Chapter 355 A big investment of three million taels! I'm not interested in money!
The great success of "Bugs" was within Li Qiwei's expectation.
After all, it is a classic work a hundred years later. Its creative style and thinking are completely beyond the imagination of people of this era.
Coupled with Li Qiwei's own influence as the first scientific person, it is difficult not to become famous.
And now a large-scale war has broken out in Europe, which gives the novel a more special meaning.
Even in Asia at this moment, the novel still caused a huge sensation.
Not because of its implicit anti-war ideas, but because of its sheer beauty.
Because it looks good, it is popular.
The excitement of "Insects" is irrespective of nationality, region and belief.
Whether it is India, Sakura Country, or China, everyone can experience the excitement of science fiction.
China, Peking.
After entering the Republic of China, the atmosphere of the entire China was completely different from that of the former Qing Dynasty.
The biggest characteristic is that it is open and more willing to integrate with the West and absorb Western culture.
As a result, many Western thoughts and literary works were also introduced.
Coupled with Li Qiwei’s more than ten years of education and training, especially the advancement in the field of science and technology.
It can be said that there are many times more talents paying attention to Western science and technology than before.
May 1915, Ministry of Education.
Zhou Yucai, 34, works as a sign reader for the Ministry of Education.
The so-called Qian Shi is in charge of some affairs of each department or department, with a status slightly higher than that of the section chief.
He was a middle- and lower-level official within the central system of the Republic of China government.
Therefore, Zhou Yucai can only be considered an average person.
He studied abroad in Sakura Country more than ten years ago, first studying mining, and then switching to medicine.
Later, due to the stimulation of the war, I felt that studying medicine was useless, so I decided to abandon medicine and pursue literature.
While studying in Sakura Country, he, like all people with lofty ideals in China, believed that in order for China to revive, it must seek true knowledge from the West.
Many of them have set their sights on the field of science fiction.
Thanks to the science and technology newspapers founded by Li Qiwei before, there is now a ground for dissemination of science and technology articles in China.
However, Li Qiwei's newspapers aimed at the most cutting-edge science in Europe.
Because it is too high-end, it is very far away from ordinary people.
Therefore, large-scale science popularization is very important.
Science fiction is also a very popular means of popularizing science.
Many progressive intellectuals have vigorously translated Western science fiction classics and introduced them to China.
They even created it themselves, but the content is not flattering.
Zhou Yucai is one of them. He has good academic literacy and is a senior science fiction fan.
As early as when he was studying in Sakura Country, he read Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea".
It can be said that Verne opened the door to science fiction for him.
Zhou Yucai read it with gusto, and later he read all the translations available on the market.
Being impatient, he decided to translate it himself.
Zhou Yucai translated Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and published them in 1903.
Although he was just an unknown international student at that time, he was pioneering the field of science fiction in China.
Soon, he translated several classic science fiction works one after another.
He even wrote a short story himself, introducing the discovery of radium by Marie Curie.
This morning, Zhou Yucai had nothing to do, so he prepared to play "Insects" three times.
He is not very happy with his job.
Had it not been for Zhou Ziyu’s strong invitation, he would not have been able to work here.
Moreover, here, given his character, he was suppressed and his future was hopeless.
Zhou Yucai has decided to resign after a while.
With the current turmoil in China, the field of literature is also facing changes.
Zhou Yucai, who calls himself a scholar, will not miss this wonderful world.
The core of this revolution is the reform of literary texts.
Calling everyone to abandon writing in classical Chinese and switch to vernacular.
Because only in this way can cultural knowledge be popularized in China more quickly.
Classical Chinese is obscure and difficult to understand and can be used for academic research, but it is completely unsuitable for daily writing and communication.
Thinking of this, Zhou Yucai was impressed by "Insects" again.
“Li Qiwei is indeed a genius.”
“He actually writes in vernacular.”
"Although the writing style is a bit poor, the reading is smooth and silky, which is of first-class quality."
