Chapter 28

As the project's deadline approached, discussions about it at Star University reached fever pitch.

So far, the thread on Lin Shuicheng and Yu Fan's voting had attracted over thirty thousand participants. Not only was the project difficult and widely publicized, but it also involved the interests of many individuals—the academic circle of Star University, the administrative level, and even the general affairs department. Some resourceful people had even traced the project back to its origins, revealing that although it appeared to be a humble mineral water project within the campus, its backers were anything but ordinary.

"To have Star University students and professors compete for project completion" was, in itself, a sensational topic for outsiders.

The academic community, in particular, focused on this question: Given the available information, if the renowned painting authentication couldn't be achieved through known testing methods, could it involve forgery at the atomic or molecular level? If so, what means could be employed to expose such deceit, and what was the background of the criminal force behind it?

More and more people, both openly and covertly, began to fixate on this project.

At three in the morning, with five hours left until the deadline for the project report, Student Union President Han Huang was orchestrating the organizational department's setup of the grandest auditorium at Star University.

This grand auditorium was usually unused, save for the school's anniversary celebrations and lectures by esteemed academic luminaries. Han Huang, as a student representative, was tasked with overseeing the setup and verifying the seating arrangements in collaboration with the school's organizing committee.

"Chairman, how does the seating arrangement for the front row look? We have a complete list of attendees for tomorrow's event. It's just that we're unsure who will be representing each sector." An aide presented a chart filled with names and their corresponding titles. As it is an academic seminar, Star University usually reserves some seats for students, allowing those eager to observe and learn the opportunity to attend in person.

At present, the headmaster would be in attendance, along with all the professors from the Mathematics Department—except for Xu Kong, who was still convalescing in bed. Apart from that, only a representative from the administrative office would be present, alongside reserved spots for media journalists and sponsoring companies.

"Wait a moment, I have an update on my end. Please hold on."

Han Huang noticed an urgent notice reissued by the school, repeating several times the need for him to manage the arrangements, accompanied by numerous exclamation marks, indicating its extreme urgency.

He opened it to find additional names on the list, clearly indicating last-minute additions to the event.

Han Huang studied the names in silence for a while before softly uttering a single word, "Damn..."

Confused, an aide asked, "Chairman, what's the matter?"

Rushing to grab his coat and bolt out, Han Huang exclaimed, "Forget about seating arrangements! Clear the venue tomorrow; no unauthorized personnel allowed entry. Contact all, ALL, campus security personnel! Clear the area up to the North Gate, set up safety barriers, and have check-ins for entry and exit! Now, come with me to the security office to fetch the screening equipment!"

The aide was beside himself, "There are only five hours left!"

Turning back, Han Huang yelled across the hall, "Hurry up, everyone! Move into action! Forget about seating! Wake up everyone who can help! For God's sake, it's like we're presenting a project report or preparing for the end of the universe! No one sleeps tonight!"

He coordinated with the student leaders, and the entire student council plunged into a frenzied state. Meanwhile, the school administration immediately contacted all security personnel, placing Alliance Star City University on high alert, equal to or even higher than during previous major events.

As the chilly night breeze blew, Han Huang retrieved his electric scooter and checked his phone for other messages. On the forum, the overwhelming consensus was betting on Yu Fan's successful project, with votes for Lin Shuicheng's side being pitifully low.

Lin Shuicheng had yet to accept his friend request.

"Hang in there," Han Huang whispered.

He then stepped on the accelerator, and the sole electric cart allowed on campus roared into action, with the staff member holding onto the equipment being blown about by the wind.

At six o'clock in the morning, Xu Kong startled awake from his sleep.

He knew he couldn't get too agitated at this moment. Instead, he pressed the nurse's call button and forced himself to calmly explain, "I have to attend this conference. Although the student mentioned in the report isn't mine yet, I've reserved him for my doctoral program in the future. This conference is crucial, and if I weren't sick, I would have been the one presenting there. My student is standing in for me, so I can't leave him alone."

The nurse insisted, "No way, you need at least another week before you can be discharged. That's not possible."

