Chapter 60: Lacking Emotional Intelligence

The two of them were full of astonishment.

“Comrade Zhong, is this the ‘Dog Egg’ you mentioned? It can cook, do housework, and even assist you?” What kind of technology could reach such heights? They dared not even imagine.

“As you can see.” Zhong Yuxiu inclined her head slightly and tapped the table. “All the dishes today were made by it.”

Principal Guo’s eyes were wide with wonder. “Remarkable.”

“Comrade Zhong, may I ask, will robots like Dog Egg be produced?” Professor Ding inquired. If he could have such a robot, all household tasks would be taken care of; his wife could be freed from chores.

Zhong Yuxiu shook her head. “I am only responsible for research; I don’t concern myself with the rest.”

Professor Ding nodded and did not press further, but kept staring at Dog Egg, unable to focus on his meal.

After dinner, Dog Egg tidied up.

Professor Ding and Principal Guo hovered between examining Dog Egg and trying out the electric scooter, but finally chose the scooter; Dog Egg belonged to Zhong Yuxiu, and it was uncertain whether it would ever be produced. Rather than coveting a robot they couldn’t own, they preferred to test the scooter, which might become available.

Zhong Yuxiu patiently taught them how to ride the little electric scooter. “This vehicle is less complicated than a motorcycle, but a bit more so than a bicycle. See, here on the handlebars: brakes, bell, repair button, backup switch, map, spare battery. You must understand their functions before you begin.”

“Explain to us in detail,” Principal Guo said, rubbing his fingertips, listening intently.

Professor Ding echoed, “Demonstrate as you explain.”

“No problem.” Zhong Yuxiu explained each function and demonstrated. “Actually, this scooter can recognize its owner: just record your fingerprint and voice. It is equipped with sensors that will avoid danger automatically and can detect the presence of its owner.”

So advanced?

Principal Guo and Professor Ding scrutinized the scooter’s sensors, but saw nothing remarkable.

“Have you already registered as the owner?”

“No, not yet. We can’t ride outside now, so it’s pointless. I haven’t registered it, though I wish I could; it’s such a good scooter. I’ve sacrificed much to coordinate with the timing of its sale. You two try it out first, I’ll supervise.”

Their curiosity diverted, Principal Guo and Professor Ding stopped asking about ownership and argued over who would try first, wasting quite some time.

“Alright, Principal Guo, you go first.” If they kept this up, neither would get a turn.

Principal Guo smiled triumphantly, eager to try before having to return to school. “Thank you. I’ll ride first, then hand it over.”

“Hurry up then,” Professor Ding urged.

Zhong Yuxiu shook her head and exchanged a smile with Yan Rushan; the two elders, though old in years, still possessed youthful hearts—like children at play.

Both knew how to ride bicycles, so Principal Guo quickly grasped the essentials. Zhong Yuxiu’s instructions were thorough, and they, being clever, mastered it easily.

Taking turns, they found riding the scooter delightful—no need to pedal; with such a vehicle, they’d have a certain prestige wherever they went.

“Comrade Zhong, thank you for your hospitality. Your scooter rides excellently.” Principal Guo returned the scooter, subtly inspecting the tires. “Do its wheels have shock absorption? The ride wasn’t rough at all.”

The winding path was paved with stone, not concrete; riding a bicycle would be bumpy, yet the scooter felt smooth.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. “Yes, I incorporated shock-absorbing materials during the design.”

“Why wasn’t that mentioned in your paper?” Principal Guo wondered.

“There was no need; it’s just a minor improvement,” she replied indifferently.

Principal Guo shook his head. “You young people! Even small innovations are still technology.” And technology can bring profit.

“That technology is included in the patent applications,” Yan Rushan added, glancing at Zhong Yuxiu. “Comrade Zhong may not care, but we’ve documented it for her. Rest assured.”

“That’s good. Comrade Zhong isn’t concerned with fame or fortune, only with research. She shouldn’t be shortchanged.”

Zhong Yuxiu: … They misunderstood—I do want the profit.

Yan Rushan nodded. “Of course. My grandfather always said so.”

“With your grandfather overseeing this, we can rest easy,” Principal Guo smiled. “Well, it’s getting late, we should be heading back. Thank you for today, Comrade Zhong. See you at school.”

“See you then.”

Busy preparing for afternoon classes, the two elders departed in haste. After escorting them out, Hao Nan carried the scooter back inside.

“Comrade Hao, no need to carry the scooter upstairs. Just store it in the utility room—it’s not needed now, and moving it up and down is troublesome,” Zhong Yuxiu suggested.

“Alright, Comrade Zhong.” Hao Nan changed direction.

“Thank you.”

“You’re too polite, Comrade Zhong. It’s my duty.” Hao Nan placed the scooter in the utility room and returned. “Comrade Zhong, is there anything else you need? Just let me know.”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled and shook her head gently. “No, you can go rest for half an hour. Lunch break is short, and since you missed it today, at least take a little nap.”

“Comrade Zhong, we don’t need to rest.” Hao Nan had barely finished, when Tian Shangguo pulled him away. “Comrade Zhong, Comrade Yan, you two talk, we’ll head upstairs for a nap.”

Hao Nan tried to speak, but seeing Tian Shangguo dragging him away, he swallowed his words.

Tian Shangguo paid him no mind, shoving him into the room upstairs.

“Comrade Tian, I don’t need to rest,” Hao Nan said, baffled as the door closed.

Tian Shangguo shot him a glance and replied coolly, “Sleep.” They were courting downstairs; what business did they have being in the way?

“I really don’t need to sleep.”

“Then sit, I’ll nap.” Tian Shangguo lay down, ignoring Hao Nan.

Hao Nan scratched his head, took a seat on the stool, and stared at Tian Shangguo on the bed, wondering why he’d been dragged up only to be left alone.

Watching their figures disappear upstairs, Zhong Yuxiu couldn’t help but laugh. “Comrade Hao Nan seems quite sharp usually.”

“Does he?” Yan Rushan’s voice was low.

“Certainly.” Zhong Yuxiu, as if oblivious, clasped her hands behind her back. “Comrade Hao Nan is articulate and quick-witted; Comrade Tian Shangguo is more reserved, but equally clever. Each has his own temperament, and they suit each other well. Still, Hao Nan’s emotional intelligence is lacking.”

“Lacking emotional intelligence?” Yan Rushan was puzzled, but intrigued.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded thoughtfully. “Emotional intelligence, scientifically, refers to emotional and logical abilities; broadly, it means the capacity to navigate human interactions—self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and handling relationships.”

“Hao Nan’s self-management is quite strong.”

“Yes, but there are other aspects—like emotions and perceiving others’ feelings.” Zhong Yuxiu spoke casually, but Yan Rushan listened deeply, reflecting on his own emotional intelligence. He realized he too might be somewhat lacking; his initial approach to pursuing her had left her displeased. “I have issues in that area as well.”

Yan Rushan never avoided his flaws.

Zhong Yuxiu glanced back at him, laughing. “You do, indeed.”

“So do you,” Yan Rushan gazed steadily at her.

… No, I don’t. Don’t say such things.