The news that a remarkably talented student from Changjing University was spearheading a world-class research project had long circulated among various institutions, sparking equal parts envy and jealousy.

Everyone knew about the project, but very few were clear on the actual ownership of the research, especially since the last exchange meeting had involved only a select few universities.

“The project isn’t from Changjing University?”

“I knew it. How could a project of this caliber be housed in a university, especially Changjing University!”

“Jinling and Changjing aren't on good terms; I heard there was a huge spat last time. Looks like we have more drama to watch now!”

The representatives from various schools below the stage began to murmur amongst themselves—some gleefully anticipating trouble, others merely enjoying the spectacle, and a few even whispering encouragement, hoping Jinling and Changjing would clash openly.

It wasn't just the audience; even the leadership on stage were now engaged in their own hushed discussions.

Wang Jinhui’s statement had caught them by surprise as well. They hadn't attended the previous event, only hearing rumors about Zhang Yang and a project specially approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences—something unusual even for them.

This was precisely why they had awarded Changjing the Highest Science and Technology Prize. If the project wasn't Changjing’s, it meant they had made a major blunder.

Wang Jinhui shot a smug look at Zhu Daoqi; he had waited a long time for this opportunity.

He knew perfectly well that challenging the situation publicly would displease the leadership, but at this moment, he cared little. As long as he could humiliate Changjing University, the leaders' mild disapproval was manageable—they weren't his direct supervisors. What he sought was the satisfaction of his revenge.

Jinling University had been thoroughly embarrassed at the last exchange meeting, and he hadn't forgotten the humiliation. Now, he wanted Zhu Daoqi to taste the same bitterness.

“The project may not belong to our university, but do you realize that six of our students—nearly half the research group—are involved? Furthermore, the lead researcher is Zhang Yang, a student from our own school!”

Zhu Daoqi stood on stage, his face flushed with anger, yet compelled to explain.

“It doesn't matter how many students you have; if the project isn't yours, it’s useless, even if the entire research team came from your school. Frankly, you are nothing more than hired labor!”

Wang Jinhui boomed, his tone aggressively impolite.

This exchange clearly illustrated the deep-seated animosity between the two institutions. For Wang Jinhui to openly declare members of Changjing University as mere "laborers" was profoundly insulting.

“You—what did you just say!”

Zhu Daoqi trembled with rage. Wang Jinhui merely chuckled, ignoring him, and turned to the officials on the platform. “Esteemed leaders, I am merely stating my opinion. Personally, I believe Changjing University’s award is undeserved, but I will respect the final decision!”

Wang Jinhui then sat down.

His claim to "respect the final decision" implied he wouldn't stop Changjing from accepting the award. However, by causing this scene, even if Zhu Daoqi managed to take the trophy through sheer audacity, it would forever be the most embarrassing award he ever received.

Everyone would suspect the award was largely inflated or undeserved.

If that were the case, perhaps it would be better not to accept the award at all.

Zhu Daoqi stood frozen on stage, looking at the trophy—caught between accepting it and refusing it, his face burning crimson. If a hole existed in the floor, he would certainly crawl into it to hide.

This was precisely the effect Wang Jinhui desired; this was his goal. The more humiliated Zhu Daoqi became, the happier Wang Jinhui felt.

As he sat down, Wang Jinhui’s mouth curved into a near-permanent grin, as if he had just won a major battle.

Teachers from several other universities began speaking up, questioning the fairness of the award. The lesser prizes were mere consolation, ignored by all; it was these high-value awards that they were truly vying for.

This was especially true for those schools whose strong results had been overshadowed by Changjing.

If Changjing University’s award could be rescinded, they suddenly had a much greater chance of claiming that trophy. Who wouldn't fight for their own advantage?

Adding to the noise were those who held existing grudges against Changjing University or simply disliked them, now actively joining the chorus.

Suddenly, the entire conference room buzzed with noise. Hearing these comments, Zhu Daoqi’s face grew even redder. If he hadn't forcefully suppressed his emotions and commanded himself to stay calm, he might have stormed out the doors already.

Humiliation. He had never been so publicly disgraced.

This time, his resentment toward Wang Jinhui deepened. But since they were already enemies, the depth of his hatred mattered little; in fact, the stronger his hatred, the more pleased his rival likely was.

“May I say something?”

A very young voice rang out. It wasn't loud, but every person heard it clearly. Upon hearing it, they all simultaneously ceased talking, and the conference room fell into profound silence.

Zhang Yang stood up and slowly walked forward, the faint smile still lingering on his face.

“The Asthma Project indeed does not belong to our university. It was submitted by Changjing Third Hospital, and the research group is currently based at the Third Hospital!”

Zhang Yang spoke as he moved. He was the only student participating in the event; Changjing University sending a student to compete in this kind of collegiate evaluation was setting a precedent.

