Free Web NovelChapter 34: Chapter 34: I Just Want to Find a Girlfriend in My Own Country
Vice President of Engineering for the Apple Company’s technology department.
This title could be considered both significant and insignificant.
There are simply too many people working under Apple’s technology development department, and there are quite a few engineers with the title ’Vice President.’ However, Cavaleiro is still one of the most influential figures. The team he leads is responsible for the research and development of system security and confidentiality, making them the most important protective force for all of Apple’s products.
In addition, Cavaleiro is also an important member of Steve Jobs’ team.
As early as 1996, when Jobs returned to Apple, Cavaleiro joined his team and participated in the development of iMac, Mac-OS-X, and iTunes.
In the past two years, Cavaleiro has been focused on security and stability research.
When he heard that someone had submitted several technical vulnerabilities, some of which could threaten the confidentiality of iMacs directly, Cavaleiro was shocked. After understanding the situation, he decided to take action personally and immediately purchased plane tickets to China.
...
Now.
Cavaleiro stands in the principal’s office of Thirteenth High School, looking at the young face of the high school student before him, still feeling incredibly incredulous.
He pulls Zhao Yi to sit on the sofa, impatiently saying, "Can we talk about that bug? Using the feature of an unlogged automatic connection to a local area network, sending a designated code package to achieve auxiliary unlocking..."
"That code, how did you think of it? It just so happens to be recognized by the port..."
Cavaleiro spouts a multitude of words in one breath.
Zhao Yi laughs, "Actually, it was all just a coincidence. I had a friend who bought a Mac but forgot the startup password and account information. I tried many methods, but none of them could open it."
"Of course!"
Cavaleiro still has confidence in the security of Apple products.
"Later, I found that on some computers, as soon as they were turned on, their networks would automatically connect even without logging in. So I found another computer, utilized the local area network port, and wrote some code."
"Fortunately, I succeeded!"
Zhao Yi speaks with a relaxed tone, seemingly indifferent to cracking the vulnerability.
"Your story is interesting — a genius’s inspiration! But you probably don’t know what this means, do you?"
Cavaleiro’s face is a bitter smile, as he seems to understand why Zhao Yi might not care, considering his age. "Many people in the world try various methods to crack our system, with most of them failing. Even discovering a small vulnerability and achieving invasion is a remarkable feat."
His eyes seem to say, "You’re really amazing!"
"Thank you."
Zhao Yi doesn’t want to discuss the process of finding the vulnerability because there wasn’t any process. He hurriedly changes the topic to the Apple Company itself, even professionally praising it several times, "I know you’re committed to researching confidentiality, security, and smoothness."
"These are the things users care about the most. I’ve always been a supporter of Apple products."
Cavaleiro is puzzled, "But as far as I know, you’re not a registered user of Apple."
"I just really like Apple products," Zhao Yi answers nonchalantly. "But liking something doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing it. That’s related to the price."
Cavaleiro bursts into laughter.
Indeed, Apple products are relatively more expensive.
Soon.
The conversation leans towards a professional direction.
Cavaleiro is one of the top engineers in computer network security and safety.
Zhao Yi is just an ordinary programmer. However, his work begins several years later, with outstanding foresight that is more than a decade ahead, in addition to nearly ten years of work experience. The occasional professional topics he brings up are even enlightening for Cavaleiro, who unconsciously reveals some issues encountered during the development of the IOS operating system.
Cavaleiro doesn’t mention the name ’IOS,’ but he does talk about the technical difficulties and barriers they’ve faced. Zhao Yi immediately knows it’s about the mobile operating system when he hears this.
Of course.
Zhao Yi has never participated in IOS development, so he can’t provide corresponding solutions. It doesn’t stop him from chiming in with a few technical opinions, though.
The two become more and more engaged, unknowingly turning the topic of conversation towards mobile phones.
Cavaleiro talks about Apple’s ’Rockr phone’ and expresses disappointment that sales haven’t met expectations. Zhao Yi scoffs with a smile, "Combining mobility and music is a good idea. But it’s difficult to convince users to buy it based on that alone."
"Why don’t you consider putting the iMac operating system into a mobile phone instead?"
"If a mobile phone has a closed, smooth operating system and innovative UI design, it’d definitely be welcomed by the market..."
Zhao Yi rambles on and on.
In reality, there’s not much professional substance in what he says. He simply states the original selling points of Apple’s first mobile phone, but that’s enough to shock Cavaleiro with eyes almost bulging out of their sockets.
Apple Company is currently developing a mobile operating system and a brand-new touch screen.
These are all confidential matters!
Cavaleiro is so shocked he’s speechless. He tries to contain his excitement before continuing the conversation with Zhao Yi.
...
Now more people are in the principal’s office.
Niu Lianhua finishes her math class and finds out that Zhao Yi hasn’t returned, so she visits the principal’s office only to find many English teachers crowded in.
Among them are teachers who teach senior classes as well as the new teacher, Shen Yan.
Li Lisheng is standing next to Principal Wang but appears to be in low spirits, looking somewhat wilted. "I don’t understand either!" frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"They seem to be talking about computers!"
"And mobile phones?"
He continuously hears the English words for ’computer’ and ’mobile phone.’
Principal Wang is unsatisfied.
Teacher Li is a professional English teacher who has always boasted a high level of English proficiency. But when it’s actually needed, he can’t understand what’s said?