Although Zhou Yucai is arrogant and arrogant, he is looked down upon by everyone and often belittles other people's articles.
But when faced with Li Qiwei's novel, he could not find any faults.
This novel is definitely the best novel he has ever read.
No matter from any aspect, it crushes other novels.
"We in China are indeed a land of outstanding people."
"It is surprising that a figure like Li Qiwei has emerged."
"Science crushes all Western countries. Even in writing novels, it can be the best in the world. "
Suddenly, Zhou Yucai sighed again:
"Oh, it's a pity. If he wrote an article that criticized the current ills, it would be more brilliant."
At this time, another person came into the office and said with a smile:
“Our Zhou great talent is worrying about the country and the people again.”
“Tell me, do you want to write an article today? Who are you scolding?”
“Hahaha.”
The person’s name is Xu Shouchang. He is only 32 years old and is already the director of a department in the Ministry of Education.
And it is said that he will be promoted soon.
Compared with Zhou Yucai, it’s like heaven and earth.
However, he and Zhou Yucai have a very good personal relationship. The two have been friends since they were working in the Ministry of Education in Nanjing.
After moving to Peking, he continued to work as a colleague.
Therefore, there is no politeness between the two of them like superiors and subordinates, and their chat is as casual as old friends.
Zhou Yucai said with a smile: "How am I qualified to worry about the country and the people."
"Now I can only read science fiction novels."
Xu Shoushang shook his head helplessly after hearing this.
He knew that his good friend had a thorny temper and he had few friends in the Ministry of Education.
How can it be possible to continue climbing in this situation?
Xu Shouchang knew that his friend was not here, so he didn't worry about him.
He joked:
“Oh, it turns out I’m reading “Bugs”.”
“Why, don’t you even read the works of the famous Professor Li Qiwei? Don’t you want to go?”
Zhou Yucai covered the book and looked at Xu Shoushang and said:
"How dare I slander Professor Li's works."
"They are far beyond me in all aspects."
"It is a pity to say that when Li Qiwei returned to China, I He is studying abroad in Sakura Country."
"After I came back, he went to England again."
"It's a pity that I have never been able to meet him."
"This kind of genius is rare to see in a century. I really want to communicate with him."
Xu Shoushang did not expect that his friend, who had always been extremely arrogant, would sometimes admit that his skills were inferior to others.
He smiled and said:
"Now in China, Li Qiwei is almost being praised as a literary leader."
"His influence is too huge."
"Especially the Ministry of Education. Almost all the old and young people from the former Qing Dynasty have been indebted to him."
"If Li Qiwei were to be the Minister of Education, I would be sure to make those old fritters obedient. "
Zhou Yucai curled his lips and sneered.
“Whatever your identity and status, you have already started to build a city of science in Borneo. Why do you still care about a minister of education?”
“I think the higher-ups want to find someone to fight against.”
Everyone within the ministry knew about Director Fan of the Ministry of Education's previous trip to Europe to attend the Second Bruce Conference.
Everyone guessed that the director went to Li Qiwei for alms.
Because no one in China knows that Principal Li treats China’s education as his own son.
Not only often send people to spread advanced educational concepts, but also build bridges between China and Europe.
Introducing many well-known Western professors to come to China to give lectures.
It can be said that he is completely innocent.
What’s even worse is that Director Fan looked overjoyed when he came back and announced that Professor Li Qiwei would find a way to solve the funding problem of the Ministry of Education.
It is precisely because of this news and results that Director Fan at that time is now Deputy Minister Fan.
Seeing the bad temper of his old friend, Xu Shouchang could only say helplessly:
"If you didn't have such a poisonous mouth, you would have a bright future."
Zhou Yucai didn't care, he only cared that he felt good scolding him.
"By the way, what are you doing here? I just saw you looking anxious?"
Xu Shouchang slapped his forehead and said quickly:
"I'm just here to talk nonsense to you. I almost forgot about the business.”
