Chapter 105: Both Gourds Conceal Potions

From the back, there was nothing particularly special about Jiang Xiwen; only the little panda icon flickering on the screen piqued Wang Xunfei’s curiosity. In his memory, he couldn’t identify the software—it was probably just a simple game designed by this kid, or so Wang Xunfei thought.

Qi Huanchang chuckled and said, “Xiwen, Xunfei is here.”

Jiang Xiwen responded with an “Oh,” without getting up, still busy at his computer. He didn’t know Wang Xunfei’s personality well, only that he was very intelligent and competitive. Based on these two points alone, Jiang Xiwen knew that to get Wang Xunfei to join his team, he first had to spark his interest and then earn his admiration.

Wang Xunfei wasn’t dissatisfied with Jiang Xiwen’s indifferent reaction. In his department, there were many programming experts like Jiang Xiwen who, when hitting critical points in their work, would respond similarly regardless of who called them, even the highest leaders. Of course, these were technical talents, and no leader minded this behavior.

Qi Huanchang called out again, “Xiwen, my buddy Wang Xunfei is here…”

“Oh, got it…” Jiang Xiwen waved his hand, rebooted the computer, and soon the screen entered the system. Suddenly, Jiang Xiwen seemed to snap out of his focus, turning his head with a somewhat dazed look: “What? Who? Wang Xunfei…”

Before Qi Huanchang and Wang Xunfei could respond, Jiang Xiwen’s face showed an embarrassed smile. He stepped forward a few paces and said, “Brother Wang, I’m really sorry. I was so busy debugging the program that I didn’t pay attention when Qi called out. I should have known you were coming—welcome, welcome.”

Jiang Xiwen was creating an atmosphere—one that gradually stirred Wang Xunfei’s curiosity. His prior demeanor showed the typical posture of a programming fanatic, indifferent and casual with Qi Huanchang, indicating a close relationship but also conveying who held the upper hand in this soon-to-be-established company.

Sometimes, putting on airs or posturing is necessary; as long as the act is flawless, it can accomplish much. Though Wang Xunfei might become friends with Jiang Xiwen eventually, that wasn’t the case now. Jiang Xiwen’s current goal was to make Wang Xunfei someone who could help him realize his dreams. This had to be done with a bit of strategy.

Jiang Xiwen’s initial “performance” was effective. Wang Xunfei’s curiosity grew bit by bit. Qi Huanchang was impressed by this kid, always doubting him before. Now, from Jiang Xiwen’s tone toward Qi, he could tell Qi had truly become this kid’s friend—or rather, an employee with a friend-like bond, as Wang Xunfei thought.

Moreover, Jiang Xiwen’s portrayal of a workaholic was a tactic of vulnerability—both to earn Wang Xunfei’s respect and to give him the mistaken impression that if Jiang Xiwen’s programming skills were truly strong, he could be nurtured into a member of this new venture alongside teacher Qi Huanchang. It would be like training or an internship under any title. Students at this age—let alone high schoolers, even graduate students in university—work on projects under their mentors’ guidance, not requiring hiring costs and serving as inexpensive labor.

Of course, Wang Xunfei’s expression betrayed none of his thoughts. Qi Huanchang already knew this guy had great business acumen back in school. After two years of social experience, he was more attentive to interpersonal interactions and learned negotiation skills, all of which had subtly become second nature to him.

“Xiwen!” Seeing Jiang Xiwen’s shy smile, Wang Xunfei warmly patted his shoulder. “Qi always mentions you when we talk. Finally meeting you, no need to be formal. When I write code, I’m just like you—any interruption is really annoying.”

Wang Xunfei’s stance reassured Jiang Xiwen that his little ruse had worked. Though not yet successful, Wang Xunfei already showed the qualities of a shrewd businessman. Jiang Xiwen was determined to make good use of him, to turn him into a capable partner and assistant.

Jiang Xiwen nodded and said, “Brother Xunfei knows me well. Then I won’t be formal. I still need to debug this little program, so Qi can keep you company for now.”

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“No, no, I had a stomach upset on the train yesterday and still don’t feel well. You just focus on your work; don’t worry about me. I’ll rest here first.” Wang Xunfei glanced into the inner room and asked, “Fatty, is there a bed inside?”

“Of course, I live here usually. Didn’t I just tell you?” Qi Huanchang nodded repeatedly.

Jiang Xiwen chimed in, “Brother Xunfei, really sorry.” Then he turned to Qi Huanchang and asked, “Fatty, why didn’t you get Brother Xunfei a hotel room?”

Before Qi could answer, Wang Xunfei replied quickly, “No worries. If you ask Fatty, you’ll know—back in college, he snored so loud, I could fall asleep first thing alone. Alright, enough talk; I’m sleepy. Xiwen, you keep busy. Fatty, no need to fuss over me. If my stomach feels better tonight, I’ll definitely give you a hard time.”

“Stop babbling and get some sleep. Need me to cover you with a blanket?”

“Much obliged, Aunt Qi!” Wang Xunfei joked, then entered the inner room. Before Qi Huanchang could start teasing him like before, he slipped under the covers and, true to his word, fell asleep immediately.

Jiang Xiwen smiled. At least this showed another trait of Wang Xunfei—endurance, a quality every entrepreneur must have. Sitting back at his computer, Jiang Xiwen resumed tweaking the program, the fruit of his week’s work. He didn’t understand QQ’s core programming but relied on his own ideas to create a local network communication software similar to QQ, with only a simple core based on the operating system.

