“Thank you for what happened earlier!”
After Wang Wenjie left, Qin Lang spoke sincerely to Xiao Ruolin.
Qin Lang knew all too well that rich second-generation heirs were an extremely dangerous breed for someone like him, coming from a poor family—especially when they harbored ill intentions.
“You’re making me lose face here!”
Xiao Ruolin gave a bitter laugh. “You’re my friend. How could I let someone bully you right in front of me?”
Friend?
Qin Lang knew this was just her way of being friendly, but he still felt a little pleased. Being called a friend by such a beautiful woman—it couldn’t be a bad thing, right?
“By the way, what exactly is the grudge between you and Wang Wenjie?”
Xiao Ruolin hesitated before saying, “If there’s some misunderstanding, I could help mediate. After all, he’s also from Yun Jing University, and I’m worried…”
Qin Lang understood her concern.
But he was just as confused.
What “stealing his woman”? He had no idea what that was about. Yet, judging by Wang Wenjie’s reaction, it didn’t seem like a simple misunderstanding.
What on earth had happened behind the scenes?
Qin Lang shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it.
“Don’t worry. It’s just a misunderstanding. I don’t even know what’s going on. Once he sobers up, he’ll probably come to his senses.”
Xiao Ruolin nodded. “Alright, I’ll go back and give them a warning, so they don’t get too full of themselves.”
“Seems like Miss Xiao’s family background isn’t simple either,” Qin Lang mused.
A group of rich heirs had cowered in front of Xiao Ruolin like mice seeing a cat.
“It’s just the privilege of my predecessors’ hard work. Nothing special. Honestly, I admire people like you more,” Xiao Ruolin said earnestly.
Qin Lang’s face flushed slightly.
This was the first time such a beautiful woman had praised him, and he actually felt a little embarrassed!
“Qin Lang, let’s cut to the chase. There’s no need for roundabout talk. Do you know just how valuable your antivirus software is?”
Qin Lang nodded confidently. “My professor said it’s worth at least a million!”
I know what’s what—you can’t fool me!
But Xiao Ruolin’s expression turned strange.
“Professor Zhao said… your software is worth a million?”
Seeing her reaction, Qin Lang hesitated. Did my professor overestimate it?
Xiao Ruolin sighed helplessly. “It seems Professor Zhao has been in academia for too long. He’s devoted to teaching and isn’t fully aware of the current market.”
Qin Lang’s heart sank—he had a bad feeling about this.
“Qin Lang, do you know? Thirty years ago, when computers weren’t even widespread, a student made antivirus software using free lab resources and sold 10,000 copies in three months, earning a million just from royalties!”
“And now, the internet is everywhere. Cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Even at the lowest estimate, your software is worth eight figures!”
“If anyone offers less than that, they’re insulting every cybersecurity professional out there.”
Eight figures?!
Qin Lang’s mind went blank.
Back when Professor Zhao mentioned seven figures, he’d been ecstatic. But now, it turned out the professor had underestimated it!
Eight figures meant tens of millions—at least 10 million!
Even if he earned 20,000 a month after graduation, it would take him 50 years to save up that much!
“I… need a moment.” Qin Lang gulped and took a big swig of water.
Xiao Ruolin didn’t laugh at his reaction.
She understood—for an ordinary person, hearing this news and not screaming in excitement was already remarkable self-control.
“So… how much does Miss Xiao plan to offer for my software?” Qin Lang took a deep breath and asked solemnly.
Xiao Ruolin shook her head.
“Actually… I don’t know either.”
Qin Lang was puzzled.
Xiao Ruolin explained, “Your antivirus software contains technology that surpasses current standards. If you sell it to me along with the patent rights, I’d need my tech team to evaluate it first. But that cost… might be astronomical. Feixing Networks might not be able to afford it.”
Qin Lang nodded slowly.
He understood.
The patented technology was the most valuable part of the software. With a monopoly on the tech, the profits would be endless.
Why did so many domestic industries end up working for foreign companies?
Because the core technology was in their hands!
Some foreign firms earned billions in patent royalties every year without lifting a finger.
“If you grant us exclusive rights to the patent, I can offer you 30 million, plus 20% of the software’s profits.”
“And I’d only need three years of exclusivity. After that, you could sell the patent to other cybersecurity firms and keep earning.”
Qin Lang fell silent. His brain couldn’t keep up.
Professor Zhao’s seven-figure estimate had already seemed like the peak.
But now… this software was worth so much more!
The few thousand Qin Yunxuan had spent was nothing—this was a ten-thousand-fold return!
Though, thinking about it, while Qin Yunxuan had made him millions with a flip of her hand, he’d only written her three or four songs in return. The gap was huge.
Xiao Ruolin continued, “Honestly, the patented tech is the real goldmine. To put it bluntly, you’ve already achieved financial freedom.”
Qin Lang smiled suddenly. “Why are you telling me all this? Aren’t you afraid I’ll refuse to sell it to you?”
Xiao Ruolin shook her head. “Because in my eyes, you’re worth more than the software. I could deceive you once, but you’re smart. I want a long-term partnership.”
She knew the difference between one fish and an entire pond.
“This woman is sharp,” Qin Lang thought.
But… he’d leave the negotiations to the two women.
The meal was pleasant. Qin Lang learned a lot about the industry from Xiao Ruolin, while she, in turn, secured his goodwill—or so she believed.
When Qin Lang returned to his dorm, his three roommates were huddled around a computer, engrossed in something.
“What are you guys watching?” Qin Lang asked curiously.
Whoosh—
All three turned to stare at him.
“Holy crap, Qin Lang! You dare show your face at school now? You got a death wish?”
“Don’t you know people are chanting ‘Eliminate Qin Lang, purge the scumbag’ on campus?”
“Spill it—who’s the hottie in the sports car?”
Qin Lang: “???”
