Chapter 42

Chapter 42

042

Internship.

It was still early when Chu Li returned, so he decided to visit the lab.

To his surprise, he found Zhan Jiaqing and Liu Wei locking up.

Chu Li was startled and glanced at the time – it was only a little past three in the afternoon.

He approached them and asked, "Why are you closing up so early?"

Zhan Jiaqing replied, "You're back? Oh... you probably don't know, but our supervisor was called away this afternoon. Without anyone in charge of the experiment, there's nothing much for us to do here, so we decided to close."

In the past, Wen Renjian wouldn't always stay in the lab, but before leaving, he would assign them 'homework' to prevent them from having to close early.

Chu Li was surprised. "What's so urgent that he had to leave?"

Zhan Jiaqing glanced around, ensuring no one else was nearby before leaning in to whisper to Chu Li, "Let me tell you, I've heard that he couldn't come to the lab because he's occupied with receiving the First Prince."

"Oh?" Chu Li was puzzled. "The First Prince? Which one... 'Lan something...'"

"Lancelot," Zhan Jiaqing completed the name.

"Yes, him..." Chu Li continued, "What is he doing at school again?"

Zhan Jiaqing shook her head. "Who knows about the royal family's affairs, but from what the teacher said, he's tied up today. Since our last experiment just concluded, they decided to give us a break."

Locking the door, she walked out while saying, "Well, isn't this perfect? You can go on a date with your Alpha."

But then, she remembered that Chu Li's Alpha had already left. She smiled wistfully and said, "Oh, I forgot. He's already gone. What bad timing."

Chu Li wore an expression of helplessness. Ever since learning about his Alpha and that he had visited, Zhan Jiaqing's teasing always involved Jing Baiyuan or Bai Yuanting.

It was uncertain if Jing Baiyuan was aware of this.

Chu Li replied, "In that case, I'll head back first. See you another day."

"Until we meet again," Zhan Jiaqing said.

---

In the bright office, Wen Renjian sat on the desk, looking expressionlessly at Lancelot before him.

The First Prince was dressed in an all-white military uniform, adorned with golden badges of the military department, exuding elegance and authority. He himself was quite attractive, with a well-built physique. His narrow eyes could sometimes appear overly harsh, but otherwise, he was impeccable. Now, he gazed at Wen Renjian with a half-smile, speaking warmly, "Professor Wen, why must you oppose me? You know that my intentions are the same as my father's..."

"No need to continue," Wen Renjian said solemnly. "I'm merely a retired teacher now, no longer knowledgeable about the empire's internal affairs. I appreciate His Highness's trust, but I'm no longer capable. Please, spare me, Your Highness. I'm old and only wish to spend my remaining days in this school."

"Dreaming of retirement?" Lancelot's friendly smile vanished, replaced by a cold gaze. "I doubt it. Retirees don't usually have the energy to establish research groups..."

He stood up and leaned across the desk, closing the distance between them. "Professor Wen, I believe you wish to continue your student's research... My father has made it clear that no one is to proceed with this study!"

Wen Renjian's face stiffened. "I don't have the funds to continue researching... My project has been registered with the empire, and every piece of equipment was carefully selected. Does His Highness truly think I can conjure experimental data and tools out of thin air?"

Wen Renjian's response was watertight, leaving Lancelot with nothing to say after studying him for a while.

He returned to his previous seat, and the tension in the office rekindled.

Wen Renjian massaged his temples, wincing. "That incident is long past. She's already… yet you still hold onto it."

"Ah, I hope that's the case," Lancelot stood up. "I have some matters to attend to at school recently, so I'll be bothering you for a few days. I hope Professor Wen won't find me too irritating."

"I wouldn't dare," Wen Renjian replied.

---

Lancelot stormed out of Wen Renjian's office, fuming.

The principal smiled awkwardly by the side.

This was a dispute between two powerhouses, and he was merely an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.

Not daring to offend either, he could only try to appease Lancelot with kind words.

The more Lancelot listened, the angrier he became. Upon reaching the corridor, he suddenly halted.

His gaze wandered to a corner outside the window, from where he could see a great distance due to the building's height. It seemed there was a group of students engaged in outdoor activities.

He inquired, "Which academy is that?"

The principal hurriedly replied, "It's the Omega Academy."

"Omega Academy?" This academy had been established by his father. The student he had seen on the roadside last time also seemed to be from the Omega Academy.

Being an Omega himself, shouldn't he be among them?

The image of the other party's delicate face flashed across his mind. To be honest, Lancelot didn't quite remember what he looked like, but he still felt a certain curiosity. He said, "Let's go take a look."

The principal dared not refuse Lancelot, even though he had declined Peng Zihao. He bowed and led the way down.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Omega Academy, Lancelot suddenly remembered that the Omega had transferred to the Medical Department. It was impossible to find him here.

He felt somewhat irritated, but since they were already here, it wouldn't be appropriate to turn back now. Thus, he decided to stroll around casually before leaving.

——

On the athletic field of the Omega Academy, Chu Heyang was surrounded by a group of people.

"Heyang, stop crying. That Shu Chenghang isn't such a good guy anyway. He was two-timing you with your brother even after deciding to be with you. It's over, so move on – the next one will be even more obedient."

