[Next-Stage Quest Unlocked: Deepen Your Research
Description: Your paper has sparked some discussion, but its conjectures have yet to be adequately proven. Continue investigating the sections of your paper concerning 428, and publish a new paper in an academic journal!
Reward: Depends on the ranking of the journal in which your paper is published.]
Tang Xiao rubbed his slightly dizzy head, accepted the Best Newcomer Award medal from the host, and stepped off the stage. The next presentation was scheduled to begin in about half an hour.
But that no longer had anything to do with Tang Xiao. He had already received his rewards: a Best Newcomer certificate, 50,000 points, and a promotion to full researcher. The black wristband on his wrist had also been replaced with a blue one.
He allocated the five free attribute points from the previous quest to Intelligence as well. His Intelligence had now reached 76, and the system had removed the word “Barely” from its evaluation, changing it to [Entered the Realm of Genius].
Perhaps it was just his imagination, but his thoughts seemed a little clearer. Some of the questions that had troubled him before now seemed to have answers.
As for the lottery, Tang Xiao tapped it curiously. A wheel visible only to him appeared before his eyes, divided into sections of various sizes and colors. At a glance, he could tell that gold was the rarest and white the most common. The grand prize in the gold section was actually a spaceship, while the worst possible result was “Try Again.”
Tang Xiao: “!”
Unfortunately, he didn't land on the gold prize. Instead, a flash of blue light swept past his eyes.
[Lucky Card: Helps you avoid one adverse event.]
It wasn't an especially good result, but it wasn't bad either. He could live with it.
Tang Xiao put away the Lucky Card. Just then, a voice sounded nearby.
“Congratulations.”
Tang Xiao looked up and saw Harriman, the man who had questioned him earlier.
Harriman approached with a glass of champagne and a smile. “New researchers usually spend several years as assistant researchers. Only after producing a certain number of research results and publishing enough papers can they qualify for promotion. This is the first time I've seen someone promoted less than a month after joining the organization.”
“You're too kind, Dr. Harriman,” Tang Xiao replied modestly. He wouldn't dare put on airs in front of someone so distinguished. “I was just lucky.”
“Excessive modesty can become another form of arrogance. Opportunities present themselves to everyone, but most people simply lack the ability to seize them.” Harriman shrugged. “Take Bard, for example. He had 428 in his laboratory for over a year, yet he never managed to uncover its potential.”
Tang Xiao smiled awkwardly, thinking, Of course he couldn't. How could 428 have evolved so quickly if I hadn't practically offered myself up as food to a tiger?
“I looked through your profile. You haven't chosen an advisor yet, have you?”
“That's right. Dr. Bard mentioned it once.”
“Him? Why would you choose him? It's a good thing you didn't agree. It wouldn't have done your research career any favors.” Harriman made no effort to spare Bard's feelings. There was no need to anymore. Bard had failed the Academic Committee's review and been demoted by one rank. He was also getting on in years, and without an extraordinary stroke of luck, it would be difficult for him to recover.
“You'll be choosing a laboratory again soon, won't you? I'm very interested in the conjecture you presented earlier.”
Tang Xiao paused. “You mean modular organisms?”
“Exactly. Most fungi and plants are modular organisms, and there's still far too much we don't understand about fungi. At present, we can only tentatively confirm that they possess some degree of intelligence. Beyond that, we know almost nothing about the fungal kingdom,” Harriman said. “I find your approach very interesting. I'm planning to apply for a related research project focusing on the development of fungal intelligence. Would you be interested in joining my laboratory?”
Tang Xiao froze at the invitation, unable to react for a moment.
Seeing his silence, Harriman seemed to realize something and added, “Of course, I still have one opening in this year's advisor-selection process.”
Several young scholars nearby happened to overhear the conversation. They drew sharp breaths and looked at Tang Xiao with envy.
This was practically a direct ticket to the top!
Harriman was also a Level Five Scholar, but unlike a fraud like Bard, Harriman had a solid record of accomplishments. His primary field was exotic botany. If he existed in the real world, he would undoubtedly be a strong contender for a Nobel Prize, if he hadn't already won one.
