Mu Yaning and Shu Lanzhou walked out of the school auditorium together.
"Don't worry too much about the competition," Mu Yaning said gently. "I've looked over your innovation project. While it might not be dazzling, it's definitely original—and most importantly, it has practical clinical application. The school will definitely take it seriously."
She patted Shu Lanzhou's hand reassuringly.
"You've had a rough time, haven't you? Don't worry. From now on, as long as you're diligent and sincere in your research—no shortcuts or trickery—I promise you, no matter how much talent you have, I'll make sure it doesn't go to waste!"
"Double majoring in your senior year is definitely tough. But if you're still interested in further studying cellular biology, I can recommend you to Professor Wang."
"Though he's not as famous as Han Weicheng, his teaching skills are on par. And if you're worried about job prospects because of the lack of name recognition—don't be. As long as you graduate with excellent results, I'll help you find a position!"
Mu Yaning's face was full of sincerity. Her words were thoughtful, with no hint of probing or testing. This moved Shu Lanzhou deeply.
Her heart filled with warmth, and she instinctively clung to Mu Yaning's arm.
"No, I don't want to leave you, Professor. I want to stay as your student. It's true that juggling two majors is hard, but it's not impossible."
"Please don't worry. I won't bring you any shame. I will graduate smoothly. Please believe me—don't ask me to leave, okay?"
"You silly girl!" Mu Yaning sighed, exasperated yet fond. "I'm not trying to chase you off. I just don't want to see you struggle so much. I know you're used to it…"
Thinking of those terrifyingly dense data sets from before, Mu Yaning's expression turned angry.
"I'm not like Han Weicheng. He exploited you without remorse and never even acknowledged your efforts. Serves him right to lose such an excellent student." She reached out to pat Shu Lanzhou on the head.
"Think over my suggestion carefully. Whatever you choose, I'll support you and help you graduate."
Shu Lanzhou held her even tighter, eyes reddening. "There's nothing to think about. The moment I came to the hospital to find you, I'd already decided—I want to study acupuncture."
"Please believe me, Professor. I can balance both majors. I'll excel in both, I swear."
"Alright, alright." Though Mu Yaning hated seeing her student suffer, she also couldn't bear to let her go.
Since Shu Lanzhou insisted on staying, there was no reason to persuade her otherwise.
"Mu Si and He Sixin are both graduating soon. They've already finished most of their exams, so they're relatively free now. Feel free to boss them around—don't be shy."
"If there's anything you don't understand academically, come ask me anytime. Once you've finished the materials I gave you, I'll give you more. And come by my house when you have time—I'll give you some extra tutoring."
"In short, since you've chosen this 'unpopular' major of mine, I won't let you become a laughingstock—especially not in front of Han Weicheng. He thinks you're not capable? I'll prove you are."
"Girl, the unfair treatment you've experienced won't exist here with me. I only have one selfish wish."
Mu Yaning paused, looking Shu Lanzhou straight in the eyes with a solemn expression. "I hope that one day, you'll bring acupuncture to new heights."
…
Her words stirred memories of Shu Lanzhou's past life. After the Mu family's company was gradually taken over by the Luo family, their traditional medical techniques faded into obscurity.
A few years later, Professor Mu's acupuncture courses were discontinued. Though acupuncture as a field continued to evolve, the Mu family's specific techniques were almost entirely forgotten.
The Mu family's medical legacy was severed. Even He Sixin switched majors after a big argument with Mu Yaning, eventually leaving the country.
By that time, Han Weicheng had become an external advisor for research institutes, a university president, and a PhD supervisor—riding a wave of success. During one visit to the institute, he even mentioned the Mu family's decline.
He'd said with a sigh that they had chosen the right path, and that unpopular majors had no future—just like the Mu family.
The memory made Shu Lanzhou's heart ache. She clasped Mu Yaning's hands tightly. "I will, Professor. I won't let you down."
Acupuncture deserved to be seen by more people. The Mu family's century-old legacy shouldn't just vanish.
Mu Yaning knew her family's medicine was obscure and never expected Shu Lanzhou to achieve great fame with it. But hearing her say that still made her deeply comforted.
What she didn't realize, however, was the weight of that promise.
Years later, every time she looked back on this day, she'd always be filled with emotion.
—
Mu Yaning and Shu Lanzhou parted ways at the sports field—one heading to the faculty building, the other back to the dorm.
"You're back, Lanzhou! Come on, let's go eat!" As soon as Shu Lanzhou pushed open the dorm door, Zhang He rushed over and started pushing her back out.
Dong Anlan and Ding Yuejiao quickly followed. "We were waiting for you! If you didn't come back, our lunch plans were going to be ruined."
"What's going on?" Shu Lanzhou blinked, confused.
Dong Anlan explained with a laugh, "Ding Yuejiao's boyfriend is treating us today. He booked a restaurant near campus and said if you didn't show, we'd have to cancel."
"It's not easy to get a table there," Zhang He added, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. "I've been craving their grilled fish forever. Thank goodness you're back."
Shu Lanzhou couldn't help but laugh. "You could've just called me! What if I got held up and didn't make it?"
"You were called away by a professor—it was official business. We can't let our stomachs get in the way of something important," Dong Anlan said with a wink.
"Right, Yuejiao?"
Ding Yuejiao smiled sweetly. "There's no rush. We'll eat eventually. What matters most is what you were doing."
"Exactly," Zhang He added, gulping again. "At worst, I'll just keep craving that fish for a few more days."
Shu Lanzhou burst into laughter. "Is it really that good?"
"It is!" Zhang He's eyes sparkled as she turned to face Shu Lanzhou, talking animatedly while walking backward.
Caught up in her excitement, none of them noticed the figure approaching from the other direction.
"Careful!" Shu Lanzhou called out—but it was too late.
Zhang He collided directly with Lin Muyao, stepping on her toes in the process.
"Oh no! Are you okay—" Zhang He turned around and immediately began apologizing. But when she looked up and saw it was Lin Muyao, her words froze halfway.
"Senior!" Lin Muyao looked at them with teary eyes. "Where are you all headed in such a hurry?"
Shu Lanzhou's smile vanished. She hated Lin Muyao's constant I'm the world's most pitiful girl expression.
"Hurry? I thought we were walking pretty slowly. But you…" Her gaze dropped to Lin Muyao's foot. "Is your foot okay?"
"I'm fine," Lin Muyao shook her head, eyes still red. "It didn't hurt."
"Good." Shu Lanzhou nodded. "Since you're fine, we'll be on our way."
The group, all clearly annoyed, gave Lin Muyao a brief glance and prepared to leave.
And Lin Muyao seethed.
Why is she still so happy? Shouldn't Shu Lanzhou have been punished by the school already?
Why does she get to have so many friends—to laugh and chat like this?
That stupid bumpkin from the countryside should be ostracized and hated by everyone!
"Senior?" Lin Muyao called out again, forcing a soft tone. "I'm really sorry about what happened before. We might not be on the same team anymore, but I still hope we can be friends?"