The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 184

Li Rong didn’t choose to formally announce the successful recreation of Luyinxu, nor did he accept any interviews. It seemed as though he had been affected by the recent online backlash and decided to keep a low profile.

However, he continued to live on campus and traveled openly between A University and the Hongsuo Research Institute. Anyone could take pictures or videos of him if they wanted.

These candid captures of him, perhaps due to his apparent low profile, became highly sought after. Within just an hour or two, they would spread from the social media circles of A University students to the wider internet.

This type of unauthorized sharing seemed to excite netizens even more, and public interest in him only surged further.

“I went to the library early this morning to study and unexpectedly ran into Li Rong! He was heading to the Hongsuo Research Institute before sunrise—he works so hard! Here’s a photo of his side profile!”

“Haha, I ran into him too once. I work near the Hongsuo Research Institute. One time, I was heading home at midnight and bumped into Li Rong just coming out.”

“Getting up before dawn to work and coming home at midnight—how can people accuse him of leeching off his parents and doing nothing but self-promotion? Those accounts stirring up dirty gossip are disgusting!”

“It’s his career and his parents’ legacy. Do you think he wouldn’t give it his all? What kind of brainless people believe that nonsense?”

“Some even claim he’s clueless about his own work. Did they miss the part where professors involved in the project publicly stated that they were only assisting, while Li Rong was the one leading?”

“Honestly, a lot of people just don’t want to admit that his achievements at 20 are beyond what they could reach in a lifetime. I hope he stays strong and unaffected by this.”

“Everyone’s venting their anger while I’m quietly saving all the gorgeous photos…”

“What an amazing side profile! He’s got that youthful, fresh-faced university look, full of collagen.”

“I saw him on my way to work. He looked a bit groggy, probably because he hadn’t slept much. But honestly, he feels more mature than a typical college student.”

“Why hasn’t there been an update on the research progress? I’ve been waiting forever.”

“It’s because of those people dragging him online! Now all we can do is look at chance encounters—it’s so frustrating! Even the Hongsuo Research Institute isn’t promoting much. Feels like they’re not taking it seriously.”

“Apparently, the head of the Hongsuo Research Institute is unwell. Maybe that’s why.”

….

Lin Zhen was away in a remote area filming a public service ad, but whenever he had a moment, he would check online comments to keep an eye on the public narrative. Even he joked, “Our class monitor is practically living my life now—getting photographed wherever he goes. At least they take good pictures.”

On the other end of the phone, Li Rong cautioned him, “The attention I’m getting is very different from yours. Jian Fu mentioned someone following your car—be careful.”

Lin Zhen, perched on a small stool and facing the wind, chuckled. “That’s why this trip is great. Not many people are willing to follow me all the way out here.”

Li Rong teased, “Come back soon. Jian Fu’s stress levels are through the roof.”

Lin Zhen couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Class monitor… By the way, when are you planning to announce the successful recreation of Luyinxu? I’m dying to tell everyone.”

Li Rong smiled faintly. “No rush.”

Indeed, Li Rong wasn’t in a hurry. GT201 skipped the typical introduction phase and directly entered Phase I clinical trials.

At Jiajia Central Hospital, everything was meticulously prepared. This time, Zhai Ning personally supervised the trials, rigorously reviewing the physical conditions of volunteers. Anyone with even the slightest uncertainty was mercilessly screened out.

Even Song He’s sister almost didn’t make the cut because of a sore throat.

With no personal connections to Zhai Ning, Song He had no choice but to approach Li Rong for help.

Though reluctant to rely on favors, Song He ultimately mustered the courage to speak up for his little sister’s sake. After much hesitation, he awkwardly broached the subject.

“Uh… my sister signed up as a volunteer, but she has a sore throat.”

After he spoke, he bit his lip nervously, his face flushing as he turned away. He feared both outright rejection and an overenthusiastic offer of help due to their personal connection.

Li Rong blinked, immediately understanding what Song He meant. “Too strict with the screenings?”

Song He nodded. “There are too many volunteers signing up, and Jiajia Central Hospital said only those in perfect health could participate. My sister doesn’t seem to qualify.”

