Jiang Yubai's affirmation and encouragement always soothed Lin Zhixia's emotions.
On Monday morning, Lin Zhixia went to work full of energy. She had been busy in her office all morning when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. She responded, "Come in."
Xu Lingbo rushed toward Lin Zhixia's desk: "Teacher Lin, Senior Sister is arguing with Teacher Qu in the laboratory..."
The "Teacher Qu" mentioned by Xu Lingbo was none other than Professor Qu Zongyi.
Previously, when Lin Zhixia's students wanted to borrow Qu Zongyi's laboratory, he had repeatedly refused. Later, Lin Zhixia discussed it with him once, and she thought the matter had been resolved. Unexpectedly, complications arose, leading to another problem.
Lin Zhixia hurried to the laboratory.
She was taken aback.
Qu Zongyi, a respected "academic leader," often displayed an elegant and amiable demeanor at faculty meetings. But now, he stood at the laboratory entrance, angrily scolding Fang Yiwen in a low voice: "Enough, stop talking."
Fang Yiwen shrugged expressionlessly.
Catching sight of Lin Zhixia from the corner of his eye, Qu Zongyi slightly raised his voice: "Your supervisor made arrangements in advance for you, saying you wouldn't disturb other students while conducting experiments..."
Fang Yiwen interrupted him: "I didn't disturb your students. Your students work too slowly in experiments. When I instructed them on the correct usage, one girl started wailing, tears streaming down. Honestly, Teacher Qu, the mental resilience of this batch of master's and doctoral students in your group is lacking."
Qu Zongyi's expression turned extremely unpleasant.
Xu Lingbo interjected: "Senior Sister, how exactly did you instruct them?"
Turning to see him, Fang Yiwen seemed quite pleased and recounted truthfully: "I said, 'Have any of you read the instrument manuals before doing experiments? Those devices aren't hard to use—just use your brains. If you can't produce data or write papers, just standing around here all day doing nothing is such a waste of resources...'"
When Xu Lingbo came to deliver lunch to Fang Yiwen at noon, he had heard constant noise from the laboratory. Worried she might face Qu Zongyi's harsh criticism, he quickly sought Lin Zhixia to help. Unexpectedly, Fang Yiwen remained completely unscathed as usual.
Xu Lingbo tugged at her sleeve, somewhat embarrassed, and reminded her: "Senior Sister, didn't I tell you a few days ago that when you come to someone else's laboratory, you should greet them with a smile and tell more jokes?"
Fang Yiwen replied with remarkable composure: "I did tell jokes."
Xu Lingbo listened attentively.
Fang Yiwen first recalled it herself, couldn't help but chuckle "haha," and then revealed: "I said, 'Coming to the laboratory, you've deeply mastered the operation skills of mobile apps like QQ and WeChat, learned how to turn computer monitors and hosts on and off, and become proficient in cleaning and storing laboratory glassware...'"
After hearing this exchange, Lin Zhixia finally understood why Qu Zongyi was reluctant to lend the laboratory to Fang Yiwen—it wasn't that he didn't want to lend the lab, but that he didn't want his entire research group to have any association with Fang Yiwen.
So that was it!
Lin Zhixia sighed silently.
In Lin Zhixia's presence, Fang Yiwen showed no aggressiveness. As Lin Zhixia interacted with her more, Fang Yiwen grew increasingly admiring of her, behaving more and more obediently in all aspects, almost catching up to Zhan Rui.
But Qu Zongyi had long reached his limit of tolerance.He waved to his student, then turned to Lin Zhixia: "You understand the situation, Professor Lin. I'll keep it brief—this month I'm quite busy revising grant proposals, organizing academic exchanges, and supervising postdocs. I simply don't have time to monitor student shifts... Fang Yiwen needs the laboratory for four days total. Let's agree now that if someone is already using the lab, she'll wait her turn. Does that work for you, Professor Lin?"
Before Lin Zhixia could respond, Fang Yiwen interjected, "What if the room is empty when I start my experiment, but your student shows up midway? What should I do then?"
Qu Zongyi removed his glasses, pressing the back of his hand against his brow as he replied calmly, "My students have no reason to disturb you."
"You're mistaken," Fang Yiwen argued firmly. "Check the surveillance footage."
Qu Zongyi adjusted his silver-framed glasses higher on his nose bridge.
Fang Yiwen continued correcting his phrasing: "You're a STEM professor. Observe the facts before drawing conclusions. Instead of saying 'have no reason,' use 'possibly' or 'perhaps.' Unless you're absolutely certain, avoid definitive statements."
