A girl was standing on the lab platform, her back facing the door, fiddling with the machine’s buttons.
She clearly didn’t understand anything—just pure curiosity at play. She twisted knobs at random, no sequence or method, just turning whichever she caught sight of.
“What are you doing?!” Jiang Fuyue’s cold voice cut through.
The girl turned her head. Her face was delicate and pretty, her large doe eyes appearing innocent and harmless. But her arched brows carried arrogance and pride, breaking that illusion of purity.
“Who are you?” she shot back instead of answering. “What business is it of yours what I’m doing?”
Expressionless, Jiang Fuyue replied, “You’re in my laboratory, touching my equipment. You think that’s not my business?”
“Your lab?!” The girl’s pitch shot up, and she looked at Jiang Fuyue as if she were insane. “Please. Why don’t you just say the entire Q University belongs to you?”
“Who’s to say it won’t someday?”
“What?”
“Have you studied dialectical materialism? Everything is in constant development and change. It isn’t mine now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future.”
“Oh my god!” The girl rolled her eyes. “Did you just run out of the psychiatry ward at the med school? Too funny!”
—Dialectical materialism, seriously…
At this moment, Fan Linlin rushed in. Oh no. She had only stepped away to make a quick phone call, and the two were already clashing?
“Junior Jiang, Junior Chi, you two are… chatting?”
Chi Shuyuan went up and hooked her arm around her intimately. “Sister Linlin, this person broke into the lab. Call security and have her thrown out—she’s scary.”
Fan Linlin’s face stiffened. “Uh… Yuanyuan, you might be misunderstanding. She didn’t break in.”
“Misunderstanding? How could it be a misunderstanding? Do you know what she just said? She told me to get out of the lab! And she even claimed the lab was hers! Ha—what is she, some clown sent by monkeys? Bragging without even drafting it first!”
Uh…
Fan Linlin sighed. “…At present, this section of the lab is indeed being used by Junior Jiang.”
Chi Shuyuan frowned. “Impossible! This lab is obviously my mom’s!”
“Well… strictly speaking, none of these lab areas belong to any one person. If they must have an ‘owner,’ that would only be Elder Xu. But Elder Xu doesn’t need such a large space himself, so it’s divided into zones. As long as one applies, gets scheduled, and is approved, they can use it.”
So, no specific lab or zone ever belonged to one person.
Previously, A3 had always been used by Chi Shuyuan’s mother, Professor Ji. Because of that, Chi Shuyuan often came over to play and got familiar with many PhD students.
Today, she came by when Fan Linlin wasn’t around, and a senior brother opened the door for her with a key.
That senior didn’t know A3 had been reassigned. Thinking it was still Professor Ji’s area, he let her in.
And she happened to run headlong into Jiang Fuyue.
After hearing this, Chi Shuyuan swept Jiang Fuyue up and down, crossed her arms, and said leisurely, “She shouldn’t be from Q University, right?”
Fan Linlin: “…She’s not.”
“Then why should Q University’s labs be given to an outsider?”
Fan Linlin frowned—this girl was being far too aggressive. “It was Elder Xu’s personal instruction.”
“That won’t do either! Even if it’s under Elder Xu’s name, the resources belong to the school. Even our own people have to wait in line. How could an outsider get priority? Don’t you agree, Sister Linlin?”
Fan Linlin: “…” She didn’t want to answer.
Seeing her silence, Chi Shuyuan looked proud, waved her hand dramatically, and said, “Have her pack up and leave. My mom still needs this zone.”
“…Sorry,” Fan Linlin spread her hands, “I’m just a PhD student. I don’t have that authority.”
“And frankly, I don’t think Elder Xu would agree either. There’s always a proper order. A3 was indeed used by Professor Ji before, but after her project ended a week ago, she returned the keys, completed the handover, and vacated the area.”
Chi Shuyuan’s face darkened, her tone went icy. “So you’re saying you’re siding with her, Sister Linlin?”
Fan Linlin felt her head ache. She tried to reason, “Yuanyuan, this isn’t about sides. We’re just discussing the matter itself. Don’t get stuck in a dead end.”
