Shulan Zhou clenched her fists in satisfaction—she had to admit, Wu Cheng had understood her intentions perfectly.
They had said it before: fundamentally, the two research teams were working on the same concept. The only difference was that Professor He Xin's team had incorporated acupuncture techniques into their approach.
Originally, the Dean wouldn't have allowed both projects to be approved at the same time. It was only because of Lin Jiayi's stubborn insistence—she wanted to use the project to slap He Xin in the face.
Who would've thought, in the end, she slapped herself instead. Ha!
Now that it had come to this, Professor Han Weicheng's team probably couldn't even complete the basic phase of the research. Eventually, they would have no choice but to terminate the project, and all their prior investment would go down the drain.
How could Shulan not feel thrilled?
Lin Jiayi was nearly driven to madness. She never imagined that pressuring a few inexperienced students and giving He Xin a hard time would backfire so spectacularly.
Why was she so unlucky lately? Nothing was going her way!
She suddenly turned and glared at Han Weicheng.
"Say something, will you? So what if we can't use that research method? Can't we still carry out the project without it?"
Han Weicheng stared at Shulan, who met his gaze with calm defiance, her smile faint but firm.
Maybe Lin Jiayi didn't understand the situation, but Shulan was sure Han Weicheng did.
In this type of research, the first phase of data collection was absolutely critical. In the previous timeline, they had run countless experiments—over a hundred—before discovering the necessary patterns to refine and solidify their method.
Even though Wu Cheng had started earlier this time, after reading their paper, Han Weicheng should understand the truth.
Their future research relied entirely on the foundational data from Phase One. Without using this specific method, the data obtained through traditional means would likely be insufficient to support any further progress.
In other words, continuing the project without it would almost certainly lead to failure. They'd be left with nothing—no results, no recognition.
"You planned this from the start? You did this on purpose?" Han Weicheng's voice trembled with fury. His hatred for Shulan had reached a boiling point.
Shulan shook her head slowly. "How could that be, Professor Han? Don't misunderstand. I'm not some clairvoyant. How could I possibly predict that you wouldn't be able to discover this research method on your own?"
"Or that Director Zhou wouldn't process Wu Cheng's employment paperwork in time? Honestly, it's just a matter of reaping what one sows. Even the heavens seem to be on our side."
"..."
What a line—reaping what one sows. Han Weicheng nearly had a heart attack from the sheer rage. He barely managed to suppress his fury and keep himself from screaming.
Taking a deep breath, he finally said:
"Fine. I was too impatient this time, which led to a critical oversight. Fortunately, the investment isn't too large yet. I'm ending the project here and now."
"Dean, I've decided to withdraw from this research initiative. I apologize for the losses incurred to the institute."
Han Weicheng was no fool. He knew when to cut his losses. Shulan was a bit disappointed—she thought with his pride, he would stubbornly push forward just to save face.
But apparently, not yet.
Looks like he wouldn't be completely disgraced this time… but there would be other chances.
Knowing his selfish nature, Shulan suspected this cancellation wouldn't be the end of it.
Just as she was thinking this, Lin Jiayi shrieked:
"Han Weicheng, do you even realize what you're saying? Cancel the research? Do you understand the consequences of that? Do you know how much time, manpower, and resources we've already invested?"
"And what about the Du family? And the National Hospital? Are you trying to humiliate the research institute and make us a laughingstock in the entire medical community?"
"It's not that serious," Han Weicheng replied calmly, casting a glance at He Xin. "After all, Professor He has his own project. I believe their team will achieve remarkable results."
"Isn't that right, Professor He?"
The sly bastard—he was trying to shift the burden.
He Xin wasn't about to take the bait. He turned to the Dean and said coldly:
"I think the punishment is reasonable. I'm generally satisfied. Now that everything's been clarified, I'd rather not waste any more of my precious research time."
"Wu Cheng, Shulan—let's head back to the lab."
"Yes, Professor!" Shulan and Wu Cheng exchanged a quick, knowing smile and obediently followed behind.
At the door, He Xin turned back to Zhou Yan:
"Director Zhou, I'm usually easy to get along with, but that doesn't mean you can toy with me on matters of principle. Lately, too many people have been trying to poach my students. That's all on you, isn't it?"
"Let me make this clear—if no one leaves, fine. But if even one person transfers out, you'll be the first one I come after. And trust me, a docked bonus won't be enough to settle it."
With that, his expression turned frosty as he walked off, leaving Zhou Yan stunned.
She barely had time to react before his figure disappeared down the hall.
Fuming, she slammed her hand on the desk. "Dean, what's that supposed to mean? I didn't do it on purpose! And now he's threatening me? I… I…"
The Dean cut her off impatiently:
"You… what, exactly? After such a massive screw-up, what excuse could you possibly have? If Wu Cheng weren't so understanding, do you really think we could've used his research method for free?"
"I suggest you stop talking. If he really puts his foot down, you'll become the entire institute's public enemy!"
"And another thing—what he said just now, is it true? You better not be behind all those poaching attempts. I'm warning you—his team is just beginning to show promise. If you interfere and slow their progress, don't expect me to save face for you!"
Faced with the Dean's anger, Zhou Yan had no choice but to shut her mouth. But she was fuming inside.
She turned to glare at Lin Jiayi. This is all her fault!
She was the one who claimed Han Weicheng's project would be stronger than He Xin's. And now?
Now she'd dragged Zhou Yan into the mess too!
Lin Jiayi wasn't in any better mood. Seeing her best friend shoot daggers at her only made her more annoyed.
"Han Weicheng, you better explain yourself. What are you thinking?"
Han Weicheng had no interest in arguing. He picked up a pen and quickly filled out the withdrawal form.
After signing it, he handed it to the Dean. "Dean, whether or not the project is officially canceled is your call. But I'm withdrawing, and that decision is final."
"Fine, fine! Han Weicheng, you really are something—" Lin Jiayi was so enraged she rushed forward to hit him, only to be restrained by Zhou Yan.
"Lin Jiayi, calm down! It's already come to this. Beating him won't fix anything. We need to focus on what comes next." Zhou Yan hadn't expected Han Weicheng to walk away so easily either.
Just like that, he'd thrown in the towel without a moment's hesitation!
Lin Jiayi flung off her arm angrily.
"Dean, this project has the Du family's investment. Experts from the National Hospital are still in the building. You'd better think carefully about what to do next. This isn't something you can just brush off!"
The Dean rolled his eyes so hard they nearly stuck.
They were the ones who started this mess, and now they were throwing the responsibility at his feet. Did they think just because he'd been the nice guy for years, he didn't matter anymore?
His expression darkened.
"I agree to cancel the project. But you don't get to walk away like this. You're the project initiator, and Lin is the project lead. You'll both be held accountable for the losses."
"As for the Du family and the National Hospital, that's on you to sort out. Until that's done, I won't sign off on the withdrawal. And Han Weicheng—don't think for a second you're off the hook."
"Damn it, do you all think I'm that easy to push around?"
The Dean waved them off.
"You've got three days. If you don't settle this in three days, I'll submit a report to upper management myself. And I'm pretty sure the National Hospital won't sit idly by once they know the truth."
"If you're not afraid of losing face, then fine. I'll stake my reputation alongside yours!"
"..."
With things said so bluntly, even someone as shameless as Han Weicheng couldn't argue anymore.
His face turned a deathly pale. This time, there would be no clean getaway…
Decades of carefully built reputation—
He slowly turned his eyes toward Tian Hua and Guo Jialiang…