He hadn’t told Qi Huanchang the full purpose, only asking if he wanted Wang Xunfei to join. Qi wanted that but doubted Wang Xunfei’s personality would allow it.

Jiang Xiwen only smiled and told Qi to hold back any questions about his week’s work or encounters with Wang Xunfei, just wait for the results. He worried that Qi’s close friendship with Wang might cause him to treat Wang carelessly.

Qi Huanchang didn’t disturb Jiang Xiwen and returned to his own computer, watching “Legend of Mist,” a stockpile Jiang Xiwen had prepared to last him a week. After Wang Xunfei arrived, he was free to watch, and if he could bring Wang along, that would be even better.

Wang Xunfei slept until four in the afternoon, waking famished. When he came out, he heard continuous beeping from the speakers of Jiang Xiwen and Qi Huanchang’s computers. He hurried over to find both screens displaying chat windows. Qi was chatting with Jiang Xiwen through the computer.

An internal mail system? Wang Xunfei wondered. Jiang Xiwen had been debugging the internal mail system? This meant his programming skills were truly formidable. Such a system would usually require a whole team and take six months to a year.

Qi Huanchang never told Wang Xunfei about Jiang Xiwen’s successful completion of a 1.6 million-yuan commercial software—the internal network’s computer room management system. He only mentioned that this kid had worked with him on cash register software that successfully converted funds. If Wang knew about the computer room system, he wouldn’t be so amazed at this mail system.

Qi Huanchang was chatting happily with Jiang Xiwen, fascinated by the little blinking panda icon they chatted through. Jiang Xiwen had just finished it and invited Qi to try it. When Wang Xunfei approached, Jiang Xiwen turned around with a smile: “Xunfei, this thing’s really interesting. You can chat on it; I wrote it.”

“Not bad!” Wang Xunfei nodded, smiling. “Xiwen, you’re really skilled, writing an internal mail system. No wonder Fatty praises you so much. I’m going to pull Fatty into a startup someday. Why don’t you come along and train with us? Of course, you have to keep up with your studies…”

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“See, didn’t pull him in, but got pulled instead.” Qi Huanchang glanced at Jiang Xiwen with a smile but said nothing. Of course, he knew Jiang Xiwen wouldn’t go to Wang Xunfei. His smile was to tell Jiang Xiwen, “I told you so; my buddy is pretty sharp.”

“Brother Xunfei, this isn’t a mail system; it’s an instant messaging software, like a networked pager,” Jiang Xiwen said casually. “I’m starving. Let’s grab a meal together. Brother Xunfei hasn’t tried Yangjiang’s river delicacies yet.”

A network pager?! Wang Xunfei’s heart skipped a beat. This was an idea he had when working in Shenzhen, one he’d never shared. He believed that with the coming internet age, he wanted to be the first to launch such a device. Though uncertain of its prospects, he was convinced it would grow.

“Nice. What’s it made with…”

Reading Wang’s expression, Jiang Xiwen interrupted as soon as he started speaking. “Let’s go, Fatty. Brother Xunfei’s sure to love it.” Saying this, he headed for the door. “Whoever’s last out, lock up. Thinking about those river delicacies makes me hungry.”

“Fatty, what language and algorithms did he use?” Wang Xunfei wanted to ask Jiang Xiwen but saw him leave and instead asked Qi.

Qi Huanchang shook his head. “I don’t know either. Xiwen’s been busy on this software all week. Just finished debugging it and had me chat with him to test it. He said if this goes online someday, guys and girls won’t have to meet face-to-face to fall in love. Text input is easier for people to open up than voice calls. This kid’s brain isn’t ordinary.”

Guys and girls falling in love without meeting, just relying on this, typing words… Wang Xunfei murmured thoughtfully. The idea was bold, avant-garde, and cool. Why hadn’t he thought of it? Maybe his mind was too rigid. This software definitely had potential. He walked to the computer to look, but suddenly heard Jiang Xiwen’s voice at the door: “Hey, you coming or not, brothers? I’m starving. Fatty, don’t forget to shut down the computer. I’m counting on this software to make us big money—can’t let it leak.”

Hearing this, Wang Xunfei flushed. He quickly adjusted his mindset. This kid was no simpleton. Was that last remark aimed at him? Why did Jiang Xiwen cut him off when he asked about the software? Now it seemed deliberate.

Qi Huanchang wanted to say something but sensed Jiang Xiwen was deliberately guarding against Wang Xunfei. Remembering Jiang Xiwen’s earlier request, he switched back to the meal topic: “Xunfei, let’s go. I’ll make sure you eat well.” Saying this, he shut down the computers and left the office with Wang Xunfei.

On the way, Jiang Xiwen enthusiastically described Yangjiang’s scenery and cuisine. Wang Xunfei tried a few times to bring up the software, but Jiang Xiwen always changed the subject.

In the end, Wang Xunfei gave up asking. “It’s just a network pager, right? I don’t believe a kid this young could make it but I couldn’t. No, Wang Xunfei, you’re being impulsive again. Not only must you develop it yourself, but you have to recruit this kid into the company. He’ll be a great talent someday; you can’t let him become a competitor.”

Thinking this, Wang Xunfei followed Jiang Xiwen’s lead and chatted freely. Qi Huanchang almost couldn’t help but scold Jiang Xiwen. As Wang’s good buddy and Jiang’s close friend, seeing Jiang Xiwen always cut off Wang’s questions was uncomfortable. Luckily, Wang stopped asking, seeming to finally sync with Jiang.

What exactly were these two scheming about? Qi Huanchang was left scratching his head in bafflement.