“Heh, so you’re saying I’m not being objective? That I’m stubborn?”
Fan Linlin was helpless. “….” Communicating with someone who twists words and refuses reason was exhausting.
“I’m just saying, Jiang’s use of A3 fully follows the regulations. If Professor Ji needs it again, she can wait until September when Jiang’s project finishes, then take over.”
“Hah! You keep calling her ‘Junior Jiang.’ Anyone listening would think she’s one of us. Even if she were a Q student, how could a professor be forced to wait for a student? What face does she have? If it were me, I would’ve given it up long ago. Doesn’t she understand the first thing about respect?”
“Sister Linlin, I’ll ask you one thing today: are you standing with my mom, or with this person? Choose!”
Fan Linlin grew annoyed. “Why won’t you listen? I—”
“With whom! Say it!” Chi Shuyuan’s voice grew shrill, harsh without her even realizing.
“…Fine. If I must choose, then I stand with the side that has reason. A3 is currently Jiang’s to use. The lab has its rules. It’s not about me helping someone, and not about a few harsh words overturning established order.”
Chi Shuyuan hadn’t expected Fan Linlin to actually stand by Jiang Fuyue.
Her eyes widened, shocked. “Don’t forget, my mom teaches doctoral classes, with plenty of lucrative projects…”
Fan Linlin: “So what? Because I sided with Jiang, Professor Ji will make me fail?”
“I never said that…” Chi Shuyuan glanced around. Luckily, no one else was present.
Such words couldn’t be said aloud—recently, professors had been dismissed for letting things slip online.
She wouldn’t make such a rookie mistake.
But words couldn’t be said—actions could. Blocking a PhD’s progress was all too easy; delaying graduation was just minutes of effort.
“Sister Linlin, I didn’t know you valued loyalty this much. Fine. I’ll remember this. We’ll see!”
She shot Jiang Fuyue a vicious glare, then stormed off.
Fan Linlin asked, “You okay?”
Jiang Fuyue shook her head and immediately went to the station to check the parameters.
Luckily, not much had been messed up—she quickly restored them.
Fan Linlin fretted. “Chi Shuyuan is like a spoiled child. Before, when there was no conflict, she seemed quiet. Who knew she’d be this… shrewish?”
Jiang Fuyue: “Her parents are Q University professors?”
“Mm. Her mom’s a PhD supervisor in Physics. Her dad works in administration, though I’m not sure of the exact post.”
“With the surname Ji?” That name reminded Jiang of someone.
Fan Linlin nodded. “Yes, Ji Xinxin. I don’t work in ultrasound, so I don’t know much about her.”
Jiang Fuyue’s gaze darkened. Ji Xinxin, huh… what a coincidence.
That was the name of Ji Lanyue’s illegitimate daughter—the very one whose existence blew up Shi Qingzhi and Han Qishan’s marriage.
Not only was there cheating, but also a child nearly the same age as Han Yunru. The old lady couldn’t bear it anymore and demanded divorce.
Han Qishan panicked, desperate to salvage the marriage, even swearing he’d never acknowledge Ji Lanyue and Ji Xinxin.
But in the end, the divorce still happened. And the vow, he refused to take back.
All these years, aside from providing them a roof, he offered nothing else.
Only Han Shen sometimes gave them support in secret.
Han Ke was furious. “Dad disowned them, and you still help? Are you sick?”
At that time, his face was both angry and gleeful—those two women deserved it!
Han Qishan’s disowning them was punishment enough.
Han Shen only said: “It’s Dad’s sin. At least let him accumulate some virtue.”
But after Ji Xinxin grew up, Han Shen stopped helping too.
That was the end of it.
The Han family avoided the mother-daughter pair for years, never in contact, never asking.
Ignoring them was their attitude.
The only recent contact was when Guan Yiling hired people to kidnap Qin Yuanshen, dragging up the truth of Han Yunru’s disappearance. Ji Lanyue, as an accomplice, was interrogated many times by the police.
But because of her age, serious heart disease, and paralysis, she was spared criminal charges.
That ended it.
