[Second Update.]

Outside, Wang Zhuo and the guests had already returned to the main hall while chatting, and the corridor fell silent.

No one expected that hidden within the restroom from which Wang Zhuo had emerged was the evening’s most dazzling female guest. And just before everyone found Wang Zhuo, this acclaimed actress had been engaging in an incredibly thrilling game with him.

Inside the restroom.

The movie queen Ning Yao, having reapplied her makeup, and the female secretary Fu Xinran, who had released her stress, both felt significantly more relaxed, no longer as awkward and constrained as before.

Fu Xinran immediately sensed that the way Ning Yao was looking at her seemed different from before. She instinctively explained, “Wang Zhuo and I only have a professional relationship; there is absolutely nothing else.”

Nothing else? Ning Yao offered a noncommittal smile. No matter how proper Wang Zhuo looked when serious, he could be incredibly inappropriate when he chose to be! Could he possibly pass up a stunning beauty like this cool and aloof secretary? That was pure fantasy!

Fu Xinran, being a secretary, possessed high proficiency in reading subtle cues. She couldn't miss the ambiguous expression on Ning Yao’s face. However, she felt a bit guilty. Wang Zhuo had been making advances toward her for more than just a day or two; it was just that her recent preoccupation with finding a cure for Anqi’s illness had kept them apart temporarily. To say there was absolutely no other connection was pure self-deception.

So, Fu Xinran could only feign obtuseness, pretending not to notice the strangeness in Ning Yao's expression. She smiled back calmly and walked out.

Little did she know that if it came to acting, Ning Yao was a powerhouse movie queen whose skill could teach her own mentors. Seeing Fu Xinran’s attempt at composure, Ning Yao smiled silently behind her. The little girl put on a good show of being calm, but her skill level was still far too low!

...

In the living room, the news broadcast was loudly praising the three experts who had seemingly sprung from a crack in the rock, treating the medical breakthrough as if Wang Zhuo had no connection to it whatsoever.

Wang Zhuo sat on the main sofa with a faint smile, listening to everyone passionately denounce the situation.

“They always say that one generation plants the tree while the next enjoys the shade, but these old coffins are stealing Wang Zhuo’s achievement! Aren’t they afraid of hell after they die?” Ding Baoji was still cursing righteously, his voice the loudest among the group.

Siyuan chimed in with her clear voice, “I don’t care about the rest, but if anyone tries to snatch Wang Zhuo’s credit, I’ll be the first to disagree.”

“This is probably the result of a transaction, but it doesn’t make sense. What could they possibly have to trade with Wang Zhuo?” Xu Chu analyzed with a frown.

Qi Fei offered a wry smile, “Academic blockade. I predicted this would happen.”

“If it were a small matter, it would be fine. My son doesn’t lack for mere fame,” Wang Zhengdao declared righteously with a cold snort. “But this matter absolutely cannot be let go. That is a grand invention potentially worthy of a Nobel Prize in Medicine! I wouldn’t sell it even for a hundred million! Wang Zhuo has a broader vision than I do; I think even ten billion wouldn’t sway him!”

“Does Secretary Qin know about this? What did he say?” Guan Yingying asked Wang Zhuo.

Everyone quieted down, waiting for Wang Zhuo’s reply.

“He knew before I did,” Wang Zhuo shrugged nonchalantly, smiling. “Ten minutes before I got the call from the relevant department for an interview, he phoned me and told me about it.”

“What was his attitude?” Wang Zhengdao immediately grew anxious. “Aren’t you allied with him? He won’t even intervene in such a major event?”

“Who said I’m allied with him?” Wang Zhuo shot his father an exasperated glance. “He’s hoping I’ll save him the trouble. When he heard I was joining the research team to develop an antibiotic for the Mad Mosquito disease, he actually scolded me on the phone for messing around.”

Silence descended, and everyone exchanged glances. It was best to treat such major gossip as something heard in one ear and let out the other; it was too high-level!

However, everyone gathered from Wang Zhuo’s words that this young man truly feared nothing and no one. Not only did he have issues with Qin Xue, but he dared to voice them in front of everyone. He was truly formidable!

It was Gan Lin who skillfully smoothed things over: “Alright, alright, Wang Zhuo, don't stray from the topic. Tell everyone exactly what happened.”

Wang Zhuo spread his hands and said, “Actually, there’s not much to tell. Yesterday afternoon, Qin Xue called me and said the relevant department wanted to talk to me about the Mad Mosquito virus treatment. He warned me that they intended to make some grand moves regarding this and might ask me to relinquish my identity as the inventor, so I should be mentally prepared.”

“Ten minutes later, someone called me to schedule an in-person meeting somewhere,” Wang Zhuo continued with a smile. “I already knew their objective. Why meet in person? I told the person to state whatever they needed over the phone. I said I felt unwell and couldn’t go out, nor did I wish to receive visitors.”

“Then he went on and on, but the gist was that they hoped I would yield the inventor status to several highly respected seniors in medicine. I believe honoring the aged is a traditional Chinese virtue, and giving it up wouldn't cost me anything, so I agreed.”

He just agreed like that?! Everyone found it both funny and frustrating. Guan Yingying interjected quickly, “Did they give you any compensation?”

