The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 177

Most netizens remained unaware of Hongsuo Research Institute and the investigation team’s decision to handle the matter with a cold approach.

The internet was still abuzz with optimism and cheer.

“When will Hongsuo Research Institute release more details? Can we start Phase I trials for Luyinxu now?”

“This is a major event. They probably won’t release much information. As long as we know it’s progressing, let’s not pressure them.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s a bit hard to wait, but I still hope the folks at Hongsuo have a good work environment.”

“I bet they’ve already set up production lines. I heard there’s a factory under construction near Hongsuo recently!”

“Really? Where? Living in City A is so nice; you can stroll around near Hongsuo anytime.”

“I’ve heard about that too. That factory seems to have a good reputation.”

“It must be! So exciting! Luyinxu needs to launch as soon as possible!”

“Shoutout to Hongsuo! With you guys, we feel secure!”

…..

Those who knew the truth, seeing the patients still kept in the dark, must have had mixed feelings in their hearts.

Perhaps they also realized that the truth couldn’t be hidden forever. This was just drinking poison to quench thirst.

Zhang Zhaohe, to his credit, kept his promises. Three days after a rift emerged between Li Rong and Cen Xiao, Zhang Zhaohe intercepted Li Rong at the classroom door after class.

Zhang Zhaohe seemed to be in a good mood today. He wasn’t even leaning on his signature cane, walking instead with his hands clasped behind his back, posture straight, and face glowing with vitality.

That fountain pen of his was tucked neatly into his shirt pocket, though somewhere along its barrel, a small crack had formed.

Zhang Zhaohe smiled and said, “Didn’t you want to meet the members of the High Tower Group? It’s Friday today, and everyone’s free. It’s a good chance for you to get to know them.”

Li Rong raised his eyes and nodded lightly.

Zhang Zhaohe patted Li Rong’s shoulder.

As Li Rong slung his backpack over one shoulder, he instinctively reached for his phone, seemingly about to send a message. But he paused for a moment before shoving the phone back into his pocket with a look of disdain.

Zhang Zhaohe noticed the gesture out of the corner of his eye, a glimmer of coldness flashing beneath his calm gaze. Yet his tone remained gentle as he asked, “What’s this? Reporting your itinerary to the enemy has become second nature to you?”

Irritated, Li Rong furrowed his brows and said coldly, “I was just checking the time. If you’d been through what I have, you’d understand I can’t truly consider anyone a friend.”

Zhang Zhaohe shook his head with a smile. “I’ve lived for decades. What makes you think you know what I’ve been through? When I said we’re alike, it’s because I see my reflection in you.”

Li Rong raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? So you’ve lost your family too?”

Zhang Zhaohe replied, “Not exactly. But I’ll remind you, most members of the High Tower Group come from Hongsuo. They have a natural aversion to Blue Pivot. You’d better draw a clear line between yourself and Districts Three and One as soon as possible.”

Li Rong sneered. “Then I’ll remind the High Tower Group to stay out of my business.”

Zhang Zhaohe spread his hands. “No need to get angry. Your temper really doesn’t resemble Brother Li.”

***

By the time the last class on Friday ended, the sun was already sinking low, and the school cafeteria’s chimney was billowing with rich smoke.

Li Rong had thought Zhang Zhaohe would at least take him to some high-end, private restaurant. To his surprise, the taxi stopped at the entrance of Hongsuo Research Institute.

Seeing the familiar place, Li Rong froze momentarily.

Zhang Zhaohe, however, paid the fare with an air of normalcy. Turning back to the still-dazed Li Rong in the car, he said, “Haven’t you been here twice already? Why are you acting like it’s your first time?”

Li Rong’s gaze flickered slightly.

So Zhang Zhaohe knew about his visits to Jiang Weide.

But it wasn’t just twice. Li Rong had worked here for two years.

Li Rong stepped out of the car and followed Zhang Zhaohe. He only glanced at the grand sign of Hongsuo Research Institute before losing interest entirely.