But Ji Xinxin had naturally appeared then—so she inevitably crossed paths with the Han family.
Han Heng asked curiously, “Why suddenly bring her up?”
“Oh. Ji Xinxin teaches at Q University.”
“Really? I didn’t know.”
“What about Second Uncle?”
Han Ke lowered his magazine, pushing his glasses up. “Do I look that idle, to know about such pointless things?”
Jiang Fuyue: “…”
At that moment, the old man came downstairs.
Everyone fell silent. No one mentioned the mother and daughter again.
The one who hated Ji Lanyue and Ji Xinxin most wasn’t anyone else—it was the old man himself.
How much did he hate them?
At just hearing the surname “Ji,” his face would turn.
Then, he would retreat alone to stare at Shi Qingzhi’s photos all night like a man possessed, his temper worsening for days afterward.
Han Qishan once said, those two women were the greatest stain of his life. At his most self-loathing, he wished he could erase them with his own hands—then erase himself.
Han Shen changed the topic. “Since Yueyue often goes to Q’s labs, should we donate something—support them somehow?”
The old man’s eyes lit up. “Good! But donating money is too vulgar. Anything else?”
Han Ke: “Donate a lab?”
Han Heng: “Or equipment?”
The old man thought. “…Still feels too petty. How about… an entire lab building?”
Han Shen considered it. “Feasible. I’ll speak with the school tomorrow. And set up a scholarship in Yueyue’s name.”
Han Ke: “I can help manage it for free.”
Han Heng felt he contributed nothing. After thinking hard, he added, “I can promote it!”
One sponsored post of his was worth a million. He could post several—easily eight figures in ad value.
He, Han Old Three, wasn’t short of money.
Jiang Fuyue: “?”
…
The next morning, Jiang Fuyue left for Q University as usual.
She now drove herself—saving her grandfather from waiting long hours outside in the heat.
Her three uncles all agreed wholeheartedly.
Han Shen: “Driving yourself is safer and more convenient.”
Han Ke: “Should’ve done it earlier. Otherwise the cars in the garage will just grow old unused.”
Han Heng: “Take the Lamborghini! Rev the engine, guaranteed heads will turn!”
The night before, the servants had washed all the cars.
In the end, Jiang chose a white Maserati—not too flashy, decent space, and elegant looks.
When she arrived at the lab, Fan Linlin and her partner were already there.
“Morning,” Jiang greeted. “Had breakfast?”
“Not yet. We wanted to finish this data first.”
“I brought extra—clean and fresh.” Before Fan Linlin could refuse, she set it down and walked to A3.
“Wow! Croissant sandwiches, sushi, and wraps—so rich!” the partner drooled, then gave a thumbs up, saying for the Nth time, “Sister Yue is the best!”
“Chang Huan! Don’t you feel shame? You’re older than her, yet you call her ‘Sister Yue’?!”
But once Fan Linlin took a bite—aroma flooding her senses, filling her empty stomach—she sighed, “D*mn… Yue’s breakfasts even taste better than ones we buy ourselves. She’s turning into a goddess before my eyes…”
Chang Huan: “Ha! You call her ‘Sister Yue’ too. Hypocrite!”
There were even two bottles of sparkling grape soda in the bag.
Burp—so good!
“Today’s another happy day~”
It had been a week since Chi Shuyuan’s tantrum. She hadn’t come again. Everyone thought the matter had blown over.
But that morning, the admin office called.
Fan Linlin picked up: “Hello, this is Elder Xu’s lab… Jiang Fuyue? She’s… the Academic Affairs Office? Why? About what? I see… Okay, I’ll tell her.”
After hanging up—
“What happened?” Chang Huan asked eagerly.
“They want Sister Yue at the Academic Affairs Office.”
“What? But she’s not even a Q student! Why would they call her? And how did they even know? Why did they call the lab phone? Did they say why?”
Fan Linlin shook her head. “The more they don’t say, the bigger the problem.”
“Exactly! It’s obvious—must be Chi Shuyuan tattling!”
