Shu Lanzhou arrived at the research institute just in time for He Xin to call a meeting.
Progress had stalled for quite some time, and they needed to discuss whether the issue lay in their experimental methods or the procedures themselves.
Shu Lanzhou handed over an application to He Xin. "For the upcoming collaborative acupuncture trials, I'll be following the process closely. If I run into difficulties, I'll call my mentor in."
"This was your teacher's idea?" He Xin raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.
Shu Lanzhou shook her head. "Not exactly. It was my initiative. I need more hands-on experience—both in research and clinical settings."
"I can't exactly hone my techniques on real patients, can I?"
"All right, come in then. If you have any thoughts during the discussion, just speak up." He Xin led her into the meeting room.
When the meeting ended, they ran into Han Weicheng and his group, who were also attending.
He walked in front, flanked by Xiao Anning and Shi Yong.
It was clear now that Xiao Anning intended to publicly oppose He Xin's research team. Her alignment was clean and decisive.
It made sense, really. He Xin's team included Long Xingyue, a direct rival of Xiang Hua. Though Xiang Hua had seemingly secured the hospital director position, the Long family still posed a substantial threat.
Shu Lanzhou could understand Xiao Anning's motives, but Shi Yong's involvement puzzled her.
She'd heard that Lin Jiayi had recommended replacing Han Weicheng, with Professor Shi being the likely successor.
Shi Yong was also a department head at the institute—the same man who once tried to poach Wu Cheng and the others from He Xin's team.
He was on good terms with Zhou Yan and had always aligned himself with Lin Jiayi.
Logically, Han Weicheng and Lin Jiayi should be at odds by now, and Shi Yong, seeking control of the research, should oppose Han Weicheng as well. Had the hospital director stepped in?
Or was it due to the National Hospital's involvement?
Shu Lanzhou was still puzzling it over when Xiao Anning's voice rang out beside her:
"Well, well, if it isn't Shu Lanzhou. You and your teacher working under the same roof—must be fate. Since you'll be seeing each other often, let's let bygones be bygones."
"How about I play peacemaker today? Why don't you two shake hands and let the past stay in the past? Work together and grow together?"
"Assistant Xiao, you must be joking." Shu Lanzhou replied calmly:
"There's nothing between Professor Han and me that needs forgiving, let alone mediation. But don't worry, I'll continue learning from my seniors and do my best to improve."
"Professor Han is a well-respected academic. I'm sure he doesn't need to work as hard as I do."
She nodded politely at the group and left with He Xin and the others.
"What a sharp-tongued little girl," Han Weicheng laughed. "You really fooled me all these years. Professor He, watch yourself. Don't raise a white-eyed wolf!"
He Xin glanced back at him. "Wolves have spirit. If Shu Lanzhou truly is one, that's not a bad thing. Let's go—we still need to get to the lab."
"Yes, Professor," Shu Lanzhou said with a slight smile, following the others out.
Han Weicheng gave a cold snort. "That He really doesn't understand plain speech. No wonder Elder Mu called him stiff and dull—said he'd never accomplish anything great in his life!"
"Enough," Xiao Anning frowned. "You should really learn to hold your tongue. Don't forget your position. I asked you to reconcile with Shu Lanzhou for your own good."
"But you had to go and provoke their mentor-student relationship right to their faces. For someone of your reputation, where's your grace?"
"No wonder Elder Long has no respect for you."
Being chastised publicly by someone a decade younger left Han Weicheng flushed with embarrassment.
"You…" He wanted to fire back, but meeting Xiao Anning's cold, steely gaze, he lost his nerve.
Like it or not, Xiao Anning was Elder Xiang's prized student and now a deputy director at the National Hospital. A single word from her carried more weight than ten of his.
This was not someone he could afford to offend.
"Hmph!" Han Weicheng flung his arm in irritation. "You're right, Assistant Xiao. But do me a favor—don't ever do me that kind of good again."
"Let's not forget, we're in direct competition with He Xin's team!"
As he stepped into the meeting room, Han Weicheng glanced at the small groups filtering in—none of them showing him much respect, most wearing expressions of amused curiosity.
In that moment, he understood something very clearly.
If he wanted to change his circumstances, he would need to produce real, tangible research results. No one respected him for his past glory anymore.
Shu Lanzhou had torn that illusion to pieces!
He clenched his fists and made up his mind—he'd make her pay!
…
Shu Lanzhou followed He Xin into the lab. After reviewing all the experimental logs, she pinpointed exactly where the previous version of the project had gone wrong.
"You okay?" Once everyone had returned to their stations, Ni Sheng walked over to her.
Shu Lanzhou shook her head. "I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Being called a 'white-eyed wolf' by your own mentor in public—who wouldn't be upset?" Ni Sheng waved his hand. "I get it, really. None of this was your fault. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Honestly, you're impressive. Really."
Shu Lanzhou chuckled. "Thanks, Team Leader Ni. I heard Professor He handed the main experiment over to you—can you show me?"
"Sure. I actually have some questions for you." Ever since the last incident—and especially after her three papers went public online—Ni Sheng had been treating Shu Lanzhou with noticeable respect.
He no longer dared to underestimate this young woman.
"The issue we're dealing with is this: the drugs, techniques, and clinical data we've used so far are all fine—but they're conventional methods."
"Introducing acupuncture could theoretically address some of those limitations and bring us closer to our ideal outcome."
"But that's the crux of the problem. No matter how we incorporate acupuncture, we can't achieve the theoretical results. Every test rabbit we operate on dies within three days!"
This had left Ni Sheng with a serious headache.
If it weren't for this final hurdle with acupuncture, their research could already be considered a success.
But "success" meant little if it didn't have real-world significance. The treatment's impact on cellular diseases was minimal—practically ineffective.
It didn't cure anything.
Shu Lanzhou spent the entire afternoon in the lab and had already identified the crucial pivot point—the same issue they'd faced in her past life.
Now, she needed to subtly guide Ni Sheng toward adjusting his approach—without arousing suspicion.
As she left the lab, Shu Lanzhou was deep in thought, considering how best to steer Ni Sheng's thinking.
"What are you thinking about so seriously? Didn't even notice me saying hi." Yi Ming caught up and gave her a light tap.
Shu Lanzhou turned her head. "Yi Ming!"
"What's wrong? You seem down," Yi Ming asked, a little concerned.
She sighed and mentioned the experimental dilemma. "Just a bit of a headache."
"Well, if anyone should have a headache, it's Team Leader Ni—not you," Yi Ming grinned. "But personally, I thought the experimental concept in your paper was really intriguing."
"You called it a wild idea, but sometimes when things are stuck, maybe that's exactly what we need—something bold. What do you think?"
That… actually made sense. She might have just found her approach.
Just as she was about to thank him, she noticed Yi Ming glancing around cautiously, then lowering his voice…