Zhang Zhaohe, on the other hand, seemed to delight in introducing the place. “With your talent, you’ll definitely end up here in the future. Have you thought about which mentor you’d like? If it’s you, I bet Jiang Weide would be more than willing to take you under his wing.”

Li Rong appeared uninterested in the suggestion. “Professor Jiang is a member of the High Tower Group too?”

“Of course,” Zhang Zhaohe replied. “I can even show you photos of us on Ta Mountain back in the day.”

Li Rong’s heart trembled slightly.

So Jiang Weide was among the original ten.

Jiang Weide and Li Qingli were both outstanding researchers of their generation at Hongsuo Research Institute. They also shared dissatisfaction with how Aunt Hui’s incident was handled. Back then, they must have been kindred spirits.

Li Rong vaguely understood that Jiang Weide had some reservations about Li Qingli starting his own company. Perhaps that’s when the two began to drift apart.

Still, he hadn’t expected what happened to the Li family later. Jiang Weide had been caught off guard too.

Yet Li Rong could now see why, after his parents’ downfall, Jiang Weide didn’t take control of the High Tower Group’s affairs.

In the eyes of the other group members, there was a lingering sense of discord between Jiang Weide and Li Qingli.

While they mourned Li Qingli’s death with righteous anger, they naturally refused to acknowledge Jiang Weide.

Zhang Zhaohe, an unassuming lecturer at A University, had an unexpectedly smooth entry into Hongsuo Research Institute.

For him, the institute inspired no awe or reverence. With familiarity, he led Li Rong directly to the sixth-floor conference room of Hongsuo Research Institute’s activity building.

In his previous life, Li Rong had only been here a few times. Access required high-level permissions, which he only obtained in the later stages.

Clearly, the High High Tower Group members awaiting him now all possessed such privileges.

Li Rong stood outside the frosted glass door, watching as Zhang Zhaohe retrieved an ID card from his pocket. He tapped it against the electronic scanner, and the glass door’s lock instantly disengaged.

It was evident now—half of Hongsuo Research Institute was firmly within Zhang Zhaohe’s grasp.

Zhang Zhaohe smiled affably. “Go on in.”

Li Rong raised his hand and pressed his palm against the door.

The glass felt icy, and the chill quickly condensed a faint fog where it met the warmth of his hand. A torrent of emotions surged in his eyes but dissipated just as quickly.

He understood that he was approaching the heart of the organization, inching closer to the truth behind everything. The Hongsuo Research Institute and Blue Pivot District Nine, entities he could never connect in the Luyinxu case, were finally unraveling before him.

What he once couldn’t decipher now became clear: he had overlooked a covert network lurking beneath the surface. And today, Zhang Zhaohe, believing the dust had settled, personally presented this intricate web that linked every thread of the mystery.

This meeting was pivotal to reversing the tide. And Li Rong held enough leverage— GT201.

With resolve, he pushed open the frosted glass and stepped inside.

The last rays of the sunset streamed through the windows, piercing his eyes and igniting a fiery red in their depths.

Inside the spacious conference room sat more than thirty middle-aged individuals—likely the most influential members of the High High Tower Group. They waited in complete silence, not uttering a word.

As Zhang Zhaohe led Li Rong into the room, these people smiled, unfolded their brows, and rose one after another, greeting them with applause.

Li Rong recognized some of them: members from the physics team, polymer materials group, geology team, and nanotechnology department…. they were the backbone of Hongsuo Research Institute, esteemed experts praised in their respective fields.

And yet, these renowned figures stood in deference to Zhang Zhaohe.

From Zhang Zhaohe’s vantage point, Li Rong surveyed the thirty-some scientists, their faces sincere. The absurdity of the scene wasn’t lost on him—it was as preposterous as it was reasonable.

Whoever claimed the most dangerous combination was an erudite without faith or a devout fool had missed the mark. It was the learned with skewed beliefs that left the deepest impression. Li Rong suspected this image would haunt him forever.

At the forefront, Jiang Weide watched him with a worried gaze. 

