Chapter 408 I Have
I'd always been under Brad's wing. My social circle was tiny, and I had no clue who'd be right for that project, who I could trust, or who'd stick with me through thick and thin.
Finding a partner was a real headache.
I got to the small plaza and plopped down on a bench, feeling all kinds of troubled. No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't come up with anything, which made me miss Brad even more. If only Brad were here; he'd definitely give me the best advice and help.
I thought Brad might be my lifelong support, the kind that no one else could replace.
As I was lost in thought, I let out a soft sigh.
“What's got you sighing all alone?” A teasing voice suddenly came from behind me, making me jump.
The voice sounded kinda familiar, but I couldn't place it right away.
I turned around and saw it was senior Elliot Sullivan. He was the guy who'd passed a message to me in Professor Evans' office last time. He specialized in graphic design and was a bit of a legend at school.
I stood up, smiled, and greeted him politely.
His talent made me admire him. I'd always respected people with real skills.
Elliot walked up, stopped a couple of steps in front of me, bent slightly, and asked with a smile what was bothering me so much.
Elliot was really tall, almost as tall as Brad, but a bit thinner, not as strong as Brad. Whether it was due to illness or some other reason, he had the look of someone from a wealthy family who had never known hardship.
“Are you feeling unwell?” I thought to myself and blurted out.
I felt embarrassed right after saying it. 'Who asks someone if they're sick right after meeting them?' I thought.
Luckily, Elliot was easygoing. He touched his face and smiled, “No, I was just born pale. I'm very healthy. But what about you? What's got you so troubled? Tell me, and I'll help you out.”
I'd been at National Capital University for over a year as a grad student. Besides Adam and Mindy, who I hung out with more often, Elliot was one of the people I knew relatively well.
Our previous collaborations were pleasant, and we got along well, so we could chat a bit when we met.
I happened to look up and saw that Elliot was holding a stack of materials, all related to chemistry, which got me excited.
Elliot respected science and had a wide range of interests. He was a well-known, excellent student at the school. While studying graphic design, he also took chemistry as an elective, which was pretty interesting. The two fields were almost entirely unrelated, and I wondered how he chose them and why.
Maybe Elliot would like my project.
Although I didn't know how much the paint formula had to do with chemistry, there had to be some connection. For Elliot, this would be a new challenge.
With Elliot on board, my project would surely succeed.
Most grad students started working on their theses in their second year, and talents like Elliot were in high demand. I had to get Elliot on board first.
Just thinking about having Elliot's support in the future filled me with energy and determination.
I laid out the most important and exciting parts of my project to Elliot and sincerely invited him to join my team.
I figured Elliot would need some time to think it over, given that he studied graphic design and paint wasn't really his thing.
To my surprise, Elliot agreed right away without any hesitation.
I didn't even get to use the persuasive pitch I had prepared in a hurry.
Elliot was so easily convinced by my little project? That felt a bit too easy.
But hey, I wasn't complaining!
“Elliot.” I hadn't planned to mention the lack of funding, but since Elliot agreed so quickly, I felt I had to be upfront. In a partnership, both parties needed to be open, or it wouldn't work. “There's one thing I need to emphasize.”
I raised a finger, swallowed hard, and felt a bit anxious.
I was worried that Elliot would back out once he heard the harsh reality, and I'd lose a great partner. But honesty was a family value, and I couldn't hide the truth from a partner.
“Go ahead,” Elliot said, glancing at my finger and looking unconcerned, holding the materials behind his back.
“The project was approved by the school, but they said there wouldn't be any initial funding. It's uncertain if there will be any later.”
I mentioned the school's stance but held back on my own funding plan, worried that the full truth might scare him off.
Unexpectedly, Elliot squinted at me and said, “You don't have money?”
I was stunned.
Was that the point? The point was that the school might not provide any funding at all. It was an official project under the school's name, but they wouldn't provide people or money, which could lead to suspicion and doubt about Elliot.
Seeing my silence, Elliot probably thought I was in trouble and generously waved his hand, “No problem, I have money. No matter how much is needed, I have it.”
“Consider it an investment or a loan, it doesn't matter. As long as money can solve it, it's a small issue,” Elliot said nonchalantly.
In an instant, Elliot became even more impressive.
With Elliot's participation, I not only gained a partner but also secured funding!
No matter how much money was needed! That meant there was no limit, right?
Elliot was a hidden millionaire!
I was so lucky to know people who were all wealthy, it was shocking!
“What's wrong? Are you stunned by the good news?” Elliot teased me with a smile.
I scratched my head in disbelief, trying to figure out what to say because Elliot was absolutely right.
The good news came so suddenly that I was indeed stunned.
“Alright, I have something to do, so I can't chat for long. If you need anything, just message me on Facebook. If you need money, send me your bank account number. I have to go now, goodbye.”
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
