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It must be said that Qiao Yu's attitude created a very good environment for this meeting. At least it made John and his son feel less restrained.

This kind of atmosphere is actually quite rare.

When most ordinary people face celebrities whose achievements far surpass those of ordinary people, they will unconsciously exhibit some negative states, such as tension, anxiety, and restraint.

Even in this situation, excitement can be considered a negative state.

This is because it would limit ordinary people's communication when meeting celebrities, such as causing them to misunderstand each other and hindering the exchange.

Even more frightening is that it might affect memory. After the meeting, you might only remember being excited at the time, completely forgetting what you talked about.

This is very bad...

To influence people's hearts, you must first make sure they remember what was said. Therefore, a pleasant atmosphere for communication is very important.

By the time Zheng Xiwen had made a steaming cup of coffee with his newly purchased coffee machine, the atmosphere in the office was exceptionally harmonious.

"Because this lottery event organized by Huaxia Guojian is in cooperation with our lunar landing project, after the lucky winners were selected, your company sent me a copy of your information."

I admire your transformation. It's truly inspiring. We actually have a lot in common. For example, my grandfather always told me to walk the right path and earn wealth through hard work.

Qiao Yu said very sincerely.

Richard John nodded in strong agreement.

Qiao Yu's words made him feel very proud, not because Qiao Yu had specifically looked at his information, but because he had indeed made his family live a good life with his own hands.

This is the highest praise a man can receive.

“Thank you for your compliment, Professor Qiao Yu,” Richard John said gratefully, glancing at Thomas, whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

"But I also saw that you weren't doing well in the past. You even went five whole years without a job. Was it because you didn't work hard enough?"

Qiao Yu changed the subject and asked seriously.

Then Qiao Yu explained, seemingly embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend anyone. It's just that my grandfather's generation truly cared about the world; they genuinely hoped that people all over the world could live a good life."

Just like the slogan we wrote in the heart of Beijing: "Long live the people of the world!" I hope to fulfill my grandfather's last wish, so I really want to find out where the problem lies.

After all, there are still many people in your country living the kind of life you once did, so I'm very interested in understanding the real reason. If I've offended anyone, you don't have to answer.

Zheng Xiwen, sitting upright next to Qiao Yu, suppressed any unusual expression.

He genuinely admired Qiao Yu for being able to utter such nonsense without batting an eye.

Based on his understanding of Qiao Yu, this guy didn't care about the life or death of anyone else except for a very limited number of people around him who had special significance to him.

If he truly had the well-being of the people, Zheng Xiwen didn't know whether it would be a blessing for the world or a misfortune for the people of the world.

As people get older, they come to understand a certain truth: the greater a person's abilities, the greater the contributions they can make, but also the greater the damage they can cause.

But what's truly terrifying is that, clinging to beliefs that they consider noble and righteous, they plunge countless people into turmoil and displacement.

Richard, unaware of these things, simply replied, slightly agitated, "No, I don't find it offensive. But what I'm trying to say is that I've never failed to try!"

In fact, I've been trying my best. But you probably can't understand the helplessness I feel. Many people share this helplessness because I simply can't find a suitable job.

Even working fifteen hours a day wasn't enough to support my family. Can you imagine the despair I felt? Really, that was me back then…”

Richard began to recount his past hardships at length. He instinctively felt that he couldn't let this young man underestimate him.

Qiao Yu sat patiently beside him. Several times Thomas felt that his father was being too long-winded and wanted to tell Richard to stop talking so much nonsense, but Qiao Yu stopped him with a look each time.

But this didn't make Thomas angry or offended; instead, he admired Qiao Yu even more.

After all, Qiao Yu was listening attentively to his father's words.

Richard talked on and on for more than ten minutes before realizing he might have gotten too excited. He then said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I got too excited. Your time is precious, and you certainly don't want to listen to my rambling."

Qiao Yu shook his head seriously and said, "No, Mr. John! You shouldn't apologize to me! In fact, after hearing your experience, I think you shouldn't apologize to anyone!"

Do you understand? When someone wants to work hard but lacks direction, and despite diligent work, can't even guarantee a basic living, it's not their fault, but the fault of the world, or rather, the fault of society! Do you understand what I'm saying?

Richard John nodded immediately. He made the sentence a deep mental imprint.

He agrees with this statement and even has similar thoughts, but he cannot summarize it as accurately as he would like to hear it.

After writing it down, she cautiously said, "I think so too! It's all the fault of those politicians for not doing their job! Our society was abnormal before, or rather, we didn't enjoy justice!"

Qiao Yu shook her head slightly and said, "No, Richard, your understanding is too one-sided. Or rather, your understanding of justice is too one-sided!"

It's wrong to completely shift the blame to those so-called politicians. First, I want to ask you, is the justice you're talking about your personal justice, or the structural justice of a society?

Richard looked at Qiao Yu blankly and asked, "Is there any difference between the two?"

Qiao Yu smiled and replied, "Of course, there are differences, and significant differences. For example, according to your thinking, you already have the former."

Now you have a relatively fair environment. As long as you work hard, you can feed and clothe your family, send your children to school, and even get two vacations a year.

In a sense, your life is already fulfilling. But without the support of structural justice in society, justice for the individual is merely a tree without roots. For example, you are very satisfied with your life now, but all of this is based on the premise that you are an employee of Huaxia Enterprise.

But no matter how many projects there are, they will eventually be completed. When the Chinese companies leave your country, your life will return to what it was before.

Of course, it's more likely that you'll live the good life you have now for the rest of your life. But what about your children? And what about people in other states who are facing the same difficulties you once did?