His lips twitched as if to speak, but his expression faltered, and he said nothing.

Li Rong turned to Zhang Zhaohe, speaking modestly and warmly, “Are these esteemed professors and mentors here because of my parents?”

Sweeping his gaze across the room, Li Rong noted four individuals from the biochemical team: Jiang Weide, Li Yongshi, Chang Li, and Yan Youzhong—all seniors he had been familiar with in his previous life.

But back then, he had no inkling that these people were part of the same organization.

Zhang Zhaohe nodded. “Of course. Your father, Brother Li, was a man of great vision and courage. He founded the High High Tower Group, providing a platform for like-minded individuals like us—focused solely on research and averse to political maneuvering—to have a voice. His death is a profound regret for all of us, but it has also become our strength. It constantly reminds us why we’re here and what we must persevere for.

“I didn’t know Professor Li well, but the brutal tragedy back then was infuriating. I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

“It’s like the old saying, ‘If the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.’ For our future, we had to act.”

“If standing out is a crime, then the ecosystem itself is diseased.”

“The Hongsuo Research Institute’s absence in the Luyinxu incident disappointed me greatly. Li Rong, I hope you’ll carry forward your parents’ legacy.”

“I’m just a researcher with little influence. Back then, though I was heartbroken, I was powerless. Now that I’m here, I only hope to contribute to improving the future research environment.”

“Li Rong, your parents mentioned you to me before. They thought very highly of you. You must not disappoint everyone’s expectations.”

“The destruction of Luyinxu happened because we were too careless. Child, you’ve worked so hard.”

“Hmph, I don’t even need to guess. I already know it’s Zhu… someone who doesn’t want Luyinxu to see the light of day!”

…

Jiang Weide remained silent the entire time, gazing at Li Rong with a look of deep concern, as though hoping Li Rong would look past the unfamiliar faces and meet his familiar eyes.

But Li Rong never looked his way.

Overwhelmed by the passionate words of those around him, Li Rong’s eyes brimmed with tears. His reddened eyes and trembling lips, coupled with an expression of grievance and pain, tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present.

Taking a deep breath, Li Rong parted his lips slightly, revealing tightly clenched teeth. His voice choked with emotion as he said, “After Luyinxu was burned, I went to the West Mountain Cemetery and stood before my parents’ gravestone. I didn’t know how to face them. I failed to protect the most valuable thing they left behind. I failed to preserve the hope of so many innocent patients. At that moment, I realized how helpless I was on my own. I’ve fought hard to survive, only to witness such an ending. Uncles, aunts, thank you for remembering my parents. If they could see this, they’d surely be happy.”

As soon as he finished speaking, his eyelids quivered, and a single tear fell from his left eye.

The tear fell at just the right moment, leaving the professors—old enough to be Li Rong’s parents—utterly at a loss.

Out of affection for his parents, they naturally felt sympathy and pain for Li Rong.

What’s more, Li Rong appeared so sorrowful and vulnerable, evoking even greater compassion.

“This isn’t your fault. You’re only twenty years old.” 

“We were careless, and the enemy was cruel and cunning. Who could have imagined they’d destroy a life-saving medicine with such ruthlessness?”

“Don’t cry, don’t cry…”

“There will be a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s the very reason we’ve come together here!”

…

“Thankfully,” Li Rong suddenly changed his tone, lifting his hand to wipe away his tears.

Zhang Zhaohe’s right eyelid twitched involuntarily.

Without noticing Zhang Zhaohe’s expression, Li Rong directed his gaze at the three professors from the biochemistry team and spoke earnestly: “Thankfully, when my parents were developing Luyinxu, they often explained the synthesis principles to me to spark my interest in biochemistry. I’ve had a good memory since I was young, and being exposed to it daily, I’ve pretty much memorized everything. Of course, my academic level is limited, and there are still areas I don’t fully understand. But if you, uncles and aunts, are willing to help me, perhaps, together, we can recreate Luyinxu. Then, I believe my parents could truly rest in peace.”