Seeing that Tang Xiao was still hesitating, the others almost wanted to answer for him!
What was there to hesitate about? Just accept!
Was he seriously considering turning Harriman down?
“I'm sorry, Dr. Harriman,” Tang Xiao said. “I'm honored that you think so highly of me, but I still want to participate in the project researching 428.”
Harriman's expression remained unchanged. “All right. That's unfortunate. I hope we'll have another opportunity to work together.”
“Of course. I hope so too.”
Harriman left without another word. Suddenly, a loud groan came from somewhere nearby. Tang Xiao instinctively turned toward the sound and spotted a familiar face. “You?”
It was Li Ji, whom Tang Xiao had met once before. He approached Tang Xiao with a mournful expression. “Brother, you have no idea what you've just missed!”
Tang Xiao smiled faintly. “I know. But I'm genuinely not interested in that project. I still want to research 428.”
“Sigh. I know that's what made you famous, but... sigh!” Li Ji couldn't help lamenting the missed opportunity. If he'd been in Tang Xiao's position, he would have accepted immediately, even if the field had absolutely nothing to do with his previous research!
That was a Level Five Scholar, someone they normally couldn't even hope to approach—a rare great immortal soaring far above the bottomless pit that was biology. An ordinary researcher could practically guarantee a comfortable career for the rest of their life just by clinging to the coattails of someone like that.
But Li Ji soon had no time to dwell on his regrets. Half an hour passed as the scholars occasionally helped themselves to food from the banquet, and the next presentation began. Feng Shuyun stepped onto the stage.
Unlike Tang Xiao's relatively straightforward paper, Feng Shuyun's was considerably longer and far more theoretically sophisticated. Tang Xiao had already heard her explain it in detail, yet listening to her presentation again was still immensely rewarding. Unlike him, an outsider who had stumbled into the field without formal training, Dr. Feng was clearly an experienced presenter who knew how to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.
Her paper had also been uploaded for peer review long ago, and the finished product was already complete. As a result, the audience had very few questions. They asked a handful of simple ones before moving on.
The entire presentation lasted only an hour and a half. Everyone was free to eat and drink as they pleased. From time to time, a scholar would suddenly have a flash of inspiration and leave, or strike up a conversation with someone nearby before moving to the next room to continue their discussion.
Tang Xiao had already noticed that this organization was free of the hollow formalities and tedious bureaucracy commonly associated with such events. Practicality came first, and everything was astonishingly efficient.
He had never attended an academic conference in real life, so he had no idea whether they worked the same way outside the game.
As soon as Feng Shuyun stepped off the stage, she was surrounded by people. Numerous senior scholars around her age congratulated her on her new findings. Meanwhile, seeing that Harriman had already left, several scholars interested in Tang Xiao's research began looking his way eagerly.
“Hello, Tang. Are you interested in studying the parasitic relationships between exotic beasts and fungi?”
“I've read your paper. Actually, I have a few ideas of my own...”
“Would you like to join my laboratory?”
Ugh, not again? Tang Xiao looked utterly helpless. He'd been talking for ages and hadn't even managed to get himself a glass of water!
“He's already in my laboratory.” An icy voice cut through the conversation. The scholar who had just invited Tang Xiao looked up and froze.
The researchers surrounding Tang Xiao parted, revealing Bard standing behind them with a dark, sinister expression.
“What, are you trying to steal him from me?”
“No, no. If he's already in your laboratory, then forget I said anything,” the Level Three Scholar hurriedly replied. Before Bard could say another word, the scholar promptly slipped away.
Although Bard had fallen to Level Four, he was still someone a scholar barely holding on at Level Three couldn't afford to offend.
“Dr. Bard... What's he doing here?” People nearby noticed the commotion and began whispering among themselves.
No one had expected Bard to show up. They had assumed he would be too ashamed to face anyone for a while.
In truth, given a choice, Bard wouldn't have wanted to attend an event like this either. But he had no choice. The Academic Committee's decision to demote him was final, and he simply couldn't accept it. His only chance of turning things around lay in the 428 project. He knew that after this incident, the organization would once again attach great importance to the project and might even invest additional resources in it regardless of the cost.
