“Let me introduce everyone. First—” the school’s chief secretary began, “first, on the right is Mr. Peter Chris, in the middle is Mr. Cha Inhyun, and next to him is Duke Dean Huo Vulcan.” Ye Ye’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes flickered with surprise as she stared at her computer. So, he was a duke; no wonder he had that regal aura and an air of nobility… “We are delighted that the three board members have come in person. Regarding the expansion funding, the school representative will now give a brief overview of the proposed projects.” The principal started his speech. Trembling slightly, even with beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he was genuinely surprised that Duke Foken, who hadn’t personally visited the school since its founding, would choose to attend this event in person. The spokesperson for the school stood up, bowed, and approached the podium in front of the large screen to begin his presentation… Moments later, after the speech concluded, the three major school directors below the stage started looking at the financial reports on their laptop screens. The school staff were too nervous to speak, and for a moment, the vast conference room was very quiet… “I want to know, if we agree to the additional investment, how much additional benefit will it bring us in the future?” The middle-aged man in the center, Che In-hyun, the Korean, was the first to break the silence. The school’s accountant didn’t understand Korean, so he signaled to Ye Ye and Shirley to translate. Shirley began simultaneous translation: “Mr. Che, the school’s accounting team has meticulously calculated that the benefits after the additional investment will increase by about 10% from the current level. It is expected to break even within five years!” “Our investment is 150 million euros, and if it takes five years to break even, it’s a bit too slow…” Peter Chris said in English. “Education is inherently a long-term endeavor, unlike other industrial investments that yield immediate results, but it is more stable, especially in today’s global economic downturn. Prudent, positive investments are safer than high-risk ones,” the principal said calmly. “In the future, our elite academy will focus on providing top-tier, international educational concepts, accepting only talents recommended by various countries and some geniuses for targeted cultivation and education. It’s not just an ordinary aristocratic school… Therefore, this selling point will definitely bring excellent benefits and international feedback!” [From Paris to Rome: Forty-Two, Dean’s Identity 2] After speaking, the school staff played a presentation on the screen, showcasing various educational concepts, designs of the academy, and classroom configurations. Shirley and Ye Ye took turns, diligently providing English commentary. Che In-hyun and Peter exchanged glances and opinions, then Peter said in English to the school representatives, “Please give us 15 minutes alone, leave the translators. We need to discuss among ourselves!” The school staff then filed out to the side lounge. Che In-hyun and Peter then turned their attention to Dean on the far left. Che In-hyun whispered something in Dean’s ear, and Dean raised his eyebrows in confusion since he didn’t understand Korean. Realizing this, Che In-hyun signaled to Ye Ye, who reluctantly stepped between Dean and Che In-hyun to translate. “He said, in terms of business investment, he and Mr. Peter fully trust the Duke’s vision and decisions, so they will follow your opinion as always regarding this additional investment.” Ye Ye whispered reluctantly beside Dean. Looking at Ye Ye’s awkward little face, Dean slightly curled his lips, signaling Ye Ye to lean closer. Ye Ye could only stiffen his body and lean in, feeling Dean’s warm breath tickle his ear, trying hard to suppress the tingling sensation and clenching his fists to control his heartbeat… Ye Ye straightened up and said in Korean to Che In-hyun: “The Duke says that there is no problem with the additional investment in principle, but the budget proposed by the school still needs Mr. Che’s verification and reduction, as you are the head of an internationally renowned appraisal firm! You are the absolute authority in this area, so please try to keep the cost no higher than 120 million euros. The return rate should be at least 15% higher than the previous year’s profits.” Che In-hyun immediately responded with a smile, and Ye Ye, like a conduit, relayed: “The Duke, Mr. Che says he agrees with your thoughts, the investment should not exceed 120 million euros. The profit must be about 15% higher. If there’s no issue, let’s call the school representatives back to continue the discussion.” After another round of negotiation, they finally agreed on an investment of 110 million euros, with a return rate of 13% within a period not exceeding five years, and signed the intent agreement on the spot. The school leaders shook hands with the three directors in satisfaction, exchanged pleasantries, and invited them to a cocktail party hosted by the school that evening… Once Dean and his group left, Ye Ye finally let out a sigh of relief and sat back down. That guy hadn’t even looked at him once the whole time! Ye Ye was a bit angry; it was Dean who had said harsh words to hurt him, and now it was Dean who was ignoring him, so she should be the one truly angry. Why was she being dragged into this? Just as Ye Ye was fuming, his phone rang. Hearing the tune of “Night Night Night Night,” he knew it was Long Yu, so he picked up: “Yu–” Shirley, smiling, indicated she had something to attend to and left first, to which Ye Ye waved goodbye. “Ye Ye, don’t forget to come to Uncle Xiong’s for dinner tonight,” Long Yu said softly from the other end. “I’ll be right there, wait for me at Ao Hua Building.” Ye Ye glanced at his watch, realizing they had talked the whole afternoon. “Drive safely, no speeding!” “Got it.” Ye Ye hung up, then told Du Miao Miao and the others to do their own thing and not to worry about him. Stepping out of the conference room, he saw Shirley and the principal smiling outside the building. Seeing Ye Ye, the principal quickly said, “Student Ye Ye, you and Shirley did well today; I’ll make a note of it in your exchange student report.” “Thank you, Principal.” Ye Ye said happily. “Also, at 9 PM tonight, the school has invited the three major directors and several minor shareholders to a cocktail party at the ‘Imperial Hotel.’ You and Shirley should come too. There will be guests from various countries, and you can help with translation.” “Uh… I have a dinner appointment tonight…” Ye Ye said awkwardly, thinking of Long Yu waiting for him. “Oh, what should we do then? Just now, shareholders Peter and Che In-hyun specifically requested that you and Shirley must be there!” the principal said with a hint of disappointment. “Actually, Ye Ye, you could have dinner until 9 PM, and I’ll go first, then you can come a bit later, it’ll be fine,” Shirley suggested. “Right, Ye Ye, just as Shirley said, being late is better than not showing up at all, and this way, I can give the directors an explanation!” the principal said with joy. “Well… okay… I’ll try my best to come!” Ye Ye hesitated and said, “I kind of want to see Dean, but given his attitude and status, I’m also a bit reluctant…” “Don’t say ‘try your best,’ you must come, I can’t handle it alone!” Sherry patted Ye Ye’s shoulder playfully. “Oh, alright!” Ye Ye reluctantly agreed. So, feeling a bit troubled, Ye Ye fetched her car, changed into a new outfit at home, grabbed an evening dress, and hurried off to Aohua Building.
[From Paris to Rome: Chapter 43, Dean’s Identity]
