Chapter 72 The First Patent

Chapter 72: The First Patent

"Then go wash your hands and come eat," Aunt Hong beckoned.

Only then did Lu Guifan realize that it had been Jiang Ruotang handing him the whiteboard eraser all along—from the beginning to the end of his calculations, Jiang Ruotang had stayed by his side.

Warmth flooded his chest.

"This must have been boring for you..." Lu Guifan said apologetically.

"I couldn’t understand what you wrote, but the way you calculated, thought, and struggled through contradictions—I took mental notes of it all. It’s not something you see every day. When I get home, I’ll draw it and show you," Jiang Ruotang said with a smile.

Lu Guifan lightly tousled Jiang Ruotang’s hair and whispered, "Let’s go, it’s time for dinner."

Jiang Ruotang was ravenous. As he bit into the sweet and sour ribs, leaving a sauce streak on his right cheek.

Lu Guifan stifled a laugh, brushing his knuckle lightly against Jiang Ruotang’s cheek.

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruotang turned his head and saw Lu Guifan lick the sauce off his own knuckle with a calm, matter-of-fact expression.

Completely unaware of how heart-fluttering that gesture was.

Jiang Ruotang’s heart hammered.

Just as Lu Guifan was about to give Jiang Ruotang the last piece of ribs, a loud shout erupted from the living room: "Who wrote this? Who wrote all this? Where is this person—where did they go?"

Jiang Ruotang was so startled he dropped the rib.

Lu Guifan's mother, who had just brought out a steamed egg with clams from the kitchen, trembled along with the dish at the sudden outburst.

Aunt Hong gave Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder a reassuring pat and murmured reassuringly, "Don’t worry, that's just how he acts when excited. He must have seen someone solved the problem he left behind and wants to discuss it."

Lu Guifan turned back. "Maybe I shouldn’t have written on it. Professor Yang might feel offended."

Under the table, Jiang Ruotang gave his hand a firm squeeze and said with quiet certainty, "No, absolutely not."

A true scholar like Professor Yang would only be thrilled by intellectual exchange, never offended that someone else found the answer first.

Lu Guifan lowered his eyes. "You always have unwavering faith in me."

Yet he still curled his fingers, automatically clinging to Jiang Ruotang’s fingertips.

In his previous life, Jiang Ruotang’s biggest regrets—aside from being exploited by Lin Lu and losing himself for Bai Yingchuan—were about Lu Guifan.

When Jiang Ruotang was confined to his sickbed, Professor Yang, then overseas, had greatly admired Lu Guifan’s abilities and repeatedly invited him to join his lab. But Lu Guifan declined, quoting the Confucian saying, "While parents are alive, one should not travel far."

When Jiang Ruotang heard the news, it made him sick with frustration. He demanded to know why Lu Guifan would pass up such an opportunity when his current institute was bogged down by bureaucracy, where all research credits went to superiors, and the lab conditions were subpar at best. If Professor Yang’s offer was good, Lu Guifan could have taken his parents with him.

Lu Guifan simply looked at Jiang Ruotang and asked softly, "If I leave, what about you? If something happens to your health, I wouldn’t be able to return in time."

At that moment, Jiang Ruotang realized Lu Guifan had long understood his deepest fear.

He was terrified of dying alone, with no one to care whether he lived or died.

In this life, if he could help Lu Guifan meet Professor Yang earlier, avoid past detours, and spare him wasted years, Jiang Ruotang would move heaven and earth.

Professor Yang, please see this young man named Lu Guifan.

He needs a mentor to guide him into the world where he can truly shine.

Aunt Hong walked into the living room and scolded her husband, "Our guests are eating. Must you shout like that?"

Professor Yang, standing by the whiteboard, spun around. "Guests? What guests?"

"The ones who filled up all your whiteboards."

Professor Yang’s face lit up. He strode toward the dining area, his gaze shifting from Lu Guifan's mother to Jiang Ruotang before finally landing on Lu Guifan.

