Chapter 326
Dustin was still being modest. During her busy periods, Caroline had also heard plenty of rumors about his company. Dustin had just led his employees to successfully win a technology competition and was now a hot rising star in tech circles.
The company website Caroline was building, and much of the network-related content needed by the research institute was all handled by Dustin's company. They'd been using them all this time without any issues.
Plus, he'd previously helped her connect with various universities, allowing her to persevere in such difficult circumstances. Dustin's contribution had been invaluable.
Caroline never easily forgot others' kindness to her. She'd never forgotten what Dustin had done.
If it had been someone else, she wouldn't have taken the time to have dinner with him. Hearing the self-deprecation in Dustin's words, she smiled.
"What are you saying? Professionally, we're business partners. Personally, you're my junior."
"Whenever I have time, as long as you ask me out, I'll definitely come see you."
Her words made Dustin's eyes light up: "Really, Caroline? Am I different from others in your eyes?"
Seeing his face full of anticipation, Caroline nodded: "Of course. Why would I lie to you?"
These words were quite gratifying to Dustin. The smile on his face deepened considerably.
"If others knew I had such a good relationship with you, they'd probably be jealous of me."
Dustin smiled as he poured Caroline some tea. Just then, a sarcastic voice sounded in their ears.
"Dustin, is it that your own company's business isn't growing, so you're starting to find ways to latch onto a sugar mama?"
"Don't say I didn't warn you—with the way you are, what big shots could you possibly connect with? You should just obediently hand over your patents and technology to let them shine in more suitable hands, rather than being buried with you."
This voice full of malice rang out. The two turned to see a man staring at Dustin with ill intent.
Dustin frowned: "I'm having dinner with a friend. What does that have to do with you?"
He then turned to Caroline: "Caroline, ignore him. This guy's like a mad dog, biting anyone he sees."
This person was one of Dustin's competitors—the owner of an established tech company who was very unfriendly toward Dustin's new-type tech company.
Not only had he created plenty of trouble for Dustin when he first started his company, but after discovering Dustin's company's business was more popular than his, he became even more restless and wanted to cause trouble.
He never expected to run into them here today. Dustin just felt it was bad luck.
Caroline had seen plenty of people like this and nodded: "Everyone knows your ability. There's no need to waste time on such people."
"Caroline, you're right. I'll listen to you." He nodded with a smile.
The man over there had been so coldly dismissed by the two that he was already displeased.
"Are you even listening to me? Hey, don't be fooled by his sanctimonious appearance! This person plagiarized classmates' work when he was in school!"
"Even his current company—who knows if it's built on stealing employees' research results? If you invest in him, you'll definitely lose everything!"
The man stared at Caroline and emphasized.
Dustin's expression turned cold: "The school and the competition organizers both knew about what happened before. It's not your place to spread rumors about me to my friends."
"If you continue spreading rumors and slandering me everywhere, I don't mind pursuing legal action."
He clenched his fist, his expression icy.
Caroline didn't know what they were talking about, but seeing Dustin's reaction, she knew this matter made him very unhappy. She frowned and spoke.
"Whatever he did before, the law will naturally punish him. It's not for you to slander others here with a few ambiguous words."
"Spreading rumors also carries legal responsibility."
The man hadn't expected her to be so impervious. He spat.
"You trust him so much—when he betrays you someday, you'll know I was telling the truth!"
"But what does that have to do with you?" Caroline countered. "I value his abilities, which is why I chose to cooperate with him, not like you, who only spreads gossip about others."
"You're hopeless!"
Unable to argue with her, the man turned and left.
Caroline didn't care. She just smiled at Dustin: "Well, now it's quiet. We can eat in peace."
Dustin pressed his lips together: "Caroline, aren't you curious about what he said?"
"About what?"
Caroline turned her head. Dustin took a deep breath: "He wasn't wrong. I did use a classmate's work to enter a competition before, and I even won an award."
Caroline hadn't looked into Dustin's experiences and information from school. Hearing him say this, she nodded: "So?"
Dustin looked up: "Caroline, aren't you angry with me?"
Caroline shook her head: "I don't know what happened before, but at least the Dustin I know is someone with real ability and a good personality."
"I don't know about your past and won't investigate it. As long as you can continue providing good products like before, that's enough."
Caroline's words warmed Dustin's heart.
After that person dug up his unbearable past, many people were dissatisfied and even smeared his company and employees because of it.
Caroline was the most level-headed among those people, showing no sign of blaming him and still speaking up for him.
He knew Caroline was different from others.
Looking deeply at Caroline, Dustin proactively spoke: "Actually, that person was my roommate."
After saying this, he seemed somewhat anxious: "Will you find it annoying if I talk about this?"
Caroline shook her head: "It's fine. We've already discussed business matters, haven't we? If you want to confide, go ahead and talk. I have time."
Only then did Dustin relax and speak about the past that had been forgotten by others.
That person was his classmate and roommate. The two had an excellent relationship and had long ago agreed to start a business together and make a name for themselves.
But fate had other plans. When their project was being arranged intensively, his friend contracted a rare disease. It progressed rapidly—from diagnosis to being bedridden took less than two months total.
Moreover, his condition was progressively worsening. According to the doctor, in this state, he couldn't hold on much longer. Death was just a matter of time for him.
But Dustin's life was just beginning. Their dreams hadn't been realized yet.
Dustin's friend felt the same way. Even though the doctor had said he couldn't continue taxing himself mentally, he still insisted on wanting to complete the project he was working on with Dustin. It was something he'd poured all his heart and soul into. He wanted to see his ideas come to fruition before he died.