Chapter 756: Bad Talk Behind Back Yu Shanshan was holding the bowl of rice, her nails almost digging into her palms.

That year, she finally mustered up the courage to express her feelings, but what she got was his calm rejection and the words "Please respect yourself" that made her face burn even now when she thought about it.

The humiliation and embarrassment became a thorn in her heart that could not be removed.

It was precisely because she had hit a snag with him that Chen Mo decided to marry him.

She became even more determined and used her mother's connections. After many twists and turns, she finally got close to Zhao Jianhua, who had a good family background.

Zhao Jianhua is a very good person, steady, promising, and treats her well. He is the best marriage partner she can seize at the moment.

But now, Lu Qingyang actually appeared in her future husband's family.

Moreover, his father-in-law, Professor Zhao, appreciated him so much that the two of them chatted and laughed happily, as if they were close friends regardless of age.

Thinking of this, Yu Shanshan forced herself to suppress the turmoil in her heart, put on a gentle smile on her face again, and took the initiative to pick up a dish for Zhao Jianhua with chopsticks, saying in a gentle voice: "Jianhua, try this, my cooking skills are really good."

She turned to Professor Zhao again, trying to steer the conversation away from Lu Qingyang. "Uncle Zhao, what you and Lu Xue were talking about is so profound that I'm completely lost. Let's talk about something else. I heard you're applying for a new research project recently."

Professor Zhao was in the middle of a lively conversation and waved his hand casually: "No rush, let's not talk about work over a meal. The energy conversion problem Qingyang and I were discussing is quite interesting..."

Yu Shanshan's smile froze on her face, and she felt even more resentful.

Lu Qingyang saw Yu Shanshan's deliberate performance clearly.

As long as Yu Shanshan doesn't provoke him and Shen Mo and behaves herself, he will ignore her.

Lu Qingyang politely waited for Professor Zhao to finish, then took his leave at the right moment: "Professor Zhao, it's getting late. I won't bother you any longer. Thank you for your hospitality today."

Professor Zhao was still reluctant to speak, but seeing that it was indeed late, he had no choice but to stand up and say goodbye: "Okay, Qingyang, come often in the future and we will discuss this further."

Yu Shanshan watched her father-in-law personally send Lu Qingyang to the door and make an appointment to meet next time. She felt like she had a lump in her chest that she couldn't get out.

…

Yu Shanshan has been running to the Zhao family very diligently recently, and from time to time she accompanies Mrs. Zhao in picking vegetables and watering flowers, and her words are full of care.

That afternoon, while helping Mrs. Zhao wind the yarn, she chatted casually:

"Aunt, you said Lu Xue was really enthusiastic. He came all the way to rebuild my uncle's bicycle. It's rare to find young people like him who don't expect anything in return."

Madam Zhao smiled and nodded: "Yes, Qingyang is indeed a good kid, with a strong personality and no airs."

Yu Shanshan paused with the ball of yarn in her hand and sighed softly. "That's true, but... I always feel like this is a bit too coincidental. My uncle is a well-known professor at the Medical University, with many projects and a wide network of contacts. Why would Lu, a physics major, be so interested in my uncle's bicycle?"

She looked up at Mrs. Zhao's thoughtful expression and continued slowly, "Do you think he might have...inquired about my uncle's situation and wanted to use this relationship to get some benefits for his wife?"

"And think about it, he helped my uncle modify the car once or twice, and it's a favor. But if we interact more often in the future, asking a question today, borrowing some information tomorrow... You know my uncle, he's very kind, but I can't refuse him. I'm afraid he's too sincere and someone will take advantage of his kindness."

After she finished speaking, she lowered her head and concentrated on sorting the wool, leaving Mrs. Zhao enough space to think.

Mrs. Zhao's movements in winding the thread were noticeably slower, and her brows were slightly furrowed. Although she didn't respond, she was still feeling doubtful.

