Xie Dingyuan’s popularity is no less than that of a celebrity.
When the Nova virus swept across the world, and countries were at a loss, it was he who stepped forward first, informing the public and calling for active epidemic prevention.
Through his popular science education and reassurances, the public gained a clear and scientific understanding of the virus, preventing the panic and chaos that could have ensued.
Then, one after another, epidemic prevention measures were implemented, and every city responded actively, raising strong shields. China, like a steel barrel, remained steadfast and unharmed amid the turbulent global situation.
Xie Dingyuan became the brightest lighthouse.
Later, when the country was in a crisis, he was entrusted with the task and led a research team to develop the C99 vaccine in the shortest time. Not only did he protect China’s stability, but he also brought hope to the world.
From then on, Professor Xie Dingyuan became a symbol of stability in the hearts of the people—
As long as he is here, the country will be safe.
As time passed, the shadow of the Nova virus gradually dissipated, and Xie Dingyuan appeared less frequently in public.
Any magazine interviews were politely declined.
His appearances were now limited to occasional news reports.
When the country was in danger, he stood up; once the crisis was over, and the country was stable, he withdrew from the public eye, focusing on his scientific work.
Though his national recognition was on par with celebrities, his contributions and vision far surpassed theirs.
At a time when a celebrity might fade from public attention after years of absence, Xie Dingyuan still received loud applause and cheers. The admiration and respect mixed in the crowd were something no celebrity could ever hope for.
“Professor Xie! Are you here to eat too?”
Xie Dingyuan thought for a moment and nodded; eating was indeed one of the reasons.
“How is your health recently?”
“Is your research going well?”
“When will you give a lecture at the university?”
“Be sure to take care of your knees while exercising.”
“Do you still play basketball? Have you taken up any new sports?”
“Your Weibo is full of dust! Could you post some updates when you have time? Even scientific posts would be great!”
“…”
The crowd, regardless of age or gender, immediately surrounded him with questions, showing genuine care. The concern was unmasked, more detailed than even a mother’s.
Can you imagine an eight-year-old schoolchild, tearfully reading aloud with passion and admiration, calling out to him, “Uncle, you’ve worked hard—” how would that scene unfold?
Zhang Yuan suppressed the swelling in her eyes and said, “Brother Wang, take more shots! It’s so rare to see Professor Xie!”
Suddenly, she paused, “Actually, never mind, just get some side or back shots, he probably doesn’t want to stand out too much.”
Sister Liang agreed, her camera subtly shifting position.
The other reporters, usually fighting to get a scoop, were standing still, not daring to push forward. They were as obedient as babies.
Their admiration for Xie Dingyuan could not be described as simple reverence; “love and respect” would be a more fitting term.
Xie Dingyuan didn’t expect so many people to be present.
He had come this morning specifically to avoid the meal rush.
Cao Dou had been standing by the door, trying to attract customers. From the moment Xie Dingyuan stepped out of the car until the crowd erupted, he had been in a daze.
Xie, Professor Xie is here too?
Why didn’t anyone say anything in advance?
Is he looking for Jiang Fuyue again?
It wasn’t until a server came over to ask whether to entertain him that Cao Dou snapped back to reality.
Of course, he would entertain him!
He hurried forward, just in time to hear several customers offering to give up their seats for Xie Dingyuan so he could eat first.
The professor politely declined.
Cao Dou wiped his sweat and immediately spoke, “Thank you, ladies, for your kindness. Professor Xie is aware of it, but we’ve reserved a seat for him, so there’s no need to make changes. You can keep your own seats.”
Fearing people would think Xie Dingyuan was receiving special treatment, Cao Dou was especially careful with his wording.
Unexpectedly—
“Wow! This restaurant is so considerate!”
“Yes, people who have contributed to the country should be given priority.”
“Exactly, we don’t mind waiting a little longer.”
Cao Dou: “…” I was overthinking it.
Xie Dingyuan was led into the restaurant. Cao Dou was puzzled about where to seat him since every table was taken, but the press area had cleared out…
Suddenly, he heard, “Is Jiang Fuyue here?”
Cao Dou: “Ah?”
Xie Dingyuan asked again.
“…Yes, she’s here.”
“Please take me to her.”
“…Alright.” So, he was indeed here to find Jiang Fuyue.
