Some felt envy—envy that Changjing University boasted a student like Zhang Yang. From the tone of his voice alone, one could tell that these two new research topics were definitely connected to him, or perhaps, that he was the one in charge of them again. Any one of these projects would be enough to cause a frantic scramble, yet Changjing University had two. It was hard not to be envious.

Others felt jealousy—blatant jealousy. Most of these people were competitors of Changjing University or had strained relations with it, the most prominent example being Wang Jinhui.

Wang Jinhui stared, his large eyes nearly popping, consumed by envy. Another research topic, another high-difficulty project. When did Changjing University gain the capability to conduct such research? Even the most famous universities in the capital only achieved this level of capability after establishing their own dedicated research institutes. Relying solely on students, especially undergraduates, was simply impossible.

Also staring with wide eyes was Zhu Daoqi. While others believed their university was highly capable, anticipating the submission of these two impressive projects, only he knew the truth: he was hearing about these topics for the very first time that day. As the Vice Dean, virtually nothing concerning the Medical School could be kept from him. If someone like him was unaware, it could only mean one thing: the university had no such project, or rather, no such research underway. He couldn't comprehend why Zhang Yang would mention something that didn't exist.

After making his statement, Zhang Yang smiled faintly and turned, tilting his head slightly toward Zhu Daoqi.

“Professor Zhu, I will provide you with all the documentation for these two projects later. Have the school establish a research group immediately. I have some existing preliminary results; if anyone doubts this, they can come and verify them anytime!”

A voice instantly materialized within the ribbon of Zhu Daoqi’s cap, as if appearing from thin air directly inside his mind. Zhu Daoqi turned and glanced at Zhang Yang with surprise, nodding unconsciously.

Behind them were the leaders presenting the awards. Zhu Daoqi looked back; these officials showed no reaction, as if they had heard nothing of what Zhang Yang had said. This was somewhat baffling to Zhu Daoqi; he felt Zhang Yang’s voice wasn't particularly quiet.

Little did he know, Zhang Yang was using Chuansong Rummi (Sound Transmission into Secrecy). Not only would no one behind him hear a whisper, but even someone standing right beside Zhang Yang’s mouth wouldn't catch a sound.

“Regarding the projects held by Changjing University, we will conduct a thorough investigation, but the decision for the Highest Technology Award has already been made, and it belongs to Changjing University!”

The highest-ranking leader on the stage finally spoke. His words effectively settled the matter. Whether Changjing University truly qualified would be reviewed afterward, but for now, regardless of their qualifications, the award had to be presented to them. However, everyone understood that even without Zhang Yang’s asthma project, if these two projects genuinely existed, Changjing University deserved the award.

As for whether the two projects truly existed, no one in the audience dwelled on the question. Zhang Yang was no ordinary student; he was a genius student who had presided over world-class complex research. No one imagined he would lie in public.

Zhu Daoqi finally accepted the trophy from Zhang Yang. At this point, no one was laughing at him anymore; there was only envy and jealousy.

The minor interlude during the presentation passed. Wang Jinhui was deeply unwilling to accept it but was powerless. Even if he suspected Zhang Yang had fabricated these projects on the spot, it was useless; he had no proof. Furthermore, the leader had stated there would be a post-event investigation. He could only wait for the results now.

His long-planned strike, meticulously prepared, had been aimed squarely at the opponent's head, only to discover the opponent had a slate shield. Not only did he fail to hurt the other party, but the impact had jarred his own hand.

The award ceremony continued, and the audience's attention quickly shifted away from Changjing University. The main events were next, with the significant awards being presented one by one. School leaders accepted their trophies and certificates on stage, all visibly delighted.

Finally, after the overall grand prize, the Best Medical School award, was claimed by Peking Union Medical College, the ceremony concluded. Union Medical College possessed formidable strength; because they were based in the North, they had not attended the previous gathering. Even if they had attended, they hadn't sent particularly important personnel this time. Union Medical College was undeniably one of the top elders among medical schools. Similar evaluation events occurred nationwide, and this one was not the most crucial, so they had only dispatched general administrative leaders. Union Medical College collected many trophies this time, making schools like Tongji and Hangzhou deeply envious.

Zhang Yang and Zhu Daoqi each held a trophy. They wouldn't compare themselves to these top-tier institutions. For them, securing two awards was a rich harvest. If not for the small incident in the middle, they would have been the biggest winners today.

“Zhang Yang, what exactly is the deal with those two projects?”

The meeting finally ended, and Zhu Daoqi pulled Zhang Yang away. As soon as they reached a private spot, he couldn't wait to ask. He had wanted to ask this earlier, but there were too many people in the hall, and he feared being exposed for not knowing about it. If that happened, Zhang Yang’s painstaking efforts would have been wasted.