Xu Kong coughed a few times, growing slightly impatient. "You young lady, I'm perfectly fine now. Watch me get out of bed and walk a few steps for you—"

"Talk to me first, Old Xu," a leisurely voice interrupted from the door. A man in his forties or fifties, gentle and refined, appeared at the entrance of the ward. "How did Lin Shuicheng become your student? Did you discuss this with me?"

At seven thirty in the morning, barriers were set up along the road from the school gate to the auditorium, with security checks stationed everywhere, forbidding any outsiders from entering. Many students discovered that even food deliveries couldn't make it through. The student union promptly announced that they would use the logistics department's robots to deliver takeouts to their fellow students, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the emergency situation.

The attendees began arriving one after another. Yu Fan uploaded his PowerPoint presentation to the computer in the back. He was chatting and laughing with professors from his faculty, looking confident and prepared in his suit, with his hair neatly styled.

Han Huang stood by the entrance, assisting the student council members in distributing mineral water while jotting down the names of the attendees.

"All the professors are here. From the mathematics department, we have Professors Shen Zhui and Luo Song sitting over there, and Professor Yang Shen on the other side... Wait, why aren't they sitting together?" a staff member whispered to Han Huang, who signaled for silence with a hand gesture. "Shh, different factions. Office politics exist even in our student council. Do you think professors are exempt from it?"

Yang Shen, dressed in a crisp, professional skirt, sat elegantly alone on the left side where no one else was yet. She quietly opened a book as the student council member approached her with water, to which she smiled warmly and expressed her gratitude.

The staff member observed for a while, uncertain, when a handsome, tall man entered the room accompanied by a recorder.

"I'm Dong Shuoye, Deputy Section Chief of Unit One at the General Police Affairs Bureau. I'm here representing the bureau to observe the hearing," Dong Shuoye nodded slightly.

The staff member hastily made a note, not daring to whisper this time, and messaged Han Huang: "First big shot! The police bureau sent such a high-ranking officer?"

Han Huang replied, "Our mineral water project isn't theirs. I heard that the police bureau has been struggling with this case, so it's not strange for a Deputy Section Chief to show up."

Dong Shuoye took a seat at the edge of the front row, while the recorder stood in a corner, pulling out recording equipment from their backpack to set up.

Yu Fan noticed his arrival. Although he had never met Dong Shuoye before, he had heard about him from the police during the handover of the famous painting. Dong Shuoye, young but already holding a high position, was known for his capabilities and influential background. Yu Fan approached to strike up a conversation.

Dong Shuoye was polite and approachable, not at all distant. Clearly, Yu Fan found common ground with him. "Yes, yes, we're all putting in effort for this project, including Yangfeng Nano Technology, which generously funded our testing..."

As they spoke, a young woman approached Yu Fan from behind and politely tapped his shoulder. "Professor Yu."

Dong Shuoye glanced up with a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Ah, speaking of the devil, General Manager Fu is here too." Yu Fan's face crinkled into a smile like an old chrysanthemum, and Fu Xue, having noticed Dong Shuoye, nodded and smiled in greeting.

An agent messaged Han Huang, "Second big shot. Miss Yangfeng from the Yangfeng Nanotechnology Company. I heard she's related to the Fu family, as in Fu Military Industries..."

Han Huang was momentarily taken aback before replying, "No way. Fu Military Industries would never sponsor Lin Shuicheng's rival. That Fu Xue is probably just a distant relative with the same surname; it won't go that far."

Agent: "Why?"

Han Huang: "Why what? Asking so many questions. Anyway, this definitely isn't the Fu family's doing."

Time ticked by, and more people arrived. The auditorium gradually filled up, except for the first two rows, which were sparsely occupied.

It was already 7:47, and besides the continuous arrival of important figures, everyone seemed to realize something—there was still one person who had yet to show up for today's competition conclusion.

Han Huang furrowed his brow. "Where's Lin Shuicheng?"

The agents also noticed the issue – with only ten minutes left before the start, Lin Shuicheng, the first presenter, had yet to show up!

