The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 179

The next day, Li Rong finally received a message from Zhang Zhaohe.

Zhang Zhaohe, ever amiable, asked, “Why the sudden decision to give an interview?”

Li Rong replied calmly, “I’d been receiving interview requests for some time. I figured it was the right moment and chose a reputable outlet to provide the public with some answers.”

He understood that, while Zhang Zhaohe hadn’t fully controlled him yet, the latter hadn’t given up on the idea of recruiting him.

Pretending to lament, Zhang Zhaohe said, “You’re being too hasty. Reconstructing Luyinxu is a massive undertaking that requires careful preparation. Announcing it publicly could invite interference.”

Feigning surprise and innocence, Li Rong replied, “But I’ve staked everything on joining the High Tower Group. I trust that a 20,000-strong organization like ours has the power to overcome any obstacles.”

Li Rong knew all too well that Zhang Zhaohe’s “preparations” were merely stalling tactics. With his moral façade, Zhang Zhaohe couldn’t afford to act overtly.

Zhang Zhaohe, still attempting to persuade him, said, “The enemy is in the shadows, while we’re exposed. We must tread carefully. As the saying goes, ‘Quietly amass wealth.’”

Li Rong chuckled, “I see it differently—I think of it as ‘shaking the mountain to frighten the tiger.’”

Zhang Zhaohe’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he absently played with the pen Zhu Yan had gifted him. “You’re still too young to understand the challenges involved here.”

Whenever Zhang Zhaohe felt uneasy or sensed things slipping out of his control, he would hold that pen and examine it closely. 

The memories of past events calmed him, helping him steel himself to make hard decisions.

Li Rong was about to respond when a message from Jiang Weide interrupted him. Pausing for a moment, Li Rong held his words back and left Zhang Zhaohe hanging as he opened the image he had sent.

The picture contained internal messages from the High Tower Group:

Zhang Zhaohe: “This child Li Rong is too impulsive. From what I hear, Zhu Yan’s team is already devising countermeasures. We might face some strong backlash.”

Chang Li: “I didn’t expect him to go straight to the media, and now that a celebrity’s reposted it, it’s everywhere online.”

Yan Youzhong: “This level of attention is unprecedented—I’m a bit rattled, to be honest, haha.”

Li Yongshi: “People have already been asking my family and friends about the situation to confirm if it’s true.”

Zhang Zhaohe: “This wasn’t the right time to publicize things. His actions effectively put all of you at odds with Zhu Yan. You’ll likely face some open hostility.”

Chang Li: “Well, we’ve been prepared for resistance from the start.”

Yan Youzhong: “I’ve noticed Zhu Yan hasn’t been in good health lately. He might not have the energy for a full-scale response.”

Li Yongshi: “It really wasn’t wise to make this public without results to show for it. Li Rong was too rash, not as mature or steady as Professors Li and Gu.”

Zhang Zhaohe: “Aren’t you holding him to too high a standard? He’s only twenty. While we all hope he carries on his parents’ legacy, there’s no need to rush.”

Li Yongshi: “You’re right, group leader. I was too impatient.”

Chang Li: “Should we call Li Rong over to discuss how to fix this situation?”

Yan Youzhong: “…”

Zhang Zhaohe: “It’s probably too late for damage control. The kid will just have to learn as he goes.”

Chang Li: “Hmm…”

Li Rong’s eyes narrowed as he read through the messages. 

Zhang Zhaohe’s words seemed supportive on the surface, but they subtly painted Li Rong as an impulsive, reckless, and immature young man who couldn’t grasp the bigger picture.

This image—completely at odds with Li Rong’s true self—was one that Zhang Zhaohe knew could be easily implanted in the minds of Chang Li and the others, who didn’t know him well. 

A preconceived notion like this would lead them to second-guess Li Rong in the future, even if he successfully developed groundbreaking treatments. It would chip away at his authority and influence.

