"We can. Absolutely!" Shu Lanzhou blurted out.
She wasn't just trying to comfort Mu Side with those words—after everything she had experienced in her previous life, she knew Han Weicheng's research direction far too well.
The reason she had insisted on pursuing a dual degree all along was precisely to give herself a legitimate excuse to challenge his research later on.
After all, if she suddenly made significant breakthroughs in cellular research without any formal study, it would be far too suspicious.
"They won't be able to launch their new project that quickly. Personnel, equipment, collaboration methods, investors—by the time they finalize everything, we'll likely have results from the next phase of our own research."
She looked up at Mu Side. "Your investment will absolutely pay off. Don't worry!"
Mu Side couldn't help but chuckle. The thing he worried about had never been the money.
For years, He Xin had been searching for breakthroughs in integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Wu Cheng's innovative project had finally offered them a new path.
At first glance, the research seemed unlikely to yield quick success. But from an investor's point of view, even if Mu Yaning's team didn't make much progress, the application of nanobots in clinical surgery alone was already worth the investment.
Besides, with Long Xingyue joining them, the exploration of how traditional medicine could be used in surgical procedures was bound to deliver results. The development of new pharmaceuticals was inevitable.
And setting business interests aside, Mu Medical's role in this research would greatly benefit the company's long-term development.
Mu Side reached out and tousled Shu Lanzhou's hair. "Mm. I'm not worried. Come on, I'll walk you back."
The two turned and headed toward the dorms. Neither of them seemed particularly concerned about Han Weicheng's new project.
"Shu Lanzhou!" someone called out behind them, the voice tinged with urgency.
She turned and saw Fang Ruoshi jogging toward her.
It felt like it had been ages since they last met. Shu Lanzhou even found the face in front of her somewhat unfamiliar.
"What is it?" she asked, her tone distant, a flicker of displeasure in her brows.
Fang Ruoshi took a few breaths before speaking.
"I heard that this project of Professor Han's had been suppressed by Elder Long for quite a while. This time, it was only approved thanks to Elder Xiang's special authorization. Once it begins, the National Hospital will likely get involved."
"So?" Shu Lanzhou narrowed her eyes.
Fang Ruoshi steadied her breath. "You've been with Professor Han long enough. You should know whether he's capable or not. You refused to return before, and now you've even caused the cancellation of his previous project."
"This new project is clearly a reaction to your team's progress. You know that, don't you? Your team has more traditional medicine specialists, and Professor He…"
Her gaze flicked to Mu Side, her brows subtly furrowing.
"Let's not even talk about how your project will turn out. What about you? Do you honestly believe you can achieve anything significant in acupuncture?"
"Do you really think this hastily chosen specialty will bring you more success than the one you've studied for years?"
Shu Lanzhou stared at her, confused.
"My success—or whether I achieve anything—has nothing to do with you. So, tell me, in what capacity are you speaking to me like this? As what? A friend? An old classmate? What do you want?"
Fang Ruoshi took a deep breath, seemingly mustering all her courage.
"Shu Lanzhou, stop being stubborn. Come back. Professor Han is recruiting new members—you're the most qualified. Please, just come back and join us."
"If you return, any accomplishments the team makes will include your name. When the research concludes, we might even have the opportunity to enter the National Hospital."
"That's the most prestigious medical institution in the country. Aren't you tempted?"
Tempted? If she had been, she would've accepted Xiao Anning's offer long ago. She wouldn't have waited until now.
It wasn't that Shu Lanzhou thought herself noble—it was that she had lived a whole life already and knew better than anyone that real success didn't come from prestigious institutions.
It came from standing on a platform that respected her, one where she could make her own choices.
And right now, she believed that Mu Medical was such a platform, and the Mu family's Traditional Medicine Institute was such a place.
She looked at Fang Ruoshi and shook her head.
"Not tempted. Never will be. Are you scared, Fang Ruoshi? Afraid that Han Weicheng might abandon you like he did Guo Jialiang?"
"And that's why you want to pull me back as a scapegoat?"
"You really don't have to worry. Unlike Guo Jialiang, you actually have talent. As long as you remain useful, he won't discard you that easily."
"Besides, this isn't the start of a new school year. The people he's recruiting fall into two categories: undergraduates and graduate students in their first year who haven't chosen an advisor yet; or those about to graduate who still don't have job offers."
"People in the first group aren't talented enough to be picked up by other mentors. The second group? Average grades, no connections, and too unwilling to leave Shen city."
"The first group? Han Weicheng won't even look at them. The second? You should be careful, Fang Ruoshi. Those people are smart, hardworking, and may even outperform you."
"They'll do anything to win his favor. So, tell me—will you still be Professor Han's favorite then?"
A hint of mockery curled Shu Lanzhou's lips.
"You can't even secure your own place, yet you're trying to drag me into the mud with you. What's your angle?"
"I…" Fang Ruoshi looked wounded. "I'm not! Whether you believe me or not, I really am doing this for your own good. Professor Han isn't like what you think."
"He promised me—no matter what project he starts next, I'll remain on the team. He'll secure my internship and future job placement."
"Is that so?" Shu Lanzhou chuckled. "Then I look forward to the day he honors that promise."
With that, her expression turned cold. She grabbed Mu Side's hand and walked away without a second glance.
The decisive scorn and absolute resolve in Shu Lanzhou's eyes left Fang Ruoshi bewildered, even anxious.
Why wouldn't she come back?
They had all acknowledged their mistakes. Even Han Weicheng knew he'd wronged her. If she returned, she would be valued again.
With her knowledge and capabilities, she was sure to succeed in this field. Combined with Han Weicheng's reputation, she was bound to make a name for herself.
Wasn't that better than throwing her lot in with Mu Medical?
Hadn't their professor said it himself? No matter how glorious Shu Lanzhou looked now, the Mu family only saw her as a pawn.
They were using her background with Han Weicheng to draw attention to Mu Medical during this rivalry.
She was chosen only because she used to be his student!
But… was that really true?
Fang Ruoshi suddenly hesitated.
Anyone with eyes could see that Shu Lanzhou had clearly grown and thrived after leaving Han Weicheng's team.
Was that just temporary glory? Was the Mu family really using her?
Fang Ruoshi wavered. The words Shu Lanzhou had just spoken echoed in her mind, filling her with helplessness and a rising sense of dread.
"What's wrong?" Tian Hua came over and glanced in the direction Shu Lanzhou had gone. "Did she say yes?"