“The latest news I just got is causing a lot of noise in the country.”
"Read the newspaper."
After that, Xu Shoushang delivered the latest issue of "Declaration" to Zhou Yucai.
I saw a big headline on the front page: Professor Li Qiwei spent thousands of dollars and donated it to the Europeans!
Wow!
The country is boiling.
There is even more excitement abroad.
It turns out that Li Qiwei publicly announced yesterday that he will donate all the author profits from the novel "Bugs" to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The funds will be used to help those displaced by the war.
Among them, Li Qiwei particularly emphasized that donation funds must be used first for out-of-school children and their education.
And the ICRC must publish the details and purpose of all funds.
Otherwise, he reserves the right to recover.
In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross publicly stated that they would introduce a third-party regulatory agency.
Specially supervise the use of this fund to ensure that it is used for peaceful causes.
Conservatively estimated, this donation will be as high as 50,000 pounds, which is definitely a huge wealth.
As soon as the news came out, the whole of Europe was shocked.
Although 5 pounds is a huge amount of money, it is not particularly large for those centuries-old families in Europe.
Almost all the rich people and big companies can take it out.
But being able to take it out is not the same thing as being willing to donate it.
50,000 in assets and 50,000 in cash are not the same thing.
The most important thing is that the donation was made by Li Qiwei, a Chinese.
What a noble and selfless quality this is.
For a time, everyone was full of praise and admiration for Li Qiwei.
“God, Professor Bruce has such a broad mind.”
“He not only writes articles and novels to call for peace, but he even actively donates money to save those injured by the war.”
“His morality is like the sun in the sky, dazzling and warm.”
"He is a true internationalist and philanthropic scientist who deserves respect from all of us."
"Professor Bruce's great personality has brought a glimmer of hope and dawn to this damn war."
“.”
Following this, various European countries publicly issued messages thanking Li Qiwei for his act of kindness.
The British government even said directly: Professor Bruce will always be a good friend of the British people.
The leaders of Cambridge University and King's College London were even drooling with envy.
“It would be great if Professor Bruce could donate that much to the school.”
“God, that’s 50,000 pounds.”
Of course, they I can only think about it. After all, Li Qiwei’s donation stood at the highest moral level and won everyone’s respect.
Moreover, the power this donation brings to Europeans is endless.
Completely different from school donations.
However, the Europeans are of course happy, but the Chinese are collectively angry.
They really couldn't understand why Li Qiwei would donate money to Europeans and donate so much at once.
50,000 pounds, that is more than three hundred thousand taels of silver.
What a huge sum of money.
Li Qiwei, a Chinese, donated so much to foreigners.
Even if it is donated to those poor people whose families have been destroyed, it still makes many Chinese people intolerable.
"Professor Li Qiwei will not be bewitched by the Europeans."
"Or is it that he has developed feelings for them after being in Europe for so many years?"
"I'm really sad. Professor Li Qiwei is my idol and the person I admire the most. I didn't expect that he would do such a thing."
"Donating money is certainly a good thing, but donating money is a good thing. Is it really good to give it to foreigners? ”
“.”
For a time, Chinese people were full of doubts and even insults about Li Qiwei.
Even Zhou Yucai was very puzzled when he looked at the content in the newspaper.
However, after all, he is an elite who has studied abroad, and his perspective and depth of looking at problems are naturally different from ordinary people.
He believed that it would be the most ridiculous thing in the world to say that people like Professor Li Qiwei were unpatriotic.
Everyone knows that the other party's actions are all frank and innocent.
He has devoted all his energy to domestic education and science and technology.
No one can question the sincerity of such a person.
Zhou Yucai said to himself: "I believe Professor Li Qiwei must have his own reasons."
——
Borneo, Kuching.
In the office of the president of Huangpu University of Technology.
Li Qiwei was sitting on the principal's seat, looking down at the school's teachers, students and education situation in recent years.
He wants to see if there are any good seedlings worth cultivating, and then incorporate them into his plan.