“No way. At most, she’d whine to her mom. Even if Shuyuan’s unreasonable, Professor Ji wouldn’t be. The rights and wrongs are clear. Even if Shuyuan stirs trouble, Professor Ji wouldn’t let it go that far.”
“Then why? Surely not just for tea and chit-chat?”
Fan Linlin couldn’t figure it out either. She told Jiang through the intercom.
Ten minutes later, Jiang, out of her lab coat, strode out.
Chang Huan whispered, “My god… she literally walks like the wind. So cool!”
Fan Linlin, anxious: “Will the school make it hard for her?”
“Unlikely. Besides, when has anyone ever made it hard for Sister Yue? She’s always the one making it hard for others.”
“…True.”
…
Jiang Fuyue entered the admin building, went to the second floor.
She knocked. After hearing “Come in,” she opened the door.
A middle-aged man sat behind the desk—short, slightly overweight.
Other teachers sat at their workstations, watching screens but straining their ears.
“May I ask why I was called?” Jiang Fuyue got straight to the point.
The man cleared his throat. Her calm demeanor made his eyes narrow. He tried to pressure her with authority. “We received a report that you’re using Q University’s labs in violation of rules. You’re here to cooperate with our investigation.”
“Of course.” Jiang remained calm, as if this were nothing unusual.
His attempt at intimidation fell flat.
She even asked, “How would you like me to cooperate?”
The man: “…”
The other teachers thought: impressive—this was a real master at work.
“The report says you, an outsider, were given priority over our faculty, obtaining A3. Is that true?”
Jiang Fuyue replied, “As far as I know, a week before I began using A3, Professor Ji Xinxin had already completed her project, vacated the area, returned the keys, and finished all handover. I applied through the system and was approved. Which step was improper?”
The man: “…” She was sharp, still thinking clearly under pressure.
He sobered, realizing he couldn’t underestimate her.
“Anyway, what’s done is done. What matters now is that you vacate A3 within two days.”
Jiang Fuyue raised a brow. “Vacate? Why? If I recall, my usage was approved until September 1st.”
He smiled. “Yes, I read your form. But there’s a condition: outsiders may use facilities only when no faculty requests them. Once a faculty member applies, they have absolute priority.”
That was indeed the rule—Jiang Fuyue couldn’t deny it. But…
“If I’m not mistaken, the faculty member who suddenly applied for A3 is Professor Ji Xinxin, right?”
The man’s face darkened. “Don’t talk nonsense!”
“Oh, Director Chi, did I just offend your wife?”
“You—!” He darted glances at the room, guilty at being exposed.
Once Jiang Fuyue said “Ji Xinxin,” there was no avoiding suspicion of nepotism.
But these subordinates wouldn’t dare spread rumors—he was their boss.
With that settled, Director Chi shed his mask entirely, face turning vicious. “You’re not a Q student. We already did you a favor letting you use A3. If I were you, I’d be ashamed to compete with our own people. Yet you not only compete—you do it righteously.”
“This will teach you a lesson. Learn what it means to behave when living under someone else’s roof!”
The truth was, the Academic Office already disliked her for rejecting Q and choosing Ming instead. Full score on the exams—so what? To them, she was arrogant, disrespectful of their century-old university.
Now, with his daughter’s constant complaints ringing in his ears, Chi Jian had a built-in prejudice even before meeting her.
Thus his words grew sharper: “One way or another, you’re leaving! Q University isn’t a charity, nor a welfare hall, where just anyone can freeload!”
But Jiang Fuyue showed no anger—only a faint smile. “Since the school itself is driving me out, I can’t exactly cling on, can I? No need to wait until tomorrow. I’ll pack up today. Any other instructions? You can say them all at once.”
Chi Jian: “?”
Why was she so calm? There was no anger or resentment, which made her feel uneasy for no reason.
“If not, then I’m leaving first.” Jiang Fuyue turned and left, not even looking back.
As she left, she saw Han Shen and an elderly man with graying hair approaching, chatting and laughing.
Oh, I almost forgot. My uncle came to the school today to discuss donating a laboratory building and establishing a scholarship.
So, are you still going to donate or not?
