Because it was just a scratch, Song Jingzhou was discharged from the hospital the next day.

Vice President Zhang, on the other hand, is getting on in years. This shock has left him feeling completely drained, and he will probably need to recuperate for quite some time.

As soon as Song Jingzhou arrived at the Engineering Research Institute, he heard the discussions coming from inside.

"Fortunately, Vice President Zhang is alright, otherwise, our engineering research institute would have suffered a great loss."

"Oh, that scared us to death, it was so dangerous."

"Yes, the engineering research institute has explicit regulations that prohibit loading bullets into guns indiscriminately."

"Even if it's an overhead bomb, it still needs approval from above."

Why?

"Hey, you might not know this since you just came in, but even though blank rounds don't have bullets, shooting them within five meters can still cause injuries of varying degrees."

“Although we often handle weapons and even modify them, we always test firearms at open shooting ranges. How can we keep guns in an office? People come and go in this office. What if someone gets hurt by accident?”

"That's right, those are bullets, they can be deadly!"

"Fortunately, Team Leader Song is lucky to be alive."

"I don't know which bastard did such a despicable thing."

A sarcastic voice rang out, "Don't even mention it, Team Leader Song is lucky to be alive. Now Song Jingzhou is fine, but Vice Dean Zhang almost lost his life because of this."

Another voice rang out, "The military has been investigating for two days, but there's still no conclusion, which is making everyone very anxious."

"Yeah, a few of us were even called in for separate questioning, which really scared me."

Almost everyone present was called out for questioning individually, and their expressions were not pleasant as they recalled what had happened yesterday.

"Tell me, who did this?"

"This is no joke; what's the difference between this and murder?"

“It’s definitely not an outsider. Liu Yuliang and Zhang Yue said that when they were cleaning it up the day before, the gun wasn’t even loaded with bullets.”

"They appeared out of nowhere the next day, and I heard that the last person to leave the night before was Vice Dean Zhang, and the first people to open the door the next day were also Vice Dean Zhang and Team Leader Song."

"So, no one else had any chance to do anything underhanded!"

"Yeah, if you ask me, it's not certain who did it!"

"Maybe it's just the thief crying 'stop thief!'"

"Impossible! Who would take such a huge risk and do something so despicable? What would their purpose be?"

"What's the purpose? Hmph, think about it, who does Vice Dean Zhang trust the most right now? If something happens to him, who will benefit the most and have the best chance of climbing the ranks?"

"No one approached this rifle from that night until the next morning, except for Vice Dean Zhang and him."

"Don't think I'm exaggerating. After all, you can't see into someone's heart, so who knows what they're thinking!"

"Now that Vice President Zhang has run into trouble, he will probably need to recuperate for a long time. The commendation meeting for this year is just around the corner. With our Academy of Engineering's performance this year, it's a sure thing."

"Think about it, if Vice Dean Zhang isn't here, who will be the one to go on stage to receive the gift?"

...........

As Song Jingzhou listened to the discussions inside, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

The person who has been harboring ill intentions and trying to drag public opinion onto himself is none other than Yang Wen.

Without hesitation, Song Jingzhou pushed the door open with a creak.

Hearing the door open, everyone turned around and looked back. When they saw it was Song Jingzhou, their expressions became somewhat unnatural.

Anyone who talks about others behind their backs, or gets caught red-handed speaking ill of them, will feel guilty.

"Team Leader Song, you're back? Why didn't you rest for a couple more days?"

"Yeah, Team Leader Song, how are you feeling? Are you alright now?"

Everyone politely and dryly inquired about Song Jingzhou's situation.

Gossip is just gossip, it's just something to talk about, and very few people actually believe that Song Jingzhou loaded the bullet himself.

After all, everyone could see how dangerous the situation was yesterday.

"No problem, thank you everyone for your concern."

Song Jingzhou smiled and nodded to the several colleagues who were showing him concern before returning to his workstation.

Yang Wen was right. This research had reached its final stage, and it was the result of their group's tremendous efforts in repeated research and testing.

Vice Dean Zhang is on leave this time. If he doesn't show up either, who knows who will benefit from this research in the end?

Although he doesn't really care about performance awards or honors, he won't do things that benefit others!

Song Jingzhou's gaze swept towards Yang Wen from Group Two.

At the very least, the money shouldn't go to those who shouldn't benefit.

Yang Wen, who had been beaming with excitement just moments before, fell silent after Song Jingzhou entered, but he still secretly kept an eye on the other's every move.

Seeing him walk to Vice Dean Zhang's desk, open the drawer with a key, and take out documents and drawings to organize them, he felt a surge of frustration.

This country bumpkin is incredibly lucky.

Yesterday he looked like he was about to die, but today he's full of energy again.

He thought that no one would compile and submit the summary of this research report, and that he, as the leader of the second group, could naturally take over.

If he accepts it, then how the names are arranged will depend entirely on his mood.

Although he dared not erase Vice President Zhang's name, he could still add his own name and be listed alongside Vice President Zhang.

Now it seems like it's hopeless!

Yang Wen's eyes reflected intense resentment. He was clearly a veteran of the Academy of Engineering and had enjoyed a period of glory in the past, but this year he was completely outmatched by this bumpkin who somehow managed to get in through some shady means.

Thinking about the upcoming commendation ceremony, where he might not even get a sip of soup, Yang Wen felt as if his entire internal organs were being boiled.

To outsiders, he was someone who followed the young master and mingled in Beijing's social circles, but he knew all too well what was really going on.

Those who are truly capable and have powerful families look down on him and are unwilling to associate with him. He is the kind of person who is marginalized, doing errands for others. If he can please them and get a good look from them, he will be happy for half a day.

Of course, this situation is not unchangeable. After all, most of the people in the circle are children of military personnel, and they still attach great importance to their personal performance and influence in the military.

As long as you are good enough, you don't need to fawn over anyone; the princes above will take a second look at you. After all, no one knows what will happen later, and capable people always leave themselves an out.

Even a prince needs capable assistants; he can't fight alone.

Recently, he finally managed to gain the favor of the young master through his personal charm. The authorship of that research report may be the fastest way for him to prove his worth.

But now, it's all for naught!

How can you expect him not to hate?