Previously, Qu Zongyi had personally witnessed Fang Yiwen mercilessly criticize his students, reducing one particularly stressed female student to tears. As their advisor, he found it unbearable. He even suspected Fang Yiwen's former supervisor had changed universities precisely because he couldn't tolerate her.
He wondered how long Lin Zhixia would endure her.
Qu Zongyi attempted to mediate: "Alright, I'll stop. Let Professor Lin handle this." He pointed at the wall clock: "In ten minutes, I need to meet the vice president in another building."
Lin Zhixia responded unhurriedly, "Professor Qu, how about this: we'll both ensure our students maintain quiet in the laboratory without disturbing others. Fang Yiwen has already conducted experiments all day today. In three more days, she'll complete her model testing and won't require specialized equipment anymore."
"Exactly," Fang Yiwen echoed.
Just as Qu Zongyi prepared to rebut, Lin Zhixia looked up and met his gaze. Her demeanor carried unusual firmness, her eyes different from their usual gentleness. Qu Zongyi suppressed a sigh, conceding reluctantly: "Then I'll trouble you to supervise, Professor Lin."
"You're too kind, Professor Qu," Lin Zhixia replied with exaggerated courtesy. "Thank you for your consideration."
Qu Zongyi cleared his throat roughly: "Students must learn... what ought to be learned."
His reference to "what ought to be learned" likely meant "how to interact with people." Unfortunately, he had no time to elaborate. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lin Zhixia, he hurriedly took the elevator and departed.
The empty corridor now held only Lin Zhixia, Xu Lingbo, and Fang Yiwen.
Xu Lingbo stood deflated while Fang Yiwen stared silently at the floor.
Lin Zhixia observed them before asking softly, "Have you had lunch? Let me treat you to the faculty cafeteria."
Xu Lingbo responded meekly: "No need, thank you, Professor."
Fang Yiwen added: "I have a roujiamo and a tea egg in my backpack—still warm."
She unzipped her bag, retrieving the roujiamo and tea egg. Cupping them in her palms, she felt their lingering warmth. After taking a large bite of the stuffed bread, she picked up a thermos flask with chipped surface paint.Lin Zhixia unscrewed the thermos cap for her and brought the rim to her lips. After hesitating briefly, she took a small sip of the hot tea. Lin Zhixia quietly asked, "Why were you arguing with them in the laboratory?"
Xu Lingbo muttered, "What else could it be? My senior sister is emotionally obtuse..."
Lin Zhixia glanced sideways at him, and he bit his lip, falling silent.
Fang Yiwen wiped her mouth and said calmly, "I didn't speak at first. Two male students were chatting behind me, bringing up that joke about the 'old, weak, sick, and disabled group'—you've all heard it, right?"
Lin Zhixia remembered it clearly. Qu Zongyi's students had once used "old, weak, sick, and disabled" to refer to Lin Zhixia's research group—Fang Yiwen was old, Zhan Rui was disabled, Xu Lingbo was weak, and Lin Zhixia was sick for taking all three of them.
"You got angry?" Lin Zhixia said in surprise. "I didn't think you would."
Fang Yiwen leaned against the window rail, her posture relaxed and languid. "Professor Lin, I'm not angry. I was just giving them a taste of their own medicine."
Lin Zhixia studied her expression carefully. "Your emotional fluctuations... seem more pronounced than before. I'm not sure if that's a good thing."
Fang Yiwen remained silent, still waiting for Lin Zhixia's criticism.
However, Lin Zhixia said, "I hadn't planned to take any doctoral students this year, but then I met you. Actually, we're quite fated..."
This statement sounded rather like praising before criticizing.
Startled, Fang Yiwen looked up at her. "You don't want to supervise me anymore?!"
Lin Zhixia laughed. "How could that be?"
The daylight today was crystal clear. Gazing out the window, Lin Zhixia murmured to herself, "Time is precious. Try not to dwell on irrelevant people and matters. Last month during our gathering, we discussed the relationship between rationality and emotion—theory requires practice."
Fang Yiwen and Xu Lingbo remained silent.
Lin Zhixia added, "Fang Yiwen, before you start your experiment this afternoon, turn on your phone's recording function."
Fang Yiwen smoothed her hair. "Alright, don't worry."
After careful consideration, Lin Zhixia said, "One last thing—don't mock others. This isn't a demand from me, nor is it about today's incident. It's just an observation... Equal dialogue improves communication efficiency."
"Mm," Fang Yiwen agreed.
Lin Zhixia slapped the window rail heartily. "Alright, everyone go study now. Make the most of your time—I believe in you."
Both students were very obedient.
They dutifully headed toward the laboratory, their figures growing more distant as they walked away.
