The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 183

Chang Li, unable to contain her excitement, immediately shared the good news with the High Tower Group.

Chang Li: “As of today, the reengineering of Luyinxu has been completed! We’re about to begin Phase I trials, and I’m confident it will lead to great results!”

Thanks to Zhai Ning’s collaboration, the GT201 project could skip much of the preparatory work for Phase I trials and transition quickly to clinical stages. 

Moreover, given Li Rong’s growing reputation, recruiting volunteers wouldn’t be an issue.

The High Tower Group erupted in celebration:

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way! In just over two months, you’ve brought Luyinxu back to life. You’ve done an incredible thing for the greater good!”

“I’ve been worried about your progress, but now I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I’m sure the results will be positive!”

“It’s as if Professors Li and Gu were watching over you from above. Let’s hope this disease can soon be eradicated so no more families have to suffer.”

“I have a whole new level of respect for Li Rong. At first, I thought he was just making big promises, but now I see he has tremendous scientific knowledge and research skills. Truly remarkable.”

“I often see shadows of Professors Li and Gu in him—just as brilliant, just as selfless.”

“That’s what legacy is all about: enduring unspeakable tragedy yet leaving behind a glimmer of hope.”

“Yes, it’s almost as if the heavens couldn’t bear to see Professors Li and Gu wrongfully perish and entrusted all their memories of Luyinxu to Li Rong.”

“He’s not only talented but also resilient. He truly deserves to be part of the High Tower Group.”

…..

The phrase “wrongfully perish” carried a subtle yet poignant weight. Initially, everyone had believed Professors Li and Gu committed suicide out of guilt. It wasn’t until they heard Li Rong’s account that they learned the professors had never given up hope, even in their final moments.

Yet this truth was never openly debated—almost as if no one had realized its implications. 

Acknowledging Li Rong’s version of events meant disbelieving Zhang Zhaohe, a move that could destabilize the High Tower Group’s delicate balance.

But today, when those words—“wrongfully perish”—appeared, no one stepped forward to refute them.

The silent majority wasn’t foolish; they simply often chose not to stir up conflict.

How could anyone choose to believe an outsider over the biological son of Li Qingli and Gu Nong?

Moreover, Li Rong has already proven himself to be exceptional, composed, and immensely talented.

Just as everyone tacitly avoided exposing Zhang Zhaohe’s faults in the past, they now collectively and silently choose to trust Li Rong.

Before long, those words were drowned out by endless praise.

Restoring Luyinxu and bringing honor to the deceased Li Qingli and Gu Nong is the common aspiration of everyone involved, the steadfast belief of the High Tower Group.

No one can question this.

Jiang Weide shared a document: “This is a paper Li Rong submitted to From Zero. I’m humbly listed as the corresponding author, but the credit goes entirely to him. He thanks everyone for their support and trust and, as a newcomer to the field, welcomes constructive criticism.”

Of course, Jiang Weide wasn’t sharing it to invite criticism—he was showing it off.

Although his tone was polite, his underlying message was clear:

“Look at this paper that Li Rong wrote entirely on his own. Is there a second twenty-year-old in the world capable of producing such outstanding work? No!”

The group chat, filled with researchers from various fields, quickly shifted its focus to academic discussions. Despite their different areas of expertise, they could all recognize the quality of Li Rong’s work.

Before long, the conversation was ablaze with debate over academic theories.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhaohe, after sending a perfunctory smiling emoji, remained silent.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to speak—it was that he couldn’t keep up.

Compared to the others in the chat, academic prowess was Zhang Zhaohe’s weak point. He hadn’t even finished his master’s degree, let alone pursued advanced studies. His energy over the years had been spent elsewhere, and he knew that opening his mouth would only expose his shortcomings.

The researchers at the Hongsuo Research Institute were proud to their core. They respected strength, and the moment they realized Zhang Zhaohe was unworthy of admiration, they would turn on him without hesitation.

Even if no one openly pointed it out, Zhang Zhaohe could feel his influence within the High Tower Group waning since Li Rong entered the scene. As the son of Li Qingli and Gu Nong, Li Rong had every advantage over him.

And Li Rong wasn’t some naïve or clueless child. On the contrary, he was unnervingly brilliant, reliable, and meticulous.

What’s more, Li Rong possessed an innate charisma and aggression. The cruel online harassment he endured in the past hadn’t left him cowering. Instead, he faced the spotlight with confidence and composure, speaking with both flair and professionalism. His striking looks only amplified his appeal, ensuring that all eyes were on him wherever he went.

Naturally, the High Tower Group—being part of the broader public—was no exception.

They were not some lofty, dispassionate scientists entirely removed from human emotions. They were ordinary people with feelings and preferences.

Li Rong had undeniably become the “darling” of the High Tower Group. The seasoned researchers lavished him with praise, some even boldly claiming that his current achievements had surpassed those of his parents.

This claim was somewhat exaggerated. After all, GT201 originated from Luyinxu, and Li Rong’s new T-cell activation technology was inspired by Li Qingli’s hypotheses.

Li Qingli and Gu Nong were pioneers cutting through uncharted fog, while Li Rong stood on their shoulders.

