The moment Han Weicheng's gaze landed on him, Guo Jialiang dropped to his knees.
It was over—utterly, irreversibly over. No one could save him now.
He had thought it was just a research technique—if their team managed to publish results first, no one would question the origin of the method. But how could he have known that He Xin's team had already succeeded in their research, submitted a paper, and even filed for a patent?
Not only had they failed to produce any results ahead of He Xin's team, they hadn't even realized that the technique they were using was a discarded, elementary version!
Heh… Han Weicheng, who had always boasted of being the top authority in this field, couldn't even recognize the flaws in such a basic method. And yet he'd tried to file a patent for it? What a joke. He wasn't just incompetent—he had dragged Guo down with him.
Now that the theft had come to light, there was no place for him in the research institute—no, in the entire medical community.
First expelled from university, now ousted from the institute. Why was his luck so miserable?
Why was this happening to him?!
It was all Han Weicheng's fault. Every bit of it. He was a terrible mentor.
If he hadn't followed Han Weicheng, how would things have come to this?
Just look at Shu Lanzhou. She simply switched advisors, and now she was practically soaring. Not only had she become more refined and confident, she already had a prestigious internship as a senior student, and even had a preface written for her by Elder Long!
It was dazzling!
At that moment, Guo Jialiang resented Han Weicheng with every fiber of his being.
The former teacher and student now glared at each other, eyes full of bitterness and blame.
Han Weicheng, full of fury and guilt, swallowed it all when he met Guo Jialiang's hateful gaze—he still had his pride to uphold.
"We were teacher and student once. I've done my duty to you. It's true I failed to guide you well. I just hope you don't go further down the wrong path."
"Heh…" Guo Jialiang let out a bitter laugh.
"So everything is my fault? You bear no responsibility whatsoever? Han Weicheng, does your so-called reputation actually match your true ability?"
It was the first time a student had publicly questioned Han Weicheng's competence. His expression darkened.
But he didn't rebuke Guo Jialiang. Instead, he turned to the institute director.
"I'll take care of the aftermath. As for Guo, he's a member of the research institute—you may handle him as you see fit. From the moment he was expelled from university, our ties as teacher and student were severed."
"Expelled? What do you mean, expelled?" The director was stunned. "Director Zhou, explain yourself—what exactly is going on with Guo Jialiang?"
An expelled student had been allowed into their research institute? What a complete joke!
Very well—Zhou Yanzhi had crossed the line.
"Forget it. I don't need your explanation anymore," the director snapped. "From today, you're being transferred to the logistics department. I'll assign someone else to oversee HR and records."
"Director?" Zhou Yanzhi was floored, about to plead her case.
But the director, fuming, shouted her out of the office.
"Deputy Director Lin, just look at what kind of mess this is. Have you forgotten everything I taught you? Go home and reflect! If it's too much, just retire early!"
With that, the director slammed the door behind them.
Lin Jiayi felt her world collapsing. Her legs gave out, and a wave of dizziness hit her. She had to steady herself against the wall.
But when she looked up, everyone else was gone. Even Zhou Yanzhi hadn't bothered to stay.
Heh… How pathetic.
She could forgive Zhou—after all, she was dragged into this. But Han Weicheng? The one she had supported wholeheartedly? He had just walked away without a word of comfort.
Not even a perfunctory reassurance.
Lin Jiayi's heart burned with unwillingness.
This wasn't over. If Han Weicheng thought he could just walk away and leave the wreckage to her—no way!
She turned coldly to Guo Jialiang. "Get out of Shen City. If I ever see you again, it won't end with just a dismissal. Scram!"
Then she stormed off after Han Weicheng.
"Han Weicheng…" Lin Jiayi called out, desperation and vulnerability laced in her voice.
Tian Hua, seeing the two, stepped aside. "Professor, I'll take my leave. Let's talk about my internship once this mess is over."
With the project canceled, he had nowhere to go within the institute. His internship documents were still in Lin Jiayi's hands, and he wasn't about to let go of his only remaining opportunity.
"I'll speak with Elder Xiang at the National Hospital myself. As for the Du family—you'll need to figure that out," Han Weicheng said, pulling Lin Jiayi aside.
"And don't try to convince me to continue the research. We've already lost the lead. There's no point in pushing forward. Better to wait—"
"Wait?" Lin Jiayi didn't quite understand.
Han Weicheng's eyes narrowed. "What do you think of He Xin's ability compared to mine?"
"He specializes in a different field. And over the years, his achievements haven't exactly been groundbreaking. His research leans heavily on traditional medicine. Naturally, he's not as accomplished as you."
Lin Jiayi seemed to catch on.
"So you're saying… even if they've had some early success, once the research deepens, He Xin and his team won't be able to keep up?"
"And if their project stalls or hits a wall, the institute will come back and beg for your help?"
Han Weicheng nodded. "That's why you need to keep watch on their progress. If they go too long without results, that's our opportunity."
He intended to let them do the groundwork, and once the hard part was done, swoop in to take the credit?
Lin Jiayi looked at him—this man was even more shameless than she'd imagined.
But… it was a smart plan.
"Han Weicheng, I'll support you. But don't forget your promise—about Mu Yao…"
Han Weicheng cut her off. "Don't worry. Mu Yao is my daughter. How could I neglect her? I promised you—I'll make you proud of her."
"I'll help her achieve her own success, step by step, until she stands at the very pinnacle of the medical field, admired and respected by all."
"You remember, that's all I need." Lin Jiayi finally felt reassured, her eyes softening with gratitude. "It's just a shame she can't openly call you 'Dad'."
"But I believe—one day, she will."
Han Weicheng patted her shoulder. "It doesn't matter to me. When I found out about Mu Yao, you have no idea how happy I was."
"The chains of morality the Mu family wrapped around me plunged me into darkness. You gave me a glimmer of light. Thank you, Jiayi."
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Lin Jiayi realized she had misunderstood him—he hadn't abandoned her. He was still in control, still fighting.
Of course. The Mu family never allowed him to marry or have children. Mu Yao was his only hope. How could he not give it everything he had?
Lin Jiayi felt a surge of joy. She had played the right move. Using "his daughter" to bind Han Weicheng—how could she and Mu Yao not succeed?
Her father's unfulfilled ambitions—she would make them a reality. She would become the director of this research institute. And step by step, the Lin family would surpass the Long family!
Behind the wall, not far away—
Guo Jialiang held his breath, stunned.
No wonder Han Weicheng had sided so firmly with Lin Muyao during the plagiarism scandal—she was his daughter!
This was beyond shocking. But… did Lin Muyao even know the truth?
As he thought of his own ruined prospects, a plan began to form in Guo Jialiang's mind…