"Was it... you?" Professor Yang asked, disbelief in his voice.

Because Lu Guifan looked far too young.

The intensity of Professor Yang’s stare made Lu Guifan uneasy.

"Yes."

"Which university are you at? Shengshi University? No, no... that would be beneath your talents. You wouldn’t choose a school without top-tier research capabilities..." Professor Yang launched into rapid-fire questions, pulling Lu Guifan into his excited rhythm. "Are you visiting from another province for winter break? Capital Science and Technology University? Shenghai Jiaotong? Or Southwest University of Technology?"

All three were prestigious institutions for science and engineering.

In his past life, Lu Guifan had the grades for Capital Science and Technology University but chose the more remote Southwest University of Technology due to financial constraints.

"Professor Yang, I’m just a high school senior," Lu Guifan finally managed to interject.

Professor Yang went still, all animation draining from his face. "Wh-what? A high school senior?"

Jiang Ruotang slung an arm around Lu Guifan’s shoulders and grinned. "He’s First in Grade at Beicheng Guangyao, two-time national champion in Math and Science competitions for both sophomore and junior years!"

Professor Yang snapped out of his daze at Jiang Ruotang’s enthusiastic introduction, then said solemnly to Lu Guifan, "You solved the core efficiency problem in the battery research that's stumped me!"

"It’s just theoretical... it still needs experimentation..." Lu Guifan was taken aback by his enthusiasm.

"Right, right! Experiments! I’ll call and reserve lab space right now!"

Aunt Hong grabbed Professor Yang’s wrist in exasperation. "Old Yang, come to your senses! It’s past nine at night, and it’s the New Year! You think labs are open for you whenever you want?"

Professor Yang slapped his forehead. Just when everyone thought he’d calm down, his eyes lit up again. "I have an old classmate at Shengshi University with a lab! I’ll ask to borrow—no, rent it! I’ll pay! Their lab’s just sitting idle over winter break anyway!"

Everyone: "......"

Professor Yang suddenly gripped Lu Guifan’s shoulders. "Lu Guifan, you want to know if your idea works too, don’t you? Right? Right?"

"Uh... yes."

"After the seventh day of the New Year, I’ll rent the lab. Will you come?"

"...I have school."

As if this were the greatest travesty, Professor Yang turned to his wife. "See? See? This student has classes soon! He’ll be denied the thrill of verifying his own work! That’s not fair to him!"

Lu Guifan wasn’t particularly invested. He was about to say "It’s fine" when Jiang Ruotang caught his wrist under the table.

In a playfully serious tone, Jiang Ruotang asked, "Professor Yang, if the experiment succeeds and proves Lu Guifan’s design correct, can we file a patent? Will his name be on it?"

Lu Guifan startled. To him, this was just an applied physics and chemistry problem, but Jiang Ruotang had bigger plans.

Professor Yang threw up his hands. "Of course!"

"Gui Fan, go through with the experiment. Whether you’re proven right or wrong, it’s an experience. And you’ll never get another chance like this—to have an expert like Professor Yang validate your theories," Jiang Ruotang said firmly, his eyes steady.

Lu Guifan nodded and said, "Okay."

"Then it's settled! I'll make the arrangements right now! Time is of the essence!"

Although Professor Yang seemed scatterbrained, his professional connections were extensive. Within just half an hour, he managed to secure a laboratory at Shengshi University of Technology.

"Old Chen! You know what? The issue with my battery has been solved! Truly, the younger generation surpasses the old—it was a high school student who figured it out!"

"You want to know his name? Heh, I won’t tell you. You’re just trying to steal him away from me, and I won’t let you succeed!"

"His brilliant solution! Hurry up and arrange a lab for me! Those foreigners kept saying such improvements were impossible—well, I’ll prove them wrong!"

Like a kid with a new toy, Professor Yang boasted to everyone, as if Lu Guifan were already his student.