Even for a Level Five Scholar, an opportunity like this was exceptionally rare. If the project succeeded in developing something capable of countering fungi, everyone involved would go down in history.
Participating in this project was Bard's only hope of recovering his standing.
He had already submitted an application to the Academic Committee, but there had been no response for quite some time. Growing anxious, he had decided to approach Tang Xiao directly.
The young researcher might still be a newcomer, but he really was the one who had discovered 428's potential. If he hadn't been so young and inexperienced, the project might have been assigned to him without any controversy.
At that thought, Bard forcibly suppressed his jealousy and managed a stiff smile at Tang Xiao. “Why shouldn't I come? Tang's paper originated in our laboratory, after all. I even provided him with guidance...”
“You really have some nerve, Bard.”
A mocking voice came from beside them. Tang Xiao turned and saw that Feng Shuyun had appeared at his side at some point, accompanied by a gray-haired scholar.
“Are you all right?” Feng Shuyun pulled Tang Xiao behind her like a hen protecting her chick, then looked him up and down. “Has he been giving you trouble?”
Tang Xiao laughed helplessly. “No, he hasn't even had a chance to say anything yet. You two got here before he could.”
The scholar who had spoken was in his forties, with considerable gray at his temples. He was very tall—well over 1.8 meters, by Tang Xiao's estimate—and strode toward Bard, looking down at him. He began speaking before he even reached him. “You're so proud of this paper, are you? Then why isn't your name on it? Didn't want to put it there?”
“McClay!”
Bard ground his teeth. “This is none of your business.”
“How is it none of my business? How could watching you make a fool of yourself possibly be none of my business?” McClay sneered. “I didn't think you'd actually have the nerve to show your face here. I thought you'd be busy currying favor with members of the Academic Committee.”
“You!”
The surrounding scholars immediately pricked up their ears like gossip-hungry badgers who had caught the scent of something juicy, unconsciously edging closer to the commotion.
Ordinary days spent doing research could be so dull. Now, at long last, they had stumbled upon some juicy gossip—and not just any gossip, but the latest scandal involving a major figure in their field, unfolding right before their eyes. What a treat! They wanted more!
Bard noticed the curious looks directed at him, and his face burned with embarrassment. He had only come over to pull Tang Xiao aside for a private conversation. Who would have thought McClay would spot him so quickly?
“This has nothing to do with you. I want to speak with Tang alone.”
“Hey, don't leave,” McClay said mockingly. He had finally gotten the chance to land a devastating blow at point-blank range. There was no way he was letting Bard off so easily. “What do you want with Tang? Don't tell me you're planning to claim half the credit for yourself. You've certainly got plenty of experience doing that sort of thing.”
“Do those two have some kind of grudge?” Tang Xiao whispered to Feng Shuyun.
“Yes, and it goes back a long way. They had a dispute over patent ownership. They used to get along quite well, but after that incident, they stopped speaking to each other entirely. They've also clashed quite a few times over resource allocation in recent years.” Feng Shuyun casually filled Tang Xiao in on the history behind the juicy gossip.
Bard swallowed his anger. “Tang originally came from my laboratory, and his paper cited data obtained there. What do you mean, claim half the credit? This paper was produced by our laboratory!”
“Is that so? I seem to recall someone refusing to acknowledge the paper before, even telling others to ignore its author,” McClay scoffed. “You're really something else, Bard. You spent a whole year conducting research without producing any results, so when someone else succeeded where you failed, you decided to deny their work instead. Now that those results have been proven correct, you've shamelessly started claiming them as your laboratory's achievement. Why don't you just say that every paper published by the Third Eye belongs to you?”
Bard couldn't be bothered to argue with McClay any longer. Instead, he turned to Tang Xiao. “This project is definitely going to restart. I'm an expert in this field. If you choose me as your advisor, I'll put every resource at my disposal into supporting you. Tang, you're an intelligent person. You should know which choice to make.”