Li Rong thought for a moment. “A sore throat shouldn’t be an issue. But since GT201 is still in its trial phase, and its potential side effects are unknown, I can understand why they’re being cautious. You…”

Before he could finish, Song He quickly interjected, “I trust it! I trust that Luyinxu will pass the trials and cure bacterial progeria syndrome! I’ve been involved in the research process—I know this medicine is the real deal.”

Li Rong smiled warmly. “If you’re really worried and rushed, I’ll ask Zhai Ning to include her. It’s no big deal.”

Song He lowered his head in embarrassment. “Thanks.”

Though he struggled to express his gratitude, he was deeply thankful to Li Rong—for letting him participate in the research as an intern and for helping his sister join the trial.

Later, when Li Rong brought up the matter with Zhai Ning, she immediately shot him a glare, muttering under her breath, “Your father also told me basic illnesses wouldn’t matter.”

While there was nothing inherently wrong with this statement, it stirred painful memories for Zhai Ning—ones tied to irreversible consequences from her past.

Li Rong chuckled, swirling his cup of coffee. “Relax. I can guarantee that nothing will go wrong—at least not during Phase I.”

Zhai Ning: “You guarantee? How can you guarantee? As medical professionals, we all know never to speak in absolutes.”

Li Rong couldn’t exactly say that he had already completed the first trial in his previous life. Instead, he helplessly spread his hands and said, “You mentioned Cen Xiao’s PTSD earlier, but I think you might need to relax too.”

Zhai Ning kept a serious face for a while, but eventually sighed. “Fine, it’s your project; you make the call.”

Two years ago, the events had left an indelible mark on them all. No one had emerged unscathed from the storm, and often, those who appeared the most composed on the surface bore the deepest scars.

She did have some lingering trauma, but for Li Rong to overcome his own psychological barriers and reassure her only meant he was pushing himself further. 

Zhai Ning felt a mix of pain and helplessness. Fate was so arbitrary—some people lived peaceful, uneventful lives, while others seemed destined to face trial after trial.

***

Another August arrived, with skies burning red and verdant summer mountains. 

The scorching heat of July lingered, like an echo of the chaos and ruins left behind two years ago, their traces etched into time’s shadows.

The first clinical trial of GT201 officially began.

Jiajia Central Hospital ramped up its efforts, providing intensive care to 50 child patients. 

Following a standardized medication protocol, minor side effects such as low-grade fever and reduced appetite were observed in some children. The most severe case involved vomiting and diarrhea, which resolved within three days.

Five days later, the symptoms of progeria were noticeably suppressed, matching the efficacy of Jiaketing. 

After a second dose seven days later, the patients were monitored closely for three months.

During the trial period, five children required three doses, while the remaining 45 exhibited no progeria symptoms after just two doses. By the end of the three months, all children were discharged without serious side effects or ongoing medication needs.

On a day when heavy snow sealed the city, Li Rong appeared before the media once again.

Dressed in a pristine lab coat with the collar neatly arranged to reveal the edge of a white sweater, his appearance was tidy and composed. 

The crowd in the press conference was dense, and the warm indoor temperature brought a flush to his cheeks, his damp hair clinging to his neck.

Freshly trimmed, his dark hair rested neatly, catching the spotlight and gleaming with a honey-like luster. Standing before the cameras, Li Rong’s slender fingers held the microphone as his gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on each eager, excited face. He curved his lips slightly into a calm smile and declared, “The GT201 project has completed its first clinical trial successfully.”

Through the lens, those clear, bright eyes conveyed not just a smile but an authenticity that reached straight to the heart.

It was like serene waters concealing tempestuous waves, like snow-laden clouds masking an imminent storm.

This cold winter embraced a fiery celebration:

[@ScienceTimes: Li Rong, son of Li Qingli and Gu Nong, announced today that the first clinical trial of GT201 (Luyinxu) has been successfully completed! For detailed trial observations, click the link to visit the Jiajia Central Hospital’s website.]

[@ScientificObserver: Li Rong breaks his silence to announce the success of GT201’s first trial! A victory delayed by two years, congratulations are finally in order!]

[@DailyNews: The first trial of GT201 involved 50 child patients, all of whom recovered and no longer require medication. With no severe side effects reported, we eagerly anticipate the launch of Phase 2 trials!]