Once the lab was confirmed, Professor Yang gave Lu Guifan a hearty shoulder clap and announced with gusto, "Let’s go!"

Auntie Hong was used to this by now, but Lu’s mother was flabbergasted.

"It’s almost ten at night… and you’re still going to do experiments?"

Jiang Ruotang patted Lu’s mother on the shoulder and leaned in to whisper, "Let them go. If Lu Guifan’s idea is proven correct, it’ll mean more than winning a dozen competition championships."

Though Lu’s mother didn’t fully understand, after spending time with Jiang Ruotang, she had come to trust one thing—following Jiang Ruotang’s advice was never wrong.

Professor Yang, brimming with enthusiasm, was already putting on his coat while rambling to Lu Guifan about the instruments they’d use and how to ensure accurate experimental data.

Lu Guifan listened quietly.

As they were leaving, Jiang Ruotang called out, "Make sure to record the experiment—video, notes, data, everything!"

Professor Yang nodded and waved. "Don’t worry!"

Jiang Ruotang looked at Lu Guifan. "I bet you won't finish by tomorrow morning. Give me the address—I’ll bring food and drinks for you and Lu’s mom."

Lu Guifan raised his hand, hesitant to go. It had been days since he last saw Jiang Ruotang during the New Year.

As if reading his mind, Jiang Ruotang rose up on her toes and pressed the top of his head into Lu Guifan’s palm. "Feel free to pet me if you want, but..."

"But what?"

"A man’s head, a woman’s waist. Touching my head is like hugging my waist—doesn’t that mean you have to be responsible for me?"

Jiang Ruotang smiled, but his heart fluttered nervously, unsure how Lu Guifan would respond.

Lu Guifan gently drew Jiang Ruotang’s head nearer and murmured, "You’re bundled up like a teddy bear—where’s the waist to even touch?"

A soft laugh tickled Jiang Ruotang’s ear.

By the time Jiang Ruotang looked up, Lu Guifan was already at the doorway slipping on his shoes.

Only Auntie Hong remained, massaging her temples in exasperation. "Ugh, this guy’s barely home all year, and the moment he returns, he’s off to the lab again! Marrying him is like being married to his work!"

Jiang Ruotang grinned and teased, "Really? But I heard Auntie Hong loves Professor Yang precisely because of his dedication and persistence?"

"That’s just what I tell outsiders! The real reason is that he’s got great looks—big eyes, long legs, clear complexion, handsome features, and at forty, still no baldness or beer belly. Otherwise, I’d have dumped him ages ago."

Despite Auntie Hong’s complaints, Jiang Ruotang knew the truth. Over a decade ago, when Auntie Hong was pushed out of her law firm for defending a victim, it was Professor Yang—then studying abroad for his Ph.D.—who handed over all his patent royalties to her with just one sentence: *Start your own firm. Do what you believe in.*

To Auntie Hong, this man wasn’t perfect—but he understood her.

Lu’s mother felt guilty. If not for her son, Professor Yang would still be at home celebrating the New Year with his wife. She quickly prepared more dishes in the kitchen, leaving them for Auntie Hong and the two kids to eat the next day.

Xiao Gao drove Lu’s mother home first.

In the car, Lu’s mother asked, "Ruotang, is Professor Yang a very remarkable person?"

"You could say," Jiang Ruotang replied. "But in his field, there are many remarkable figures. Professor Yang might not be the most outstanding, but he’s the one who connects best with Lu Guifan."

Lu’s mother didn’t quite get it, but seeing the certainty in Jiang Ruotang’s expression, she silently resolved to support her son’s experiment with Professor Yang wholeheartedly.

Once immersed in the experiment, Professor Yang could work around the clock.

Lu Guifan, knowing Jiang Ruotang would be curious about the lab, took a video for him, patiently explaining the names of various instruments.

