"Han Weicheng, didn't you say the equipment we purchased was already the most advanced in the world? Then why is the equipment He Xin brought back even more sophisticated?"
"Did you even get the details right? Do you have any idea how humiliated I just was?" Lin Jiayi had never been this angry with Han Weicheng before.
The memory of those people looking at her like she was some kind of fool, especially when Ke Ling sneered, 'You sure are taking your role as deputy director lightly,' was like a slap in the face!
And that foreigner—he hadn't even finished his sentence, just said 'That explains…' but everyone knew what he meant.
He meant she was ignorant!
Lin Jiayi, over forty years old, had never suffered such humiliation—especially not in front of He Xin. She was fuming!
"Don't tell me they actually managed to buy the seventh-generation experimental pod?" Han Weicheng was surprised, but not angry. In fact, he sounded a bit pleased.
"Calm down and listen to me. That seventh-gen pod has only been on the market for less than six months. It hasn't been time-tested yet. Its performance is still highly unstable."
"Remember, the sixth-gen pod we purchased only became truly reliable after being on the market for a year and going through thorough data validation."
"So you knew there was a newer model but chose the sixth-gen on purpose?" Lin Jiayi's tone softened as she realized she might've wrongly blamed him.
Han Weicheng chuckled,
"Of course. I've been closely following advancements in medical research, both domestic and international. How could I not know? Lin Jiayi, you have to trust me—and keep your cool!"
"Don't let their shiny new toys make you doubt our decisions. Just wait and see. That seventh-gen pod has plenty of issues. Once the experiments begin, their troubles will too."
"They think they can overshadow us just because they got the newest gear? Not a chance!"
With his reassurances, Lin Jiayi finally cooled down completely.
"I'm sorry, Han Weicheng. I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier. It's just—He Xin really got under my skin. You didn't see the way they treated me."
"Just because their equipment's newer, they acted like I wasn't worth a damn. Even the supplier looked down on me. How could I not be mad?"
Han Weicheng laughed heartily.
"They've clearly been duped by the supplier. They didn't verify anything with market data. It's only a matter of time before they pay the price."
"Hearing that puts me at ease," Lin Jiayi sighed, her temper completely dissipated.
After hanging up, she clenched her teeth—Just you wait, He Xin. You'll come begging to me one day, and when you do, let's see who gets humiliated then!
Meanwhile, Du Yifan had been waiting outside Lin Jiayi's office. Once he saw she'd finished her call and seemed calmer, he sighed in relief.
Looks like the professor had it under control. He'd been genuinely worried they'd ended up with inferior equipment just because the Du family hadn't invested enough—that would've been a real embarrassment.
Still, the fact that the supplier came from the Mu family didn't sit well with him.
"School hasn't started yet—are you coming to my place or heading back to campus?" Du Yifan asked Fang Ruoshi as they left the research center together.
"I'll go back to campus," Fang replied without hesitation. "You know I've got my postgrad entrance exams this semester. I need to study."
"Good move. Oh, by the way—how are those study materials Lin Muyao gave you? Did you get everything? Need me to dig up some of my old notes too?" Du Yifan said with a fake smile.
Fang Ruoshi could see through it easily. He figured Du Yifan was just hoping for more help once the research group got going—especially now that Shu Lanzhou was no longer part of it.
"No need. Lin Muyao's materials are comprehensive—she even included analysis of recent exam question patterns. I think that's enough," Fang said politely.
"Alright then." Du Yifan's expression visibly darkened. "I'm heading home, then."
He turned and got into his car without offering Fang a ride.
Fang Ruoshi stood there, a chill wind brushing past him. A cold emptiness spread through his chest. So this is what people are really like.
Thank goodness not everyone in the team was like Du Yifan. At least Lin Muyao, who had kindly gathered all that material for him, was sincere.
Once Du Yifan's car disappeared, Fang turned and walked in the opposite direction.
He hadn't gone far when he ran into Guo Jialiang walking to work.
Fang paused in surprise. "Guo Jialiang? What are you doing here?"
"I work at the institute now. Saw you this morning, but you guys were busy unloading machines, so I didn't want to interrupt. Why are you alone? Where's Du Yifan?" Guo smiled.
He had already seen Du Yifan drive away.
Fang Ruoshi felt awkward. "He went home. Not on the way. I'm heading back to campus."
"Well, get going then. I need to clock in too." Guo tugged at his collar and hurried toward the institute.
Fang hesitated. "Senior…"
He had wanted to ask if Guo Jialiang would ever come back to campus, but in the end, he didn't.
Shu Lanzhou wasn't the naïve little junior she used to be. There was no way she would forgive Guo—not after what happened, no matter how much time had passed.
Besides, the school had already issued an expulsion notice.
Even if he hadn't formally withdrawn, it was clear he wouldn't be returning.
Guo didn't say anything more and walked off quickly.
As a new hire, he usually arrived at the institute earlier than anyone else. But to his surprise, he found Lin Jiayi was already there.
He hesitated for a moment, then turned back, made a cup of tea, and brought it into her office.
"Director Lin, have you eaten yet? Would you like me to grab something for you from the canteen?"
Lin Jiayi looked up at the vaguely familiar man. "Who are you?"
She didn't remember Guo Jialiang at all.
But Guo wasn't offended. After all, this was Lin Muyao's mother. If he wanted a permanent spot in the institute—and residency in Shen City—he'd need their help.
"I'm a new researcher this year. My name's Guo Jialiang. My office is right behind yours. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask!"
His respectful tone delighted Lin Jiayi—especially the way he called her Director Lin gave her a bit of an ego boost.
Still, she kept her composure and replied coldly:
"If you're new here, then focus on research. Don't waste your time cozying up to leadership or trying to make connections. Go on."
Guo's heart sank, but he didn't dare protest. He obediently left and even thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
So what if she looks down on me? One day, she'll want to keep me around!
Still, he did end up bringing her lunch from the canteen—he just hung it on her door and didn't dare knock again.
…
After finishing their meal, Shu Lanzhou and the others exited the restaurant in high spirits. He Xin returned to the institute with the technical experts, and Saiwen was off to negotiate further collaboration with Ke Ling.
Shu Lanzhou and Mu Side were heading back to the Mu family estate. The semester was about to begin, and she needed to pack her things to move back to campus.
Just as they were saying goodbye, Ke Ling called her over and stuffed a red envelope into her hand.
"I didn't have your contact info, so I couldn't send you one. Consider this your belated New Year's red envelope!" Ke Ling said cheerfully.
Shu Lanzhou froze—completely thrown off.
Who gives someone a red envelope after New Year's?!
"Aunt Ke, you're a businesswoman. It's still within the Lunar New Year season—you can't be giving out money like this. I really can't accept this." Shu tried to hand it back.
Ke Ling held her hand in place. "Silly girl. You really think this is just a holiday gift?"