Zhang Zhaohe was cunning. He saw Li Rong’s youth as his greatest vulnerability and leaned into it to undermine him.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Zhang Zhaohe asked, puzzled by Li Rong’s silence.

Li Rong snapped out of his thoughts and chuckled lightly. “Nothing much. I was just pondering these ‘challenges’ I supposedly don’t understand.”

Zhang Zhaohe offered a patronizing smile. “Try not to be so hasty in the future. I’ll explain things to the professors for you.”

Li Rong smiled faintly. “That wouldn’t be appropriate. Let’s just all meet directly and clear the air.”

Zhang Zhaohe hesitated for a moment, but Li Rong didn’t give him the chance to refuse, ending the call abruptly.

The High Tower Group’s second internal meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, this time limited to a select few from the biochemistry team. 

Unusually, Jiang Weide himself arranged the meeting, bypassing Zhang Zhaohe entirely. Whether this was intentional or not, it worked in Li Rong’s favor—his target was Chang Li and the other peers, not Zhang Zhaohe.

Li Rong arrived last, delayed by a professor’s lecture running overtime. 

Parking his car at Hongsuo Research Institute, he took a deep breath and grabbed Cen Xiao’s hand. “I’m heading up now. Be ready for your part.”

Cen Xiao gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Go on.”

Li Rong got out of the car, keeping his hat low over his face. After a few words with the guard, he was allowed through.

He had been visiting the Hongsuo Research Institute frequently lately, so the guard had grown familiar with him, even assuming he was a relative of Professor Jiang.

When Li Rong arrived at Jiang Weide’s office, Zhang Zhaohe was notably absent, but Chang Li and the others were already there, clearly having discussed restarting the Luyinxu project before his arrival.

Li Rong offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I had class at school and came late.”

Chang Li looked worried but still spoke in a soft voice. “Li Rong, why did you bring this matter to the media? Wasn’t that a bit rash? We’d only just had the idea… Now that it’s public, I’m afraid someone might try to block it.”

Li Yongshi sighed. “Well, what’s done is done. For now, we’ll just have to take it one step at a time. Professor Jiang just analyzed the situation for us and thinks the chances of success are still quite high.”

Yan Youzhong: “…”

Yan Youzhong remained silent this time. He was usually the boldest among them and less prone to worry than Chang Li. In fact, he believed early exposure to public scrutiny might prevent anyone from sabotaging them too brazenly.

Li Rong listened patiently without rushing to explain or refute. Instead, it was Jiang Weide who grew concerned. “Everyone, I think it’s time to move past hesitation. Luyinxu is eagerly anticipated and has the public’s support. We shouldn’t overthink it.”

Just as Jiang Weide finished speaking, his office phone rang. The caller ID showed it was the security office.

Frowning slightly, Jiang Weide answered the call. After listening for a moment, he hung up hesitantly and gave Li Rong a deep look.

Chang Li, confused, asked, “What’s wrong, Professor Jiang?”

Jiang Weide reluctantly explained, “It’s someone from District Nine… Cen Xiao wants to meet me. He’s carrying a District Nine work badge, so the guards couldn’t turn him away and notified me.”

He wasn’t sure what kind of relationship Li Rong had with Cen Xiao. However, since Li Rong was now cooperating with the High Tower Group, it was clear he had severed ties with Blue Pivot—and Cen Xiao was the son of the Blue Pivot District Three president.

District Nine was neutral, but Cen Xiao wasn’t.

Li Rong paused briefly before lowering his gaze, his eyes filled with a restrained expression.

While Chang Li and the others were focused on their academic work, they were well aware of the tensions between Hongsuo and Blue Pivot.

Chang Li asked naively, “Why is District Nine looking for you? When did we attract their attention?”

Li Yongshi reminded, “Didn’t you hear the name Cen? As in Cen Qing’s family. He’s using District Nine as a front, but he’s actually from Blue Pivot.”

Chang Li frowned. “Why would someone from Blue Pivot show up here? Are they trying to cause trouble?”

Yan Youzhong shook his head slowly. “Professor Jiang, what do you think?”