At night, Professor Zhao was leaning against the bedside reading a book. Mrs. Zhao was folding clothes when she suddenly seemed to remember something and asked casually:

"Old Zhao, is Lu Qingyang really as good as you say?"

Professor Zhao raised his eyes from his book, his reading glasses perched on his nose. "Of course. You have clear ideas and strong hands-on skills. You're a good candidate for scientific research. Why are you asking this suddenly?"

Mrs. Zhao placed the folded pajamas on the bedside: "It's nothing, it's just a feeling. I was thinking... Isn't his wife studying at our medical university?"

She paused, observing her husband's expression, then continued in a soft voice, "Competition in school is so fierce these days. What aspect of the process doesn't need someone's attention? Could it be that he's... hoping to use his relationship with you to pave the way for his wife in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Professor Zhao closed the book, took off his glasses, and frowned slightly:

"Where did you hear all that? I don't think Qingyang is that kind of person. He helped me modify the car purely out of technical interest. He never said a word about it."

"I know you're a good judge of character, but people's hearts are often hidden. He hasn't mentioned it yet, but what about later? We've been together a lot, and we've owed each other a favor. If he really asks, will you help him? I'm afraid it will be difficult for you later."

"You like to make wild guesses."

Professor Zhao obviously didn't believe what his wife said.

He and Shen Mo hardly even communicated at school.

…

That day, Lu Qingyang came to the Zhao family again, holding several neatly bound documents in his hand.

Professor Zhao thought of what his wife had said two days ago, and the string in his heart unconsciously tightened a little.

"Qingyang, why are you here today..."

Professor Zhao pushed his glasses and thought about how to refuse tactfully and without hurting the relationship if the other party really made any unreasonable demands about Chen Mo.

Lu Qingyang handed the materials over with both hands and said sincerely, "Professor Zhao, I do have something I'd like to ask you for a favor. I don't know if this is too abrupt."

Professor Zhao took the materials, applied slight pressure with his fingertips, and remained expressionless: "Oh? Tell me about it."

"My friend's pharmaceutical factory is currently in need of young people with a professional background like that of a medical university, who have a solid theoretical foundation and are willing to delve into research.

This is an introduction to our pharmaceutical company's current main products, along with technical difficulties and preliminary ideas for future R&D directions. I'd like to ask if you could recommend any outstanding students you know to us?

If there are students who are interested in working in our factory, they would like to work for us after graduation.”

Professor Zhao was stunned. His fingers gripping the materials loosened and he lowered his head to flip through the pages.

Professor Zhao's voice rose unconsciously. "This? How can this be considered help? This is a good thing! It broadens career paths for students and also provides opportunities for the practical application of our research results. Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll talk to the counselors and graduating class advisors later and ask them to leave a few copies of your materials with me."

He became happier as he spoke, and patted Lu Qingyang's shoulder vigorously: "I know you asked me to come here, it must be something serious."

Lu Qingyang picked up the teacup, blew away the floating leaves, and took a sip: "Professor Zhao, is your bicycle still riding smoothly?"

Professor Zhao was speaking with great enthusiasm, nodding cheerfully, "It was very smooth. Not only did it save effort, but the strength was just right. It was even better than I expected."

Lu Qingyang smiled slightly: "Okay, mechanical things sometimes depend on fate. Not all parts can fit together perfectly and work smoothly. Especially those seemingly inconspicuous joints or built-in spring clips. Once they are debugged in the early stage, there will be no problem in running them.

I'm worried that some internal materials might not be up to standard, or that they might have invisible stresses that won't show up in the short term, but over time, or when under pressure at critical moments, they could easily wear out or even...suddenly get stuck, affecting the stability of the entire system."

Professor Zhao listened to this and thought about it: "That's right."

Lu Qingyang nodded. "Yes, material selection and initial observation are particularly important. Not only do we need to consider whether it can be used immediately, but we also need to consider whether it can withstand long-term use. Sometimes, an incompatible component can cause systemic damage."

Professor Zhao seemed to understand, but also seemed not to understand, and nodded thoughtfully.