Chapter 5: World 1 [5]

The lunchtime interlude was quickly forgotten by everyone. After Professor Lin clearly stated she would help students forward gifts, Shi Xiang also stopped bringing up the matter of giving a gift to the investor.

Shang Siyu bet that Shi Xiang wouldn’t sell her information for profit, but that didn’t mean she would proactively tell him the relevant news.

Remembering what Jing Ke had said to her, Shang Siyu subconsciously began to pay attention to Shi Xiang’s movements.

She soon discovered that in the past few days, Shi Xiang was more enthusiastic about working overtime than usual. Regardless of whether it was a workday, he was always the last to leave the lab every day.

This could be interpreted as Shi Xiang valuing the experiment’s progress. It could also be understood as him needing an empty lab, making it convenient to do something without attracting attention.

Shang Siyu had no skills in eavesdropping or tracking. So she just casually asked the security guard at the gate a few questions. Her other activities were no different from usual.

One day, two days, and soon it was the third day.

Shi Xiang, who had failed to get any information, couldn’t hold back any longer. Taking advantage of Professor Lin being out giving a lecture, he used the excuse of discussing experiment progress to find Shang Siyu and seemingly casually asked the question.

While flipping through a report, Shi Xiang asked, “Junior Schoolmate, how did you find that investing boss back then? Did the professor give you the contact information?”

“Not exactly. It was more of a coincidence,” Shang Siyu said evasively, not revealing any clear information.

“What’s the matter? Is it inconvenient to tell me? I don’t have any other ideas, I’m just a little curious.” Shi Xiang said, putting on what he thought was a considerate expression. “If it’s inconvenient, just pretend I didn’t say anything.”

“It’s not that it’s inconvenient. I just think it might not be good to talk about.” Shang Siyu carefully observed the expression on Shi Xiang’s face.

With her suspicions already formed, Shi Xiang’s acting seemed clumsy. The guilt in his eyes was extremely obvious to Shang Siyu.

“Why wouldn’t it be good to talk about?” Shi Xiang raised an eyebrow. “Is there some inside story behind the investment?”

“Hmm…” Shang Siyu showed a hesitant expression. “Actually, the investment has something to do with me. The investing boss is practically a relative of mine. I used a bit of personal connection, plus she also knows the teacher, so I secured the investment.”

“Senior Brother Shi, please keep this news confidential for me. I don’t want others to know.” Shang Siyu lowered her voice, her tone pleading. “My relative prefers to keep a low profile.”

Shi Xiang was stunned upon hearing this. So the money was invested by Junior Schoolmate’s relative? If he used this information for money, would it affect her?

“Junior Schoolmate, don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone else in the lab,” Shi Xiang said, the guilt in his tone becoming more apparent.

It was just a piece of information. Besides Junior Schoolmate and the professor, surely others knew. Even if he didn’t speak of it now, after the project made a major breakthrough, the backer behind the funds would still have to show themselves.

Shang Siyu’s heart sank, but her face didn’t reveal any flaw. Instead, she showed a relieved expression. “Thank you, Senior Brother. Regarding this experiment, the data we got…”

After discussing the experimental data for a while, Shi Xiang made an excuse to leave.

“Senior Brother Shi, you’ve been staying in the lab very late every day recently. Have you run into some kind of problem?” Shang Siyu stopped him as he was about to leave.

“If there’s a problem, we can pool our wisdom and find a solution together,” Shang Siyu said earnestly.

If he had difficulties, he could speak up. If one person couldn’t solve it, couldn’t a group solve it?

Shi Xiang smiled. He didn’t grasp the deeper meaning hidden in Shang Siyu’s words. Worried he was showing a flaw, he responded half-heartedly, then returned to his workstation.

Shang Siyu pursed her lips, secretly watching his movements.

Shi Xiang stayed in the lab less than ten minutes before making an excuse to leave. Then he returned about an hour later, looking like he had gone out somewhere. The expression on his face was more relaxed than when he left.

“Looks like you lost.” Jing Ke’s voice appeared at the right moment.

“Did you notice? He promised to keep it confidential within the lab, but didn’t promise to keep it confidential outside of the lab.”

“Finally, you subtly hinted you could help him with some difficulties. He didn’t seem to catch on.”

“Jing Ke.” Shang Siyu called out this name for the first time.

“What is it?”

“Why would Shi Xiang do this? If he needed money, why didn’t he seek help from us or the teacher?” Shang Siyu spoke with a hint of confusion. “In three months at the earliest, the project could generate income. Why couldn’t he wait?”

“Probably because he doesn’t really believe the project will succeed in three months.”

“I mentioned the other reasons long ago. Not everyone has Professor Lin’s character, and not everyone thinks the same way you do.”

“Of course, it’s also possible Shi Xiang simply wanted the money. I found an extra sum in his account. Do you want to hear the amount?”

“How much?” Shang Siyu wanted to know what value two years of their camaraderie held in Shi Xiang’s eyes.

“Eighty thousand,” Jing Ke gave the answer.

“Eighty thousand?” Shang Siyu was stunned and didn’t speak for a long time.

