Chapter 302 - 205: Elder Zhi Has Spoken

Chapter 302: Chapter 205: Elder Zhi Has Spoken

It was late.

Jiang He carefully checked the parameters for the last three sets of repeated experiments, confirming there were no fluctuations in the data.

"Alright, the reverse transcription system is stable. The next step is to increase the sample size and run repeat validations."

As the ultimate tryhard, Jiang He’s principles were always clear:

Overcoming core technical difficulties was his job, but once a project entered the stage of repetitive manual labor, he would absolutely not waste any more time in the lab.

’What’s the point of recruiting so many people to the team if not to do the work?’

’Besides, they should be thanking me for giving them work to do...’

"Professor Wang, you’ll handle the schedule. Starting tomorrow, everyone will split into two groups and take turns monitoring the machines as they run the data. Make sure we process every single serum sample we currently have."

Wang Xiaoqing nodded. "Okay, don’t worry."

When it came to scheduling, the professor was indeed very experienced.

The day’s lab work was over.

"Old Jiang, want to grab a late-night snack?"

"No, I’m tired. I’m going back to my dorm to sleep. I have to be at Affiliated Hospital No. 1 first thing in the morning. You guys should get some rest after you eat, too."

"Got it."

Everyone started packing up their things and went their separate ways.

Yang Xu deliberately lingered until the end.

Once most of the students had left, he walked over to Wang Xiaoqing.

"Professor Wang, are you hungry? How about... we go get a late-night snack nearby? I know a place that makes some great clay pot congee. It’s light and easy on the stomach."

Wang Xiaoqing’s tone was flat. "It’s so late, I’m not eating. I’m on a diet."

Hearing this, Yang Xu thought he was being rejected and quickly said, "Oh, what’s there to lose? You’re not fat. Besides, you need to eat to have the energy to lose weight, right?"

Wang Xiaoqing: "..."

She was speechless for a long moment.

’You need to eat to have the energy to lose weight.’

’How could such a childish comment possibly come out of the mouth of a man in his forties?’

Wang Xiaoqing sighed and looked around.

’Well, at least all the students are gone.’

She then spoke bluntly, "Director Yang, shall we find a place to talk?"

Yang Xu’s eyes lit up. "Sure, sure, let’s talk! What I mean is... should we find a place to eat? Clay pot congee? We can eat while we talk?"

"Forget about your clay pot congee. Are you shilling for the restaurant?"

Wang Xiaoqing retorted, then said:

"Is there anyone at your place? If not, let’s go there."

Yang Xu: "?"

’Huh? Go... go to whose place?’

’In the middle of the night, a single man and a single woman... going to my place?’

’Isn’t this moving a little too fast?’

Seeing his dazed expression, Wang Xiaoqing frowned slightly. "What? Is it inconvenient at your place? If so, forget it. We can just find a small bar nearby."

"It’s—convenient!"

Yang Xu’s voice was extra loud. "Extremely convenient! I’m the only one home, it’s completely quiet!"

"Uh, let’s go then."

The two of them went downstairs and walked to the parking lot.

Yang Xu was a major department director, after all. He still had some basic gentlemanly manners.

He hurried to the passenger side door, pulled it open, and carefully placed his hand over the edge of the car’s roof.

"Thanks." Wang Xiaoqing ducked her head and got into the car.

Yang Xu gently closed the door, then walked around to the driver’s seat and started the car.

The car was very quiet on the way.

’Old Yang, oh, Old Yang, you just can’t pull it together when it matters.’

’Try to find something to talk about,’ he thought, but his mind was a total mess. He was terrified he’d say the wrong thing again and ruin this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...

「Back at Yang Xu’s home.」

"Um, sit anywhere, you don’t need to take off your shoes. Uh... what would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or juice?"

"Are you a flight attendant?"

"Huh? What flight attendant?"

"Never mind. Mineral water is fine."

"Okay, coming right up."

Yang Xu had originally been thinking that if he was bringing a female colleague home in the middle of the night, he should probably pour two glasses of red wine, put on some soft music, and set the mood.

He’d even taken the wine glasses out of the cabinet.

But then he heard Wang Xiaoqing ask for mineral water.

He felt it would be a bit awkward to put the wine glasses back.

So, in the end, he had no choice but to use a wine glass, fill it halfway with water, and hand it to her. "The temperature is just right. Have a taste."

The corner of Wang Xiaoqing’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

’Who in their right mind serves water in a wine glass?’

’And what is there to "taste" in mineral water? Did you spike it with something?’

She was suddenly no longer thirsty.

"Director Yang."

Wang Xiaoqing put the glass down and said:

"I’m a pretty direct person and I don’t like to waste either of our time. Let’s talk about what we didn’t get to finish discussing last time."

"Uh, talk about what?"

"Our respective requirements for a future partner?"

Hearing this, Yang Xu became as docile as if he were in a job interview. "Actually... well, I’m fine with anything. I’m not that picky. As long as our personalities are compatible..."

Wang Xiaoqing: "Alright, I’ll start by talking about my situation. I’m divorced. Did you know that?"

Yang Xu nodded immediately. "Yep, I know. I heard Sun Changming mention it at the hospital before..."

Even at a time like this, he didn’t forget to take a jab at his rival.

Yang Xu really was trying his best.

Wang Xiaoqing asked, "So? Can you accept that?"

Yang Xu: "As long as you’re not in contact with him anymore... I can accept it. The past is the past. I don’t care."

"Good." Wang Xiaoqing continued, "Well, let me put it this way. In all the years we’ve known each other, I’ve actually been quite satisfied with you."

Yang Xu: "!!!"

"I also asked Professor Sun about you. He said you’ve never been married, you’re a capable worker with high professional standards, your family background is good, you don’t have any baggage, and aside from being a bit childish in how you speak and act sometimes, you’re actually... quite good."

After Wang Xiaoqing finished speaking, Yang Xu was dumbfounded.

’That guy, Old Sun, usually loves to oppose me.’

’How could he... actually be saying good things about me at a time like this?’

’Crap, don’t tell me I’ve been too hard on him usually?’