Guo Xueyun's expression changed. She could hear the disdain in Professor Xue's words, and she could no longer smile. Her expression was more like crying.
"That's an honor bestowed by the school..."
She wanted to offer a helpless explanation, but Professor Xue simply ignored her and turned to talk to Cheng Ran.
"I'm in a good mood today, Cheng Ran, why don't you come with us to the lab for a walk?"
He looked at Jiang Wanqing, and seeing that she didn't speak and didn't seem to want to acknowledge their relationship, he could only hold back for the time being.
"Okay," he replied.
Without making a sound, she pushed Guo Xueyun aside and returned to Jiang Wanqing's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.
Guo Xueyun stomped her feet in anger, unwilling to follow, but could only follow behind, listening to the people in front of her chatting and laughing, her heart was broken into pieces.
Upon arriving at the laboratory, several students were conducting experiments. They all greeted Professor Xue respectfully.
"Hello, Professor."
"Okay, you guys continue with your experiments, just leave us alone."
Professor Xue waved his hand, telling them to continue what they were doing, while he introduced the laboratory to Jiang Wanqing.
"This laboratory is something I begged for over the past ten years, under immense pressure and by swallowing my pride. It means a lot to me; it's a reflection of my life's efforts. Wanqing, take a look, is there anything you think could be improved?"
Upon hearing Professor Xue actually ask Jiang Wanqing for improvement methods, Guo Xueyun stared wide-eyed in disbelief, took two steps forward, and bluntly voiced her doubts.
"Professor Xue, this isn't right. You've been a professor for decades, and Huazhong University has awarded you a lifetime honor, which I admire. But who is this woman? Why are you asking her for advice? Is she qualified? Could she be some kind of charlatan? You're getting on in years; don't ruin your reputation for such a fraudster in your old age!"
Guo Xueyun said all sorts of hurtful things. Since Cheng Ran hadn't admitted to their marital relationship in front of Professor Xue, she took advantage of this opportunity to embarrass Jiang Wanqing.
As soon as she said that, the students who were doing the experiment looked at Jiang Wanqing.
However, trusting the professor, only someone mentioned it briefly.
"Professor, which school does this female student go to? She looks a bit unfamiliar. Is she also in our major?"
Professor Xue glared at Guo Xueyun: "Are you questioning my ability to judge people?"
"That's not what I meant, it's just..."
"Alright, hmph, the youngest associate professor at Huada University, you're quite capable, but I haven't seen you publish any papers. Or is it that your casual remarks are more convincing than my solid experimental data?"
Once the label was placed on her, Guo Xueyun dared not speak. She was angry but dared not utter a word. Although she had connections, Professor Xue was an authority. If she said anything more, her reputation at the school would be greatly damaged. The power of speech is the most terrifying thing.
She clutched the hem of her dress and lowered her head slightly...
Cheng Ran opened his mouth, but Jiang Wanqing spoke first.
"Professor Xue, since everyone has questions, and I'd like to test whether my abilities have declined, may I borrow your lab?"
"Of course, no problem. Uh... how would you like to try it?"
"I have reached a conclusion on the hypothesis I mentioned in my last letter. It only needs to be verified by experiments. Give me an hour at most, and I will have the results soon."
Professor Xue's eyes lit up. Even though she hadn't started yet, there was already a look of appreciation in his eyes, and he nodded in approval.
"Okay, feel free to use anything in the lab." With that, he waved his hand and said to the students, "If you're interested, you can take a look. If not, just continue with your own work and don't worry about it."
Upon hearing this, the other students could no longer concentrate on their own tasks and all wanted to see if this new female comrade had any skills.
Guo Xueyun sneered from the side: "She's just a country girl, she hasn't even stepped into the gates of a university, yet she's putting on an act!"
"Shut your mouth, nobody's saying you're mute!"
Unable to bear it any longer, and unable to stand seeing his wife being insulted, Cheng Ran's good temper ran out, and he directly retorted.
Her face darkened further, and Professor Xue, standing to the side, gave her a disdainful look.
The students looked at each other, some wisely choosing not to line up, while others sensibly gave up their experimental spots.
"Miss, please sit here. Feel free to use any equipment you need. Just let me know if you need anything else, and I'll get it for you."
As expected of Professor Xue's student, there was nothing wrong with her work. Jiang Wanqing thanked him and sat down to begin her experiment.
Everyone held their breath, except for Guo Xueyun, who occasionally made sarcastic remarks, as if she wanted everyone to know that she was a living person.
While Jiang Wanqing was conducting her experiment, Professor Xue helped explain the topic of her experiment. Cheng Ran didn't understand the technical terms but didn't interrupt, while Guo Xueyun was completely clueless and just kept scoffing.
"Don't be nervous. It's good that you really won't admit it. We won't laugh at you."
Everyone else was silent, but she was the one who kept talking, and Cheng Ran glared at her unhappily.
Jiang Wanqing ignored her and continued her immersive experiment, while the old clock on the wall ticked away.
Half an hour passed quickly, and Professor Xue slowly frowned and took a breath.
"Hiss... Can this be done?"
The students looked at each other, shook their heads, and whispered among themselves.
"Even Professor Xue wouldn't dare to do such a bold experiment."
"Does she really know what she's doing, or is she just messing around? She might break our equipment; I still have to graduate..."
"But the professor's judgment... can't be that bad..."
"Let's see first, the professor hasn't said anything."
Everyone chimed in with their own comments, and Jiang Wanqing listened attentively, remaining focused on her experiment.
With only five minutes left, Guo Xueyun couldn't suppress her urges once again.
"Jiang Wanqing, stop pretending. Do you think this is some kind of shamanistic ritual in your village? This is Huada University; anyone here could be a shaman..."
"alright."
Jiang Wanqing casually uttered two words. Professor Xue quickly put on his glasses, craned his neck, and saw that the experimental results were exactly as she had imagined. He immediately clapped his hands in praise.
"It actually worked! Hahaha... Wanqing, you're still holding back from me. I'm afraid you're wasting your talents by being my student."
"What? Professor Xue, you want to take her in?" Guo Xueyun exclaimed, "What qualifications does she have..."
"You talk too much. I don't think you're suited to be a teacher. You're better suited to performing on a stage!" Professor Xue interrupted and retorted, then pushed up his glasses: "But I haven't introduced Wanqing yet. Do you know her?"
Guo Xueyun slightly opened her mouth; there was absolutely no way she would reveal that Jiang Wanqing and Cheng Ran were husband and wife!
"No...no...I don't know him..." she stammered in response.
But Cheng Ran moved closer to Jiang Wanqing and put his arm around her.
"Actually, we are..."
"Professor Xue, I'll be staying in Beijing for a few more days. It's getting late today, so let's talk in more detail another time, okay?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
