When Jethro took the stage, Zane frowned. Today's forum theme was FinTech. While the Blackwood Group's subsidiary operated in this space, it was a new venture. What gave Jethro the right to speak as a corporate representative? It was nothing but the privilege of being the Blackwood Group heir! Zane's expression turned icy. If he were accepted into the Vance Group's main business, maybe he would be the one on stage today as a corporate speaker. In the unseen shadows, he clenched his fist tightly. No matter what, he had to make the Vances recognize his worth! The corporate speeches concluded, marking the end of the forum's first half. A twenty-minute intermission began.Many used the chance to network and connect with industry leaders. Zora looked ahead. Both Alistair and Jethro were surrounded by crowds. She said to Zane, "Let's go over there." "Yeah." Zane stood up, his eyes involuntarily flicking toward Darcy. He saw her gazing longingly toward the front. She probably desperately wished she could speak with important figures like Alistair or Jethro. Too bad she had resigned. Otherwise, Zane might have considered bringing her along. Alistair was encircled by layers of people. Many couldn't get near him and settled for talking to his star student, Bram. Zora and Zane did the same. Seeing them again, Bram immediately recalled the birthday party. He adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Vance, Dr. Moss. We meet again." Zora smiled, "Hello, Bram." She glanced at the crowded Alistair and asked Bram, "Will you and Prof. Reed have time later? We'd like to invite you both to dinner." Bram politely declined. "Thank you, but Prof. Reed is very busy with his research. We need to head back to campus soon." "What a pity," Zora said, sounding genuinely regretful. With so many people vying for Alistair's attention, Zora and Zane realized this wasn't the moment to discuss the patent purchase. Even if Alistair had the time—which he didn't—the moment they mentioned a patent in a crowd, it'd risk leaking business secrets. After a moment's thought, Zora decided to sound out Bram first. As Alistair's prized student, she believed Bram would know more than an average student. She drew Bram aside. "Bram, SummitCore Tech is interested in acquiring one of Alistair's patents—the Automated Yield Curve Model. Price is negotiable. Do you know if he's open to that?" Zane added, "We're developing a trading product that requires this model. Integrating it would significantly boost transaction efficiency. We're confident this product will gain widespread market acceptance." "I understand," Bram said. "But I can't speak for him. I can relay your interest. If he's open to collaboration, I'm sure he'll contact you." Truthfully, aside from not being able to decide for his professor, there was another point. He remembered that the patent for the Automated Yield Curve Model wasn't actually held by Alistair. It belonged to Darcy. She had developed it during her undergrad years. Alistair provided some guidance, she refined it, and filed for the patent herself. So, any collaboration intention would depend on Darcy. Hearing Bram's response, Zora felt hopeful. She smiled at Zane, who also showed a faint hint of a smile. Zora quickly saved Bram's contact. Remembering her internship offer at the birthday party, she mentioned it again. "Bram, if you need an internship opportunity, just let me know. Our projects are at the industry's forefront." Bram smiled, "Thanks for the offer, Dr. Moss. I'll reach out if needed." Soon, Alistair and Bram left, to the disappointment of the remaining crowd. Zora needed the restroom. Zane accompanied her, carrying her bag. Seeing Alistair leaving, Darcy followed them to the main entrance. When the crowd thinned and Alistair was about to get into the car, she finally dared to approach. "Prof. Reed," she called out. Alistair and Bram turned around. Seeing Darcy, Bram was pleasantly surprised. "Darcy!" Alistair shot him a glare. Bram immediately fell silent. Darcy stepped forward, voluntarily reporting her recent study progress and her efforts to catch up. "Mm. Bram mentioned it," Alistair said. He remained somewhat aloof, offering blunt but well-meaning advice. "Even though you're applying for the part-time program, the graduate entrance exams have gotten progressively more competitive in recent years. Passing the written exam is very difficult. You need to give it your all, not just 'effort.'" Darcy knew he meant well. She nodded earnestly. "I know."