The system was created by his students, so they should be the ones authorizing the institute to use their work.
The authorization agreement from Wei Yong was the other way around. It indicated that the institute only gave them the authorization to discuss the subject and was not allowed to use it anywhere else.
A bold notion emerged in Qi Hui’s mind. Did Wei Yong plan on stealing the work?
“What do you mean by mistake?” Wei Yong failed to take notice of the shock on Qi Hui’s face. Instead, he simply tapped his fingers on the table and spoke deeply.
“The project belongs to the institute and it’s classified, but we’re giving you the right to discuss it at the academic level. Did you know how many times I had to ask my boss before it was approved?”
He did not understand why Qi Hui was not happy.
Qi Hui was good at reading expressions. He could tell clearly that Wei Yong wanted to steal the work and pretend he was a generous soul. Sadly, he could not expose Wei Yong and offend him in the process.
Qi Hui clenched his fists slightly and tried to fight for the university’s work. “I know the main project belongs to the institute, but the students in my faculty have developed the system…”
Before Qi Hui was able to finish his sentence, Wei Yong interrupted him. “Even though we have invited you to collaborate with us, the institute retains full ownership. Mr. Qi, we are a nationalized institute. Are you sure you want to go against the government?”
Qi Hui promptly smiled uneasily the moment he heard what Wei Yong said. “Mr. Wei, you’re mistaken. That was not what I meant. I’m really not sure about the authorization agreement. I’ll have to bring the agreement back and see what Prof Liu has to say about it.”
“I don’t have the time,” replied Wei Yong mildly. He clearly looked annoyed.
He paused briefly before he said in a calm tone, “Mr. Qi, you are a smart man. This is just an authorization agreement. Do we really have to keep debating over it?”
An awkward look emerged on Qi Hui’s face. “Let me call Prof Liu and ask him about this.”
Wei Yong tilted his head sideways and glanced at his watch before he said, “Fine then. You need to settle this ASAP. In five minutes, I’m leaving.”
“Okay then,” acknowledged Qi Hui as he nodded. He got up from his chair, took the authorization agreement, and went outside to make a call.
Wei Yong sat in his chair without moving.
After Qi Hui stepped out of the room, the assistant contemplated for a couple of seconds before he remarked softly. “I wonder if he’s smart enough.”
Wei Yong pursed his lips and said, “Don’t worry. I’m sure he will sign it the moment he’s done with his call.”
The assistant looked at Wei Yong. Since Qi Hui often tried to associate himself with Wei Yong, he knew Qi Hui was not a man of strong principles.
Men like him tended to defer to authority.
Meanwhile, on the other end.
Qi Hui looked at the authorization agreement in his hand as he called Prof Liu. “If we approve this agreement, Liu Qian’s students will lose the right to use their research freely.”
Without the right to use their research, they would never be able to use it in the future. Otherwise, it was as good as breaking the law.
Qi Hui lowered his eyes. Liu Qian mentioned yesterday that DO Corporation was interested in the AI system. Before Prof Liu could answer, Qi Hui continued. “If we don’t approve this, we’ll probably have trouble answering to the institute. After all, the project belongs to the government.”