Since Zhang Zhaohe wasn’t present, they naturally looked to Jiang Weide for guidance.

Jiang Weide, irritated, replied, “I’ll come up with an excuse to send him away. He’s not Han Jiang; I’m not obligated to meet him.”

Li Rong said calmly, “I’ll handle him. He’s here for me, after all.”

That was Jiang Weide’s initial thought as well, though he worried whether Li Rong could handle the situation.

Before Li Rong could leave to deal with it, Cen Xiao entered uninvited.

He knocked on the door perfunctorily twice before pushing it open and walking in without waiting for a response.

The people of District Nine were known for their arrogance, and Cen Xiao was no exception. He glanced around the room, dismissing everyone until his gaze settled on the visibly tense Li Rong.

Taking two steps forward, Cen Xiao approached Li Rong with a smile that lacked any friendliness. “Impressive. GT201 has already been approved for research?”

Li Rong’s eyelids twitched slightly, showing his discomfort at the proximity. Standing by the door, he had no room to retreat. Moreover, retreating would only make him seem weak.

Lifting his head, Li Rong met Cen Xiao’s gaze with a cold, expressionless face and said nothing.

Jiang Weide interjected bluntly, “Team Leader Cen, the approval of GT201 has nothing to do with District Nine, does it?”

Cen Xiao paid Jiang Weide no attention, tilting his head to scrutinize Li Rong with an insolent look. “You do what you want. I’m just here to take my person back.”

Li Rong finally spoke, his voice tinged with anger. “Who’s your person?”

Cen Xiao raised an eyebrow at the response but didn’t get angry. Instead, he lifted an arm and placed his hand on Li Rong’s back, pretending to be friendly. “You used Blue Pivot to get your revenge. You can’t just kick us aside now that you’re done, can you?”

His hand moved down Li Rong’s spine, slow and deliberate, exerting a subtle yet unmistakable pressure.

Li Rong felt a faint warmth where Cen Xiao’s hand had touched his back. He instinctively tensed his muscles, his breathing quickening beneath his thin shirt.

“I didn’t kick anyone aside. I made it very clear to you.” 

Cen Xiao chuckled and patted the base of Li Rong’s spine twice. “You don’t seem to be thinking clearly. When the Li family went bankrupt and you were drowning in debt, who guaranteed your loans? When the Hongsuo descendants bullied you at school, leaving you with no food or shelter, who helped you? And when you were isolated, unable to contend with the behemoth Suhe Biotech, who extended an olive branch to you? Where were these Hongsuo people then?”

Li Rong’s lashes quivered, and he bit his lip lightly, saying nothing.

With his head slightly bowed, his pale, slender neck exposed the rapid thrum of his pulse. He looked vulnerable, almost fragile, as though overwhelmed by Cen Xiao’s questions and presence.

Chang Li and the others were furious at Cen Xiao’s domineering behavior and were about to call security when his words gave them pause.

Ignoring the mocking tone, the sheer weight of what he revealed was staggering.

Chang Li looked at Jiang Weide in confusion. “What’s going on? What debts? What does he mean by having nothing to eat or drink?”

Jiang Weide’s expression was grave. Cen Xiao’s blunt words had clearly struck a nerve, but he remained composed, refraining from questioning Cen Xiao directly.

Chang Li, however, was overwhelmed by emotions. She turned to Yan Youzhong and Li Yongshi. “Did you hear what he said? Is that true?”

Yan Youzhong looked equally bewildered, but Li Yongshi, observing Li Rong’s reaction, seemed to grasp the full picture.

Chang Li immediately grabbed Li Rong’s hand. “What does he mean by debts? Didn’t your family file for bankruptcy? Weren’t the debts cleared through the auctions? Didn’t your parents leave you a large sum of money? You said you weren’t lacking anything!”

Li Rong gave a bitter smile and vaguely replied, “It’s all in the past.”