The laboratory building's cleaner had just mopped the floor, and a faint mist of moisture lingered at the corridor's corner. Xu Lingbo sniffled, both sighing and laughing. "Professor Lin is truly a great person."
"Professor Lin... believes in me," Fang Yiwen murmured, pausing slightly in her steps.
"Yeah," Xu Lingbo scratched his head. "She believes in your explanation, your character, your ability."
After speaking, Xu Lingbo felt deeply moved—today had been a remarkable day. He had witnessed Professor Lin's unwavering firmness and also seen the most vulnerable side of his senior sister's personality.
Lately, the three graduate students under Lin Zhixia's supervision had all been working very hard.At the weekly group meeting, everyone's presentations were becoming increasingly substantial. Lin Zhixia felt quite gratified. Her teaching career had finally achieved some commendable progress. Two papers she had independently authored had been submitted—everything was proceeding smoothly at the university, while the company's new product was about to launch.
Two days before the product launch, the vice president specifically visited Lin Zhixia's office to discuss the strategic policy of "integrating industry, academia, and research."
Advocated jointly by universities and enterprises, "integrating industry, academia, and research" refers to the coordinated development of "scientific research, education, and production." This concept closely links academia with the economy, driving technological innovation and educational reform to better serve the entire social system... In short, the president placed great importance on this area. Thus, the vice president personally stepped in to consult with Lin Zhixia.
The vice president was a female professor in her sixties. Dressed in a cashmere coat and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, she resembled a kindly elder. She and Lin Zhixia had a pleasant conversation, and she repeatedly praised Lin Zhixia: "Good, good, Professor Lin has considered everything quite thoroughly."
Lin Zhixia handed her a proposal.
The vice president nodded slightly and added, "Professor Shen Zhaohua is about to be elected as an academician. You are her granddaughter..."
As a child, Lin Zhixia often visited Shen Zhaohua's Laboratory to play, using various instruments and computer systems. She was even affiliated with Shen Zhaohua's research group and published a first-author SCI paper. Consequently, many at the university believed Lin Zhixia was Shen Zhaohua's biological granddaughter—this also explained the source of Lin Zhixia's high intelligence, given that Professor Shen Zhaohua was exceptionally bright, with grandmother and granddaughter sharing the same lineage, much to everyone's envy.
The person in question, Shen Zhaohua, had never commented on this rumor.
Yet Lin Zhixia said in an amused tone, "I wish I could be Professor Shen's granddaughter."
The vice president smoothed things over: "It still comes down to the same lineage."
After the vice president's remark, Lin Zhixia realized she hadn't been in touch with Shen Zhaohua for a long time.
Shen Zhaohua had gone to an oceanic base in the Southern Hemisphere and hadn't returned to the country yet.
Lin Zhixia sent her an email to say hello, and Shen Zhaohua replied the next day, also wishing Lin Zhixia success with her new product launch.
On the day of the launch event, the venue was packed to capacity. Some peers had reserved tickets in advance and traveled from out of town specifically to attend. The entire hall was arranged like a cinema, complete with lighting effects, making it an exceptionally grand occasion.
Lin Zhixia, dressed in a women's suit and holding a microphone in her right hand, stood quietly backstage. Jiang Yubai stood beside her. His profile was indistinct in the dim corner. Lin Zhixia stole a glance at him, and he seemed to sense it, asking, "Ready?"
He was also in formal attire today, his shirt buttoned to the top, collar impeccably neat, tie perfectly straight, and trouser creases sharp—even hidden in the shadows, he seemed to glow.
Lin Zhixia didn't respond, so he reached out his hand to her.
Their fingers intertwined tightly.
Nearby staff had paused in their tracks. The large screen at the front was playing a promotional video, and for the moment, no one noticed Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai.Jiang Yubai led Lin Zhixia to a rest area backstage. He raised his hand to draw the curtain, creating a private space. In the slanted, bright light, he handed her a metal plaque engraved with the words: "Captain Lin Zhixia at the helm."
As the promotional video neared its end, thunderous applause filled the venue. Clutching the plaque, Lin Zhixia declared with soaring spirits, "Alright, Chief Jiang Yubai, wait for my good news!"
Lin Zhixia took Jiang Yubai's hand and led him toward the steps to the front stage—she was the keynote speaker for this product launch, while Jiang Yubai was her behind-the-scenes supporter. He stopped at the bottom step, gradually releasing her fingers. Her fingertips brushed against his, yet his gaze never wavered from her.
She turned back and smiled at him: "Hurry to the audience seats and watch me. Today marks the beginning of our industry sensation."
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