Han Weicheng's expression turned stiff with embarrassment. He had originally intended to complain about Mu Side's lack of manners, thinking that Mu Yanning, out of consideration for her family's reputation, would take his side.
After all, no one slaps a smiling face—especially when someone had passed away. As a former student of the late Elder Mu, how could it be wrong for him to attend the memorial?
Clearly, he had overestimated the Mu family's tolerance. A family like this was bound to fall. He was just waiting for the day Mu Yanning came crawling back to ask for his help!
Han Weicheng's brows furrowed.
"I meant no harm. I only wanted to remind you—Shu Lanzhou studied cell biology for four years. Suddenly switching to acupuncture isn't something one can master so easily."
"The Mu family has always valued its reputation. Be careful not to tarnish Elder Mu's legacy."
"Oh? So in your eyes, the so-called 'legacy' and 'reputation' are more important than the student herself?" Mu Yanning's voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain.
"No wonder… my father expelled you from the Mu household all those years ago. Truly a man of foresight. Professors like you—pretentious and hollow—are the real disgrace of this school."
"As a teacher, my only responsibility is this: if she wants to learn, I'll teach her. I'll do my best. As for how far she can go, that's none of your concern."
Her words struck deep. Han Weicheng felt a pang in his chest. Severing ties with Elder Mu had always been the one regret of his life. Though it hadn't been entirely his choice, the fallout had haunted him.
Had it not been for his academic prowess, he'd have long been removed from the school's leadership.
He opened his mouth to argue—but just then, the door behind Mu Yanning opened, and Mu Side stepped out.
"Auntie, why waste your breath on him? Did you drink too much water this morning?"
Otherwise, why waste so much saliva on nonsense?
Mu Side's gaze was cold and sharp. It made Han Weicheng's spine crawl. He turned on his heel and left hastily.
"Hah… still as bold as ever," Mu Yanning smiled. "You were the one who stopped him from attending your grandfather's memorial too?"
Mu Side didn't deny it. "I saw him lecturing Shu Lanzhou and said a few words. Who knew he'd get so bent out of shape?"
"Well said!" Mu Yanning didn't care what Mu Side had said to Han Weicheng. As far as she was concerned, keeping him away from the Mu family was a job well done.
…
That evening, Shu Lanzhou returned to the dorm intending to hit the books again. Though the semester had just started, acupuncture was still a completely foreign subject to her.
By the time the clock ticked past eleven, she was still studying under her desk lamp. Dong Anlan yawned loudly.
"Zhouzhou, maybe I should help out at the lab tomorrow. You've got the competition and a new major to study. That's way too much!"
Shu Lanzhou's eyes lit up. "You said it, no take-backs! I'm messaging the group chat right now."
True to her word, she immediately sent a message to the lab's group chat and even added Dong Anlan to the group.
The next morning, as she got ready to head to the lab, she noticed another unfamiliar name had joined the group.
Before she could ask, Dong Anlan hopped down from the upper bunk. "I don't have class this morning—let's go!"
"Alright." Shu Lanzhou put away her phone, and the two headed to the cafeteria together.
They passed the campus archive building on the way.
"Hey, is that Lin Muyao? What's she doing at the archive so early?" Dong Anlan gestured with a nod.
Shu Lanzhou looked in the direction she pointed, just in time to make eye contact with Lin Muyao, who was carrying a stack of books.
Lin Muyao gave them a sweet smile. "Good morning, seniors!"
"Morning," Shu Lanzhou responded with a nod, then pulled Dong Anlan along into the cafeteria.
Dong Anlan clicked her tongue. "She does smile sweetly."
"Yeah," Shu Lanzhou quirked her lips. "Sweet smile, soft voice, obedient demeanor—no wonder she's got everyone wrapped around her finger."
After all, it wasn't for nothing that even the professors and seniors had all been charmed by her.
And unless she was mistaken, the materials Lin Muyao had been holding were grad school exam prep books. Looked like the job of organizing study resources for Fang Ruoshi had now fallen into her hands.
Good!
In her previous life, Fang Ruoshi had used the study materials she prepared to ace his graduate exam—ranking first.
Han Weicheng's team included both undergrads and grad students. Because of that achievement, Fang Ruoshi remained in his group and later earned a glowing internship recommendation.
Coming from a poor rural background, it wasn't easy for him to stay in Shencheng. Even with a reference from Han Weicheng, jobs weren't guaranteed. It was Lin Muyao who pulled strings and paved his path.
She helped him marry the daughter of the country's top research institute director—a brilliant woman who played a crucial role in his success.
Shu Lanzhou wondered: would Fang Ruoshi still follow that same path this time?
Noticing Shu Lanzhou spacing out, Dong Anlan reached over and pinched her cheek. "Hey, you're likable too!"
"Ugh, you're picking up He Senior's bad habits!" Shu Lanzhou shot her a glare and tickled her side in retaliation. The two girls laughed their way into the cafeteria.
After breakfast, they arrived at the lab.
The moment they stepped in, they spotted an unfamiliar guy sitting in one of the office chairs.
Unfamiliar to Shu Lanzhou, that is. Dong Anlan instantly recognized him.
After all, their photos were constantly posted side by side on the campus forums.
"Ke Beichen?" Dong Anlan greeted him politely.
He stood up. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ke Beichen. Mu Side invited me to help out. I'll likely be around a lot—please take care of me."
He gave a warm, respectful smile and a small bow.
"Hello, I'm Shu Lanzhou," she said with a small nod, not great at making small talk—especially with unfamiliar guys. She quickly turned and started organizing the bookshelf.
Ke Beichen smiled at Dong Anlan. "You're here to help too?"
"Yup! Lanzhou's swamped with both the new major and the competition, so I figured I'd come lend a hand," she replied politely.
She'd only ever seen Ke Beichen online or from afar. This was her first time seeing him up close.
He really was the kind of guy who could win "Campus Heartthrob" year after year—his face was insanely attractive.
So attractive, in fact, she felt a little shy standing near him—like her mere presence would somehow taint this work of art.
Ke Beichen smiled gently. "Let's get started then. I've prepared some research materials for the competition. Could you help me review them?"
"Sure!" Dong Anlan stepped up to his desk without suspicion.
By the time Shu Lanzhou finished organizing and looked over, the two of them were chatting like old friends.
She blinked. Something felt off… like she didn't quite belong in that room.
So she slipped quietly into the back room. She hadn't known Ke Beichen before, but the name had been familiar in her previous life.
She never would have guessed he was Mu Side's friend.
Just as she entered, she saw He Sixin and Mu Side already inside.
One of them was typing up something on the computer, the other fiddling with a piece of equipment.
"Perfect timing, Lanzhou! Come take a look at this—see if I've got any issues in my draft for the project proposal."
He Sixin waved her over enthusiastically.
The draft was long and looked like it had been in the works for a while. And yet, He Sixin had only proposed the innovation topic recently.
Considering everything that had happened with the Mu family, for her to finish this much so quickly spoke volumes about her discipline and professionalism.
Shu Lanzhou skimmed the draft, then turned to the machine Mu Side was adjusting. "Senior, is that the nano-acupuncture device?"