When the camera panned past Professor Yang, Jiang Ruotang caught a glimpse of him in a lab coat and made a request.

[*Are you wearing one too? Can you send me a photo?*]

Assuming Jiang Ruotang was just indulging a TV-fueled curiosity, Lu Guifan held out his arm and sent a selfie.

The angle was not the most flattering—only Lu Guifan’s good looks saved the photo from being a disaster.

Yet the moment Jiang Ruotang saw it, his heart skipped a beat, and his eyes grew misty.

In their previous life, when Jiang Ruotang was in the hospital, Lu Guifan would video calls with him during lunch breaks, almost always wearing that same white lab coat.

[*I have to put my phone away before the experiment starts. Can’t chat anymore.*]

[*Alright, good luck!*]

Jiang Ruotang brushed away moisture from the corner of his eye, truly hoping Lu Guifan would also achieve great success under Professor Yang’s guidance.

The next day, Jiang Ruotang woke up early, brewed coffee, made tea, packed up snacks prepared by Sister Juan, and picked up the food Lu’s mother had packed in insulated containers before heading to the lab Professor Yang had rented.

This was Jiang Ruotang’s first time in such a lab, but he couldn’t enter—only watch through the glass as Professor Yang and Lu Guifan were hard at work inside.

Stubble shadowed Professor Yang’s chin, dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his hair was mussed-up—likely from constant head-scratching—giving him a world-weary charm.

Lu Guifan assisted him, operating instruments Jiang Ruotang couldn’t name under Professor Yang’s guidance. In that moment, he merged seamlessly with the man Jiang Ruotang had never forgotten from ten years later.

During a break, Jiang Ruotang knocked on the glass when Lu Guifan turned around.

Through the glass, Lu Guifan lightly tapped the spot Jiang Ruotang had touched, then shook his head—he couldn’t come out yet.

Jiang Ruotang took out his sketchbook, quickly drawing Lu Guifan in various poses. When hungry, he snacked on Sister Juan’s snacks. Bored, he took out practice papers to idly solve.

Time passed unnoticed until Jiang Ruotang drifted off, head resting on the table.

When Lu Guifan finally looked up and saw Jiang Ruotang asleep, he checked the time—Jiang Ruotang had been waiting for him for hours.

He stepped out, gently sweeping back the locks of hair on Jiang Ruotang’s forehead. With half his face pressed against his arm, Jiang Ruotang reminded Lu Guifan of a sleepy cartoon character.

Quietly, Lu Guifan turned on the air conditioning for him, then sat beside him and noticed the sketchbook tossed carelessly on a nearby chair.

Every page was filled with sketches of him.

Perhaps this was the greatest comfort during his long hours in the lab.

Finally, Professor Yang emerged as well. Glancing at the food Jiang Ruotang had brought, he suddenly said quietly, "I miss my wife."

"What?" Lu Guifan turned his face to look at him.

"Back when I was doing my Ph.D. in the U.S., my wife... well, she was just my girlfriend at the time, flew for over ten hours with connections just to see me. I promised to take her out and show her around, but then the lab data was off, and I had to stay inside. She waited outside for me until she fell asleep... just like Ruo Tang here."

Lu Guifan said quietly, "If you miss Auntie Hong, just tell her. She’d be very happy."

Professor Yang sat down, looking like he was solving a century-old problem, and sent his wife a message: [Yingying, I miss you.]

Lawyer Hong replied instantly: [Then hurry up and finish your experiment and get yourself back home.]

Professor Yang let out a silly laugh.

Seeing him like that, Lu Guifan felt envious.

Then he thought he was being ridiculous—after all, Jiang Ruotang was right there with him.

Professor Yang and Lu Guifan opened the insulated lunchbox, and only when they smelled the food did they realize how ravenous they were. Professor Yang devoured his food.

Jiang Ruotang, hearing the noise, rubbed his eyes and sat up.