But Cen Xiao was relentless. “Professor, who fed you such nonsense? The Li family’s massive debts were guaranteed by our District Three. Li Rong barely managed to complete his senior year by tutoring others. Without our protection, the people from Hongsup would’ve kicked him out of A High long ago.”

Cen Xiao shifted his gaze to Li Rong, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him closer. “My dear desk mate begged me, practically on his knees, and I couldn’t bear to refuse. Now he plans to betray me.”

Li Rong stumbled slightly as he was pulled into Cen Xiao’s arms, his face flushed with shame and anger, but he restrained himself from lashing out.

After all, leveraging District Three and District One had indeed been his fault.

Chang Li was struggling to process the reality. She let go of Li Rong’s hand and stepped back, as if searching for something to steady herself. Turning to her colleagues, she asked, “How could this be? Didn’t he say there were no debts? Didn’t he say Li Rong was well-off? Didn’t he tell us not to disturb him so he could have some peace?”

The “he” she referred to was, of course, Zhang Zhaohe. After the incident, they had been concerned about Li Rong, who was hospitalized at the time, and had gone to visit him, only to find him unconscious.

Later, Zhang Zhaohe explained that Li Rong was emotionally unstable and had been taken in by his uncle. With family caring for him, they were advised not to appear and risk upsetting him further, as seeing them might remind him of his deceased parents.

They had even considered secretly donating money to the Li family to prevent the auction of their home, worried Li Rong would have nowhere to live.

But Zhang Zhaohe assured them that Li Rong’s grandmother owned a successful trading company and his uncle, a driver for A University’s president, owned multiple properties. “Sometimes,” he had said, “pity can be more harmful than helpful to the person involved.”

They had believed him.

Now, however, they were learning that Li Rong had been drowning in debt, forced to tutor for a living.

Even the slowest among them, like Li Yongshi and Yan Youzhong, began to realize the truth they had been told was likely fabricated.

Jiang Weide, however, had fully grasped the situation. It was becoming clear that not a single word from Zhang Zhaohe could be trusted.

Chang Li found no support from her colleagues and instead felt like she’d been hit with a harsh wake-up call.

She was overcome with shock, regret, guilt, and sorrow, unable to find the right words to say.

Suddenly, she felt she had no grounds to criticize Cen Xiao. He wasn’t wrong: during the Li family’s most difficult times, the Hongsuo Research Institute had hidden away, and the High Tower Group had turned a blind eye. It was Blue Pivot that had truly lent a helping hand.

And now, they wanted Li Rong to return to the High Tower Group and carry on his parents’ legacy. It felt disturbingly like moral coercion.

Li Rong swallowed hard and firmly pushed Cen Xiao’s hand away from his waist. “The High Tower Group was my father’s life’s work. I must return to it. As for what I owe you, I’ll repay it gradually.”

Cen Xiao narrowed his eyes and said coldly, “I want it repaid now.”

Li Rong frowned. “Stop forcing me.”

Cen Xiao smirked, pulling a document stamped with a seal from his bag and thrusting it in Li Rong’s face. “Don’t you want to complete Luyinxu? Whatever the Hongsuo Research Institute can offer, Blue Pivot’s District Four can match. This is a handwritten invitation from President Hu Yuming of District Four. The assistants, lab, and production line you need can all be arranged immediately—as long as Luyinxu belongs to Blue Pivot.”

Jiang Weide pointed at Cen Xiao angrily. “Don’t you think Blue Pivot’s reach is getting a bit too long?”

Li Rong’s gaze fell on the invitation in Cen Xiao’s hand, his fingers tightening unconsciously. With a self-deprecating laugh, he said, “How could someone like me deserve a personal invitation from President Hu?”

Cen Xiao didn’t hesitate; he stuffed the invitation down the front of Li Rong’s shirt along his collar, the movement both suggestive and domineering. Seeing the corner of the invitation scratch against Li Rong’s collarbone, leaving a faint red mark, Cen Xiao chuckled lowly. “Because you can create Luyinxu, of course.”

