Chapter 86: Teaching You Swordsmanship

Tao Zhiming was also startled by their reaction, but then he realized something and quickly added, “After all, this is an extremely expensive machine, and the information and data it collects are exceptionally precise and comprehensive. If it makes a significant contribution to the research project, as for being credited as a co-author… Well, that’s also because Professor Yamamoto’s academic integrity and moral character are impeccable!”

In an instant, he pieced things together.

It seemed he had underestimated Akihito Yamamoto’s abilities. Yamamoto’s standing was likely far beyond what Tao had imagined, yet in Da Lang’s memories, there had been no particular attention paid to this man.

Secondly, it was exceedingly rare for an undergraduate like himself to be credited as a co-author on such a renowned scholar’s paper.

Thirdly, the lack of information in this era was so severe that even a prominent figure like Yamamoto struggled with collecting and analyzing primary data.

“Of course, Professor Yamamoto’s academic standards and moral character are beyond question…” Ueda Kana looked at him with a hint of envy. “If buying a machine like this could land you a co-authorship on Professor Yamamoto’s paper, do you realize there would be a thousand more of these machines at Todai by tomorrow?”

Tao Zhiming was dumbfounded. “Students at Todai really do come from wealthy families…”

Then he grew even more perplexed. Was Professor Yamamoto’s co-authorship truly that valuable?

Tao Zhiming had no intention of pursuing an academic career, but if Yamamoto was truly such a remarkable figure, perhaps this would be useful to him in the future. If Ueda Kana was right, this privilege was not something just anyone could obtain. Was it because, when he’d been nonchalant with Yamamoto, his insights—far ahead of their time—had inspired the professor, prompting him to offer such terms?

Kana even couldn’t help but ask, “Is it complicated to participate in Professor Yamamoto’s research? Is there anything I could help with? Could I… also join the research?”

Tao Zhiming looked at her with growing curiosity. “If you’re able to get Professor Yamamoto to help me, do you really need the honor of being credited on a paper? Why not approach him yourself?”

She rolled her eyes at him in mild contempt. “Do you really think Professor Yamamoto is that kind of person? This little favor can’t be compared to his academic research projects!” Her large eyes glared, making Tao at a loss for words.

To you, it’s just a small favor?

Then Kana quickly switched to a pleading, adorably earnest look. “Kobayashi-senpai is already part of the research group, so she gets credited by default. You’re new, so… are there any assistant slots?”

It was the first time Tao Zhiming had seen Ueda Kana so earnest and desirous about something. For someone as proud as her, to even consider joining as his assistant was telling.

“My assistant…” Tao Zhiming pondered, the first person who came to mind was Runa Onodera.

Why did all these beautiful women want to be his assistant?

Still… the Ueda family seemed to wield considerable influence…

Under Kana’s “pressure,” Tao Zhiming had no choice but to call Professor Yamamoto.

When Yamamoto had first brought this up, Tao hadn’t realized its significance, nor did he respond immediately because Lin Xiyu had arrived.

Now, he first confirmed the key point. “Professor Yamamoto, Bloomberg’s people will deliver the machine soon. Then we’ll check the power supply and communications…”

“I’ve already coordinated that with them, don’t worry!” Yamamoto reassured him.

Tao Zhiming thought to himself, he really does take this even more seriously than I do—he truly needs something from me. “Then, about me joining your project—about being credited as third author…”

“Don’t worry, third author suits your abilities perfectly!”

Tao’s mind stirred, and he added, “Um… Ueda Kana heard about this and wants to participate as my assistant, maybe be credited as fourth author, if that’s possible…”

“Ridiculous!” Yamamoto sounded amused. “What is Kana thinking? She’s not planning to pursue further studies, so what’s the point of being credited? Fourth author, at that! Let me ask her father about this…”

Eavesdropping nearby, Kana blurted out in panic, “No! No! I give up, Professor, I give up!”

Yamamoto chuckled over the phone. “Mr. Da Lang, don’t think I made you this promise just because of the Bloomberg terminal. I believe you have the capability—our earlier conversation was quite profound. I’m confident that, once the information I need is organized, you’ll be able to discover valuable insights from it!”

Kana, crouched by the phone table, looked up at Tao with a dazed, adorably silly expression.

How had this guy earned such recognition from Professor Yamamoto?

Tao responded modestly and thanked the professor. After hanging up, he looked at Kana.

At that moment, being looked down upon from above, she realized her behavior had been rather childish. She coughed, straightened up, and managed her expression, about to speak when Tao said, “Thank you, Miss Kana. You actually went and found such a distinguished person to help me.”

She pouted at his heartfelt gratitude and headed for the door. “It’s just that I happen to know Father, so it’s easier to ask him, not that much trouble.”

Tao smiled as he followed her back to the soon-to-be “Sword of Finance” research group office, where Lin Xiyu was still waiting.

He still hadn’t managed to confirm Yamamoto’s true standing, but at least he now had a rough idea.

It seemed Yamamoto was virtually a titan in the field of economics.

Come to think of it, for someone like Lin Xiyu—who had managed to secure a spot to study abroad amid fierce competition, benefiting from the top resources of both countries—it was only natural for her adviser to have significant influence.

It also proved further that Kana’s father, Ueda Masahiro, was no ordinary man.

And there was one more thing: Kana was clearly quite afraid of her father.

Kana, still disappointed at not getting her wish, muttered gloomily, “How much longer until they arrive?”

“…Even after they do, it’ll take a long time to set up. Do you have something else to do?”

She almost said, “Why should I waste my time here?” But glancing at the quietly waiting Lin Xiyu, she suddenly replied, “No, nothing.”

Then she felt a surge of irritation. Why had she changed her mind?

Upon reflection, she said, “Since we’re just waiting anyway, didn’t you want to learn kendo? I’ll teach you some sword techniques!”

With that, she strode out in style.

Tao, quick-witted as ever, smiled to himself: This young woman, seeing how outstanding I am, won’t say it aloud, and perhaps hasn’t even realized it herself, but she’s already starting to feel a bit jealous?

A promising sign.

With renewed spirits, Tao called after her, “Miss Kana, wait for me!”

Then he invited Lin Xiyu, “You’re welcome to join us if you’d like.”

But Lin Xiyu did not follow. She thought for a moment, then remained in the room, took a professional textbook from her bag, and began to read by the window.

There was neither desk nor chair in the room—only a girl standing by the window, bathed in the afternoon sunlight, reading her book.