Chapter 31: The True and False Heiresses 31

Old Tan felt as if he had almost choked on his own breath.

Weren't these the very words he had once said to these students?

Rolling his eyes, he let out a cold sneer. "Since everyone is so free, how about each of you writes a research paper this month? I’ll be checking them."

"Professor, it was you who was late. You can't hold a double standard just because you're feeling embarrassed," the group retorted with dissatisfaction.

Old Tan snorted and said bluntly, "So what? I’m the professor. Don't forget to hand in those papers by the end of the month."

A chorus of groans erupted throughout the research institute. Everyone glared at the few who had been stirring up trouble earlier. Those students quickly lowered their heads, not daring to say another word. They couldn't really blame themselves; it had been such a rare opportunity, and they simply couldn't resist.

"Continue with your data. If you have any questions, come find me."

After dropping those words, Old Tan walked over to Huai Ying and sat down.

"What specific field are you interested in? Have you thought about which university or major you want to apply for?"

"I am very interested in creating bacterial bombs. I want to build one with immense power—preferably the kind that could blow up and destroy the Earth."

There was a hint of excitement in Huai Ying’s tone. Old Tan, however, was left speechless.

"You child, why are you only interested in such things? We live in an era of peace; these aren't needed."

"Who says they aren't needed?" Huai Ying retorted, dissatisfied. She, for one, certainly had a use for them. "Didn't you say the research institute has the most advanced technology and data? I want to see it."

That was the only reason she had come here.

"It’s all prepared for you. If you have any questions, just ask your seniors. I’ll be in the office nearby; you can find me if you need anything."

After giving a few instructions, Old Tan strode away.

He didn't return for an hour. As he pushed open the laboratory door, he froze. Had he walked into the wrong room? When had the lab become so lively? A crowd of people surrounded Huai Ying, seemingly deep in discussion.

He slowed his pace and walked over. He saw his students, who were usually full of themselves, constantly peppering Huai Ying with questions, all of which she answered one by one. While some of her answers contained errors based on common knowledge, many more offered unconventional paths that were truly enlightening, making the others realize things could actually be done that way.

"And what about here? Is there any other way to solve this?" the group pressed eagerly.

"Why are you using this method? Can you explain it to me?" a tired, aged voice interjected.

Someone snapped back, "Wait your turn! Don't try to cut in line."

They realized their mistake the next moment. That familiar voice... Everyone turned to look, meeting Old Tan’s gaze. Though reluctant, they cleared a path.

Old Tan presented a problem that had plagued him for a long time to Huai Ying, his demeanor becoming increasingly humble. He had anticipated that she was talented, but only now did he have a clear understanding of the extent. Huai Ying was already skillfully applying theories that hadn't even been proven in the scientific community yet. He instinctively wanted to refute her, but felt that, somehow, she was right.

"So that's how it is," Old Tan exclaimed in sudden realization. He added with a complex expression, "Do you know that the theories you’ve proposed haven't been verified, and there are no methods to extract some of these materials yet?"

Huai Ying gave a muffled nod. Of course she knew. In the interstellar era, those materials were common; there was no need for extraction as they could be bought anywhere. This resulted in her having only a vague concept of how to extract them, having never actually done it herself. Not to mention that in this world, the raw materials were classified as contraband—money couldn't even buy them.

At this thought, she looked up at Old Tan. "Can the research institute get these materials? I can find a way to extract them."

"You can really extract them?" Old Tan was overcome with excitement.

When Huai Ying nodded, a cheer erupted in the lab. This could be said to have solved a major dilemma in the history of science. Once those elements were extracted and applied to various industries, they would undoubtedly lead humanity a great leap forward.

Huai Ying nodded, remaining much calmer than the rest. She held nothing back, sharing everything she knew and happily answering everyone's questions. In just half a day, she had become the object of everyone's admiration.

Why was Huai Ying being so kind as to teach others? Yuzhu floated in mid-air, filled with confusion. Why did it feel so strange?

Even after Huai Ying was respectfully escorted out by the group, Yuzhu still hadn't processed it.

"Boss," Yuzhu tentatively whispered. Seeing that the other party was in a great mood, she mustered the courage to ask, "Why did you have the leisure to teach them? Were you moved by how hard they were working on their research?"

The scene fell silent. Huai Ying looked at her as if she were an idiot. Yuzhu smiled awkwardly. She could only think of that one reason. So, why exactly?

"Guess what they are thinking in their hearts right now?" Huai Ying asked suddenly.

Yuzhu was bewildered and shook her head.

"I am someone who carries treasures, capable of easily producing things they could never research in a lifetime. Do you really think they won't feel a sense of greed?" Huai Ying’s voice carried a faint allure, and a slight smile curled at the corners of her lips. "I can't wait to see what they do next."

Xiao Hong finally felt relieved. As expected, she was still that same boss, not changed in the slightest. She thought to herself: I hope these people don't do anything foolish. This boss is not someone an ordinary person can afford to provoke.

Meanwhile, Old Tan and the others were in an uproar because of Huai Ying. Through experimentation, all of the theories Huai Ying mentioned proved to be valid. But without an experimental process, how did these theories appear in Huai Ying’s mind out of thin air?

A suspicion began to form among the group. Someone asked with a look of panic, "Do you think she might have experimented on humans? Otherwise, how could she possibly have extracted these bacteria?"

"It can't be that she just woke up, opened her eyes, and inexplicably knew it all, right?"

Old Tan’s expression was equally grave. "I have already used all my connections to investigate her past. There are no issues."

"But this is too bizarre. Should we report this to the state? I’m a bit scared."

They looked at one another, unable to even speak clearly. Seeing this, Old Tan took a stack of documents from behind him and handed them over. "Sign these non-disclosure agreements."

The group was confused, but upon receiving them, they saw they were documents requiring them to keep everything related to Huai Ying confidential.

"She told us everything she knew and taught us thoroughly. This shows her trust in us, and we must not betray that trust." Old Tan took a deep breath, his gaze turning firm. "For this reason alone, I must protect this child. We are all professionals; we should understand the contribution these things make to humanity."

"As long as she does not commit treason, she is my top priority. If I find out that anyone has done anything, don't blame me for being heartless."