As long as Tang Xiao nodded and acknowledged that he had conducted the research under Bard's guidance, Bard could have himself listed as the corresponding author. That would give him a good chance of reclaiming the project. The Academic Committee had yet to appoint a project leader, and if he called in the favors he had accumulated over the years, anything was possible.
“Don't listen to him... You're Tang Xiao, right? Don't be afraid. My research doesn't overlap much with fungi, but if you'd like, I can take you on as my student too.” McClay also spoke up, clearly offering Tang Xiao protection from Bard.
The drama had suddenly shifted its focus to Tang Xiao, who had only been watching from the sidelines.
Tang Xiao: “...”
“Don't be afraid. Whatever you decide, I'll support you,” Feng Shuyun whispered in his ear.
Tang Xiao hesitated for a moment before saying to McClay, “I just want to concentrate on research. Thank you very much for your invitation, but I still hope to join the project related to 428.”
At those words, Bard's expression visibly brightened, while McClay showed no particular reaction.
“But I don't intend to join your laboratory either,” Tang Xiao continued calmly, looking at Bard. “I'm rather dull-witted, you see. I've never been the type to take the clever route.”
If Bard had invited him earlier, Tang Xiao might have hesitated.
But now that so many people had told him what kind of person Bard was, he naturally had no interest in getting tangled up in this mess.
Bard's expression darkened immediately. “I have to say, you've made the wrong choice.”
“Heh. Who's to say whether it's the wrong choice?” Feng Shuyun said with a faint smile. “You don't seriously think you've already got this project in the bag, do you?”
“There's no one in the Third Eye more qualified than I am.”
“Is that so?” Feng Shuyun smiled faintly. “We'll see.”
Having failed to get what he wanted, Bard had no desire to remain and endure further ridicule, so he hurried away. McClay initially wanted to stop him, but then decided it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if Bard became desperate enough to fight back. He clicked his tongue regretfully and let him go before leaving himself.
With the spectacle over, the researchers who had been lingering reluctantly finally dispersed.
The usually discreet game system finally made an appearance.
[Achievement Complete: Academic Love Triangle
Description: You've barely entered academia, yet two senior scholars have already invited you to join them and publicly competed for your attention. You're quite talented, aren't you?
Reward: Charm +5]
Tang Xiao: “???”
What kind of achievement was that supposed to be? What part of that exchange had the game interpreted as flirting? He'd been dragged into the whole thing against his will! And what on earth was that last sentence supposed to mean??
Seeing Tang Xiao staring blankly into space without speaking for so long, Feng Shuyun assumed he was still worried that Bard might cause him trouble. She reassured him, “Don't worry. Bard won't get the project. The Third Eye's leadership has already held a meeting and decided who will take charge of it. That person will probably arrive soon. Come on, I'll introduce you to a few people.”
With that, Feng Shuyun took the initiative and led Tang Xiao toward the other scholars. At first, he didn't understand what she was doing, but he soon caught on.
As a newcomer, he had neither connections nor an established position within the Third Eye. Apart from Rocky, he barely knew anyone.
He had risen through the ranks too quickly. It would inevitably be difficult for him to fit into the circles of ordinary newcomers, yet his paper and academic credentials were still insufficient for him to interact on equal terms with the promising young scholars who had already established their reputations.
But research had never been something a person could do entirely alone. Well, except for mathematics.
Feng Shuyun was helping him make up for what he lacked. Not only was she introducing him to other scholars, she was also sending everyone a clear message: Tang Xiao was a junior researcher under her protection.
...This game was far too realistic.
Tang Xiao understood her intentions and had no intention of wasting her kindness. He obediently stood beside her as she introduced him to people. He was accustomed to occasions like this in real life as well, so he maintained a polite smile throughout. By the time they had made the rounds, he had collected quite a few scholars' email addresses on his wristband.
Just then, Feng Shuyun glanced down at her wristband, and her smile gradually widened. “He's here.”
“Who?” Tang Xiao asked curiously.
“The person who's taking over the 428 project.” Feng Shuyun looked toward the entrance of the banquet hall and waved at the figure who had just appeared there.
