Fang Zhiyun was quite curious. “Professor Xu, could someone really be using the university laboratory to manufacture drugs privately?”
This incident had caused a laboratory explosion and nearly cost over a dozen people their lives in the fire.
No matter what, the medical university wouldn’t let the culprit off easily.
If they were truly manufacturing drugs privately and had created such dangerous chemical substances, the likelihood of being expelled was very high.
Hearing this, Xu Jialan glanced up at her. “We are laboratory technicians. Generally, we only assist the police in investigating cases to catch the culprit as quickly as possible. Whether someone is privately manufacturing drugs depends entirely on evidence. This isn’t your first day at the laboratory—do I need to teach you all over again?”
Fang Zhiyun awkwardly turned her head back to look at the road ahead. “I’m sorry, Professor Xu.”
Xu Jialan lowered her head, her tone indifferent. “I hope there won’t be a next time.”
“Yes, Professor Xu.”
Fang Zhiyun quickly glanced at Xu Jialan beside her and only relaxed when she saw her calm expression.
She secretly patted her own mouth.
It’s all this mouth’s fault—why be so curious?
Got scolded, didn’t you?
…
Xu Jialan lived in an upscale residential complex not far from the laboratory.
The car slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the complex.
Xu Jialan glanced sideways at Fang Zhiyun. “You don’t need to come up with me. You can go straight home.”
Hearing this, Fang Zhiyun was delighted. “Thank you, Professor Xu.”
Xu Jialan gave a quiet “hmm,” her tone even. “Have a good rest over the weekend.”
After saying this, she pushed the door open and got out of the car.
Watching Xu Jialan’s retreating figure as she walked into the complex, Fang Zhiyun came back to her senses and couldn’t help muttering, “Actually, Professor Xu isn’t that icy.”
Who exactly said Professor Xu was an eternal ice queen?
She just spoke so gently moments ago.
Fang Zhiyun shook her head, started the car, and drove away from the complex.
…
Back at home.
Xu Jialan first took a shower and changed into fresh clothes before she felt much more comfortable.
After drying her hair, she finally had time to check the messages on her phone.
Old Liang had sent her a message earlier, asking when she would arrive.
Xu Jialan checked the time, replied to Old Liang’s message, and then turned back to her bedroom.
When she emerged again, she was carrying a handbag before heading out.
Xu Jialan’s car was originally parked in the parking lot of Nan City Medical University.
While she was hospitalized, Fang Zhiyun had driven it back and parked it in her designated spot.
Xu Jialan drove to Old Liang’s place.
Old Liang lived in the suburbs, which was relatively quiet but also quite far from her home.
It took Xu Jialan over forty minutes to get there.
As soon as she arrived at the Liang Family residence, Madam Liang came out to greet her.
“Xiao Lan, you’re finally here. Your master has been fussing about when you’d arrive.”
Xu Jialan got out of the car carrying the nutritional supplements she had bought on the way at a shopping mall.
“Master’s wife.”
Seeing Madam Liang approach, Xu Jialan’s bright eyes curved slightly as she reached out to embrace her shoulders. “Coming to see Master and you, I had to go home and change first before coming.”
Madam Liang noticed the items in her hands and sighed helplessly. “You—always buying us these things. Why bring anything when you’re coming to your own home?”
Xu Jialan smiled. “It’s only right.”
Madam Liang still took the items and put them away properly.
Hearing the commotion, Old Liang came out of his study, still holding some documents or similar materials in his hand.
Madam Liang saw this and glared at him. “Jialan just got discharged from the hospital, and all you can think about is discussing work with her? Can’t you let her rest properly?”
Old Liang, being scolded, felt somewhat wronged. “I wasn’t talking about work with her.”
Xu Jialan guessed what it was and curved her lips, quickly changing the subject. “Madam, what did you cook today?”
Hearing her words, Madam Liang seemed to remember something. “Right, I made some soup. Jialan, wait a moment, I’ll get you a bowl. You’ve lost weight after being in the hospital for days.”
Xu Jialan smiled. “Okay, thank you, Madam.”
“Don’t mention it. Wait a moment.”
Madam Liang went into the kitchen.
Old Liang walked over and handed the documents to Xu Jialan. “Take it. Don’t let your Madam see it, or she’ll scold me again.”
Xu Jialan took them and glanced at them—they were the data she wanted.
“Thank you, Master.”
She put the documents in her bag.
Old Liang waved his hand. “No need for thanks. You could have found this data yourself if you wanted to.”
Xu Jialan smiled without saying anything.
Old Liang continued, “However, since you want to develop new cancer treatment drugs, the Bureau of Medicine will indeed conduct a budget evaluation for your project. We all know that any project related to cancer is a long-term battle, and the most essential part is funding.”
He sighed at this point. “There aren’t many companies in Nanchang with the capability to invest until the project’s completion, and they likely already have ongoing projects to fund.”
To complete this project, besides the Bureau of Medicine, corporate investment was crucial.
But who would invest such a large sum in a project that might take a very long time and could potentially yield no results?
Xu Jialan lowered her eyes slightly. “I’ll find a way.”
As long as it could give more people a chance to survive, she wouldn’t give up easily, no matter what difficulties she faced.
Old Liang patted her shoulder gently. “If you encounter any problems you can’t solve, you must tell your Master. We’ll figure it out together, understand?”
Xu Jialan looked at him and nodded. “Thank you, Master.”
Old Liang ruffled her hair. “Why so formal with your Master?”
Madam Liang came out with a tray and saw this scene.
She smiled. “What are you two master and disciple talking about? Come over and have some soup.”
“Coming.”
During the meal, Madam Liang suddenly remembered something.
“By the way, Jialan, are you free this Saturday?”
Tomorrow was Saturday.
Xu Jialan was taken aback. “Yes, why?”
“Good.”
Madam Liang beamed. “I met a friend while getting a facial at the beauty salon. She has a son who’s a firefighter, around your age and also single. Would you like to meet up for a meal?”
Xu Jialan was stunned for a few seconds.
Old Liang frowned. “A firefighter? Isn’t that dangerous?”
Madam Liang swatted him. “What’s wrong with being a firefighter? They rescue people from fire and flood—they’re heroes of our country. And which profession isn’t dangerous? You work in experiments—doesn’t the Laboratory explode sometimes? And who comes to rescue people in the end? Firefighters!”
Old Liang rubbed his nose. “That’s not what I meant.”
Madam Liang didn’t want to pay him any mind and turned to Xu Jialan, saying, “Xiao Lan, listen to your shiniang. Just go meet him for a meal. If you don’t like him, don’t force yourself just because I introduced you.”
She paused at this point, then continued, “My close friend keeps boasting that her son is both talented and handsome. Could you help your shiniang see if her son is really that remarkable?”