Found Nothing

Luo Jialin and the others searched from the outpatient department to the inpatient wards at the Chinese medicine hospital, scouring every building, yet not a trace of Shu Lanzhou could be found.

"Jialin-ge, should we keep looking?" Lin Muyao panted, her makeup nearly smeared by sweat as she clutched her knees, her expression feigning fragility as she looked up at him.

Gazing at her soft, rosy face, Luo Jialin suddenly felt a pang of compassion. "No, stop searching. Sit down and rest—I'm going to get you some bubble tea."

Lin Muyao's appearance reminded him of the early days when Shu Lanzhou first joined the team.Back then, as a newly enrolled sophomore from a rural school, her grasp of professional knowledge was far weaker than most. When he was initially forming the team, he hadn't even considered her; yet that little girl possessed a stubborn, never-say-die spirit and worked incredibly hard. Moreover, she was so well-behaved and obedient—once given instructions, she executed them flawlessly, never requiring him to worry.Because of that, he was inclined to care for and protect her, treating her like a little sister.

He had assumed that their relationship would persist indefinitely—until he discovered that she actually harbored feelings for him. How could a country bumpkin like her possibly be worthy of his affection?

It was precisely at that moment that Lin Muyao stepped in. Compared to Shu Lanzhou, Lin Muyao came from a background that matched him better, she was even considered the department beauty, and her academic results shone brightly.The key was that Lin Muyao was sensible and empathetic—able to cheer people up—whereas Shu Lanzhou was always so serious and unyielding. Who could resist someone as charming as Lin Muyao?

Although he had never planned to take Lin Muyao as a girlfriend, he was more than willing to use her as a means to force Shu Lanzhou to back down.That gave him more reason to focus on Lin Muyao, and who would have thought that Shu Lanzhou, unable to tolerate it any longer, would go so far as to slander her? If that happened, don't blame him for being ruthless—after all, Lin Muyao was collateral, entirely blameless!

In truth, after all this, Luo Jialin had no intention of doing anything drastic to Shu Lanzhou. Even if she embarrassed him by flaunting the medal incident, he could forgive her in light of past affections—as long as she remained the obedient little sister who always followed him, he would continue to care for her lovingly.But this time, she had truly overstepped. Threatening them with her withdrawal from the team and blatantly ignoring his calls—there was no excuse for that!

Luo Jialin called everyone back on the phone and, after buying bubble tea for the group, declared, "Stop searching—if she wants to leave the team, then let her go!"He was curious to see where she would go after leaving Professor Han's team. Could she really be expected to join Professor Mu's team? After all, that was such a niche field—one in which graduates might hardly even find a job. Surely she couldn't be intent on starving herself, could she?

Fang Ruoshi looked sorrowfully. "Senior, aren't you going to ask Lanzhou what she really intends?""If you want to ask, go ask her yourself!" Luo Jialin snapped, clearly having lost patience with the matter as he turned back toward the school.

Tian Hua patted Fang Ruoshi's shoulder. "We couldn't find her anyway, so there's nothing we can ask. If you're really worried, tomorrow during Professor Han's class, go and ask her then.""Yeah, yeah," added Du Yifan, looping his arm with Fang Ruoshi's, "she left the group chat and is ignoring us—we can't even coax her back. Tomorrow, I'll go with you to find her and teach her a lesson. That little girl's got nerve, disappearing like this—it's infuriating!"

As Lin Muyao sipped her bubble tea thoughtfully, she couldn't help but wonder: Shu Lanzhou was clearly at the Chinese medicine hospital, yet why couldn't they find her? Was she deliberately avoiding them?What was she trying to say? Does she truly not want to return to the team?Lin Muyao couldn't quite decipher Shu Lanzhou's thoughts. For her, however, it was a blessing—if Shu Lanzhou didn't come back to compete with her, then sooner or later she would win over all the seniors. Then, everything would be hers!

Unbeknownst to Lin Muyao, Shu Lanzhou was busy at the consultation session, diligently documenting the proceedings.Within the consultation team, she recognized several familiar faces—esteemed experts from various fields of domestic medicine, the kind of individuals one only saw in medical journals.

During the latter half of the consultation, a minor incident occurred.A professor with notable achievements in pharmacology proposed to Professor Mu, "Regarding the combined treatment research of cell biology and acupuncture, I believe we should invite Professor Han Weicheng to join us. He is an expert in cell biology—more knowledgeable than everyone present."Professor Mu's gentle face flashed with indignation. "Do you take me for a dead man? If you weren't aware of the longstanding feud between me and him, I'd suggest you do some gossip first—what sort of expert is he? You expect him to come and kill my patients?"The proposing professor was visibly roused. "You…" he began, but was cut off by Professor Mu."Professor Mu, please, your words are too harsh. Our mission is to overcome diseases related to cells. Anyone who can contribute to the research should be welcomed.""How can you exclude someone beneficial to our research solely because of personal grudges? That hardly befits a doctor!"Professor Mu snorted. "Then forgive me, but my team does not need someone like Professor Han. If you think he's capable, then go join him—I do not welcome him here."That was downright audacious!Shu Lanzhou swallowed and admired Professor Mu—her new mentor—for her unyielding resolve. It seemed she had inadvertently aligned herself with Professor Mu against Professor Han, and the thought of it was thrilling!

Could Luo Jialin and the others possibly think she'd done it intentionally?Hmm—she did it on purpose. How's that for satisfaction?It would drive them absolutely mad!

"Stop laughing and come on—demonstrate your knowledge of pharmacology and cell biology to this professor. Show him that even a temporary intern in my team is not just filler."Professor Mu suddenly pulled Shu Lanzhou aside."Good morning, professors. Regarding the recent discussion on the combined treatment of cell biology and acupuncture, I believe that…"From outlining research theories in cell biology and the applications of pharmacology to explaining the interjection of acupuncture, Shu Lanzhou presented a comprehensive feasibility analysis of Professor Mu's new project.Her presentation was brief, yet it silenced the room; even Professor Mu couldn't help but be impressed—this girl was far more outstanding than she had presumed!After a short pause, thunderous applause broke out. "This student—you don't major in acupuncture, do you?""No," Shu Lanzhou replied candidly. "My major is cell biology!""I heard that Professor Han recently formed a new research team. Since you majored in cell biology, why didn't—"Before he could continue, Professor Mu interrupted sharply, "What? Do you think my team isn't worthy of having an excellent cell biology student?""I didn't mean it like that," the man patted her arm. "I was just worried about a repeat of past mishaps—after all, building our research team isn't easy."Professor Mu cast a steady look at Shu Lanzhou. "Rest assured—this time, it won't happen. This child won't be snatched away by Professor Han!""Alright, with that guarantee, I'm reassured. Now, today's consultation is over. Once you form your team and begin research promptly, I will speak with the patients' families."The professor who had just spoken stood up, adjusted his glasses, and with his gaze lingering on Shu Lanzhou for a moment, said nothing further before leaving with another colleague.Professor Mu turned back to Shu Lanzhou. "You heard what Professor He said. Since you've joined my team, don't let your thoughts wander elsewhere. I do not tolerate students with divided loyalties.""Professor Mu, rest assured—I will never waver or return to Professor Han's side," Shu Lanzhou promised earnestly."Those two were Professor He Jin from clinical medicine and Professor Zhang Chunran from pharmacology, weren't they?"