"Exactly, crying here won't change anything. Besides, it seems like your brother hasn't been around much lately..."

"Can we not talk about him? Can't you see Heyang is upset?"

Amidst the chorus of voices, Chu Heyang continued to sob uncontrollably.

Strangely, his tears weren't shed for Shu Chenghang's departure.

Shu Chenghang might come from a privileged background, but Chu Heyang didn't have deep feelings for him. There were plenty of wealthy individuals; if he lost one, another would take his place.

However, the thought that Shu Chenghang had broken up with him because of Chu Li infuriated Chu Heyang.

Since childhood, his parents had told him they adopted Chu Li to protect him in the future. Throughout his life, everything had revolved around him, including Chu Li himself. Without being asked, he would naturally save the best for himself – delicious food, fun toys.

Wasn't Chu Li supposed to follow behind him, acting as his loyal sidekick for a lifetime?

Pretentiously, he was a person; frankly, he was merely a dog of the Chu family, reared for the purpose of protecting the household.

When did a dog gain the ability to break free from its chains and run away on its own?

And now, even a dog had caught Shu Chengxing's fancy more than he did?

The more Chu Heyang thought about it, the angrier he became, unable to stop his tears from flowing.

After a long while of trying to soothe him, those around him saw no sign of improvement and began to feel annoyed. Just as they were about to find an excuse to leave, a commotion came from the entrance of the sports field.

"What's going on?" someone inquired.

Three or four people hurried over from the gate, waving at them. "Hurry up! The First Prince has arrived at the academy, and the Vice-Principal has ordered us to clear the area."

"The First Prince? Why is he here?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Even Chu Heyang, who had been weeping all afternoon, finally lifted his head. "The First Prince?"

After leaving the laboratory, Chu Li returned to his dormitory.

He gathered all the items that originally belonged to Little Li Hua Cat on the first floor, planning to clean them before giving them to Little Key to use.

This could be loosely considered as inheriting the father's business... Tch tch tch, what inheritance, it's clearly brotherly unity.

Chu Li was efficient and quickly finished tidying up.

Opening a cabinet, he spotted the cat food cans inside.

Hmm, now he understood why Little Li Hua Cat had refused to eat cat food.

The only upside now was that he didn't have to throw away the cans he had bought; Little Key would definitely consume them.

Since Little Key wouldn't be coming over anytime soon, Chu Li put away the bowls and stands. After cleaning up, he sat on the floor in the lounge, when his personal terminal received a message.

It was from Wen Renjian.

"Little Li, the research team is granting you all a few days off. We'll notify you when it's time to resume work."

Chu Li was surprised. Didn't they say it was only one day of lectures?

Could it be because of that Crown Prince again?

Chu Li grew worried about his mentor.

---

Chu Li's concern didn't last long. The next day during class, he finally saw his teacher.

Wen Renjian was as usual, and after the lesson, before Chu Li could speak, he called out a few names, "Come to my office later."

Chu Li's name was among them.

Following the others, Chu Li entered the office.

In the large office, Wen Renjian was the only one present. Seated behind his desk, he sipped his tea and addressed the group, "I have an internship opportunity here, and I've specifically asked you all to come over to inquire if you're interested in joining."

Everyone exchanged glances, clearly unfamiliar with the details of this "internship."

Wen Renjian explained, "The Blue Vein Central Hospital has been receiving a large number of patients recently and needs some students to assist. Originally, they were supposed to select graduates, but I managed to secure this internship opportunity for you. You'll be able to learn there for about a week. Classes will be suspended during that time, and they'll provide accommodations. You'll live directly at the hospital and won't need to return home. It's also a chance to adapt to the hospital's on-duty schedule in advance."

This was an opportunity for the others, who eagerly responded, "Of course we want to go!"

Chu Li remained silent. Wen Renjian turned to him, "What about you?"

Everyone knew that Chu Li was part of Wen Renjian's research team, effectively his "disciple." Chu Li's hard work in the medical department had been visible to all, and over time, they had come to accept his gender.

As Wen Renjian looked at Chu Li, so did the others.

Chu Li had intended to ask Wen Renjian about the suspension of their experiment, but before he could speak, Wen Renjian seemed eager to send him away. Even a fool could guess that it had something to do with the First Prince.

However, with so many people present, he couldn't inquire directly. He simply said, "I'll follow your arrangements, Professor."

Wen Renjian smiled and replied, "Good boy."

Then, addressing the others, he continued, "A dedicated vehicle will pick you up early tomorrow morning. Go home tonight and pack your things. Remember, the internship lasts for seven days, and you cannot leave the hospital during that time. Once you're there, behave yourselves and don't cause any trouble."

The students chorused, "Yes, Teacher."

When the conversation concluded, everyone else left the office, leaving Chu Li alone.

He looked at Wen Renjian hesitantly and said, "Teacher... Are you perhaps..."

Wen Renjian stood up and said, "The other teachers will be back from their meeting soon. You should head back."

Chu Li: "..."

Wen Renjian didn't wish to elaborate, so Chu Li could only sigh and reply, "Alright, Teacher."

He also left the office.