But these glowing evaluations reflected a deeper sentiment: many people were willing to overlook facts just to express their admiration for Li Rong. Emotionally, they had fully embraced his capabilities and his role as a representative of his parents.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhaohe was gradually being sidelined.

Zhang Zhaohe had once believed that bringing Li Rong into the High Tower Group was a calculated move. He thought the time was right to keep Li Qingli’s son under control as a puppet.

But every step Li Rong took had exceeded Zhang Zhaohe’s expectations, throwing his plans off course.

Zhang Zhaohe didn’t think of himself as lacking in strategy. Rather, he felt that Li Rong’s extraordinary talent was simply beyond comprehension.

He still couldn’t fathom how Li Rong had managed to reconstruct Luyinxu, let alone innovate upon his parents’ original formula.

Zhang Zhaohe knew Li Qingli and Gu Nong well. Their parenting philosophy revolved around respect and freedom, and they never imposed their own will on their son. During his schooling years, Li Rong hadn’t been exposed to biochemistry at all.

Li Qingli had even personally remarked that, while Li Rong was exceptionally gifted, he showed no interest in biochemistry. They wanted him to pursue what he was passionate about.

So how had this same person, without formal training or mentorship, suddenly mastered a level of expertise in biochemistry that even Zhang Zhaohe couldn’t reach?

Zhang Zhaohe had tried to uncover evidence of someone like Xu Wei secretly guiding Li Rong. But the truth was irrefutable: Xu Wei hadn’t lied. Li Rong had achieved everything on his own. However, no one knew how he did it.

Zhang Zhaohe stared at the fountain pen in his palm. A few seconds later, his hand loosened, and the pen dropped to the ground. He stomped on it without hesitation, grinding it underfoot.

The pen, already worn from years of use, emitted a harsh cracking sound. Its outer shell, faded from friction, quickly shattered, revealing the yellowed ink tube inside.

Fragments of the pen scattered across the floor, and the ink splattered onto the sole of Zhang Zhaohe’s shoe. A smudged and incomplete shoe print marked the ground, merging with the debris in an ugly mess.

Yesterday, Zhu Yan had undergone another round of emergency treatment. Now on his last breath, he no longer posed a threat. There was no reason to keep this pen anymore.

With Zhu Yan gone, Li Rong had taken his place.

But that didn’t matter. Zhang Zhaohe’s life had always been a battle with others, and he would never lose his fighting spirit. He could fight until his dying breath!

Zhang Zhaohe smiled grimly.

Just as Li Rong was preparing to announce the completion of Luyinxu’s reformulation, a wave of seemingly neutral skepticism surfaced online.

[@ChopsticksFishState: Yesterday, the National Corporate Symposium was grandly held in Yuzhou. Renowned pharmaceutical CEO Guang Jizhu stated that businesses should prioritize diligence and practicality. Overemphasis on marketing hype is putting the cart before the horse.]

[@SandyWave: Recently, prominent pharmaceutical CEO Guang Jizhu remarked that in the pharmaceutical and biochemical research industries, which are closely tied to public safety, companies should lead by example and work modestly, rather than focusing on flashy marketing.]

[@EphemeralBooks: Renowned pharmaceutical CEO Guang Jizhu sharply criticized industry issues, pointing out that some are spending excessive money and energy on marketing rather than staying true to their original intentions.]

At first glance, these reports appeared to advocate for the public good, calling out industry malpractice. They quickly garnered widespread support.

“I agree! Other industries are one thing, but pharmaceuticals should definitely be more grounded and low-key.”

“Haha, the CEO is absolutely right. I really can’t stand all this marketing hype.”

“Some medicines are constantly advertised on TV. I’ve never tried them, but I can’t help wondering how much they spent on marketing—maybe even more than on research.”

“Exactly. Why does medicine need ads? Just take whatever the doctor prescribes.”

“Honestly, all industries should keep it low-key. The flashy ones always end up failing.”

“Hard work never goes wrong. Big thumbs up to CEO Guang for voicing what we’re all thinking!”

“Um… I’ve been following the Luyinxu case closely. Why do I feel like there’s a hidden message here?”

“True. Isn’t the most high-profile person in the biochemical field right now Li Rong, who’s famous for ‘living off his parents’ legacy’? I think people admire him not for continuing their work but for treating him like a celebrity.”

“Yeah, no other scientist is as flamboyant as him. He’s even got a bunch of fangirls obsessing over him.”

“Indeed, in the biochemical field, isn’t Li Rong the most high-profile figure? Those people following him aren’t really touched by his dedication to his parents’ legacy—they’re just treating him like a celebrity.”

“Yeah, no other scientist is so flashy, with a bunch of fangirls swooning over him.”

“It’s true—he’s all style and no substance. I heard there are a few scientists from Hongsuo working on experiments with him. They’re all diligent, while he’s focused on crafting a public image.”

“What’s going on? Are people starting to bash Li Rong? What do you mean ‘living off his parents’ legacy’? Have you lost your mind?”

“Uh… looks like Li Rong’s fans are here to defend him. I’m just saying it bluntly—isn’t that the truth? Do you really think a 20-year-old college freshman could achieve this stuff?”