At those words, Zhang Zhaohe’s face instantly turned pale.

The manuscripts were gone, and the original Luyinxu was destroyed. He had never imagined that Li Rong himself was a living storage device!

Jiang Weide’s face also showed utter shock as he stared at Li Rong in disbelief.

Of course, he didn’t believe it was true. After all, when Li Rong came to him that day begging to restart the Luyinxu project, he had been so desperate, clinging to it as though it were his last hope.

Moreover, how could anyone possibly memorize hundreds of pages of data?

Without complete research documentation, it would be absolutely impossible to recreate Luyinxu. Even the slightest deviation in the compound’s proportions could result in dramatically different therapeutic effects. If the assistants involved in the original project couldn’t reproduce it, how could Li Rong possibly succeed?

Yet now, Li Rong stood before everyone and claimed he could do it. If he failed, if this was nothing more than youthful hubris, it could tarnish the entire High Tower Group’s reputation for diligence and focus.

Why was he so impatient? Why now?

Noticing the professors’ hesitation, Li Rong continued as though lost in thought, “Two years ago, I compiled and translated my father’s lecture on CAR-T Optimization and CRS Mitigation Hypothesis and submitted it for publication. Relying only on my vague memory, I didn’t expect it to be accepted. I hope my parents will bless me this time as well, and that we’ll have similar luck with Luyinxu.”

“You wrote that hypothesis? How…how is that possible?”

“Two years ago, you were still in high school and hadn’t even formally studied biochemistry!”

“You memorized that paper? I remember Professor Li hadn’t even finished it—it was just a detailed draft, wasn’t it?”

“Did your parents personally teach you biochemistry at home?”

…

The idea that Li Rong’s parents had meticulously taught him since childhood was the only explanation that made sense. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for a high schooler to produce such a paper.

Yet, because of that hypothesis, Li Rong’s claim to be able to recreate Luyinxu now carried an inexplicable weight.

The professors naturally hoped for the day Luyinxu could once again see the light of day.

“If it can really be recreated, that would truly be a blessing!”

“It’s fortunate your parents shared this knowledge with you…a sliver of hope remains.”

“If you need our help, we’ll absolutely do our part. Don’t worry—the lab facilities and professional assistants are all available.”

“I think we should give it a try. Even if we fail, at least we’ll have no regrets.”

…

The loose skin on Zhang Zhaohe’s neck trembled twice. He stared deeply at Li Rong, his gaze betraying no clear emotion.

In this setting, he had no grounds to oppose Li Rong.

As the son of Li Qingli and Gu Nong, Li Rong’s impassioned appeal and heartfelt plea left no one with a legitimate reason to refuse.

By invoking the bond of blood, Li Rong had secured the moral high ground. His stance and strategy cut through all rules and conventions. To those in the High Tower Group who regarded Li Qingli and Gu Nong as spiritual leaders, his request was something they would naturally support wholeheartedly.

For the first time, Zhang Zhaohe felt his authority as team leader being usurped, and he was powerless to stop it.

His entire body radiated discomfort, and a faint sense of unease crept over him. Could it be that Li Rong really might recreate Luyinxu?

Li Rong broke into a tearful smile, his eyes sparkling with resolve. “Uncles and aunties, rest assured, if Luyinxu can be recreated, it will be the collective achievement of the High Tower Group. My father founded this group, and now that we’re all working together to bring Luyinxu back, I believe my parents would be truly gratified.”

With just a few words, the atmosphere grew especially warm and harmonious, tinged with fervent passion and resolve.

Standing just a step away from Li Rong, Zhang Zhaohe listened with growing alarm.

Li Rong was only twenty, yet his ability to win people over was already so refined.

Most of these professors, brimming with dedication and simple motives, were entirely unguarded around someone they saw as a child.

What was most remarkable was Li Rong’s final statement. Luyinxu was clearly the result of his parents’ hard work, yet his words suggested he was willing to share the credit with the entire High Tower Group.

Who among them didn’t have personal ambitions? Who wouldn’t desire fame and recognition?