He noticed Lu Guifan wasn’t eating but was instead reviewing the problems he’d been working on before falling asleep.

"Ah! Don’t grade my homework in front of Professor Yang—it’s so embarrassing!"

Jiang Ruotang made a move to snatch it back, but Lu Guifan caught his wrist. Raising his eyes, Lu Guifan wore a slightly teasing smile.

"It’s not embarrassing. Your reasoning for these problems is correct—just a calculation error in the last one. Your approach is a bit clumsy, though. I wrote a simpler one for you."

"Oh."

After eating, the two took a short break before jumping back into the experiment.

They didn’t return home at all on the sixth day of the New Year.

By early morning, the experiment still wasn't quite right. Professor Yang was still trying to identify the issue, while Lu Guifan had gotten so tired he’d fallen asleep at the desk.

On the seventh day, the high school seniors were supposed to return to class, but Jiang Ruotang persuaded Lu Guifan to stay in the lab and ask for leave.

"That doesn’t seem right..." Lu Guifan hesitated.

Jiang Ruotang argued, "Honestly, the college prep material isn’t hard for you anymore. Instead of wasting time on stuff you’ve already mastered, why not try something new?"

"You’re right," Lu Guifan chuckled. "Every time I go to class, my biggest joy is figuring out ways to help you understand."

"What’s that supposed to mean? Am I that dumb that I’m a challenge for you? Hmph!" Jiang Ruotang turned his face away.

The next day, winter break review sessions began for the seniors.

Jiang Ruotang went to the classroom. Though his usual seat partner, which he’d been eagerly anticipating, remained empty, he was still happy chatting with Cai Ji, Zhao Zhangfeng, and Jian Sha.

And whenever he struggled with a problem, Cai Ji would patiently walk him through it.

Bai Yingchuan, on the other hand, had taken a ten-day leave to report to the set of *The Boiling Years*, leaving Lin Lu sitting alone, looking out of place.

On set, Bai Yingchuan remembered Jiang Ruotang’s advice and took every opportunity to learn from Old Mr. Feng and other veterans—not just about dialogue but even the smallest acting nuances.

At first, Feng Moshan was courteous but distant toward Bai Yingchuan. Later, he noticed that even when Bai Yingchuan wasn’t filming, he wouldn’t go back to his trailer but instead stood by, watching the other actors perform.

Bai Yingchuan had brought his agent and assistant along. Sister Yu, concerned for him, said, "You can sleep in a bit and just arrive at the scheduled time. The pay for this show isn’t great—just fulfill your contract obligations."

But Bai Yingchuan disagreed. Remembering Jiang Ruotang’s advice, he didn’t follow Sister Yu’s suggestion.

"I’ll be there whenever filming starts. Those veterans and seasoned actors—how they study the script, block scenes, and deliver lines—missing that would be the real loss."

So when Old Mr. Feng and Chen Ping, who played the protagonist’s father, were discussing a scene, Bai Yingchuan listened from nearby.

Old Mr. Feng smiled and waved him over. "Xiao Bai, want to join our discussion? Come over here."

Chen Ping even offered a small stool for him.

At first, Bai Yingchuan hardly spoke. But by mid-morning, he was occasionally asking his own questions, while the two veterans shared their perspectives.

Bai Yingchuan felt fulfilled—this was a real acting lesson.

When it was his turn to film, standing before Old Mr. Feng, he finally understood the older actor’s mastery.

With a single "Cut!", Feng Moshan’s expression shifted from kindly and approachable to stern and imposing. The authority of a patriarch weighed down, and when Bai Yingchuan looked up at him, lips slightly parted, he managed a single word: "Grandfather." Instinctively, he fell into character—stubbornly resisting his elder’s arrangements, wanting to rebel, yet unable to muster any defiance in his presence.

He could only stare at his grandfather like this.

It felt just like how he longed to grow closer to Jiang Ruotang, while his mother kept trying to use his future to win favor with Lin Chengdong. Her influence, authority, and the team she’d sent to monitor him were smothering.