“I’m disgusted. Why are trolls allowed on the internet? All you think about is ‘living off others.’ You’re the real leech here!”

“It’s his parents; he can talk about them however he wants. Mind your own business!”

“Just because you were useless at 20 doesn’t mean Li Rong has to be. His genes are leagues above yours.”

…

These extreme comments easily spark group conflicts, so originally niche posts quickly spread like wildfire.

While outrage over the “bloodsucking” accusation grew, the silent majority also noticed the industry’s skepticism toward Li Rong’s high-profile image.

At this moment, if Li Rong were to announce the successful recreation of Luyinxu, it wouldn’t have the desired effect and might even backfire.

Of course, Li Rong also saw these news pieces, but he didn’t get angry.

Jian Fu carefully checked the accounts posting the sarcastic comments and found that most came from the same region and were anonymous “three-no” accounts, likely bots manipulated by someone.

As for the three media accounts that initially broke the news, they looked familiar.

Li Rong chuckled softly. “Old friends.”

Jian Fu cursed, “What a bunch of shameless internet maggots!”

Cen Xiao said calmly, “Liu Tanzhi’s Fengguang Media has been quiet for so long, but now they’re finally active again. If she hadn’t moved, I would’ve almost forgotten her.”

Of course, he hadn’t truly forgotten Liu Tanzhi. Even Jian Fu had been tracking these accounts and monitoring their activity.

Li Rong raised his eyebrows, resting his hands on the sofa. “Neither Meijiang Pharmaceuticals nor Suhe Bio provoked Liu Tanzhi into acting. Judging by Han Jiang’s response, they’re not on the same side. Yet, they started smearing me just as Luyinxu is about to be released.”

Cen Xiao: “Liu Tanzhi has intervened three times—once to attack your parents when they were already down, once to block you from joining A University’s biochemistry department, and now this.”

Li Rong: “It’s not that she’s taking dirty money from Suhe Biotech to spread rumors. Her target has always been the Li family. She wants to ensure we never recover.”

Cen Xiao: “Han Jiang had no grudge against your parents. It makes no sense for him to go after you so relentlessly. According to Du Mingli, Han Jiang’s belief is that your parents’ deaths were necessary to ignite the High Tower Group, swallowing up Blue Pivot and Hongsuo, and disrupting the order.”

Jian Fu was baffled: “Wait, are you saying Han Jiang is doing this under the banner of justice?”

Li Rong slowly shook his head, narrowing his eyes. “Han Jiang’s every move involves one person. I’ve been trying to figure out their relationship and their roles in Aunt Hui’s case. I used to think that with Han Jiang’s position, he had to be the top player, but…”

Cen Xiao continued for him: “But putting Zhang Zhaohe as the High Tower Group leader complicates things. Han Jiang might be under Zhang Zhaohe’s control. After all, Han Jiang’s moves haven’t brought him much benefit but have solidified Zhang Zhaohe’s position.”

Li Rong sneered coldly: “Zhang Zhaohe holds the truth about Aunt Hui’s case. A man like him wouldn’t pass up a chance to manipulate Han Jiang.”

Jian Fu was incredulous: “Wait, so Han Jiang just lets Zhang Zhaohe use him without fighting back? Isn’t he supposed to have a fiery temper? Doesn’t he refuse to be trampled on?”

Cen Xiao glanced at him: “Who do you think made us discover the connection between Liu Tanzhi and Han Jiang?”

Jian Fu’s eyes widened: “You’re saying Han Jiang himself leaked it? Is he insane? Doesn’t he fear his past being unearthed and ruining him?”

Cen Xiao sighed lightly: “Han Jiang is a protective father and the leader of the Ghost Eye Group. Someone in that position—paranoid, cunning, slick, and cold—still clings to his own beliefs and so-called sense of justice. Back then, District Nine turned a blind eye to the Li family’s injustice, even pushing them into the abyss. Such absurd, black-and-white twisted actions must have been hard for Han Jiang to justify to himself.”

Jian Fu pouted: “I still don’t buy that Han Jiang has a conscience.”

Cen Xiao scoffed: “He’s no saint. The only reason he’s giving us hints is to redirect our attention toward the real enemy. He assumes the accusations against him are too old and buried to have any proof.”

Jian Fu suddenly remembered, “Wait! Neither Han Jiang nor Zhang Zhaohe knows that Jiang Zheng was once pregnant!”

Li Rong curled his lips into a lazy smile, his gaze landing on Cen Xiao. He placed his fingers lightly on Cen Xiao’s shoulder and tapped twice, a meaningful look in his eyes. “I suddenly feel like calling you Team Leader Cen doesn’t feel quite right anymore.”

Cen Xiao met his gaze, wrapping his hand over Li Rong’s mischievous fingers. “Alright.”

Jian Fu, struggling to keep up with their pace, was once again left in the dust. He looked utterly confused. “What’s all this about? Why doesn’t it feel right? What’s alright now?”

Li Rong’s smile deepened as he intertwined his fingers with Cen Xiao’s, their hands locking seamlessly. “Group Leader Cen… it’s time to knock them off their high horses.”