Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

Back in the auditorium, the host announced the judging results.

When it was announced that "Smart Learning AI" only won second prize, a murmur rippled through the audience.

Chen Yi's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, stood up, and bowed to express his gratitude.

During the awards ceremony, Lin Qingyue, as the principal, presented awards to the winning teams.

Yang Fan noticed that in the front row of the audience, a middle-aged man in an expensive suit was staring at the stage with a displeased expression. That was Chen Zhiyuan, one of Lin Qingyue's suitors.

Lin Qingyue had previously mentioned that Chen Zhiyuan had been trying to get closer to her by sponsoring school activities, but he had always politely declined.

After the awards ceremony, the investment intention signing session began.

The host announced: "The projects that have received investment intentions from the 'Spark Incubation Fund' are—First Prize: 'Flying Bird Logistics', and Third Prize: 'Used Electronics Testing'!"

Applause broke out from the audience, but it wasn't very enthusiastic.

Yang Fan went on stage and signed letters of intent for investment with the two teams.

During the signing, he glanced at the audience—Chen Yi's face was ashen, while Chen Zhiyuan wore a meaningful smile.

The ceremony ended, and the crowd began to disperse.

As soon as Yang Fan stepped off the stage, he was stopped by Chen Zhiyuan.

"Mr. Yang, I've heard so much about you." Chen Zhiyuan extended his hand, a smile plastered on his face, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.

"President Chen." Yang Fan shook hands politely.

"Mr. Yang's investment acumen...is quite unique." Chen Zhiyuan's words carried a hidden meaning:

"Such a good project as 'Intelligent Learning AI,' which even won second prize, why didn't Mr. Yang invest in it?"

"Is it because you feel the project isn't good enough, or... is there another reason?"

The voice wasn't loud, but several people around could hear it.

Chen Yi and his team happened to be walking over and stopped when they heard this.

Yang Fan calmly said, "There are standards for investing. If I don't think it's suitable, I won't invest. That's normal."

"Whether someone is suitable or not depends on their abilities." Chen Zhiyuan raised his voice, deliberately making sure more people could hear.

"Mr. Yang is probably young and inexperienced. It's a pity that he can't see the value of such a good project right in front of him."

He turned to Chen Yi: "Chen, your team shouldn't be discouraged."

"If Mr. Yang won't vote, I will!"

"Is one million enough? If not, we can add more!"

The surroundings immediately fell silent.

The students all looked this way, their expressions varied.

Chen Yi's eyes lit up, but he quickly restrained himself and looked at Yang Fan:

"Mr. Yang, may I ask you something? What aspects of our project do not meet your investment criteria? We are willing to make improvements."

That was a clever question, showing both humility and putting Yang Fan in a difficult position.

Yang Fan looked at him and remained silent for a few seconds.

He can't exactly say, "The system has alerted you to a credit issue."

"Your business plan is very well written, and your presentation was excellent," Yang Fan said slowly.

"But there might be a difference between what's written on paper and what's actually done. I need more time to observe."

The words were phrased tactfully, but Chen Yi was clearly not satisfied.

"Mr. Yang, are you implying that we fabricated data?" Chen Yi's tone turned cold.

"I didn't say that." Yang Fan turned around. "Investment is a two-way selection process. I wish you find a more suitable investor."

Just as he was about to leave, Lin Qingyue walked over.

"Yang Fan, President Chen, what are you talking about?" she asked with a smile, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

Chen Zhiyuan immediately interjected, "Qingyue, I was just discussing investment philosophies with President Yang."

"I think it's a real shame that Mr. Yang didn't invest in such a great project as 'Intelligent Learning AI'."

"That's why I said, if Mr. Yang won't invest, I will. We can't let talent go to waste."

Lin Qingyue looked at Yang Fan: "Yang Fan, what are your thoughts?"

"I have my own judgment," Yang Fan said simply.

Chen Zhiyuan laughed: "Qingyue, you see, this is the problem with young investors—too subjective, too stubborn."

"Investment requires looking at data and facts, not just feelings."

He patted Chen Yi on the shoulder: "Xiao Chen, come to my company tomorrow, and we'll talk in detail."

"100 million is just the beginning. If we do well, there will be additional funding later."

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!" Chen Yi bowed quickly, a hint of provocation in his eyes as he looked at Yang Fan.

The students around them began to whisper among themselves.

"Did Yang Fan misjudge the situation this time?"

"Chen Zhiyuan is a big boss. If he approves of it, it can't be wrong."

"Is Yang Fan afraid of making a bad investment and losing face?"

"Maybe it really is a matter of taste..."

Lin Qingyue wanted to say something, but Yang Fan shook his head: "Qingyue, I have something to do, I'll be leaving now."

He turned and left the auditorium, behind him echoing Chen Zhiyuan's hearty laughter and the gratitude of Chen Yi's team.

Stepping out of the auditorium, the afternoon sun was a bit too bright.

Yang Fan got into the car but didn't start it immediately.

He knew that his choice today would draw criticism, but he also knew that some landmines, if not avoided now, would cause even more trouble when they exploded in the future.

The system will not issue a "trust risk" warning without a reason.

Chen Zhiyuan's eagerness to prove himself and Chen Yi's resentment after being rejected foreshadowed future events.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Lin Qingyue.

[Qingyue]: "Are you free tonight? I'd like to talk to you about what happened today."

Yang Fan: "Okay. The usual place?"

[Qingyue]: "Okay. See you at seven."

After putting down his phone, Yang Fan took one last look in the direction of the auditorium.

There, Chen Zhiyuan and Chen Yi were surrounded by a group of students, chatting and laughing.

True value often takes time to manifest.