He whispered, "What should we do? Is he late? Do you have Lin Shuicheng's number?"

Han Huang glanced at Yang Shen, who was seated on his left and was on the phone. "I do, but it's not necessary. Professor Yang is already trying to contact him."

Yu Fan checked the time and obviously noticed the situation as well. He started asking around, "Where's Lin Shuicheng?"

His voice wasn't too loud or too soft, but in the quiet room, it created an unspoken ripple. Everyone began looking around, as if they could find Lin Shuicheng just by doing so, even though some of them didn't even know who he was.

Han Huang took immediate action and strode forward. "Professor Yu, something seems to have detained Lin Shuicheng. Could we switch the presentation order? Would you mind starting first?"

Yu Fan gave him a few glances and recognized him as a student. "Who are you?"

Han Huang remained composed. "I'm the president of the student council. I know Lin Shuicheng personally, and I can vouch for him. He's just delayed due to some matter, but he will definitely come."

Yu Fan replied, "Of course, I have no problem going first. But what if he doesn't show up?"

He surveyed the venue and looked at Han Huang with a faint smile. "If I finish speaking and he still hasn't arrived, are you suggesting we all wait for him? Are you willing to take responsibility for that?"

Han Huang declared firmly, "I'll take responsibility."

"You're capable of what?" Yu Fan retorted promptly. "Today's matter is a significant issue, not some trivial squabble within your student council. Don't treat such a serious matter lightly just because you're the chairman!"

"Then what if I vouch for him?"

As Yu Fan finished his sentence, a gentle and refined voice echoed from the entrance.

The arrival of this person drew everyone's attention—the man at the door was around forty-five years old, exuding elegance and charm in his well-tailored suit. He carried an air of profound scholarly refinement and an unassuming confidence, yet his gaze was piercingly sharp. This sharpness stemmed from his years of insight into the world and the unknown, as well as his meticulous thinking and astonishing intuition.

That voice seemed like a switch that instantly silenced the entire room; everyone fell into a collective hush.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, an operator blurted out, "Professor Yang!!"

His voice shattered the stillness like breaking ice, loud and abrupt. Realizing he had made a huge fool of himself, he hastily covered his mouth, his face flushing crimson with embarrassment.

Yang Zhiwei signed his name with a smile, nodding at the speaker before stepping into the auditorium.

Everyone stood up involuntarily to greet him, leaving Yu Fan utterly dumbfounded.

Yang Zhiwei didn't know him, but he knew Yang Zhiwei – or, to be more precise, his name was renowned throughout the Alliance.

Yang Zhiwei epitomized youthful genius and was one of the few in recent decades whose accomplishments had been inscribed into university textbooks, bringing him close to the realm of academia's "gods." At the age of twenty-seven, his discovery of atomic stacking during the condensation process stunned the entire academic world. His subsequent achievements seemed almost effortless, compressing the transition from theory to practice by a century. The magnetic levitation technology widely employed in the Alliance, anti-access/area denial weapons in military affairs, and precision guidance systems – all owed their existence to his name. He was well-versed in mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, and even philosophy.

Among the stars, Yang Zhiwei still shone like a deity.

"Professor Lin Shuicheng's mentor is away on business, and his supervisor has fallen ill and been hospitalized. I am here representing both of them," Yang Zhiwei surveyed the room with a smile, "and I guarantee, in the name of my own reputation, that my student has encountered an urgent, unforeseen situation. Therefore, I request a change in the presentation order. Since there seems to be no objection, I believe this should be acceptable. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."

Without pause, he took a seat on the left, greeted Yang Shen, then sat beside her, engaging in quiet conversation.

Only then did the person in charge of the PowerPoint presentation realize the situation and quickly respond, "As Professor Yang suggested, we'll adjust the order. This isn't a major issue; as long as the student arrives eventually, it will be fine."

Yu Fan hesitated, clearly displeased by the turn of events.

Today was supposed to be his moment to shine. If Lin Shuicheng hadn't come, he would have had an easier time.