Bai Yingchuan kept staring at Feng Moshan. Just as everyone thought he’d forgotten his lines, he finally spoke: "I don’t want to study economics. If I must, I’d rather learn how engines and transmissions work. I want to build cars... our own cars."

His delivery wasn’t dramatic—no sorrow, no anger—just quiet but firm conviction.

Feng Moshan was truly impressed. Earlier, while discussing the role, he’d told Bai Yingchuan that most actors could show emotions, but true skill lay in restraint—expressing strength through stillness.

Though still inexperienced, the young man had absorbed every bit of Feng Moshan’s guidance.

Reviewing the takes on the director’s monitor, Feng Moshan remarked to Chen Ping, "This kid’s got real talent."

Bai Yingchuan’s agent hadn’t understood his insistence on arriving early, assuming it was just teenage rebellion. But overhearing Feng Moshan’s praise, she realized Bai Yingchuan might be more mature than she was.

Since he still had school, his scenes were tightly scheduled, including two night shoots. He expected to collapse into bed at the hotel, but instead, he lay awake.

Checking his phone, he saw several messages from Lin Lu—polite small talk. Bai Yingchuan replied perfunctorily.

After the Qilin Video incident, he’d instructed his assistant to monitor Lin Lu’s online alias closely, countering any inflammatory posts before they escalated.

Then there was his mother, Bai Yue, urging him to take more photos with Feng Moshan discussing the script—something to post on Big Eyed Boy to show he was learning from the veterans and repair his image.

It was common industry practice, but Bai Yingchuan knew it was wrong. Old Mr. Feng was sincerely mentoring him—using that for publicity would be a betrayal.

He called Bai Yue seriously. "Mom, we can’t do that. If Teacher Feng truly respects me, he’ll recommend me for suitable roles. But if I exploit our relationship for PR, he might avoid endorsing me altogether to avoid suspicion."

After a pause, Bai Yue said, "Do as you see fit."

Just before hanging up, she added softly, "You’re more mature than I thought."

Bai Yingchuan lowered his eyes. Mature?

Maybe it was Jiang Ruotang’s influence. If he were his agent, he’d never approve using script discussions for hype.

The week’s filming wrapped quickly, and Bai Yingchuan prepared to return to school.

On his last night, Feng Moshan even suggested a farewell dinner—everyone could see how fond he was of the young actor. Over the meal, Bai Yingchuan mentioned applying to the Beijing Film Academy so he could watch Feng Moshan’s plays.

Feng Moshan laughed. "This kid’s acting matches many trained actors. The academy would be fools not to take him."

On the way back, Agent Sister Yu nodded to Bai Yingchuan and said, "Regarding your mother's marketing suggestion, I also thought it wasn't appropriate, but I didn’t say anything. I didn’t expect you to refuse so firmly. It made me feel like you’ve really grown up."

"Old Mr. Feng and Teacher Chen Ping both taught me earnestly. They gave me their sincerity, and I want to return their sincerity. If those photos were really posted, Old Mr. Feng would be very disappointed in me." Bai Yingchuan looked out the window. "Sister Yu, of course I know marketing is necessary in this industry, but at the very least, I don’t want to exploit others’ sincerity for momentary online popularity."

Sister Yu drove in silence. As her eagerness to make her way cooled, she realized Bai Yingchuan’s perspective was right.

With Old Mr. Feng’s seniority, if he were willing to guide Bai Yingchuan, the resources gained would undoubtedly be of high quality.

And Bai Yingchuan knew very well that his ability to remain patient and not rush for quick success was largely thanks to Jiang Ruotang’s guidance.

On the third afternoon of Lu Guifan’s leave, their experiment was finally completed.

Professor Yang had transformed from a refined middle-aged gentleman into a disheveled mess. When Lawyer Hong came to pick him up, he proudly introduced their experimental results to his wife.