“Professor Zhu, I developed both these projects in my spare time out of boredom. They both have certain results. Don't worry, I have all the data; I will hand it all over to you later. Also, if we move the lab time earlier, there won't be any issues!”

Zhang Yang smiled lightly. Zhu Daoqi stared at him dumbfounded, subconsciously nodding again. Developed in his spare time out of boredom? Heavens, these were projects few people in the country could handle, and even globally, few places were researching them, nor were they progressing this fast. Hearing Zhang Yang’s tone, it sounded like these matters were trivialities to him, mere time-fillers.

Comparing oneself to another truly drives one mad. Zhu Daoqi didn't consider whether Zhang Yang’s tone sounded arrogant; he only marveled at how terrifyingly brilliant this genius was, surpassing even his highest expectations. But perhaps this was for the best. At least with these two projects secured, no one could challenge their win today.

What Zhang Yang meant by advancing the lab time was to create the illusion that this research had been underway for a long time. This way, the evaluation committee could also save face. The award ceremony had a mix-up, but at least Changjing University truly possessed the qualification, meaning others couldn't use this point to criticize them later. This would result in a mutually agreeable outcome.

The only unhappy party was likely Jinling University, but whether they were happy or not was entirely irrelevant to Zhu Daoqi.

Back in his room, Zhu Daoqi was still filled with awe. Bringing Zhang Yang along had been his personal decision. Initially, it was met with opposition from the department, but given Zhang Yang’s unique status, the school and department leaders eventually agreed. Now, he saw it as the most correct decision. Without Zhang Yang, he truly didn't know how today would have concluded.

While he felt relieved, Huang Jing was sulking in her room.

Huang Jing had reported the matter of the Youth Preservation Pills to her family. In her view, exchanging two useless documents for two pills that could preserve her youth for twenty years was an incredibly worthwhile trade. However, she hadn't expected such vehement opposition from her family. They weren't against the exchange itself, but against exchanging for the Youth Preservation Pills. Once they understood the deal and realized it was irreversible, they proposed an alternative demand. The documents would be delivered on time, but what they wanted was not the pills; they hoped Zhang Yang could cultivate a new Neijin (Internal Strength) practitioner for them.

The family had only two children under three years old, and three under six. Their demand was to select one from these three children and help them cultivate Neijin. Generally, the earlier Neijin was developed, the better. While Neijin couldn't be cultivated in the very early stages, it could reveal future potential. Based on accumulated experience from Neijin practitioners over the years, starting cultivation under the age of three was ideal, but these young children were helpless and required adult assistance. Zhang Yang in his previous life was like this; his constitution was altered by medication administered by his grandfather at birth, effectively starting his cultivation. Children under six could also cultivate; they were slightly older but had the advantage of some comprehension, allowing them to perform some self-guided practice. Those under twelve were somewhat late; unless they had exceptional constitutions, achieving great success was difficult. As for those over eighteen, it was unthinkable; apart from the Marrow Cleansing Pill, there were no recorded instances of someone cultivating Neijin after the age of eighteen.

Huang Jing looked at the messy scribbles on the white paper on her desk and shook her head helplessly. She understood that compared to preserving her twenty years of youth, the family’s reappearance of a Neijin practitioner was far more important. She simply felt a pang of resentment. Having obtained the opportunity for the Youth Preservation Pills, she now had to voluntarily give it up.

“CEO Huang!”

Huang Jing’s secretary entered and whispered a few words to her. Huang Jing dismissed the secretary and let out another sigh. She had instructed her secretary to monitor news of Zhang Yang’s meeting and notify her immediately after it concluded. The secretary had entered to inform her that the meeting was over and that she needed to go find Zhang Yang to renegotiate the exchange. The thought of giving up the pills caused a faint ache in her heart; she wasn't without other ideas—if an opportunity arose, she would still try to secure the Youth Preservation Pills.

“Mr. Zhang, that is the situation. I am very sorry!”

In a private room, Zhang Yang, who was about to leave, was invited in by Huang Jing, who then informed him of the desire to change the exchanged items. Zhang Yang was initially surprised but then understood everything. For a family, the most crucial element was a Neijin practitioner. Without one, how could they still be called a Neijin lineage? They would just be an ordinary prominent family. The Huang family’s desire to reintroduce a Neijin practitioner was perfectly normal; if it were him, he would do the same. However, altering the terms of the exchange so casually displeased Zhang Yang slightly. It was as if two parties had agreed upon a transaction, settled the items, and then one party suddenly changed their mind; anyone would feel the same way. (To be continued) RQ