Chapter 316 Stealing My Data?

"Notify Xinyue to compile the actual data for strain number four."

Su Yue patted the scraps of paper off her hands.

"Before the grand show begins, we also need to prepare our real trump card."

"At this briefing, I'm going to completely shatter the prestigious reputation of Huakang Research Institute."

Beijing, Huakang Research Institute.

Zhao Lichun rushed back overnight and plunged into the top-secret laboratory.

Wu Yong handed him the developed photos.

"Director, it's all here. I've looked at it, the data is perfect, the activity index is more than three times higher than our current plan!"

Zhao Lichun held a magnifying glass and greedily examined the complex molecular formulas.

"Great! Okay!"

He was so excited that his hands were shaking.

"That young brat Su Yue, she's got gold all to herself but doesn't know how to use it. She just leaves this level of data lying around on the table!"

"Immediately organize the core team to work in shifts around the clock and replicate the process according to this route!"

"At the report meeting a month from now, I will present a more perfect plan than theirs and apply directly for national-level project approval!"

"At that time, the 'Bacteriophage Project' will be ours for the taking!"

Zhao Lichun seemed to already see himself standing on the podium, receiving flowers and applause.

Little did he know that this blueprint, which he treasured, led not to glory, but to an abyss.

Time passed day by day.

The wind on Hainan Island is still humid and hot, and the waves are crashing against the rocks.

Su Yue's laboratory was brightly lit.

With dark circles under her eyes, Chen Xinyue excitedly rushed into the office holding a report.

"Sis! It's done! The stability test for strain number four has passed! This version has no side effects and is perfectly compatible!"

Su Yue took the report and carefully reviewed every piece of data.

"very good."

She picked up a pen and signed her name on the report.

The pen tip glides across the paper, penetrating its depth.

"Pass the word down: everyone should take two days off, then pack up the equipment."

"We're going to the capital."

......

The private rooms at the Beijing Hotel were brightly lit.

The dishes on the table were steaming hot, but no one touched them. Qin Zheng picked up his wine glass, swirled it gently, and the red liquid left a thin sheen on the glass. He looked at Su Yue and Gu Beichen across from him and smiled.

"This meal was not easy to eat."

Qin Zheng put down his wine glass and tapped his fingertips twice on the table.

“You should all know who’s backing Zhao Lichun this time, given how aggressive he’s come. Vice Minister Li has been eyeing our Qin family for a long time now. This time, he’s using Zhao Lichun to try and take down the whole ‘Phage Project’ and then label me as someone who ‘misjudged people.’”

Su Yue leaned back in her chair, fiddling with a porcelain spoon in her hand, and didn't reply.

Qin Zheng wasn't annoyed. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

“Su Yue, let’s be frank. Although you’re doing very well in Hainan, the waters in Beijing run very deep. Zhao Lichun has your ‘leaked’ data, and it will definitely shine at tomorrow’s report meeting. With Vice Minister Li on the judging panel, as long as Zhao Lichun produces something, he can approve the project on the spot.”

"In the end, your lab will just be doing all the work for someone else."

Gu Beichen glanced coldly at Qin Zheng, then placed his hand on the back of Su Yue's chair, displaying a possessive demeanor.

Qin Zheng ignored Gu Beichen's hostility and continued to escalate the situation.

“I can help you. The Qin family still has some influence in the Central Military Commission. As long as I say the word, even if Zhao Lichun produces results, I can protect your laboratory from being swallowed up. I can even use my connections to make Zhao Lichun's project fail.”

"What are the conditions?" Su Yue finally spoke, throwing the porcelain spoon back into the bowl with a crisp sound.

"Great." Qin Zheng snapped his fingers. "The future commercial development rights for the 'Bacteriophage Project' belong to me. I want the exclusive agency."

Su Yue smiled.

Her smile was somewhat nonchalant, even tinged with mockery. She stood up, straightened her skirt, and looked down at Qin Zheng.

"Qin Zheng, do you think I'm doomed this time?"

Qin Zheng was taken aback. "Isn't that right? Zhao Lichun took away core data. Even if it was obsolete, as long as it was modified, it would be enough to fool those laymen at the presentation. Once the project is approved, it's a done deal, and it will be difficult for you to turn the tables."

"Thank you for your kindness." Su Yue picked up the coat hanging on the back of the chair and put it on. "But my things don't need anyone to protect them. Anyone who wants to take them can see if they have the ability."

After saying that, she took Gu Beichen's arm. "Let's go, the air here isn't good."

Gu Beichen put his arm around her waist, didn't even glance at Qin Zheng, and turned to leave.

Qin Zheng remained seated, watching the two figures depart, the smile gradually fading from his face. He picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp.

"If you refuse a toast, you'll have to drink a penalty shot."

...

Stepping out of the private room, you'll find a thick carpet in the corridor that makes no sound when you walk on it.

Enemies meet on a narrow road.

Just as I turned the corner, I bumped into a group of people.

The leader was Zhao Lichun, who was wearing a brand-new Zhongshan suit and had his hair slicked back. He was surrounded by several researchers who were bowing and scraping, including Wu Yong, the one who had secretly taken the data.

When Zhao Lichun saw Su Yue, he paused, then forced a smile onto his face.

"Oh, isn't this Comrade Su Yue? What a coincidence, you're here for dinner too?"

Su Yue stopped and glanced at him indifferently. "Director Zhao, you seem to be in a good mood."

Zhao Lichun walked forward with his hands behind his back, looking like a wise and venerable elder. "Su Yue, it's good that young people are energetic, but they also need to know how to assess the situation. Some achievements, if kept in your small workshop, are like dangerous goods, easily causing harm to yourselves. They still need to be handed over to us experienced veterans to steer the ship so that they can benefit the country."

Wu Yong, standing behind him, pushed up his glasses and let out a sneer.

Su Yue wasn't annoyed; she simply watched his performance quietly.

Seeing that Su Yue remained silent, Zhao Lichun assumed she was afraid and became even more smug.

"The briefing is tomorrow. I heard you've prepared materials? Actually, there's no need to go to that trouble. Some gaps can't be bridged by just shouting slogans. If you lose too badly and lose face, don't cry."

The surrounding researchers burst into laughter.

"Director Zhao is right. Young people need to experience more challenges and setbacks."

"Exactly, don't think that just because you've made a name for yourself locally, you can show off in the capital."

Zhao Lichun waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, then leaned closer to Su Yue and lowered his voice. "If you know what's good for you, withdraw voluntarily tomorrow. I might still give you face and let you have a nominal position. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Gu Beichen suddenly stepped forward, his tall figure like a mountain, instantly blocking Su Yue's path.

A chilling killing intent was released without reservation.