Shu Lanzhou stormed into the faculty building, fuming. She was there to see Professor Mu.
Guo Jialiang was just too annoying—always meddling in things that didn't concern him. In her past life, he'd spread rumors that ruined her. Now he was up to his old tricks again, flinging mud at her wherever he could.
Clearly, she'd been too soft. That's why they still thought she was easy to bully, like she used to be.
This couldn't go on. She had to find a way to make them think twice before messing with her again.
Before she could come up with a solid plan, Professor Mu Yanning's office door opened from the inside.
"You're here—why didn't you knock?" Mu Yanning looked at her with amusement. "What were you waiting for?"
Shu Lanzhou's cheeks flushed. "Nothing. I just needed a moment to get my emotions in check. Didn't want to bring negative energy into your office."
"Are you composed now? If not, I can close the door and give you a few more minutes," Mu Yanning teased, pretending to shut the door.
Afraid she'd be shut out for real, Shu Lanzhou quickly slipped through the gap. "Professor, I have something important to ask your help with."
She had originally planned to wait until the competition results were announced before bringing it up, but she was worried that by then, it might be too late. Judging from the crowd's reaction during the first round, a lot of faculty might already have their eyes on Wu Cheng.
"Go on, what's this serious matter that brought you running to me?" Mu Yanning asked as she sat back down at her desk, looking up at Shu Lanzhou.
Shu Lanzhou explained her request—that she wanted to help Wu Cheng get an internship at the central research institute.
"You've probably seen his work too," she said. "He's genuinely innovative. I promise you, helping him is an investment that'll pay off. He's bound to surprise you in the future."
"He's not even one of my direct students. What kind of surprises do you think he can give me?" Mu Yanning raised a brow, her tone amused. "More importantly, why are you helping him? What do you get out of it?"
Unbothered, Shu Lanzhou patiently explained.
"If Wu Cheng can intern at the research institute, we could bring him into our hospital team as a seconded talent. Last time you said it yourself—our joint research project on cytology and acupuncture therapy is short-handed. Professors He and Zhang might be providing technical support, but they don't have much time to be physically present at the hospital."
"With Wu Cheng's help, we'll get a real boost."
Mu Yanning narrowed her eyes slightly. "If I remember correctly, he's in clinical medicine? And doing pretty well?"
"More than pretty well," Shu Lanzhou grinned. "He's ranked first in his department every single year!"
Mu Yanning smiled faintly. "Okay, spill it—why are you really helping him?"
"This isn't me helping him," Shu Lanzhou winked. "This is me thinking ahead for the long-term development of ourteam!"
Mu Yanning lightly tapped her forehead. "Less sass, more truth."
Shu Lanzhou gave a sheepish smile and came clean. "His girlfriend is my roommate. Wu Cheng is from a second-tier city down south—if he can't land an internship in Shanghai, they'll either end up in a long-distance relationship or break up."
"I just don't want to see my roommate heartbroken. And she's preparing for grad school—this might mess with her mental state."
Mu Yanning looked a little surprised. "You really are soft-hearted, worrying about your roommate like this. Aren't you afraid Wu Cheng will end up disappointing you?"
"No way," Shu Lanzhou chuckled. "My roommate's beautiful and kind. A guy like him wouldn't be bad. That's reason one."
"Reason two: I genuinely believe he's talented and could be a real asset to your research. And hey, if he turns out to be a bust, you can just cut him loose after the internship. No harm done."
"You sure talk big," Mu Yanning flicked her finger against Shu Lanzhou's forehead. "Alright, I'll put in a word with Professor He. If the kid's really capable, there's a chance he could stay at the institute long-term."
"But let's be clear: if he can't meet the internship standards, and doesn't get kept on, don't come complaining to me."
"I wouldn't dare," Shu Lanzhou promised confidently.
In her heart, she believed Wu Cheng wouldn't let them down. Getting him in was just the first step—everything else would fall into place.
After leaving Mu Yanning's office, her once-empty backpack was now crammed full again. Mu Yanning didn't go easy on her—determined to ensure she graduated successfully, she loaded her with assignments that rivaled Gaokao prep.
As Shu Lanzhou walked slowly back to her dorm, she wondered how to break the good news to Ding Yuejiao.
But before she figured it out, someone blocked her path again.
This time, it was Tian Hua.
Shu Lanzhou sighed. What a rotten day. First the kidnapping case ended without catching the true mastermind—Lin Muyao. Then Guo Jialiang smeared her name online. And now, just as she was happy about Mu Yanning agreeing to help Wu Cheng, here comes Tian Hua.
"Been a few days, and now you look at me like I'm a stranger?" Tian Hua grinned, raising a hand to pat her on the head.
Shu Lanzhou instinctively dodged. "Say what you need to say—don't get handsy."
Not just anyone was allowed to touch her head anymore.
"We've known each other almost three years. I thought we had something," Tian Hua said, visibly disappointed. "I didn't treat you badly. Why are you being so cold?"
Shu Lanzhou looked up at him. "Don't tell me you're here to borrow money again?"
Thinking of how she'd just gotten Mu Yanning to back Wu Cheng—likely taking the spot Tian Hua had his eyes on—Shu Lanzhou softened her tone slightly.
Tian Hua's expression darkened. His smile cracked, and his eyes grew sharp.
"No. Is that all I am to you? Someone who borrows money? That last time was a misunderstanding—I wanted to explain, but you didn't give me the chance."
"Clearly, you don't care for my explanations anymore. I won't embarrass myself by trying again. I just want to ask you something."
"Lanzhou, just be honest with me. After you joined Professor Han's team, were you secretly studying acupuncture behind the scenes? Were you in contact with Professor Mu all along?"
Shu Lanzhou's eyes widened in disbelief.
As expected—she should've known better than to soften toward these people. They never stopped lowering the bar of human decency. She'd been too naïve!
"What—did you people think I was some kind of mole planted by Professor Mu in Han's team?" Shu Lanzhou gave a mocking laugh.
"Three years ago, Senior Luo personally welcomed me at the university gate. My major was always cytology. From day one, I was working with Fang Ruoshi."
"I didn't ask to join Professor Han's team—it was Luo Jialin who came to me because I was top of my class."
"Later, when they added new courses in sophomore year, yeah, I struggled. But think carefully—was it really because the material was hard, or because I had no time to study?"
"For two whole years, every spare minute I had was taken up—either cleaning the lab, running errands for seniors, or prepping competition materials."
"I barely had time to study outside of class, and still, I was top of the grade every term."
"Tian Hua, if you've got amnesia, I don't mind helping you remember what exactly I did these past few years."
"If after remembering all that, you still think I had time to secretly study a different major and conspire with another professor behind the scenes—then I've got nothing more to say."
"But if your memory still works, then next time you want to spout off that kind of garbage—do us both a favor and use your brain first!"