Chapter 122

Chapter 122

Although Zhao Guangming applied for the Economics and Management Department, his family had some kinship with Old Zhang. Later, when Zhao Guangming’s father was sent down to the countryside, Old Zhang helped a lot. Now that his father has been reinstated, he feels grateful for this kindness and often asks Zhao Guangming to bring homemade snacks to visit Old Zhang. Over time, the two have become increasingly familiar.

“Senior Brother Zhang, look, isn’t that the teacher?” Zhao Guangming was the first to spot Old Zhang’s blurry figure in the distance. Compared to the old man’s slightly stooped frame, the slender silhouette of the young woman beside him was more eye-catching.

As the two drew closer, the girl appeared tall and slim, her hair casually falling over her shoulders with a slight curl at the ends. She had a delicate nose, almond-shaped eyes, and skin like jade. Though young, she already exuded a stunning beauty, like a peony in full bloom—breathtakingly captivating. Along the way, countless people secretly glanced at her, and even a few had tagged along behind them, stealing glances at Feng Xia.

Yet the two were so engrossed in their own discussion that they seemed oblivious to their surroundings. Zhao Guangming found it somewhat amusing. He knew the old man had devoted his entire life to scientific research, never marrying or having children, and had made countless contributions. To put it bluntly, when the old man eventually passed away, he’d be honored with the national flag on his coffin.

The girl was dazzlingly beautiful, yet her aura was like the bright moon in the sky—cold and unattainable. Perhaps sensing the gazes of Zhao Guangming and Senior Brother Zhang, Feng Xia casually raised her eyelids. Her lashes, dark as crow feathers, framed clear, cool eyes, making Zhao Guangming’s heart skip a beat, and his eyes even showed a hint of shyness.

Senior Brother Zhang spoke first: “Hello, teacher. Hello, junior sister. What a rare honor to have both of you visit our lab today. What brings you here on this fine day?”

He had a humorous personality, and Feng Xia had met him a few times before. She had also helped him calculate data twice, so he was quite fond of this junior sister, even feeling a strong urge to rope her into his own lab. He’d tried many times to get her to switch teams, but she always said no.

Feng Xia’s attitude toward Senior Brother Zhang was much warmer. A small dimple appeared faintly on her cheek, softening her coldness and making her look more playful.

“Senior Brother Zhang, I’m here today to pick up the batch of DH5 mice—the new breed. Professor Zhu said they’re being raised in our Peking University lab.”

Senior Brother Zhang was clearly familiar with the batch of mice. He nodded, and Feng Xia handed him the paperwork. Currently, the lab was almost entirely managed by Old Zhang’s first disciple, who was practically his designated successor. He was responsible for handling the experimental mice. After confirming the documents were correct, Senior Brother Zhang went to prepare the mice for Feng Xia.

Thirty mice were to be collected, so Senior Brother Zhang would likely be busy for a while.

Old Zhang watched his somewhat absentminded first disciple head off to work before introducing Feng Xia to Zhao Guangming: “This is Feng Xia, my little disciple, the one who scored 497 in this year’s college entrance exam.”

Zhao Guangming smiled warmly and extended his hand to shake Feng Xia’s: “Feng Xia, your reputation precedes you. I’ve long admired you. I’m Zhao Guangming. I was fortunate to score second in this exam. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Feng Xia shook his hand. Zhao Guangming had endured hardships during his time in the countryside, leaving a layer of calluses on his palms—rough, dry, and heavy. Their hands touched briefly before parting. Feng Xia’s first impression of him was positive; he was a bright, handsome young man.

Zhao Guangming lightly rubbed his fingertips. The soft warmth from that brief touch made his heart, which had just settled, race again for no reason. He picked up the bag at his feet, which contained homemade pickles made by his mother and a large bundle of homemade pork jerky—all handmade. Old Zhang was fond of this treat.

Old Zhang gladly took the bag and led the two into his office, where he brought out some candy and cookies for the young folks. He especially favored Feng Xia, reluctantly setting aside half of the pork jerky made by Zhao’s mother for his little disciple to take home. Feng Xia could tell from the smell the pork jerky was carefully made and fragrant, so she took it without a second thought.

Old Zhang then asked Zhao Guangming about his studies. Upon learning that Zhao had secured a position in the student council, he nodded slightly. Their family had good connections and skills, and whether Zhao went into business or politics, his future seemed bright. Old Zhang knew the young man was unlikely to pursue a scientific career, so he didn’t press him further on the matter.

After finishing with Zhao Guangming, Old Zhang turned the conversation back to Feng Xia: “Tell me, wouldn’t it be better for us to work together on Fluid Mechanics? But you had to choose this project, and the higher-ups approved it—totally ridiculous!” The old man’s beard bristled with anger. After a moment, he softened, concerned for his student, and added, “But don’t worry. If you can’t get it done, don’t be afraid. If Unit 101 doesn’t want you, come to me and work with your teacher.”

Feng Xia smiled and nodded, then began discussing some problems she had encountered with her design model with Old Zhang. They delved into these issues, exchanging various technical terms, occasionally interspersed with a few words in English. Zhao Guangming listened in a daze, his eyes glazing over.

Zhao Guangming had always been somewhat prideful. His family was of high official background, and the only low point in his life was the few years when his father was sent down. Now that everything had been rectified, he carried the arrogance of a second-generation official. But seeing the young girl effortlessly conversing with Old Zhang, Zhao Guangming had to sigh with resignation: there were always people better than you!

The girl was truly beautiful, with a snow-white complexion and a delicate appearance. The small section of her fair wrist exposed was as pure as snow, catching the eye. Just a few glances etched this exquisite silhouette into Zhao Guangming’s heart.

After they had been discussing for nearly an hour, Old Zhang finally noticed Zhao Guangming, who had been sitting silently on the side. The old man rubbed his hands together awkwardly and patted Zhao Guangming on the shoulder. “Guangming, I suppose you found Feng Xia and my discussion boring. Why don’t you head back first? Give my thanks to your parents. Your mother’s cooking is getting better and better—I’ve put on some weight!”

Old Zhang spoke to Zhao Guangming affectionately, clearly treating him like a nephew.

Zhao Guangming grinned, flashing a row of white teeth. “Please don’t say that. You are my elder. My mother would be delighted to hear your praise. I’ll bring you more when you finish these. It’s not that you two were boring; it’s that I’m too dull to understand. Since you and Feng Xia still have things to discuss, I won’t disturb you. I have a class to attend, so I’ll go now.”

Zhao Guangming was emotionally intelligent. After saying goodbye to the two, he left. Before leaving, his eyes casually swept over Feng Xia, lingering on her dark green sweater. He smiled at her warmly. Feng Xia also liked what she saw— his gaze was clear and his manner easy. She nodded slightly in response, and they parted as acquaintances.

Just as Old Zhang took a sip of water, before he could swallow, a loud “bang” came from next door, accompanied by a man’s scream that echoed through the lab. Old Zhang was so startled that he sprayed the water out. Feng Xia quickly turned and strode into the lab.

Once inside, even Feng Xia, who’d been through a lot, couldn’t help but cover her eyes in exasperation, utterly speechless.

Seriously, was it really okay to let Senior Brother Zhang run this lab?!