With the huge size of the Pangu Project, no matter how many talents there are, it can eat it.
Across the street, He Yujie, the real principal of Huangpu Polytechnic, was making a report.
The tone of his report was very confident. He has made great contributions to Huangpu Polytechnic over the years.
Li Qiwei also nodded slightly from time to time, with a smile on his face, obviously very satisfied.
After the report was over, He Yujie looked at Li Qiwei and finally couldn't help but said:
"Principal, uh, there are a lot of bad rumors about you out there."
Li Qiwei heard this After saying this, he slowly raised his head and said with a chuckle:
"Haha, it was as expected."
"What, do you think I will be angry?"
Of course He Yujie knew the purpose of Principal Li's donation.
Now the construction of the Borneo City of Science has just started, and the Pangu Project is also being secretly advanced.
It coincided with another war breaking out in Europe.
In this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it is a good time for them to grow up.
Principal Li's personal reputation can be greatly improved through donations.
He will be able to gain the friendship of all European countries, attract scientists to the City of Science, and help improve China's scientific and technological level.
The most important thing is that it can also reduce Britain's vigilance.
Simply the best deal.
With the wealth currently controlled by Ridgway's companies, a mere £50,000 is just like a wave in the sea.
Although his wealth is still far from the richest man in the United States, he is definitely considered a rich man.
He Yujie felt a little sorry for the man in front of him.
“The principal’s love is too deep.”
“The pressure on him would have been crushed by others.”
“The key is his The pressure cannot be disclosed and explained to anyone. Only a few of us know it.”
“He is a real man”
Before He Yujie could speak, Li Qiwei continued:
“Don’t worry, I won’t be stupid and wait to be scolded.”
“Yujie, let me ask you, what do you think is rich? What is poverty? "
He Yujie was slightly stunned, wondering what the principal meant by asking this.
However, he answered honestly: "I think we need to define a standard first."
"Only by comparing with this standard can we distinguish between rich and poor."
Li Qiwei chuckled.
“Someone from the domestic Ministry of Education approached me and wanted me to support the domestic education industry.”
“Although I will definitely invest money, I must also let them know that this Where is the value of money?”
“Without comparison, they will lose their awe and conscience.”
Wow.
He Yujie suddenly realized that the principal’s donation had such a meaning.
“No wonder, I also wonder why you asked us to proactively disclose European donations to the country.”
“So that’s it.”
“That’s good now. ”
"When the country knows that you want to donate to support education, no one will doubt you anymore."
Suddenly, He Yujie asked curiously:
"Well, principal, are you going to How much do you want to donate?”
Li Qiwei smiled slightly, looking enigmatic.
He stretched out five fingers of his right hand.
"Hiss!" He Yujie took a breath of air.
——
A week later, a sudden news made China completely excited.
Especially the Ministry of Education, all employees fell into madness.
Li Qiwei publicly stated through major domestic newspapers that he had reached an agreement with domestic parties.
Its subsidiary Shanhe Industrial Group will donate 500,000 pounds for domestic education.
Including repaying teachers’ salaries, building new schools, purchasing teaching materials, etc.
This amount will be the same as the previous European donations and must be earmarked.
For this purpose, Li Qiwei specially invited a British company to supervise the entire process.
No one knows how he negotiated with the domestic government. This is all a top-level secret.
As soon as the news came out, it directly detonated domestic public opinion.
The previous doubts and insults towards Li Qiwei disappeared in an instant.
What followed was a flood of praise.
"Oh my God, 500,000 pounds, that's about more than 3 million taels of silver, it's like a mountain of silver."
"Professor Li Qiwei is too rich, darling, I also want my children to be scientists in the future.”
"I have insulted Professor Li before. I am really nothing."
"He donated 50,000 to foreigners. It was out of humanitarianism and showed that China is a country of etiquette."
“After all, Professor Li’s lifelong learning was all completed in Europe, so he should donate some.”