Students had attended before, and a few others were present this time, but they were all merely accompanying faculty—none were official representatives.

Zhang Yang was attending truly in a representative capacity.

As he finished speaking, the murmuring resumed. Zhang Yang had just confirmed Wang Jinhui's claim. If that were the case, no matter how excellent the project, it had nothing to do with Changjing University.

Wang Jinhui had been correct earlier: if the project wasn't theirs, it didn't matter if the entire research group consisted of their people; at best, they were just working for someone else.

Working for someone else meant that any achievement or glory belonged to the boss, not them; they might receive a token consolation prize, at most.

Zhang Yang walked slowly, reaching the stage by the time he finished speaking.

Zhu Daoqi looked at him in surprise, not understanding why he had come forward. This was their moment of deepest shame; Zhang Yang appearing now seemed only to compound the disgrace.

He was already thinking that if he had known just a few days earlier that this award stemmed from this source, he might have declined the honor outright.

Unfortunately, he realized it too late. There wasn't enough time; in his initial excitement, he hadn't considered this loophole. Now, he finally understood: Wang Jinhui had spotted this flaw precisely to deliver a fatal blow today.

“Dean Zhu, why haven't you accepted the trophy? This award belongs to us!”

Zhang Yang smiled at Zhu Daoqi and gestured toward the trophy standing nearby.

Wang Jinhui had timed his outburst perfectly—speaking just as Zhu Daoqi was about to accept, deliberately interrupting the process to ensure Zhu Daoqi looked ridiculous.

“This, this…”

Zhu Daoqi looked flustered. He wanted to say that the reason for the award was not truly theirs, and accepting it would only bring more shame, which is why he hadn't reached for it.

But the one asking the question was Zhang Yang, and he couldn't articulate his reservations, merely stammering.

Zhang Yang glanced at him, gave a small smile, and walked directly to the table, addressing the awarding official. “Excuse me, I am also a representative of Changjing University. May I accept this award?”

The official was a person of some standing, and having his presentation interrupted made him quite unhappy. He was annoyed at Wang Jinhui, but even more annoyed that Zhu Daoqi had left him hanging there.

He didn't care whose qualification was in question; since he was presenting the award, it needed to be accepted, or it meant a direct affront to him.

He felt thoroughly awkward and exposed. Zhang Yang’s words provided him with a perfect way out.

“If you are a representative, naturally, there is no issue!”

The official nodded. He didn't care which Changjing University representative claimed the prize, whether teacher or student, as long as they held representative status.

Zhang Yang was the celebrity of the event, the sole student representative; everyone knew who he was.

“Thank you, Sir!”

Zhang Yang took the trophy and lifted it slightly.

The audience watched him, and the chatter resumed, many nodding silently in approval.

Zhu Daoqi was inappropriate to accept the award, but Zhang Yang was perfectly suited. If he claimed it, no one would mock him. The primary reason Changjing University received this award was the project he directed.

Regardless of who officially owned the project, he was the leader—that was an irrefutable fact, and he was the true researcher behind the concept.

Many people now believed that Zhang Yang stepping forward to claim the award was an effort to mitigate Changjing University’s embarrassment. Even Zhu Daoqi began to think so.

“I want to tell everyone that Changjing University is fully qualified to receive this trophy, and this award truly belongs to us!”

Zhang Yang held the trophy high and suddenly declared this.

The sounds of discussion in the audience cut off again; everyone stared at him in shock. People hadn't objected to him accepting the prize, but claiming Changjing had the qualification was pure self-deception.

The truth had been exposed; everyone knew the judges had mistakenly given the major award to Changjing because they lacked complete information. If the judges had known the actual situation, Changjing University would absolutely not have qualified.

Seeing the expressions of the crowd, Zhang Yang smiled once more. “The Asthma Project does not belong to Changjing University. However, Changjing University’s own research into Immune Rejection and Single-Gene Pathogenic Mutation Treatment has made significant strides. We will be officially submitting project applications soon. Based on the current progress, I am confident that both these projects will secure approval. I believe that either of these two projects alone would be sufficient for Changjing University to legitimately earn this trophy, wouldn't you agree?”

Zhang Yang spoke slowly, then presented the trophy forward again.

Immune Rejection, Single-Gene Pathogenic Mutation—these were incredibly complex and advanced research topics. Not just students, but even professors might struggle to yield results in these areas.

If Changjing University truly had tangible results to report on these two projects, even if they didn't receive final approval from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, they would certainly gain support from the Ministry of Health or other key scientific departments. These fields were currently weak points in domestic research, desperately needing breakthroughs.

If Changjing University truly had research underway in these two areas, even without final certification, possessing concrete initial results would mean this Highest Science and Technology Award genuinely belonged to them, and rightfully so. (To be continued)RQ