Chapter 35: Frequent Errors in the Laboratory

Laboratory.

Qiao Xi and her colleagues were in the midst of an experiment when a gentle knock sounded on the door.

Zhou Ze entered, accompanied by an employee in the uniform of a well-known international logistics company. The courier carried a silver, sealed transport case in his hands.

“Team Leader Qiao,” Zhou Ze said, his tone as official and businesslike as ever. “An urgent international delivery just arrived for you. The sender is the Glen Biotechnology Foundation, addressed directly to you. They say it contains test samples for the collaborative project you discussed earlier.”

Qiao Xi paused in surprise. “The Glen Foundation?” She couldn’t recall having had any recent contact with them.

Zhou Ze’s expression remained unchanged. “The note says they’re very interested in the ‘Youth Everlasting Project’ and hope to initiate a preliminary partnership. This is a token of their sincerity.”

The courier carefully opened the case. Nestled inside were several vials, each labeled with a unique code—none other than the rare catalysts Qiao Xi had been dreaming of. Her eyes lit up instantly, hardly daring to believe her luck. She picked up a vial with utmost care, examined it closely, and upon confirming its authenticity, was overwhelmed by delight and excitement.

“This is wonderful! Truly a timely gift in a moment of need!”

Having completed his task, Zhou Ze left with the courier. Qiao Xi immediately turned on her computer to investigate the background of the foundation.

The search results appeared quickly. The Glen Biotechnology Foundation was indeed real, known for funding cutting-edge biological research. Its main financial backing and business dealings, however, seemed closely tied to the bio-pharmaceutical arm of the Lu Corporation.

At the sight of the name “Lu Corporation,” Qiao Xi suddenly understood.

Of course—it was Lu Yanzhi!

It had to be him!

She thought of how Lu Yanzhi had previously helped the Fu Corporation weather a storm, and now he had sent her such crucial reagents...

Qiao Xi’s gratitude grew even deeper. Without hesitation, she picked up her phone, found Lu Yanzhi’s number, and composed a message, asking whether he was free that evening.

She wanted to treat him to dinner!

Not long after her message was sent, Qiao Xi’s phone rang. It was a direct call from Lu Yanzhi.

“Miss Qiao?” His gentle voice came through the receiver. “Why the sudden invitation to dinner?”

“Mr. Lu, there’s no need to be modest. That sample is vital to my project—you’ve done me a tremendous favor once again!”

Qiao Xi’s tone was sincere. “Please, let me have this opportunity to thank you properly, or I’ll never feel at ease.”

“A sample?” Lu Yanzhi hesitated for a moment on the other end. After a few seconds, he chuckled softly. “Well, since you insist, it would be ungracious for me to refuse. Choose the time and place—I’ll be there.”

The two quickly agreed to meet at a restaurant that evening.

After hanging up, Qiao Xi let out a long breath, feeling the weight on her shoulders lighten considerably. She carefully stored the catalysts away and immediately threw herself back into her experiments. With the key ingredient now in hand, all the stalled steps could finally resume, and progress was swift.

As evening fell, Qiao Xi arrived at the restaurant on time.

Lu Yanzhi was already waiting in their reserved private room. He wore a casual gray suit, shedding some of his usual businesslike sharpness for a gentler, more refined air.

Qiao Xi, wishing to show her respect, had changed into a vibrant red dress and applied light makeup, looking radiant and captivating.

Once seated, Qiao Xi once more expressed her gratitude solemnly. “Mr. Lu, thank you so much. The catalyst resolved my most urgent problem.” She raised her teacup. “Allow me to toast you with tea in place of wine.”

Lu Yanzhi smiled, returning the gesture. “It was nothing—being able to help is my honor.” His gaze was gentle as he watched her. “Is the project going well now?”

“It’s going much more smoothly, thanks to you!” For the first time in ages, a relaxed smile appeared on Qiao Xi’s face. “I really owe it all to you…”

Hearing this, Lu Yanzhi sensed the moment was right. He set down his cup.

“Qiao Xi.” He addressed her more intimately now, his tone both earnest and kind. “Seeing how hard you work at Fu Corporation…I can’t help but feel you deserve better.”

Qiao Xi’s movements stilled slightly as she looked up at him.

Lu Yanzhi continued, “Your talent and capabilities deserve a greater platform and stronger backing. Come to the Lu Corporation! Our biopharmaceutical subsidiary is expanding our research landscape with full force.” His eyes were intense as he looked at her. “I can establish a dedicated laboratory just for you. You’ll have complete autonomy—no one will interfere with your research.”

As he spoke, he reached across the table and gently covered the back of Qiao Xi’s hand with his own, holding it.

His voice grew even softer. “So, I hope you’ll come help me. Whatever Fu Corporation can give you, I can give as well.”

Qiao Xi was startled.

She gently withdrew her hand, resting it on her lap. Pressing her lips together, her smile wavered with uncertainty. “Mr. Lu, I know you’ve helped me a great deal, and I’m truly grateful for your kindness. But…”

“The ‘Youth Everlasting Project’ is my life’s work—it’s like my own child. I can’t walk away halfway, or abandon my team.” She mentioned Fu Corporation, her tone unconsciously protective. “They’ve also treated me very well.”

Lu Yanzhi saw her withdraw her hand and noted her refusal, a brief shadow crossing his gaze. Still, he maintained his gentlemanly composure, masking any disappointment. “Very well, Qiao Xi. I respect your decision. But the doors of Lu Corporation will always be open for you. If you ever change your mind, just let me know.”

He smiled as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, as though his earlier gesture had never occurred.

Yet, at the very moment when Lu Yanzhi held Qiao Xi’s hand—

On the second floor of the restaurant, in a hidden corner, Qin Yiren adjusted her phone’s focus, rapidly snapping photos. She happened to be entertaining guests here that night and had inadvertently spotted Qiao Xi and Lu Yanzhi entering a private room together.

Sensing something amiss, she deliberately found a vantage point from which she could spy on their interaction.

Through her lens, she captured the exact moment Lu Yanzhi’s hand covered the back of Qiao Xi’s. From her angle, the two appeared exceptionally close—almost as though they were sharing an intimate conversation, hands held tenderly together.

“Oh, Qiao Xi, fate truly favors me!” Qin Yiren’s heart pounded with excitement as she reviewed the highly misleading photos on her screen. “Just secured leadership of the project, and you’re already sneaking off to meet with the rival company’s president? And so intimately? Let’s see how you explain this to President Fu!”

Without hesitation, she selected the two most suggestive photos and sent them straight to Fu Yancheng’s private number.

At that moment, in the president’s office—

Fu Yancheng had just finished an exhausting international video conference and was pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly when his phone lit up with two new messages from Qin Yiren.

He opened them absentmindedly—

Two high-definition photos popped up.

In them, inside a restaurant’s private room, Qiao Xi was dressed in a dazzling red gown he had never seen before, her makeup exquisite, smiling radiantly at Lu Yanzhi across the table.

But the second photo was the most jarring.

Lu Yanzhi’s hand was intimately covering the back of Qiao Xi’s, their posture betraying a closeness that was impossible to ignore.

Fu Yancheng’s gaze darkened instantly, a glacial chill flashing in his eyes. The veins on the back of his hand bulged as he gripped his phone.

She was out with Lu again?