“But donating 500,000 to China is the patriotism of Quanquan.”< br>
“I declare that Professor Ridgway has become my idol again.”
Sure enough, no matter what era you are in, having money makes things easier.
Previously, public opinion was one-sided, and countless people were scolding Li Qiwei.
And now, as soon as three million taels of silver came out, everyone was climaxing.
Among them, those officials from the Ministry of Education are the happiest people.
With money, they can do their jobs better.
Idealistic people want to build more schools so that more out-of-school children can go to school.
Those who are ambitious want to show political achievements and continue to rise.
As for corruption?
No one dares to think.
The sensation this money caused in the country was so great that no one with evil intentions would dare to stretch their claws.
This is the education money for countless children in the country. Anyone who dares to be greedy will be stabbed in the spine.
Not to mention an official from the Ministry of Education, even the top bosses wouldn’t dare.
After all, the British are not vegetarians.
If you really expose it, it will not look good on anyone.
This was also Li Qiwei’s intention. He just wanted to make it a big deal so that the money could really be used for domestic education.
In real history, education during this period of the Republic of China was really miserable.
Even professors at the highest universities cannot pay their salaries, so you can imagine the rest of the schools.
Li Qiwei’s donation brought him to a higher level of fame in the country.
Half a month later, the Ministry of Education specially sent Zhou Yucai to Borneo to thank him in person.
This is not an intentional insult to Li Qiwei.
Although Zhou Yucai is just a subordinate, the big bosses inside know that he and Zhou Ziyu have a sworn relationship.
Former Minister of Education Zhou Ziyu and Li Qiwei have been friends for more than ten years.
Therefore, sending Zhou Yucai is better than sending high-level officials, and it can better reflect the sincerity of the country.
When Zhou Yucai sat in front of Li Qiwei, he still felt like he was in a dream.
“Such a good opportunity can fall on my head.”
Yesterday, he came to Kuching, met Professor Li Qiwei, whom he had been fascinated by for a long time, and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the country.
Zhou Yucai benefited a lot from the conversation with the other party.
In Li Qiwei, he saw the vitality and the power and vigor of all things competing.
The other party’s knowledge impressed Zhou Yucai even more.
He alone made Kuching the mecca of natural science scholarship in Asia.
Zhou Yucai felt that it was a huge mistake for him to study abroad in Sakura Country.
Because students from Sakura Country will soon come to Borneo to study abroad.
Li Qiwei looked at the man in front of him who was in a daze, with an inexplicable smile on his face.
The other person is not tall, has a trademark mustache, and has a simple crew cut, which gives people a very arrogant feeling.
Li Qiwei took the initiative and smiled: "Mr. Zhou, don't you want to interview me?"
"We can start."
Zhou Yucai woke up with a start, "Oh, sorry, Professor Li, I was distracted just now."
Li Qiwei said: "Haha, it's okay."
Zhou Yucai sat upright, smiled, and then asked:
"Professor Li, I am very curious, why are you willing to donate so much money?"
Li Qiwei thought for a while and said with a smile:
“I think a qualified entrepreneur should assume certain social responsibilities.”
“When the company reaches a certain level, my The money no longer belongs to me, but to the whole society.”
Zhou Yucai was stunned. He had never heard of such a profound business knowledge.
If a businessman does not make money for himself, then what money will he make?
So, he laughed and joked:
"Then Professor Li, if your money is no longer yours, will you still be happy?"
Li Qiwei forced the king to possess him without thinking. He replied:
“From the time I founded the company in 1902 to now, I have not received a salary for a month.”
“Of course the salary is given to my wife.”
"I have never touched money."
"I have no interest in money."
"Because when I was happiest, I was studying for a PhD at Cambridge University and earning 4 pounds a month. ”
“At that time, I only wanted to study physics, and I was very satisfied if I could read papers every day.”
“The more money, the richer people are. It means more responsibility.”
"This rich person is a responsible person."
Zhou Yucai: "."
(End of this chapter)