[@PhenomenonTrackerBot: A fairy-tale ending: from despair to triumph, rising from the ashes. Congratulations.]

“AAAAHHH, luyinxu’s first trial succeeded!”

“They actually pulled it off! And not a single fatal case—every child stopped medication without a relapse!”

“I can’t believe this happened under the radar. The results are already out!”

“Li Rong probably kept quiet because of the backlash from before. Why are victims always held to such high standards?”

“People who accused Li Rong of wasting time on PR should feel ashamed. Producing such a highly effective drug in this short a timeframe? He didn’t have time for frivolity!”

“They were paid trolls, obviously. Look, those posts are already deleted.”

“I’m so overwhelmed! My child has hope now—please make it available soon!”

“I’m thrilled for the Li family but furious too. If it weren’t for Suhe Biotech’s schemes, could these children have been cured two years earlier? Zheng Zhuping’s crimes are truly unforgivable!”

“This is only the first successful trial, but I can already see Jiaketing being phased out entirely.”

“Thank you, Li family, for everything you’ve done to combat bacterial progeria. You’ve done right by everyone—may everyone do right by you.”

…..

Praise and admiration engulfed Li Rong like an impenetrable cocoon. 

He had become a media darling, with countless articles celebrating him and partnership offers pouring in.

The High Tower team was brimming with excitement, their accolades for Li Rong echoing throughout the frosty winter.

Meanwhile, an intriguing shift was taking place. Ever since Zhu Yan’s illness and Jiang Weide’s succession as head of Hongsuo Research Institute, the antagonism between the High Tower team and Hongsuo seemed to be dissipating.

In most people’s eyes, Jiang Weide was “one of their own.” With him becoming the director of the Hongsuo Research Institute, didn’t it essentially mean the High Tower Group had gained control of the narrative?

If that was the case, what reason was there to oppose the Hongsuo Research Institute?

With the disappearance of a potential enemy, the opposing sentiment dissipated as well. Zhang Zhaohuo could no longer find an entry point to provoke division or stir up emotions. His role within the High Tower Group gradually became less significant.

On the contrary, Li Rong’s every move was under the close watch of the entire High Tower Group.

Such an intelligent and outstanding young man was the most fitting to inherit the legacy of Li Qingli and Gu Nong and to represent the image of the High Tower Group.

Moreover, he was remarkably open-minded. He generously shared the research outcomes of luyinxu with others, never concerning himself with how much effort he had put in.

His bright future was visible to the naked eye.

However, at this time, no one in the High Tower Group realized that their goodwill toward Li Rong had gone beyond mere admiration.

There was an indescribable sense of expectation mingled within—a notion so “profoundly moving” that no one dared to openly acknowledge it.

The expectation lingered faintly in the air.

“Teacher Li, Professor Jiang asked me to inform you that From Zero has emailed you and would like you to respond as soon as possible,” Jiang Weide’s assistant, who was older than Li Rong, still couldn’t help but address him as “teacher” within the Hongsuo Research Institute.

Li Rong withdrew his gaze from the window, took a sip of the now-cold sweet milk, and smiled faintly. “Got it.”

The snowflakes on his fingertips had melted from his body heat, but faint cat paw-like marks were left on the small platform outside the glass window.

“Teacher Li, what are you looking at out there?” the assistant couldn’t resist asking.

Li Rong retracted his chilled fingertips into his sleeves, his tone light and casual. “A storm.”

The assistant was momentarily stunned, then let out a hearty laugh. “That’s true. The Hongsuo Research Institute’s location is oddly placed—it’s a wind tunnel in winter. Step outside, and you’ll get blown away.”

Li Rong merely smiled and said nothing.

On this clear winter morning, the sunlight was bright yet gentle, spreading across the ground and blending seamlessly with the white snow, weaving a glistening golden net.

Jiang Zheng entered the office building of District Nine dressed in a ginger-colored winter dress with a snowy white fur shawl, black high-heeled shoes adorned with rhinestones, and carrying a thick stack of files. Her expression was emotionless.

She looked like a harmless canary flying into a deep forest, but one that could unleash a storm of chaos at any moment.

A week later—

The official website of District Nine suddenly released a personnel announcement, removing Han Jiang from his position as head of the Ghost Eye Unit and appointing Cen Xiao as the new head.