NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 64 The Board of Directors and a News
January 8th, 2024, Monday. The clock struck eight in the morning as Michael made his way to the university campus. The semester had officially wrapped up in the second week of December, leaving the campus relatively quiet except for this specific period from January 8th to the 15th, dedicated to enrollment for the upcoming semester. During this time, students would typically trickle in, some eager to get a head start on their class schedules, others just there to finalize paperwork or consult with academic advisors about their course loads for the new term. But Michael was not here to enroll, not just yet, he was here because he had an appointment with his professor along with the board of directors of the university
As soon as he entered the gates, one of the students recognized him.
"Hey? Aren't you Michael Reyes? You are the one who is famous for inventing a solar panel and taking on Solar Dynamics?" "Yes, that's the man…we knew that he is also studying here at this university," another one added, as more students began to gather around Michael, curiosity and admiration evident in their eyes. The buzz about Michael's invention and his bold stance against Solar Dynamics Corporation had spread far and wide, making him somewhat of a celebrity on campus.
Michael, somewhat taken aback by the sudden attention, nodded modestly. "Yes, I'm that person…please give me space…" Michael's plea for space was barely audible over the growing excitement and chatter among the students. The crowd around him thickened, each person eager to catch a glimpse, ask a question, or simply be near the young inventor who had bravely challenged a corporate behemoth.
The situation quickly escalated beyond casual campus curiosity to a minor spectacle, with students pulling out their phones to take photos or record videos. Michael, feeling increasingly overwhelmed, tried to move forward, but the crowd was dense and unyielding.
Noticing the commotion from a distance, a pair of university security guards made their way through the throng.
"Alright, let's give Mr. Reyes some room, please," one of the guards announced, his voice cutting through the noise with practiced ease.
The students, recognizing the authority in the guards' tones, began to reluctantly disperse, their excitement still palpable in the air but their bodies now moving to create a path for Michael. The guards, one on either side of him, nodded in acknowledgment.
"We'll escort you to your meeting, sir. It seems you've attracted quite a bit of attention," the other guard remarked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Michael offered a grateful smile, his earlier discomfort fading in the wake of the guards' efficient intervention. "Thank you, I appreciate it. It's a bit more attention than I'm used to," he admitted, adjusting his backpack as he prepared to follow the guards.
As they escorted him towards the administrative building, the murmurs and whispers of the students followed. Reaching the relative calm of the administrative building's entrance, Michael turned to thank the guards again.
"Thanks again. I hope the rest of the day is a bit calmer for you both," he said, half-jokingly.
With a nod from the guards and a final wave to the few students who had followed at a respectful distance, Michael stepped into the building. The moment he stepped inside, his professor, Mr. Delgado greeted him.
"Michael! You have caused a minor scene out there," Delgado commented.
"That wasn't minor," Michael muttered, adjusting to the sudden quiet of the administrative building after the chaos outside.
Mr. Delgado chuckled softly, leading Michael down the corridor towards a large, oak-paneled door at the end. "Well, you've certainly made an impact, not just outside but also among the university's higher echelons. The board of directors is keen on meeting you, and they're not an easy crowd."
Reaching the door, Mr. Delgado paused, placing a hand on Michael's shoulder. "Remember, Michael, there won't be any interviews because this is just them recognizing your work as a student of the university. Now, whenever you are ready, we can enter inside."
"I'm ready," Michael responded.
Mr. Delgado nodded, opening the door to reveal a spacious conference room where the university's board of directors awaited.
The board members, seated around a large oval table, turned their attention to Michael as he entered. As Michael took his seat, Mr. Delgado introduced him formally to the board. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Michael Reyes, the student behind the innovative solar panel technology that has the prospect of replacing every commercially available solar panel around the world."
The board members nodded, with some offering polite smiles.
"Mr. Reyes, we've heard a great deal about your work and its implications for the future of renewable energy. We want to express our admiration for your courage and your dedication to innovation. The university is proud to have students like you who are not only excelling academically but are also making a real-world impact. Due to that, we are happy to announce that throughout the duration of your program, your tuition will be waived. Additionally, we will give you a monetary compensation of 500,000 pesos." "I don't know what to say…" Michael chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Thank you. But I do think that there is a catch with this right?"
"Yes…there is one, is that you acknowledge this university which enabled you to invent the solar panel." Michael understood the moment the board director uttered those words. They want to boost their reputation by associating closely with his invention. It was a fair trade-off, considering the financial and academic support they were offering. After all, as long as he is getting paid. "Of course," Michael agreed, seeing the mutual benefit in this arrangement. "I don't mind."
The board members seemed pleased with his response, nodding in agreement and relief that their new prodigy was cooperative. "Just let us know if you need anything," one of the board members said, concluding the formalities of the meeting. "We're here to support you and your projects in any way we can."
Michael, still somewhat in disbelief at the turn of events, thanked the board members for their generous support and assurance.
"I appreciate this opportunity and the trust you've placed in me. I'll do my best not to disappoint."
With that, Michael left the conference room along with Mr. Delgado.
"Since your tuition is now sponsored by the school, you don't have to line up like everyone else just to enroll. You can still adjust your schedule," Delgado said.
"I'll take note of that—" Michael paused as he noticed his phone vibrating. There was a call, no name but an unknown number.
Curious, Michael received the call.
"This is Michael Reyes speaking, to whom am I speaking?" "This is the patent officer that you have talked with regarding your application for a patent. Well, there seems to be a problem."
"What kind?"
"Well someone is contesting your patent application, claiming they have prior art that predates your submission. We need to discuss how you wish to proceed in defending your claim."
"What the fuck?"