"Honey! Our experiment succeeded! This means our method can increase the capacity of lithium iron phosphate batteries by at least thirteen percent!"

Lawyer Hong chuckled and rubbed the stubble on her husband’s chin. "You’ve practically turned into a wild man! Come home with me and freshen up—you’re getting ripe!"

Professor Yang blinked, then absentmindedly lifted his collar to sniff it before making a disgusted face. "Why does Guifan smell so nice?"

Lu Guifan watched from the side, envied the relationship between Professor Yang and Lawyer Hong. They supported and understood each other, celebrating each other’s achievements.

Lawyer Hong turned to Lu Guifan with a smile. "Guifan, were you waiting for someone?"

"N-no one. I’m tired too—I should get some sleep." Lu Guifan rubbed the stubble on his chin.

Lawyer Hong said with a smile. "Guifan, remember to give me your documents. There are also some forms to fill out. Once Old Yang prepares the materials, we’ll apply for a patent for you."

"A patent? For me?" Lu Guifan quickly shook his head. "No need. I just did the calculations… And I should thank Professor Yang for bringing me into the lab—he taught me everything about these instruments and how to record the data…"

Professor Yang shook his head. "You’re too modest. Without your calculations, we’d never have achieved this. Plus, we can keep improving based on your ideas. This is about protecting your own creativity and thoughts—no need for modesty."

Though Lu Guifan had won many awards, this was the first time his ideas had been applied in reality. It felt like a door to a new world had opened before him.

"You should head home. Your dad’s waiting for you at the door."

Hearing this, Lu Guifan immediately ran outside and saw a black sedan with his father behind the wheel.

"Dad… you… why are you here?"

"Jiang Ruotang called me. He said he had class and couldn’t pick you up. I’d just dropped off Mr. Zheng for an errand, and since he wouldn’t be done soon, I came to get you. Come on, see how your old man drives."

At the mention of "Ruo Tang," Lu Guifan’s weariness melted away.

He had initially meant to have his dad take him straight back to school so he could catch the last class. But then he remembered Lawyer Hong saying Professor Yang was getting ripe, so he lifted his collar to sniff himself.

Jiang Ruotang had once said he liked his scent. Not wanting to ruin that impression, he let his dad drive him home, where he took a good shower before falling into bed.

He didn’t know how long he’d slept when he barely heard his bedroom door creak open. A familiar feeling surged in his chest, and he sat up immediately. Even without his glasses, he could recognize the silhouette at the door as Jiang Ruotang.

"What are you sneaking around for?" Lu Guifan fumbled around the nightstand but couldn’t find his glasses.

"Did I wake you?" Jiang Ruotang asked guiltily.

"It’s not even nighttime—I wasn’t sound asleep anyway."

"Haha, let me guess—you never dreamed you’d have a patent one day?"

Lu Guifan nodded.

Jiang Ruotang came closer and immediately found his glasses. But instead of handing them over, he hid them behind his back, leaning down to look Lu Guifan in the eyes.

Even in the dark room, Jiang Ruotang’s gaze traced the contours of Lu Guifan’s deep-set eyes and long lashes. His heartbeat felt like a relentless freefall.

Lu Guifan didn’t rush him for the glasses, letting Jiang Ruotang indulge him.

From outside came Lu’s mother’s voice. She called from the living room, "Should we wake Gui Fan? It’s past seven—time for dinner."

Hearing this, Jiang Ruotang knew his private moment was over and reluctantly returned the glasses.

Lu Guifan raised his voice. "Mom, I’m up. Ruo Tang’s here too—we’ll have dinner together."

"Great! I’ll make him scallion pancakes with eggs!"

Lu’s mother prepared a feast. As they ate, she asked about the patent.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Ruotang said to Lu Guifan, "I think you should discuss it with Professor Yang. The patent should not only include your name but, most importantly, Professor Yang’s as well."