“What’s wrong? Do you think that’s too little?”

Shang Siyu denied it. “No, it’s not a small amount. Based on current stipends and wages, it takes more than half a year to save eighty thousand.”

“You were right. Human nature can’t withstand tests.” Shang Siyu sighed softly. “A piece of information that would practically have no impact on himself, exchanged for eighty thousand. What a great deal.”

“Do you regret making the bet?”

“No. I didn’t give him the real information anyway. It’s mutual deception, I suppose.” Shang Siyu quickly adjusted her mindset.

From the moment Jing Ke said there was something wrong with Shi Xiang, Shang Siyu had actually begun preparing. Getting this result now gave her a sort of “just as expected” feeling.

“I was Xue Fan’s neighbor for many years. I know Xue Fan’s family situation. He should know mine too.” Shang Siyu spoke carefully; with preparation, she wasn’t that foolish.

Shang Siyu: “My mother is an elementary school music teacher. She couldn’t possibly have that much money. Her relationship with my grandparents’ side is also just average; they only visit once during the New Year.”

Shang Siyu: “As for my father, he died in the line of duty nineteen years ago. At first, his colleagues came to visit us, but nineteen years have passed. It’s already quite good that the station sends someone once a year for condolences. My relationship with those uncles isn’t actually that close.”

“Are you trying to tell me that Xue Fan knows what you said was a lie?”

“Maybe he’ll think I have a good relationship with those uncles and become suspicious of them.” Shang Siyu said seriously. “Those uncles have almost all been promoted by now. If Xue Fan tries to threaten them, the one who regrets it definitely won’t be me.”

“Shang Siyu, I have to admit, I might have underestimated you. You actually considered the future consequences and even dug a pit for Xue Fan.”

“I do research, yes, but I’m not a bookworm.” Shang Siyu emphasized to Jing Ke. “Being a member of this lab, isn’t that enough proof that my IQ isn’t low?”

“Yes, but someone like Shi Xiang is also a member of this lab.”

Shang Siyu was at a loss for words, but still tried to salvage her pride. “Then he and I are different. I was chosen by the teacher right from the start. Shi Xiang only joined during a later expansion.”

“You’re right. So, high-IQ Student Shang, should you get back to your research?”

Jing Ke’s voice carried obvious amusement. Having a clever transaction partner was very good news for themself; much better than a naive one.

“I will. Just you wait and see.” Shang Siyu snorted lightly, cast her useless thoughts aside, and focused on the next experiment.

–

What Xue Fan did after receiving the false intelligence, Shang Siyu didn’t know. But the project’s research progressed even faster than she had anticipated.

The project, originally expected to take at least three months, yielded gratifying results just sixty-six days after the funds arrived.

Everyone in the lab was extremely excited, carrying out the experiment twice more with trepidation.

After both repeated experiments succeeded, cheers of joy filled every corner.

“Teacher, we did it! We really did it!” Senior Sister Mei couldn’t control her emotions and directly hugged Professor Lin, starting to howl.

Considering how hard everyone had worked recently, Professor Lin didn’t mind her student’s impertinence. She let them cheer for a good while before tapping on the table.

“Alright. Experimental success doesn’t mean the project is over. Those who need to write papers, write them. Those who need to apply for patents, apply. Don’t let problems arise at the final stage,” Professor Lin said with a stern face.

At such a critical moment, composure was even more vital. Failing right at the doorstep wasn’t unheard of.

Professor Lin’s words were still quite effective. The students immediately returned to their posts and began the final wrap-up work.

Seeing her students calm down, Professor Lin nodded slightly, then beckoned to Shang Siyu, signaling her to come to the office for a private talk.

“Teacher.” Shang Siyu had an obvious smile on her lips.

“Hmm. You should know what I’m going to say, right?” Professor Lin asked. Her attitude towards the student who had helped her at a crucial time was very gentle.

“Yes. I’ve already decided. I plan to start a company,” Shang Siyu said seriously. “Teacher, I’ve looked into the relevant information. Our research is the only one capable of achieving neural signal-controlled prosthetic limbs. As long as we hold the patents and the technology, there’s absolutely no need to worry about a lack of investment.”

Professor Lin nodded. “Since you already have a plan, go ahead and boldly do it. As the investor, you already have the right of first use for the patents.”

“But if you do this, the news that you are the investor will be announced to all lab members,” Professor Lin added. “You should be prepared for that, right?”

Shang Siyu nodded, smiling as she replied, “Rest assured, Teacher. I’ve already booked a private room. Tonight, I’ll treat everyone to a big meal. I’ve also prepared gifts.”

Professor Lin showed a satisfied expression. After giving a few more instructions, she let Shang Siyu leave.

“Congratulations. I also have a piece of good news for you.”

Shang Siyu: “What news?”

“The construction site under Xue Fan’s company failed the fire safety inspection. It has to halt work for half a month for rectification. He’s likely going to be very busy and troubled for a while.”

Shang Siyu was stunned for a moment, then quickly figured out the connection. She couldn’t help but laugh. “It seems he firmly believes I’m connected to those uncles, and even rashly made a move.”