First, it was Ling Qingzhou, then Yi Hansheng, and now Xie Dingyuan. There was no end to the surprises.
Jiang Fuyue is quite the deal!
…
When the door to the private room opened, Yi Hansheng was placing a crab leg, freshly shelled, into Jiang Fuyue’s bowl.
“This one’s tender, you should try it.”
Jiang Fuyue: “I’ve had it before, you eat it yourself.”
“No, I’ve already prepared it.”
At that moment, Ling Qingzhou placed a piece of pork rib into her bowl. “I remember you liked ribs before. I wonder if you still do.”
Before Jiang Fuyue could respond, the door was pushed open.
Xie Dingyuan and Cao Dou stood at the entrance, witnessing two charming and handsome men placing food into Jiang Fuyue’s bowl simultaneously.
Cao Dou, having seen this before, was surprised but not flustered.
Xie Dingyuan, on the other hand, was calm.
Well… at least on the surface.
But his eyes, darker and deeper than ever, flickered with a subtle gleam as he examined the two older men beside Jiang Fuyue.
There was also a hint of… hostility, unnoticed even by him.
Ling Qingzhou and Yi Hansheng, both astute, immediately sensed Xie Dingyuan’s underlying thoughts and exchanged a glance, silently forming an alliance.
Usually, they might compete and fight, but when facing an external threat, they could become allies.
“You’re here?” Jiang Fuyue stood up in surprise. “Come in, Little Douzi, bring me a set of chopsticks.”
“Okay.” Cao Dou left, but not before closing the door behind him.
Xie Dingyuan glanced at the seats next to Jiang Fuyue, which were taken, so he sat opposite.
“I heard your new store opened today, so I came to take a look. I didn’t expect business to be this good.”
Jiang Fuyue raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Isn’t your lab busy?”
From what she knew, the data collection was completed, and the models she was in charge of were almost optimal. Next would be the analysis and decoding phase, which would require Xie Dingyuan’s work.
By all accounts, he should have been swamped lately…
His Adam’s apple moved slightly, but he replied, “It’s not too busy.”
Jiang Fuyue didn’t think much of it, assuming he was simply efficient.
At that moment, Cao Dou arrived with clean chopsticks and set them in front of Xie Dingyuan.
Jiang Fuyue: “Mind if we eat together?”
Xie Dingyuan: “Not at all.”
But there wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes.
“And you two?” She turned to Ling Qingzhou and Yi Hansheng.
Both smiled. “The president of Hanqing Biology, the famous Professor Xie, it’s hard to get a chance to meet him, let alone dine together. We’re more than happy.”
“That’s good. You all know each other, right?”
Xie Dingyuan: “Yes. Given the seniority, I should address both of you as uncles.”
Ling Qingzhou: “…”
Yi Hansheng: “…”
They were furious!
“It’s an honor to dine with you two seniors.”
Ling Qingzhou forced a smile: “Professor Xie, no need for formalities. Let’s just follow the rules of the business world.”
Yi Hansheng quickly added, “You’re the president of Hanqing; our positions are equal, so calling each other brothers might be more fitting.”
Xie Dingyuan’s expression didn’t change. “True, but age matters. Respecting our elders is a virtue. You don’t need to be too modest.”
Ling Qingzhou: “…” Who the h*ll is being modest here?!
Yi Hansheng: “…” I’m going to punch someone.
The atmosphere between the three men was filled with tension, their eyes sharp as daggers.
Jiang Fuyue felt the atmosphere was thick with hostility but didn’t understand why.
She could only invite everyone to eat, “Let’s eat, everyone…”
Xie Dingyuan: “I prefer to have a bowl of soup before the meal.”
Jiang Fuyue glanced at the vegetable and meat soup closest to him and naturally said, “Let me serve it for you.”
He handed her the bowl. “Thank you.”
Then, as he looked up, his eyes met with Ling Qingzhou and Yi Hansheng’s, a hint of a playful smile on his face, almost like a challenge.
How could they tolerate this?!
Ling Qingzhou immediately spoke: “Professor Xie, when giving orders, there should be a limit.”
Yi Hansheng’s smile was deep and mocking: “As the saying goes, self-reliance brings prosperity.”
Jiang Fuyue: “It’s no big deal, just a small favor.”
Xie Dingyuan took the soup bowl she handed him. “Thank you.”
Then he took a sip. “Very fragrant.”