This question struck the hearts of everyone present. Although Wang Zhuo wasn't someone driven purely by profit, his tendency to never pass up a good deal was widely known. Everyone immediately agreed with Guan Yingying’s line of thought—Wang Zhuo must have received some benefit!

“It’s not exactly compensation, but it did solve a significant problem for me,” Wang Zhuo chuckled wryly. “First, I don’t want to be in the public eye; I don’t want to be famous, and I don't want to be treated as a scientific freak. Now someone else can take that role for me; I couldn't ask for anything better. Second, agreeing to this condition is equivalent to acquiring a massive favor. I’m studying medicine; connections are crucial.”

Some nodded, but others shook their heads with disdainful cold laughter. Even a concerned friend like He Ye pointed out the core issue: “But compared to the Nobel Prize in Medicine, none of that matters. Compared to the identity of saving the world from the Mad Mosquito epidemic, it’s completely incomparable.”

Suddenly, some people who had begun to understand Wang Zhuo shifted back to He Ye’s side, feeling indignant on his behalf. This was like dropping a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed—a terrible trade.

“But have you considered, did I have the ability to refuse?” Wang Zhuo finally gave a bitter smile and said, “They are blatantly telling me they are harvesting the peaches now. What can I use to resist? The higher-ups need to establish a model figure right now, using this opportunity to showcase the nation’s strength to the world. Asking a young man barely over twenty like me to do that? What kind of international joke is that?”

Everyone fell silent, momentarily stunned. The television program hadn't even finished. An elderly expert was being interviewed, wearing a kind and benevolent smile, recounting the arduous and dedicated research process his team had undertaken recently. Imagine if Wang Zhuo had been sitting there speaking eloquently—which image would be more convincing was self-evident!

Thinking deeper, everyone understood: this new discovery held extremely strong political and strategic significance. Including the US and Japan, every country besides China had yet to develop a treatment for the Mad Mosquito disease, and this epidemic was spreading worldwide at an exponential rate. Whichever nation received Chinese aid first could control the outbreak sooner, which was not only a great opportunity to establish prestige but also a perfect chance to exchange for tangible benefits with many countries!

Now, everyone somewhat grasped Wang Zhuo’s predicament. At such a critical juncture, it truly wasn't suitable for him to step into the spotlight. Furthermore, even if the relevant department had invited him to do so, he likely would have found a way to decline.

Wang Zhuo was a businessman and also a student. Youth meant infinite possibilities for the future. But if he appeared on television, shining brightly in the medical field, it would essentially lock down the direction of the rest of his life. He hadn't decided on his future goals yet—perhaps focusing solely on making money and becoming a tycoon, perhaps entering politics and pursuing power, or perhaps... there were many possibilities.

“Take a step back, and you’ll find a broader horizon,” Ning Yao appeared at the edge of the crowd at some unknown time, sighing softly and looking at Wang Zhuo with approval.

Everyone nodded, but regardless of the justification, Wang Zhuo had made an outstanding contribution yet hadn't received benefits commensurate with it. Everyone still felt a sense of being taken advantage of.

“Young man, suffering a loss is a blessing,” Ding Ren remarked thoughtfully. In Wang Zhuo, he seemed to see his younger self. Back then, if he hadn't spent a few years in prison, his youthful impetuosity might have led him to cause even greater trouble, perhaps even ending up shot dead.

“Secretary Qin will help me fight for some benefits,” Wang Zhuo smiled, easing the slightly gloomy atmosphere. “Whether I’m his political partner or just his nominal follower, he can’t let me suffer this loss for nothing. Even if I don’t care about those benefits, he can’t afford to lose face either.”

The crowd burst into laughter. Qin Xue was, after all, the top figure in Jiangzhou, and Wang Zhuo calling him by his given name wasn't exactly respectful. But the young man brazenly claimed his relationship with Qin Xue's father was a deep, cross-generational friendship!

In truth, regardless of what Wang Zhuo said, everyone understood that Wang Zhuo was firmly aligned with the Qin faction. Whether it was Qin Xue or Qin Jingzhong, this label was indelible. Moreover, his value to the Qin faction was enormous; he had long since risen from being one of Qin Xue’s major political partners to the foremost one. Even if his bold remarks tonight reached Qin Xue’s ears, the Secretary would only laugh it off and not hold it against him.

Only then did people realize that Wang Zhuo’s status had risen to a level where he could engage in dialogue with the “relevant department,” showing no timidity even when facing the rising political star Qin Xue. This exceptionally gifted youth was already radiating a dazzling brilliance!

...

Late at night, the guests had either left or retired to rest. Only Wang Zhuo, Qi Fei, Guan Yingying, and Siyuan remained in the master bedroom.

Fu Xinran and Ning Yao had returned late; Xu Chu and He Ye had stayed in the guest rooms.

The television was still broadcasting special programs about fighting the Mad Mosquito disease, but nobody cared about matters once the dust had settled.

“Tell us, what are you truly thinking?” Gan Lin asked Wang Zhuo with a smile. “Letting someone take advantage of you for free is not your style. What you told everyone just now certainly wasn’t the whole truth. You already have another plan, right?”

Seeing the smiling expressions on the four women, Wang Zhuo laughed happily. As expected, they understood him best. His rambling earlier had even fooled his father, Wang Zhengdao, but it hadn't escaped their notice!