Wu Cheng sat down beside He Xin, still visibly shaken and full of lingering fear.
Thank goodness Shu Lanzhou had the foresight to file the patent application immediately after verifying the research methodology. She even enlisted the Mu family's help to expedite the process.
In just a little over two months, they'd received the certificate—and the timing couldn't have been better. It was almost like divine intervention… No, not divine—it was Shu Lanzhou's brilliance and foresight that made it happen!
Her joyous expression stood in stark contrast to the faces opposite her—Luo Jialin's team looked utterly dejected. Especially Tian Hua, whose fingernails were practically digging into his palms.
How could it end up like this?
That cheerful girl was now jumping up, high-fiving others—clearly helping them undermine her old team. She used to always be on their side, always looking out for them.
Now, she wouldn't even give them the time of day.
Tian Hua's chest ached. What hurt more was hearing He Xin say that Wu Cheng had only been able to develop this research technique thanks to Shu Lanzhou's suggestion!
It brought back memories—those days they used to conduct experiments together. Shu Lanzhou always had a unique perspective on research. At key moments, she'd suggest insightful and original ideas.
If they were still on the same team… would this research method have been his instead of Wu Cheng's? After all, he'd already formulated the theoretical framework!
Looking at the certificate in Wu Cheng's hands, Tian Hua's heart twisted with resentment. It felt like something that rightfully belonged to him had been snatched away before his eyes.
"Professor, I'm sorry for letting you down. Since they already secured the patent, there's nothing left to say. Let's just go." Tian Hua didn't want to stay any longer.
He was afraid that if he stayed, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from demanding answers from Shu Lanzhou—demanding to know if everything she once did for them had meant nothing. Why did she now insist on standing against them?
Luo Jialin looked equally disappointed, though more composed. "We were indeed a step too late. We can't blame anyone else."
"What do you mean, just a step?" Lin Jiayi was indignant. It was bad enough their paper had come out later, but now the patent too? Were they supposed to just accept it?
"Han Weicheng, say something! Is their patent even legitimate? And are their methods really different from ours or not—are they two separate methodologies?"
Ha… even with the patent certificate practically slapped across her face, she was still clinging to false hope. She must have really wanted that patent.
Maybe before speaking, she should've taken a proper look at their paper and compared both methodologies?
A flicker of cold amusement flashed across Shu Lanzhou's face.
"Dean, I agree it's worth investigating—to see if these methodologies are indeed different. We wouldn't want Professor Han's team to miss out on their chance to patent."
"Since Shu's being so generous, then thank you, Dean!" Lin Jiayi completely missed the trap in Shu Lanzhou's words, mistaking it as a sign of fear and an attempt to appease them.
"After all, we had different professors and interns working on the projects. I don't believe it's possible we just coincidentally developed two identical methods."
"Sure, their results came out first—but that doesn't prove theirs is better. As the saying goes, slow work yields fine work, especially in research."
"Our team might have moved slower, but we've always been thorough. We would never treat medical research carelessly. Our paper isn't just for show!"
Who was she calling a show pony? Wu Cheng nearly choked on air and shot to his feet in outrage.
He Xin grabbed his sleeve. "Sit down. What are you so anxious for? The dean hasn't said anything yet."
Wu Cheng was baffled.
Lin Jiayi had basically spat in their faces—how could Professor He still tolerate it? There was no need for further investigation.
Just the file names in their applications were enough to prove the two methods were practically the same.
Their chances of securing a patent were slim to none.
Why humiliate them further by pretending to investigate—like their success had been a fluke rather than the result of skill? Like Han Weicheng's team was inherently superior?
Wu Cheng refused to accept that!
"Senior, don't get mad!" Shu Lanzhou gave him a smile as she slid Han Weicheng's patent documents from the dean's desk into his hands.
One glance—and Wu Cheng lit up with glee.
"Oh yes, let's check. Vice Dean Lin, please do a thorough check. I'd love to know whether our methodologies are exactly the same."
He stressed the words exactly the same, his gaze sweeping over Luo Jialin and Tian Hua.
Now the question was—which one of Han Weicheng's star students was the thief?
Han Weicheng's expression shifted. He stood abruptly.
"There's nothing to check. Congratulations, Professor He. I hope your team continues to achieve great success. Luo Jialin, let's go."
Lin Jiayi still wanted to protest, but Han Weicheng shot her a glare, and she had no choice but to drop it.
"Professor Han, you can't just leave!" He Xin stood up and blocked the exit. "It's not your choice anymore. We're the ones insisting on an investigation now."
"We suspect someone on your team leaked or stole our research data. For the sake of the integrity of our future work, this must be investigated!"
Han Weicheng's face darkened. "Impossible. We have no reason to steal your work. Our research focus differs from yours—there's no benefit in doing that."
"Is that so?" Shu Lanzhou let out a cold laugh. "Our team's preliminary research—done under Senior Wu's leadership—matched yours nearly identically."
"In fact, our scope was even broader. Your work fits within our parameters. So yes, there would've been every reason to take it."
Her bluntness stunned the room into silence.
She actually said it outright!
This girl had no filter!
He Xin quickly stepped in, pulling her behind him.
"Apologies, our student can be a bit… blunt. But she's not wrong. For everyone's sake, we can't pretend this didn't happen. We will investigate."
He spoke so swiftly that it left no room for Han Weicheng to blow up in anger.
That frustration was now stuck in Han's chest like a stone. This little girl—Shu Lanzhou—had grown sharp-tongued. It hadn't even been that long. Wasn't she practically mute before? When did she become so outspoken?
"Fine, check then! This matter can't be left unresolved." Lin Jiayi was fuming. "Dean, assign someone to assist me—I'll handle the investigation myself. Let's see who dares cause trouble in this research institute. I will deal with them personally!"
Shu Lanzhou could barely contain her glee. Vice Dean Lin sure is bold. I just wonder—when the results come out, will you still be so tough?
"I'm sorry, but I don't trust you," He Xin said slowly.
"Dean, either you lead the investigation yourself, or you appoint someone impartial. And let's be clear—no one close to Vice Dean Lin."
Lin Jiayi was about to explode. "He Xin, don't push your luck!"
But Professor He was already striding away with his team. "Dean, we'll be waiting for your decision."
They left behind nothing but a cool, composed silhouette.
—
Back in the office, Shu Lanzhou couldn't hold it in anymore. She burst into laughter.
She did seem a bit less composed than usual—but it was just so funny! How could she not laugh?
Especially the way Han Weicheng's face looked when Wu Cheng pulled out that patent certificate—he looked ready to keel over. She could probably laugh about that for an entire month!
After enduring so much in the past, this moment of petty triumph felt especially sweet.
Watching them suffer a setback? It brought her immense joy.
He Xin chuckled at her reaction. "Don't get too relaxed just yet. This isn't a minor matter. We still need to run an internal review and find out how our data got out."
"I think I have a good idea what happened," Shu Lanzhou said softly, a glint of suspicion already forming in her eyes.