But nobody could have predicted Yang Zhiwei's presence!

In Yang Zhiwei's presence, all others paled in comparison. Each of his words carried immense significance, and his personal security was at a national defense level!

Yet, Yang Zhiwei seemed oblivious to this fact. He waved away the organizer's suggestion to sit in the front row and didn't even ask for water, choosing instead to stay in the farthest corner where he could easily be overlooked if one wasn't paying attention.

Why was he here? For an undergraduate student he'd merely taught?

As soon as he arrived, the expressions of those seated to Yu Fan's right soured.

Luo Song whispered, "His presence won't make a difference. His student isn't capable enough to complete this project, no matter how much time they're given. The police are watching, and Old Yu has Feng Nanotech backing him with their sponsored equipment. Lin Shuicheng doesn't have access to such resources, not even in Yang Zhiwei's lab, which is located in North America and the Old Pacific Division. There's no way he could have managed it in time."

Meanwhile, Fu Xue opened the group chat and typed, "Lin Shuicheng hasn't arrived yet; he's probably running late. @Dong Shuoye and I are already here."

Looking up, she saw that Dong Shuoye was seated far from her, engaged in conversation with the recorder nearby. They weren't particularly close, so a brief smile was all they shared. Dong Shuoye, true to his name, was as dark and enigmatic as the night, giving off an air of unapproachability.

As everyone trickled in, a few seats remained empty in the front row.

Promptly at eight o'clock, the organizer was about to announce the start when another group arrived at the entrance, delaying the progress report once more.

With bodyguards clearing the way, an elderly lady wearing sunglasses entered, leaning on a cane. Despite her age, her steps were firm, and her straight posture hinted at a military background in her youth.

The staff, recognizing her, froze in place.

Han Huang swiftly pulled the petrified operative aside, clearing the entrance and standing to one side in anticipation.

Everyone rose once more to greet her, the auditorium falling utterly silent. Even Dong Shuoye wore a slightly surprised expression.

The sole request of this anonymous, world-renowned collector had been for a low-profile visit, yet here she was in person!

In a hushed voice, Han Huang instructed the operative, "Keep an eye out outside. Nothing should go wrong. The school only received notice of her arrival yesterday, so don't let this information leak. She doesn't want anyone to know about her itinerary."

He Muya—this was her current identity as a world-class collector. However, she held many other titles—such as being the first female extraterrestrial spaceship captain in the Alliance, former director of the Alliance's Global Security Bureau, and even a highly favored candidate for prime minister, though she had declined to run. Her lifetime of military service was filled with accomplishments that any ordinary person could brag about for a lifetime. Upon retiring, she developed a passion for art collecting and donated numerous pieces to the Alliance. Moreover, she established a genetic treatment foundation using half her life's savings, offering free assistance to countless patients seeking a new lease on life.

Since her retirement, she remained the top military advisor regarding extraterrestrial outposts to the military.

This was no ordinary influential figure. The operative finally understood why Han Huang had been so affected when he'd seen her name on the list. To those in the know, it was merely an appraisal of a famous painting; to the uninformed, it might have seemed like the Alliance was on the brink of destruction.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavier than ever. He Muya nodded slightly as a signal for everyone to sit, then took a seat alone in a corner at the back.

All present straightened their backs involuntarily, holding their breaths.

At eight o'clock sharp, Lin Shuicheng still hadn't arrived.

Yu Fan took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage to present his report.

The organizers had placed two paintings in the center of the platform, marked with labels A and B to distinguish them on the empty surface.

Han Huang glanced at the time, then left the auditorium to block out the sound of the microphone inside.

He repeatedly dialed a phone number, but only heard a continuous busy signal.

At 8:05, applause erupted in the lecture hall. The speaker paused for a moment, and after the applause subsided, their voice resumed with a steady rhythm.

Han Huang couldn't make out what was being said inside. His palms grew slightly sweaty as he persisted in calling that number.

Time seemed to have slipped away from him as he mindlessly redialed, hung up after hearing the busy tone, and dialed again.

