learned that you have demonstrated extremely high professional ethics and personal dedication in your academic work. Not only have you never misused any of the research funds allocated by the school, but you have also been subsidizing your research work with your personal funds for a long time and in large quantities. Your behavior, which is purely out of academic pursuit, is very admirable."

Team Leader Zhao's voice was somewhat hoarse. He felt that what he was saying was both pale and ironic. One of the two team members behind him, the one who had slammed his fist on the table with Huang Xiaochuan that day, lowered his head and dared not look directly at Huang Xiaochuan's calm face.

"We sincerely apologize for any trouble or inconvenience this investigation has caused to your personal reputation, work, and life." Team Leader Zhao bowed slightly. "We will report the investigation report truthfully to our superiors and will clear your name within the appropriate scope. This investigation is now officially concluded."

After he finished speaking, Huang Xiaochuan's office fell silent.

Huang Xiaochuan sat behind his desk without speaking, only gently touching it, his eyes deep and quiet.

After a while, he nodded slightly: "I understand, thank you all for your hard work!"

Team Leader Zhao nodded and turned to leave.

As he reached the door, Team Leader Zhao suddenly turned back and strode up to Huang Xiaochuan, pulling a business card from his pocket.

"Professor Huang, my name is Zhao Qing. I never expected that we would meet in this way. However, I admire your character and ability. My phone number and contact information are here. I hope we can become friends in the future."

Huang Xiaochuan stood up and proactively shook hands with Zhao Qing, then made a request: "Team Leader Zhao, now that the investigation is complete, could you leave me that anonymous letter?"

Zhao Qing was taken aback. He hadn't expected Huang Xiaochuan to make such a request, but he quickly instructed one of his team members: "Hu Ning, leave that anonymous letter with Professor Huang."

"Thank you!" Huang Xiaochuan shook hands with Zhao Qing again.

Zhao Qing looked apologetic: "I'm so sorry! Goodbye, Professor Huang!"

After the person left, Huang Xiaochuan continued to sit quietly in his chair, but his eyes remained fixed on the anonymous letter on the table. He didn't open it to read its contents, nor was there any need to now.

After a while, the office door was pushed open from the outside and then closed again; it was Hong Yongze.

"They're all gone?"

Huang Xiaochuan knew who Hong Yongze was referring to, so he nodded and said, "Let's go!"

Upon hearing this, Hong Yongze felt relieved and plopped down opposite Huang Xiaochuan, keeping his eyes fixed on Huang Xiaochuan.

Huang Xiaochuan subconsciously touched his face: "What's on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Hong Yongze feigned annoyance and said, "I never imagined my junior brother was actually a billionaire! You kept this from me for so long!"

Huang Xiaochuan chuckled and got up to get a teacup and tea leaves: "I was just lucky. I managed to seize a few opportunities. Actually, once you have a lot of money, it's just a number."

Hong Yongze waved his hand: "Alright, alright, don't say that to me. I'm poor, I don't understand what you're saying. As long as you're alright!"

Then Hong Yongze asked, "This is all in the past now, should we tell the teacher?"

Huang Xiaochuan made Hong Yongze a cup of tea: "Let's not. Besides, it's all in the past. Talking to him will only add to his troubles and won't do him any good. I do have something to ask you."

After taking the teacup from Huang Xiaochuan, Hong Yongze casually replied, "What is it?"

After sitting down again, Huang Xiaochuan said to Hong Yongze, "What I worry about most are my students. They've only been with me for a year, and it's a crucial time for them to build a foundation and set their direction. I can't let them give up halfway and ruin their future because of my own reasons."

Hong Yongze, who was just about to take a sip of tea, stopped drinking it upon hearing this, his eyes widening in shock. "What do you mean by that?"

Huang Xiaochuan chuckled: "Senior brother, that's not very fair of you. You're pretending to be confused when you're clearly not. Do you think I can continue to teach here peacefully?"

Hong Yongze's expression immediately darkened; he knew what his junior brother was worried about.

Hong Yongze's expression immediately darkened; he knew what his junior brother was worried about.

Huang Xiaochuan continued, "I am familiar with their research directions, and I have basically helped them organize their thesis topics. They only need to refine the details and empirical evidence. I will compile each student's research plan, interim results, and detailed suggestions for their future development into a clear document, along with their current progress, and hand it over to their new supervisor. This will minimize the burden on the new supervisor and ensure that they can successfully obtain their degrees."

"In addition!" Huang Xiaochuan added, "I also have some resources outside the university, such as some research institutions and data companies. If their research requires specific data support or practical opportunities, I can also help to contact and coordinate in my personal capacity. Of course, these will no longer be done in the name of the University of Finance and Economics."

Hong Yongze opened his mouth, wanting to persuade Huang Xiaochuan. He wanted to say, "If you're upright, you have nothing to fear," and "Who does your wealth bother you?" But he swallowed the words back. He knew his junior brother's choice was right.

The fact that an ordinary university professor, so young, possessed such astonishing wealth was itself a major anomaly. Although the investigation cleared his name, it also completely exposed his wealth to the public. From then on, Huang Xiaochuan became a focal point at the university and even in the entire city of Shanghai.

Jealous, curious, and malicious people will swarm in like a tide, and he will no longer be able to stand on the podium without distraction and enjoy the pure tranquility of imparting knowledge and teaching.

Finally, Hong Yongze said regretfully, "It's such a pity you did this!"

"Yes! It's a pity!" Huang Xiaochuan said with a helpless smile.

"But that's all I can do. Otherwise, you'll see, senior! The rumors won't stop just because the investigation is over. Today they're checking my research funding, tomorrow they might be questioning my teaching motives, and the day after that?"

Hong Yongze fell silent, thinking of the teachers and students who had been watching the investigation while whispering to their juniors. A sense of powerlessness washed over him.

"Sigh!" Hong Yongze sighed and asked, "When do you plan to formally propose it?"

Huang Xiaochuan smiled and said, "After I've settled all the students' affairs and finished the final exams, I'll finish up my work. It should be in the next week or two. Then I'll submit my resignation to the school's personnel department as required."

"Alright! Since you've made up your mind, I have nothing more to say to you. What are your plans for the future?" Hong Yongze asked with a bitter expression.

Huang Xiaochuan had already considered this: "Senior brother, teaching and educating people is my ideal, and exploring the laws of wealth and promoting things in a beneficial direction are also my interests and abilities. Perhaps if I change my identity and my stage, I can do more things."

"Remember, I will always be your senior brother. If you need anything in the future, just ask!" With that, Hong Yongze extended his hand to Huang Xiaochuan.

"Definitely!" Huang Xiaochuan smiled and reached out to shake hands with Hong Yongze.