Chapter 072: Can You Do It? Can You?

Summer’s mother doted on her daughter, but she wouldn’t allow her to indulge in too many drinks. Qin Hongfei, recalling Summer’s mother’s frequent tears, nodded with empathy.

They continued their stall for another two days.

Qin Hongfei calculated that assembling everything would take at least half a month, even at the fastest pace. The main reason was that theirs was the only stall on the street collecting second-hand parts, and they had already acquired most of what was available. There wouldn’t be any more in the short term. It wasn’t practical to transport everything in one go; it was best to ship in batches.

She remembered Jiang Wan had promised to help collect second-hand parts and wondered whether he would keep his word.

Just as she was thinking about him, he appeared. He’d been coming by often these days, and Summer Shangxu was now aware of his presence.

Jiang Wan, knowing that this uncle and niece weren’t locals and wouldn’t stay long, began gathering parts after they left. He was a computer science student, so he scoured his school and his classmates. Since the parts could be exchanged for cash, he managed to gather quite a lot—enough to assemble seven or eight machines, plus two monitors that had been retired.

This was an unexpected delight for Qin Hongfei. She didn’t hesitate to buy them and settled the account with him.

Jiang Wan was a bit worried that Qin Hongfei wouldn’t pay, but seeing her hand over the money, he breathed a sigh of relief. He was in need of cash, after all. Still, he protested, “Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t take your money…”

Qin Hongfei didn’t care much for such sentiments. “If you don’t take payment, I wouldn’t dare ask you to do anything for me. You live here, right? We still need plenty of second-hand parts. If you have friends willing to sell, you can help us collect them. Once you’ve gathered enough, contact us, and my uncle will come to pick them up…” She paused, then added, “We’ll pay you a commission.”

Summer Shangxu’s eyes lit up at this idea. Just a moment ago, he’d been calling Jiang Wan ‘Mr. Jiang,’ but now he switched to, “Little Jiang!”

Jiang Wan was actually worried about lacking a reason to approach them, so he felt flattered, as if a fish had bitten the hook. “Brother Summer, it’s nothing.”

The new system had basically saved his life! Doing this small favor was no trouble at all.

However…

He summoned his courage and said, “Comrade, I don’t need a commission. Could I ask for another favor instead? If the new system has any issues, could I consult you?”

Qin Hongfei looked at him. Jiang Wan thought he saw a hint of annoyance in her eyes—perhaps she found him troublesome. He felt embarrassed. She was so capable, and he had no money, had done nothing for her, yet here he was trying to get something for nothing. It was shameful, but he had thick skin, so he wasn’t afraid.

Truthfully, Qin Hongfei did find it bothersome.

Computers weren’t her passion; she preferred scientific research and delving deeper into knowledge. But research burned money—and she had none.

Still, seeing Jiang Wan’s eagerness to learn and looking at the big box of parts, she realized it wouldn’t be right to ask for help without offering something in return. “I’m very busy. If you really can’t figure it out, you can contact me online. But if I’m busy, I might not reply.” She made her terms clear.

Jiang Wan nodded quickly. “Then could you give me your online contact?”

Qin Hongfei replied, “I haven’t registered yet. I’ll let you know once I do.” She’d only been back for less than half a month; she’d used computers before but hadn’t set up her own account.

She paused, then advised, “Sort out the new system as soon as possible. Don’t let it drag on. Only by demonstrating your value will investors come to you.” In the fledgling computer industry, investment was essential for longevity.

Qin Hongfei was just a child, but Jiang Wan didn’t dare underestimate her words and made sure to remember them.

This scene happened to be witnessed by the boss of the neighboring store, who couldn’t help teasing, “Hey, little brother, why do you act so obedient in front of that girl? It’s a little embarrassing.”

Jiang Wan raised his head, thinking…

Embarrassing?

What do you know! If you could help me solve the problems with the new system, I wouldn’t just act like a student—I'd kneel and offer incense and change my surname to yours. But can you? Can you?