At 8:12, the call finally went through.

A gentle and pleasant voice came through the line, "Hello?"

Han Huang froze for a moment, momentarily rendered speechless.

Lin Shuicheng asked again, "Hello? Who are you looking for?"

"… Where are you? It's already past eight, why haven't you arrived! Hurry to the school auditorium, your life will be ruined if you don't come today. I don't care how you do it, just get here now!" Han Huang lowered his voice. "Yu Fan has already presented his report, and it'll probably end soon!"

"…" There was a moment of silence on Lin Shuicheng's end. He had just left the lab, and someone from the department had informed him about the situation, but he quickly realized that it might be someone from the school. He spoke earnestly, "I've just left the lab and am on my way. I've entrusted the specifics to Professor Yang, so please give me some more time. Don't worry, I'll do my best to get there."

Han Huang sighed in relief. After pondering for a while, he didn't know what else to say, so he simply said softly, "Good luck."

By the time he returned to the room, Yu Fan's presentation had already ended.

"In conclusion, through nanoscale scanning analysis, we have determined that A is a forgery, while B is genuine." Yu Fan's gaze swept over the audience, lingering on Yang Zhiwei for a brief moment.

Yang Zhiwei sat with his hands folded on his lap, calmly observing Yu Fan's direction.

He broke out in a cold sweat.

He hadn't expected so many important figures to attend this seminar. Xu Kong was absent, and Yang Shen specialized in pure mathematical theory, so he wouldn't understand the content of Yu Fan's report.

It was true that he had conducted a nanoscale analysis, and the two paintings had indeed been forged at a molecular level or below. Any differences between them could only be detected at the nanoscale.

Yet, only he knew that this authentication lacked a crucial element – the nano-level information characteristics of the genuine piece itself.

Therefore, he fabricated a feature datum – the molecular structure of a particular pigment unique to the 15th century. He claimed that the counterfeit lacked such a molecular structure. However, in reality, both paintings shared an uncanny resemblance at the molecular level!

All the professors present today were from the mathematics department, with research areas unrelated to atomic or molecular structures.

Yet, fatefully, Yang Zhiwei was among them today!

Particle assembly was Yang Zhiwei's forte, and no one in the room could surpass his expertise. Yu Fan had no way of knowing if Yang Zhiwei would detect the flaw in his presentation. Thus, he decided to take a gamble – he believed he had an 80% chance of winning.

Yang Zhiwei was a cunning old fox. Even if he spotted something amiss, he wouldn't publicly humiliate a student in front of such esteemed figures. Unlike Xu Kong, Yang Zhiwei understood the art of diplomacy. He always left room for compromise, never creating a situation beyond redemption.

Mistakes made by students could be forgiven, but pointing out flaws in a professor's data was equivalent to cutting off their academic lifeline – a matter that would end in bitter enmity!

Moreover, it was common knowledge that He Muya wasn't a professional in this field. From an administrative standpoint, resolving this issue would be relatively straightforward.

Regardless of which painting was genuine and which was fake, all it took was to convince He Muya that one of them was the real deal!

True to his expectations, Yu Fan noticed that Yang Zhiwei remained unperturbed, still sitting elegantly in the corner, showing no intention of speaking up.

His presentation concluded, and the auditorium erupted in applause.

Yang Zhiwei refrained from clapping. He glanced at the PowerPoint slides and whispered something to Yang Shen.

"The next presenter is... um, this student has an emergency and is running late. They haven't arrived yet," the emcee announced awkwardly, plunging the venue into an uncomfortable silence.

There was no saving this student named Lin Shuicheng; he actually dared to make them all wait for him!

Should they continue waiting or simply adjourn the presentation session?

Dean Shen Zhui, sensing the situation, promptly stepped onto the stage to take over as the speaker. "As the dean, I apologize for what has transpired today. As an educator, I must reflect on whether I have overlooked the cultivation of character in our students alongside academic excellence, which led to such an incident. Professor Yu has already provided a perfect answer to this matter. If there are no objections, we can adjourn the meeting."