Sometimes, recognition from a rival can be more convincing than praise from friends. The fact that Hu Yuming was willing to offer a lab and production lines to Li Rong meant he firmly believed in Li Rong’s ability to produce Luyinxu.

For the past two years, Li Rong had been working closely with people from Blue Pivot, and they likely understood his capabilities better than anyone.

Chang Li’s heart couldn’t help but shake. To be honest, they had always doubted Li Rong’s abilities somewhat, given how young he was.

But Hu Yuming’s endorsement of Li Rong showed that they had greatly underestimated him—he was far more talented and capable than they had imagined.

Jiang Weide, who had always been at odds with Hu Yuming, became visibly enraged upon hearing his name. Veins bulged on his forehead as he retorted bluntly, “Tell Hu Yuming it’s unnecessary. The Hongsuo side is already prepared. We can start experiments this week. Biting off more than one can chew—Hu Yuming better watch out or he’ll bite his tongue.”

Li Rong, feeling humiliated, pulled the invitation from his collar and clenched it tightly in his hand, crumpling it.

But when he heard Jiang Weide’s words, his eyes lit up with hope as he asked cautiously, “Really? Experiments can start this week?”

Chang Li’s passion surged. “We’ll go back and coordinate the schedule immediately. This matter cannot be delayed—experiments must start this week! Two years ago, we were kept in the dark, and you suffered greatly. Please believe us, everyone’s on your side… sigh!”

Chang Li, who was never good with words, found herself even more tongue-tied now. Could she really tell Li Rong that Zhang Zhaohe’s nonsense had misled them all?

For now, she didn’t want to openly confront Zhang Zhaohe. After all, many in the High Tower Group still blindly trusted him.

Only a few were clear-headed. If the High Tower Group became an obstacle, it would only make things worse.

Li Rong nodded emotionally, his eyes reddening. “Alright, I won’t let everyone down. I’ll work together with all of you. Luyinxu was my parents’ life’s work, so it must belong to the High Tower Group.”

He turned to Cen Xiao, his tear-filled eyes meeting his as he took a deep breath and said resolutely, “Team Leader Cen, I will repay what I owe Blue Pivot and you, but Luyinxu is my bottom line. I cannot hand it over to Blue Pivot.”

Cen Xiao sneered, “That’s not up to you.”

Li Rong glared back at him, determination ignited in his eyes. “Then let’s see.”

The internal meeting ended abruptly, disrupted by Cen Xiao. Li Rong quickly excused himself, saying he had tutoring to attend to. Jiang Weide needed to come up with an excuse to deal with Zhang Zhaohe, while Chang Li and the others rushed back to prepare the lab.

Hu Yuming was already making moves, and they couldn’t afford any further delays. If he became greedier or set up more obstacles, their situation would only worsen.

After leaving the Hongsuo Institute, Li Rong navigated a series of twists and turns, tightened his cap, and deftly climbed into Cen Xiao’s car.

He let out a long sigh of relief, raising tearful eyes to Cen Xiao with a satisfied smile. “That invitation from Hu Yuming—did you forge it?”

Cen Xiao pulled out a tissue and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Li Rong’s eyes. “If we’re putting on a show, we’re going all in. How could it be fake? Even if they check, it was personally signed by Hu Yuming.”

Li Rong was stunned. “Hu Yuming listens to you that much?”

Cen Xiao tossed the tissue aside, then pulled open Li Rong’s collar to check the scratch from earlier. “Now that the High Tower Group is emerging, Hu Yuming is happy to watch the Hongsuo Institute and the High Tower Group fight like dogs while he reaps the rewards. That old fox is as cunning as they come.”

The red mark on Li Rong’s collarbone had mostly faded, and he couldn’t help teasing, “Tell me, in a past life, did you have a weird habit of stuffing things down my clothes?”

Cen Xiao released Li Rong’s collar, leaned in to kiss his lips, and lowered his voice, saying, “The interest is there, but if I’m going to slip something in, it’ll be my own.”