The other newcomers at the banquet also noticed the figure standing at the entrance. One after another, they stared in shock.
“Holy crap, they actually came.”
“Xiao Bai? Weren't they away receiving an award from the Alliance?”
From a distance, Tang Xiao saw a tall scholar making their way over after Feng Shuyun beckoned to them.
They stood head and shoulders above much of the crowd, easily exceeding 1.8 meters in height. They appeared to be of mixed heritage, with deep-set features, a prominent nose, and high brows that cast shadows over their eye sockets. Their eyes were gray-blue, and they wore a monocle. Their entire presence was reminiscent of an icy wind sweeping in from Siberia.
If Tang Xiao's “coldness” was partly an act, Xiao Bai's seemed to emanate from their very bones.
Tang Xiao had been about to ask whether Xiao Bai was famous, but when he saw the excitement on the faces of the surrounding researchers, he thought better of it and swallowed the question.
“Dr. Xiao? Why are they here?” Harriman glanced over in confusion, then suddenly seemed to realize something. “Wait. If Xiao Bai has returned, could they have taken over that project?”
McClay had evidently reached the same conclusion, and his grin widened. Nothing pleased him more than seeing Bard suffer a setback. “Probably. Hahaha, well, that settles it. How could Bard possibly compete with Xiao Bai?”
It seemed that even calling in every favor he had wouldn't do Bard any good now.
They were both Level Five Scholars, but while Bard might dare argue with McClay, he would never dare provoke Xiao Bai.
Even though Xiao Bai was considerably younger than either of them.
Xiao Bai immediately spotted Feng Shuyun and walked straight toward her. They gave her a nod. “Dr. Feng, congratulations.”
“Thank you. Since you're here, that means you've received your appointment from the higher-ups, right?” Feng Shuyun asked with a broad smile.
Xiao Bai nodded slightly, then turned their gaze toward Tang Xiao. “Is this the person you recommended to me?”
“That's right. Although, strictly speaking, you two have already met once before. Tang was unconscious at the time,” Feng Shuyun explained. “Tang is the author of the paper you read earlier. Tang, when you were trapped by 428 during its rampage, it was Dr. Xiao's inerting agent that saved you.”
Tang Xiao looked at Xiao Bai in surprise.
He had heard of the inerting agent. It was also available in the faction shop, and although it cost 1,000 points per bottle, it was remarkably effective against fungi. To a certain extent, it could even prevent people infected with zombie fungus from approaching. Its inventor had also been awarded a Nobel Prize by the Alliance.
A Nobel laureate! Well, a game character, but still.
Tang Xiao snapped back to his senses just as Xiao Bai asked him, “You wrote that paper entirely on your own, correct?”
Actually, he had consulted professors in real life, but there was no way he could admit that inside the game.
So Tang Xiao nodded. Xiao Bai asked another question. “Are you certain you want to join this project?”
“Yes.”
“All right. Come with me.”
Feng Shuyun looked surprised. “You're leaving already? The banquet isn't over yet.”
Xiao Bai glanced at the lively gathering and frowned. “I don't have that much time, and I'm not interested in the banquet.”
With that, Xiao Bai turned toward the exit. Feng Shuyun quickly patted Tang Xiao on the shoulder and whispered, “Don't worry about Bard. As long as you can get into Xiao Bai's laboratory, Bard won't dare do anything to you. Xiao Bai may be rather cold, but they don't engage in underhanded schemes. They also hate people who falsify research results or use their seniority to bully others. The atmosphere in their laboratory is very clean.”
“Although I recommended you, knowing Xiao Bai's personality, they probably won't make any exceptions for you. Still, with your abilities, you shouldn't have any trouble passing.”
No, that sounds like a huge problem!
Tang Xiao had never imagined that just when he thought the test was finally over, another one would come along—and this time, the examiner was a Nobel laureate.
But no matter what, he was determined to join the 428 project. That meant there was no avoiding this hurdle.
Tang Xiao took a deep breath, nodded to Feng Shuyun, and hurried after Xiao Bai.