Only structural justice in society can guarantee the interests of the vast majority of ordinary people like you. But if you place your hopes on those politicians…

At this point, Qiao Yu paused for a moment before sincerely saying, "Then you are too naive! Forgive my bluntness, but there is never justice bestowed from heaven in this world; justice is only earned through one's own efforts."

Or, to put it another way, the justice that those who awaken first fight for for those still asleep can awaken more people in the same situation as you, and only by uniting as many forces as possible can we change all of this.

One Richard's power is insignificant, but the power of thousands upon thousands of Richards is unstoppable!

After Qiao Yu finished speaking, the room fell completely silent.

Richard looked at Qiao Yu with a slightly bewildered expression. Although he felt that his current thinking was very advanced, he was certainly not that advanced.

Just then, Thomas, who seemed to understand only a little, suddenly spoke up: "I think Professor Qiao Yu is right."

By uniting more people, we can gain greater strength. It's like a general election held every four years.

Whether you turn on the TV or walk down the street, there are advertisements everywhere, all aimed at winning more votes.

Richard turned and glared at Thomas.

However, Qiao Yu nodded approvingly and looked at Thomas, saying, "Your understanding is correct, Thomas. But it's not comprehensive, because your election is essentially the same thing in a different guise."

Regardless of who wins, it doesn't really change anything for ordinary people. How many times have you taken turns winning? Without external intervention, has anyone made your lives better?

Qiao Yu's question made Thomas start to think. This made Qiao Yu like the young man even more.

After all, only those who are good at thinking can truly change the world.

Richard said with a wry smile, "Professor Joe, you must be joking. I'm just an ordinary welder. Although I agree with what you said, I can't possibly achieve the structural justice you're talking about."

"No, no, no, Richard, there's an old Chinese saying: 'Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?' In English, it means, 'Are kings and officials born that way?'"
This phrase was uttered by ordinary farmers in China over two thousand years ago. What era are we living in now? Do you still believe in the divine right of kings?
To put it bluntly, if we go back three hundred years, the ancestors of those people in the white house now and your ancestors were no more noble than each other!

So why are there different classes now? Let me tell you, it's because of education and social distribution! Education is used to achieve class segregation, so that the children of ordinary people can only ever eat the leftovers.

Given the current allocation system at Xida University, even if one or two geniuses emerge from among ordinary people, their best future is to serve those who control massive resources.

The path for welders like you has been completely blocked! Why are they able to develop finance with impunity and move manufacturing elsewhere, sacrificing the interests of ordinary people like you in exchange for their global interests?
It's because under the current education system, the vast majority of ordinary people have been brainwashed. They know they're not doing well, but they can't understand why they have to suffer like this. They think they have freedom, yet they can't even step out of the neighborhood they frequent!

This is the reason I came to after listening to your account of your past life, combined with my limited understanding of Xida University. So it has nothing to do with what you do now. Whether you're a welder or just a cleaner, so what?
The key is whether you've realized this situation is wrong and whether you're willing to stand up and raise your voice to awaken more people who have experienced the same thing as you! I think the meaning of life isn't about accomplishing something, but about whether you're willing to fight to correct those mistakes!
Many things in this world are interconnected. Take mathematical research, for example. If I had hesitated and stammered when faced with difficulties, I don't think I would have achieved what I have today. Throughout history, only those who dare to face challenges head-on have made their lives more meaningful!

After Qiao Yu finished speaking, she looked at Richard, whose face was complicated, smiled, and then sincerely added, "Haha, Richard, don't overthink it. I was just expressing my feelings after hearing about your past life."

The power to choose your own path in life always rests with you. What you want to do, or what you don't want to do, is entirely your freedom, and we will respect that.

After saying that, Qiao Yu ignored Richard and started chatting with Thomas next to her.

The conversation with Thomas became much more relaxed. Qiao Yu was best at dealing with middle school students.

Back when he was in elementary school, he had a group of classmates completely under his thumb.

Not only does he make money off them, but he's also extremely popular, with everyone vying to treat him to food!
He practically made money off kids' pocket money while standing still. When he was in junior high, even high school students would call him "Big Brother." He never gave up this skill.

Not to mention that Thomas in front of him was a big fan of his. The atmosphere was even better when they started chatting.

Show concern for the students' studies, learn about the school's situation, and see if the teachers are dedicated and responsible.

Qiao Yu even patiently explained a few math problems to Thomas.

Of course, when Qiao Yu personally explained, he didn't dwell on the solutions to a few individual questions, but instead went on to elaborate on a whole set of methods for solving similar problems.

He needed to give Richard more time to think. And there was a deeper meaning behind specifically bringing Richard and his favorite eldest son along for the meeting.

Middle-aged men, especially fathers, can also have their deep-seated competitive spirit ignited in front of their sons.

Of course, Qiao Yu didn't actually have any bad intentions. It was like building a skyscraper with building blocks.

The moment a man gently pushes the next block with his finger and the entire building collapses, he always gets a strange sense of satisfaction.

Now there is a huge and corrupt empire standing there. Who wouldn't want to try to push up the bottom block if they had the ability?

What if it really collapses suddenly?

That scene must have been spectacular; it's a once-in-a-century event.

And even if it fails, Qiao Yu won't suffer any loss, right?

Qiao Yu especially liked the unpredictable look in Richard's eyes when he looked at Thomas.

It's not Richard's fault, really. It's a common problem for men—they can't honestly admit they're not good enough in front of the woman they like and their own children.

Qiao Yu felt that if he was like this, others couldn't be immune. (End of Chapter)