Shu Lanzhou arrived at the research institute without any psychological burden. Just as she was about to step into the project team office, she saw Han Weicheng walking toward the director's office with Tian Hua.
"This research methodology is worth promoting," Han was saying. "Organize the relevant data and submit an application to the institute first. That way, it'll be easier to apply for a patent later."
Tian Hua nodded. "Should we notify Guo Jialiang about it? After all, he's the one who initially brought it up."
"..."
Watching the two of them walk off, Shu Lanzhou's brows furrowed slightly—what kind of research methodology were they planning to patent?
She entered the office. "Senior Wu, how's that thing I reminded you about going?"
"All set. We should get a reply in about two days," Wu Cheng looked up from his computer at her. "How's your thesis coming along? Need any help?"
Shu Lanzhou shook her head. "No need. Once I finish writing, I'll let you all take a look."
The entire afternoon, the only sound in the office was the rhythmic clatter of fingers on keyboards.
Shu Lanzhou was so absorbed in writing that she lost track of time—until the smell of food snapped her back.
"You must be starving. The canteen had braised pork today, so I got you a portion. Eat up, then keep writing!" Ding Yuejiao placed the meal in front of her with a bright smile.
Shu Lanzhou's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, Yuejiao, you saved my life!"
She was nearly starving to death.
"I'm not that great," Ding Yuejiao laughed, dragging a chair over to sit beside her. "Quick question: do you think Professor He would agree to write the foreword for our thesis?"
"Why wouldn't he? Isn't he your supervising professor now?" Shu Lanzhou was a bit confused. If she remembered correctly, Wu Cheng had been assigned to Professor He Xin's team during his internship at the institute.
In fact, several others from their group had also been placed under He Xin's team.
Since Professor He was the official advisor, asking him to write the foreword was perfectly natural. Speaking of which, Shu Lanzhou had originally planned to have Mu Yanning write the foreword for hers.
Having Elder Long do it instead still felt somewhat surreal to her.
Ding Yuejiao gave her a knowing smile—she had expected this kind of simpleminded response from Shu Lanzhou. The girl saw interpersonal relationships as too straightforward.
"Even though our research has made some headway, no one knows how it'll pan out in the long run. Professor He signed on to the project, not us. That's what worries me."
"Yuejiao, you're overthinking it. As far as I know, if Professor He didn't see potential in you all, he wouldn't have let you join his team in the first place," Shu Lanzhou reassured her.
"Focus on doing solid research and don't overthink the rest. As long as we keep a clear conscience, what's meant to come will come. I really don't think Professor He is out to use or shortchange you."
Ding Yuejiao pouted. "But do you realize that it's been nearly a month and we still haven't received official onboarding paperwork? Our status is kind of... awkward right now!"
Shu Lanzhou's expression darkened. She hadn't realized the institute still hadn't formalized their internships. Was it an oversight on He Xin's part—or was someone deliberately interfering?
She stood up. "I'm going to ask about it!"
Unlike them, Shu Lanzhou's internship was processed through the Traditional Medicine Hospital, so she wasn't formally affiliated with the institute.
Seeing her about to march out, Ding Yuejiao quickly tried to stop her—but it was too late. Shu Lanzhou had already yanked the door open.
She didn't get far, though—someone blocked her path.
"You?" Zhou Yan's expression was cold. "Where's Wu Cheng and the others? Tell them to turn in their temporary badges and come to my office for their official internship cards."
"These are their assessment forms. Give them to their supervising professor. If they lose them, it's on you—"
Shu Lanzhou glanced at Zhou Yan and immediately understood what was going on. No way was she going to accept the forms herself. Instead, she turned and called out:
"Yuejiao, Director Zhou brought over your assessment forms. Go pick them up and swap out your badges."
Ding Yuejiao's face lit up as she walked over. "Thank you, Director Zhou, I'll be right there."
"Mm." Zhou Yan shot a cold look at the group. If He Xin hadn't pressured her, she wouldn't have processed their official credentials so soon.
In her opinion, these people wouldn't last long here anyway—they'd be weeded out eventually. No need to waste time doing redundant paperwork. She was sure they wouldn't achieve anything noteworthy.
She hadn't planned to say anything else, but when she saw Shu Lanzhou looking all cheerful and smiling like sunshine, something inside her twisted with irritation.
What's that girl so happy about?
She turned back and said with a fake smile, "You probably haven't heard yet—Senior Luo and his team discovered a new research method. They're about to apply for a patent."
"If you'd stayed in their group, maybe you'd get to share in the glory. But now? You've got nothing to do with them."
"Holding onto a niche discipline like yours… who knows if anything useful will ever come of it. Total waste of resources. Tsk tsk tsk… Still mooching off the institute's cafeteria like you've never eaten before…"
She shook her head and walked off, clearly looking down on her.
"Ugh… that Director Zhou…" Ding Yuejiao was furious, itching to curse.
But Shu Lanzhou pulled her back. "Director Zhou was kind enough to remind us. We should be grateful."
She raised her voice:
"Director Zhou, the food here is indeed excellent. I really enjoy it. I'll be back again tomorrow! And please help me congratulate Senior Luo and the others—I hope their patent application succeeds!"
Zhou Yan stumbled slightly, nearly tripping over nothing.
That damn girl—did she really think she was being sincere? Didn't she hear the sarcasm dripping from her words? Mooching meals like it's a badge of honor—she's not even ashamed of it!
What a stupid, petty little country bumpkin. So lacking in class!!
She was livid.
Once Zhou Yan was gone, Ding Yuejiao dragged Shu Lanzhou back inside. "What did she mean by 'patent'? Did Professor Han's team already make a breakthrough?"
Wu Cheng and the others gathered around. "You don't think we're too late, do you? Did they beat us to it?"
"Don't be so quick to panic. Zhou Yan just said that casually. We still don't know the full picture. Without any published paper, there's no telling who's ahead," Shu Lanzhou said calmly.
"When I got here, I overheard Professor Han telling Tian Hua that their research method was worth promoting and that they were applying for a patent."
"But in my opinion, their so-called method may not be any better than what you've developed, Senior Wu. What do you think?"
Wu Cheng's face was grim. "As far as we can tell, our methodology is indeed rock-solid. But… that's still Professor Han's team we're talking about."
"I don't want to discourage anyone, but we have to be realistic. Professor Han is one of the most prominent experts in the country, and his students are no pushovers either."
"This project is under his direct supervision. If they really beat us to it, it wouldn't be all that surprising."
"Our only option now is to finish our paper properly and take every step of the research seriously!"
Credit where credit's due—Wu Cheng did know how to rally a team.
Too bad his words effectively drained the room of all the excitement and joy they had just felt over their research progress.