Principal Wang knows that the gentleman in the suit sitting nearby can understand the two’s conversation, but he doesn’t want to bother an outsider for help.
They are a high school after all!
There are many professional English instructors in the school. Yet, they rely on outsiders for translation, losing face in front of an international audience.
Principal Wang brings in other English teachers, but like Li Lisheng, they can only understand some words and not the specifics of the conversation.
The only one in the office who’s not an English teacher is Niu Lianhua, who’s there to watch the spectacle.
Niu Lianhua is astounded, "Zhao Yi’s English is that good? Am I dreaming? He can actually converse with a foreigner..."
"Shut up!"
Principal Wang angrily yells.
There’s still a guest in the office now. If they find out that teachers at Thirteenth High School don’t even know their students’ level of English, it’d be even more embarrassing than English teachers not being able to translate.
The former is a matter of teacher competency.
The latter, that is, the school’s teaching level and how they value students.
...
Zhao Yi had been chatting with Cavaleiro and noticed the other teachers.
He couldn’t continue chatting!
Firstly, time and place didn’t allow it.
Secondly, he didn’t want to discuss technical issues with Cavaleiro any further.
Now he’s just a high school senior, not a programmer like before. No matter how deep the technical discussion, could it lead to a pay raise for him?
Zhao Yi quickly got to the point, "By the way, what do you want from me? Is it just to thank me in person?"
Cavaleiro said, "We’d like to invite you to join Apple Company’s team, but you are just a high school senior, surely you’re preparing for college?"
"Of course."
Zhao Yi nodded his head with certainty. Returning to his senior year, getting into a good university was a must-do task.
Cavaleiro smiled, "No worry, you can study in California, the Computer Engineering program at the University of California ranks among the top ten in the world."
"Apple Company collaborates with the University of California. If you apply for the University of California, we will provide some conveniences to ensure your application is successful and you receive admission."
He continued raising the stakes, "Apple Company will cover your expenses during your college years. Moreover, you can also draw a salary from Apple Company."
"Currently, the prerequisite is that you need to sign a special work contract."
Cavaleiro said a lot.
In summary, he wanted Zhao Yi to sign a work contract, study at the University of California while working for Apple Company, and join Apple Company directly after graduation.
Zhao Yi would not only have his tuition covered, but he could also earn tens of thousands of dollars extra.
This did not include any scholarships he might receive during his college years.
Cavaleiro laughed confidently; he believed these conditions would be hard for any high school student to reject.
However, he encountered Zhao Yi.
"I refuse."
Zhao Yi’s tone was firm.
Cavaleiro furrowed his brows and asked, puzzled, "Why? Are you not satisfied with the salary? During your time at the University of California, you only need to complete minimal work to earn a decent wage."
"It’s simple; I’m still young and don’t want to start working or sign a work contract."
Zhao Yi said bluntly.
The conditions Cavaleiro provided were incredibly tempting. Not just ordinary high school seniors, even top College Entrance Examination scorers would find it hard to refuse. However, enrolling at the University of California would require signing a special work contract with Apple Company.
That contract would undoubtedly be a binding one, with a huge penalty clause for breach.
Now that he had returned to high school, he had plenty of future options and didn’t want to ’sell himself’ to a single company.
What would that make him?
Was the purpose of his rebirth to work for Apple Company?
Furthermore, in both his past and present life, his goal was to study hard and use knowledge to change his life, not to take advantage of his memory to steal a spot at a prestigious university.
"I’m sorry."
Zhao Yi stood up and shook hands with Cavaleiro.
This was a sign of farewell.
Cavaleiro felt more regret than Zhao Yi, not expecting him to refuse such good conditions, "Perhaps, this is what a genius is?"
...
Zhao Yi watched Cavaleiro leave and then turned to go back to the classroom.
A few teachers gathered around.
Niu Lianhua’s voice was louder than the others, "What did you just talk about?"
"I think I heard something about the University of California?" Shen Yan said.
Li Lisheng took full advantage of his imagination, "I heard he’s a top engineer at Apple Company. Maybe they want to find high school students to try out the latest Apple computers and phones for free?"
"I heard this kind of marketing is popular now, and you just happened to be chosen..."
In an instant...
Everyone looked at him, even Principal Wang’s face registered shock.
"Teacher Li."
Zhao Yi marveled, "Perhaps the most suitable job for you is to write books; you might become the biggest best-selling author with the wildest imagination in the twenty-first century."
"Hahaha..." everyone laughed out loud.
Li Lisheng glared at Zhao Yi with a sullen expression.
Zhao Yi said, "In short, he wants me to study at the University of California, offers full tuition coverage, and an additional tens of thousands of dollars a year as living expenses."
"The price is to work for Apple Company."
A group of teachers suddenly opened their mouths wide, and the rest of the conversation was overlooked.
"Are you going to study in the United States? The University of California is prestigious!"
"Free of charge?"
"The tuition for college in the United States is tens of thousands of dollars a year!"
"It’s not even easy for top domestic college students to apply for the University of California..."
Zhao Yi waved his hand to quiet them, and then said nonchalantly, "I refused."
"What, really!"
"Why did you refuse!"
Principal Wang Chengmin was not surprised, as he had overheard a few words from the man in the suit. Cavaleiro’s regret was evident when he left.
"Because..."
Zhao Yi scratched his head with a troubled expression, then continued, "I just want to find a girlfriend in China."
"..."
"..."