Given Luyinxu’s prominence and immense significance, achieving its recreation could easily cement one’s legacy in history.

With that single statement, Li Rong had managed to bind Li Yongshi, Chang Li, and Yan Youzhong tightly to his cause.

The first meeting of the High Tower Group lasted a full three hours, and night had completely fallen by the time it ended.

The thick darkness loomed outside the windows, but the bright lights within the room cut through it like sharp blades, keeping it at bay.

After seeing off the professors from the Biochemical Group, Li Rong finally spared Jiang Weide a glance.

But it was just a fleeting look, without a moment’s pause for the man’s evident worry.

Li Rong turned to Zhang Zhaohe with a sincere smile. “Teacher, you were right—the High Tower Group is my true home.”

Zhang Zhaohe’s smile was skin-deep. “As long as you understand.”

Li Rong walked leisurely with Zhang Zhaohe toward the stairs, while Jiang Weide excused himself, claiming unfinished work, and headed in a different direction.

Li Rong didn’t stop him. Stepping out of the Hongsuo Courtyard, he glanced up at the sky, only to realize the night was overcast—thick clouds swirled above, leaving no moonlight or stars in sight.

As he stared at the vortex-like darkness, a sharp car horn shattered his thoughts. 

He lowered his gaze to find the source of the noise. Zhang Zhaohe narrowed his eyes, silently observing the piercing headlights cutting through the gloom.

By the beam of light, the emblem of District Nine was faintly visible on the jet-black vehicle—a car meant for official business.

Li Rong’s fingers tensed, forming a fist almost instinctively. The tension emanating from him was palpable to those standing nearby.

Naturally, Zhang Zhaohe noticed as well. His eyebrows lifted ever so slightly in response.

The car crept forward, finally stopping in front of Li Rong.

The door swung open, revealing Cen Xiao seated inside. 

He didn’t even glance at Li Rong, speaking instead in a low, commanding tone laced with restrained anger. “Get in.”

Li Rong didn’t move. Neither did Zhang Zhaohe.

Zhang Zhaohe, of course, knew his standing was negligible in the eyes of Ghost Eye’s team leader. Still, he didn’t rush to speak, instead opting to observe with calm detachment.

It was the driver who stepped out of the car, jogging over to Li Rong with a friendly smile. “Mr. Li, Team Leader Cen would like to discuss something with you. He’s been waiting a long time.”

Li Rong’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he replied flatly, “How does he know my location?”

The driver looked innocently at him. “Mr. Li, let’s discuss this inside the car.”

Li Rong let out a mocking laugh and shook his head. “Ah, Jian Fu—truly a talent wasted on trivial tasks.”

Zhang Zhaohe finally spoke, his voice nonchalant. “Doesn’t seem like they’re here for a friendly chat. Want me to trouble the Hongsuo’s security team?”

Li Rong took a deep breath and answered coolly, “No need. I do have some things to clear up with Team Leader Cen.”

With that, he headed for the car.

As he bent down, a hand roughly yanked him inside. Under the cover of darkness, Zhang Zhaohe could only make out Li Rong colliding awkwardly with Cen Xiao’s chest, followed by a muttered curse of frustration.

The car door slammed shut, leaving no room for hesitation.

Inside, Li Rong found himself sprawled against Cen Xiao, his hand roaming mischievously across Cen Xiao’s abs.

“Waited long?” Li Rong teased. “Had dinner yet?”

Cen Xiao caught Li Rong’s unruly hand, wrapping it firmly in his palm. “Not hungry. But you, dressed so thinly—your hands are freezing.”

The driver, a trusted member of the Cen family, remained unaffected by the sounds from the backseat.

Li Rong chuckled, sitting up lazily. He coughed lightly, then leaned in with a playful tone. “Well, I’m starving. Got water? My throat’s about to give out from crying so much.”

Cen Xiao unscrewed the lid of a water bottle and handed it over, his voice laced with an ambiguous humor. “You put more effort into crying than you do in bed.”