All eyes turned to He Muya, awaiting her input.

He Muya whispered something softly, and her secretary approached to inquire. The secretary then relayed back to her, "The tardy student's name is Lin Shuicheng."

Upon hearing this, Fu Xue could no longer maintain her smile.

With her hands hidden under the table, she typed a message to the group chat, "Lin Shuicheng is done for. He wasn't here, and a prominent figure asked for his name. I doubt even Star University can protect him now. What's the point of the student council fighting for his exemption? He definitely won't have a future in academia. Qianqian's revenge will be served!!"

"Is it Lin Shuicheng?" He Muya shifted her position and leaned back in her chair, speaking calmly, "Let's wait. I'll listen to his report."

Everyone was taken aback, exchanging puzzled glances with those they knew.

He Muya was renowned for her decisiveness and efficiency; it didn't make sense for her to pause and wait for an unfamiliar, late student at this moment.

If the purpose was to teach Lin Shuicheng a lesson, there was no need for her to emphasize, "I'll listen to his report."

What was really going on here?

Nobody could fathom it, not even Han Huang himself. The more he waited, the more restless he became, almost to the point of stepping out again to make that call. Just then, the entrance to the hall swung open.

A tall, unfamiliar man walked in. He casually scribbled his name on the guestbook that was now unattended, then looked around. Upon noticing everyone's eyes on him, he introduced himself, "Xiao Jue, from Department Seven. Sorry for being late, there was some traffic."

Dong Shuoye, seated, sat up straight and took a deep breath.

The agent was on the verge of losing his mind. He frantically asked Han Huang, "Head of Department Seven??? Didn't you receive any notice yesterday?? How come someone from Department Seven would show up??"

Han Huang wore an expression of disbelief. "I didn't get any notification. I have no idea either."

The Seventh Bureau holds the lifeline of the entire alliance's scientific research, determining the course of development for the next twenty to fifty years. Although it doesn't belong to any particular institution, its importance is by no means inferior to He Muya's.

The organizer couldn't sit still anymore. Seeing the situation escalate, with even people from the Seventh Bureau arriving, he approached out of curiosity, unsure of what was happening.

Xiao Jue explained, "Oh, Group One of this project is sponsored by the Seventh Bureau. I happened to have some free time today, so I came to take a look. Although our side arrived late, it wasn't too late. The machine was considerate too; data that would normally take ten days to process finished in just seven. How convenient, right? Luckily, we could still join in celebrating Senior's birthday."

On the side, Fu Xue was growing restless. She privately messaged Dong Shuoye, asking anxiously, "What's going on? Why did the Seventh Bureau sponsor a machine? Why are they here? Even if the Seventh Bureau is involved, why is Xiao Jue here? Is Silverfall involved as well? Didn't you say that current methods can't solve this project?"

She sent a string of question marks.

From her perspective, Dong Shuoye glanced at his phone, then placed it screen-down back onto the table.

He Muya nodded slightly at Xiao Jue, unexpectedly speaking a second sentence, "Then, has your team arrived?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the doors to the hall opened again, and Lin Shuicheng entered, slightly out of breath.

He held a stack of thick printed documents. With no time to prepare a PowerPoint presentation, he had to print all the data and project it live.

Everyone could tell he had run all the way there. His fine wisps of forehead hair were dampened with sweat from the autumn chill, making him appear somewhat disheveled.

Lin Shuicheng composed himself, stepped up to the podium, and began with a firm statement, "I would like to express my gratitude to all the teachers and leaders for granting me this opportunity and for your patience. After seven days of investigation, I employed quantum analysis methods to conclude that Sample A is authentic, while Sample B is a counterfeit. Now, I will present my comparative report."

His words were clear and assertive, albeit delivered in a slightly hurried tone due to his unsteady breath. Nonetheless, everyone understood his findings – they were the polar opposite of Yu Fan's!

Yang Zhiwei leaned forward slightly, placing his hand on the table with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

The auditorium erupted into an uproar.