It wasn't long before the banquet officially began.

The violin and string music faded, and the grand hall fell silent. Everyone stopped their conversations, turning their heads to look at the long staircase in the center of the hall.

Chu Shanhe appeared, smiling as he descended the stairs, raising his wine glass and surveying the room. "Welcome, everyone! To have so many scientific luminaries and business elites gathered here tonight truly makes this humble abode shine! Hahahahahahaha…"

A thunderous applause erupted in the hall.

Linden had only seen Chu Shanhe's back earlier, which was impressively broad. Now, he finally had the chance to see Chu Shanhe's face.

His gaze was sharp, and his square face was etched with chiseled, dignified features. This kind of face, back in his youth, would undoubtedly have been considered classically handsome. Even though Chu Shanhe was well over fifty, he still exuded a vigorous vitality. Though a smile played on his lips, an aura of authority, even without anger, compelled people to hold their breath.

As the applause died down, Chu Shanhe slowly descended the rest of the stairs, arriving in the center of the hall. His voice was booming, his presence commanding:

"For many years, I have firmly believed that science and technology are the primary productive forces! The life we enjoy today, and the prosperity and strength of our nation, are all inseparable from the advancement of technology! Inseparable from the hard work and tireless efforts of our scientific researchers!"

"I believe that the development of any industry is supported by technology. The unsung heroes, the scientists who tirelessly research day and night, are the ones we should respect and admire the most!"

"Someone as lacking in talent as myself... I merely benefited from the opportunities of my era, fortunate enough to establish myself in Shanghai. When it comes to contributions to society and the nation, I can't even compare to a fraction of what our scientific researchers achieve!"

"This is also the purpose of tonight's scientific fundraising banquet! I hope that all you young business talents will pay more attention to the development of scientific research! Let's all contribute our part to the soaring progress of our nation's scientific endeavors!"

"I won't say any more—"

Chu Shanhe put down his wine glass and raised his right index finger high. "Shanhe Group! Donating 100 million to the Shanghai Science Development Fund!"

The entire hall erupted in gasps.

Right off the bat, 100 million. Chairman Chu Shanhe was incredibly generous!

After a moment of stunned silence, an unprecedented wave of enthusiastic applause broke out, filled with praises from all sides.

However, it wasn't over yet.

Once the applause subsided, Chu Shanhe picked up the microphone again, smiling. "That was on behalf of the group, and it doesn't fully express my personal admiration for scientific researchers."

"Now, in my personal capacity! I will donate another 100 million!"

The entire hall exploded!

200 million!

Chu Shanhe kicked off the event with 200 million!

He instantly pushed the atmosphere to a climax!

The young entrepreneurs below... all of them were excitedly applauding, their eyes filled with admiration. It was clear that Chu Shanhe's status and prestige in Shanghai were top-tier, earning him genuine respect and heartfelt admiration.

...

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

The applause was ceaseless.

It was then that Linden noticed Professor Xu Yun, who had seemed so aloof and unapproachable earlier, was now also applauding excitedly, her eyes full of reverence. This rather surprised Linden.

"Professor Xu Yun seems to really admire Chu Shanhe," Linden whispered.

Zhao Yingjun smiled and shook her head. "What man doesn't want to be Chu Shanhe? But Professor Xu has another reason for showing Chu Shanhe so much respect. What Chu Shanhe said just now wasn't just empty words; he's always been a strong supporter of China's scientific research over the years."

"Investing in research institutes, establishing scholarships, funding impoverished students, investing in niche research projects, assisting overseas Chinese scientists in returning... he's genuinely done a lot of practical things for China's scientific cause. That's why he's so highly regarded and respected in scientific circles; many academicians have publicly praised him."

"For all these years, Professor Xu's research hasn't made significant breakthroughs... who do you think has been funding him?"

So that was it.

Linden understood now. He had felt earlier that Professor Xu Yun seemed out of place at such a banquet. It turned out she was there out of respect for Chu Shanhe, which explained why she had come to an event so completely out of character for her.

However... based on what Zhao Yingjun had just said, Chu Shanhe's actions truly made him a great benefactor. He certainly deserved respect.

Subsequently, it was the turn of various entrepreneurs to make their donations. The smallest donations were in the millions. Zhao Yingjun donated ten million. It was evident that those invited to this event were not ordinary entrepreneurs. Chu Shanhe's circle was truly not one that just anyone could enter; being rich and influential was merely the basic admission ticket. So far, Zhao Yingjun hadn't even managed to exchange a word with Chu Shanhe.

After the donation segment, it was time for the traditional ballroom dancing. Various high-end desserts and food were placed on tables around the perimeter of the hall, with the center cleared for dancing. The symphony orchestra on the second floor began to play, filling the entire hall with classical and elegant string music.

Chu Shanhe had left at some point, and Professor Xu Yun had departed as soon as the dancing began. Now, most of the guests were dancing in the center of the ballroom, performing tangos with their partners. A few sat at the surrounding tables, enjoying the food and chatting.

Zhao Yingjun sat at a dining table, elegantly enjoying a dessert and sipping red wine. Linden stood behind her. He noticed that many people wanted to invite Zhao Yingjun to dance—both young and old. But after seeing Linden, they all had an "aha" expression, then offered a slight smile and turned away.

"...Should I stand further away?" Linden asked, bending down.

Zhao Yingjun dabbed her lips with a napkin, her eyes closed. "If you stand further away, what's the point of me bringing you?"

"Sit down and have something to eat."

...

The rest of the time was quite boring. Zhao Yingjun sat there, eyes closed, deep in thought. Linden guessed she was pondering how to persuade Professor Xu Yun. She had donated ten million today, likely to gain Professor Xu's favor. But Linden felt her money was probably wasted... Professor Xu Yun was so stubborn and unyielding; she wasn't someone easily convinced. Perhaps Chu Shanhe's involvement could help, as he was Professor Xu's benefactor. But Chu Shanhe was a man of such stature; he certainly wouldn't intercede for Zhao Yingjun, as the two were clearly not on the same level.

"No chance," Linden thought, dismissing the matter. He couldn't help. In front of these big shots and magnates, he was just an insignificant nobody.

In his dreams, he was the lawless demon king of that city. But in Shanghai, he couldn't cause any ripples, or even attract any attention. He might as well go back to his dreams and do something productive.