Cheng Ran and Jiang Wanqing worked hard and managed their small family life, and everything was progressing steadily.
Leaves turn yellow and fall, time flies, and another half a year has passed, winter has arrived.
For older people, it can be very difficult to endure once the temperature drops, and Professor Xue is no exception.
When the first snow fell, he fell ill. If Jiang Wanqing hadn't maintained close contact with him, he probably wouldn't have known about it.
Upon learning the news, she went to the hospital to visit him. Cheng Ran was originally going to go with her, but he was assigned work at the last minute, so she had to go first.
Once inside the inpatient ward, Jiang Wanqing brushed the snow off her clothes and, guided by a nurse, found Professor Xue's ward.
Because of his special status, he stayed in a VIP ward with the best medical equipment and a private room.
Jiang Wanqing knocked on the door and went in. She saw that Professor Xue on the hospital bed looked visibly old. When he saw her, he finally showed a long-lost smile.
"Wanqing's here! Come in quickly, it's cold outside."
"Professor Xue, how are you feeling? What did the doctor say?"
"Hahaha... Don't worry, it's just that I'm getting old and my body parts aren't working properly anymore, it's normal."
He waved his hand dismissively, but Jiang Wanqing was very worried.
I sat down next to him and peeled a banana for him.
"Please eat."
"Okay." Professor Xue took a bite. "Have you been busy at the factory lately?"
"Fortunately, everyone is now familiar with the business, and I can occasionally find some time."
"As expected, you've always known what you want best. The story of you leading Chen Huan and the others to start a business and make money is quite a legend at school. I used to feel sorry that such a promising research student like you went into business, but now it seems that my thinking is out of touch with the times..."
"No, that's not true. You're still as sharp as ever."
"Hahaha...cough cough cough..."
The teacher and student chatted as if they were still in school. Professor Xue got excited and started coughing violently. Jiang Wanqing quickly poured him water and patted his back.
"Wait a minute, I'll go get the doctor..."
"Don't go." Professor Xue grabbed her hand and shook his head. "It's no use. I know my own body. To die peacefully in my sleep is the best thing for me. That's a blessing. It's just a pity... cough cough..."
"What's the pity? Is there still a wish you haven't fulfilled? Tell me, and I'll help you with it."
She now has the money and the ability to get things done, unless it's something particularly difficult. After all, Professor Xue is her mentor, and she doesn't want the old man to leave with regrets.
Are you really willing to help me?
"Of course, just say the word, as long as it's within my power."
"Okay, that's enough."
Professor Xue struggled to turn over and took a leather-bound notebook from the bedside drawer, handing it to her with trembling hands.
"This... is an experimental design that I haven't been able to complete in my lifetime. I know that only you have the ability to help me continue the research. Wanqing, I have a favor to ask. Could you... continue the research? Even if it's just for a little bit of time?"
The emotion in Professor Xue's eyes was almost pleading, and it pained her to see it.
In fact, she never gave up on scientific research. It's just that there were too many restrictions in this era, and many prerequisites could not be met. So she wanted to raise money first, then import equipment, and finally form a professional team to focus on research, so that she would not have any worries.
“Professor, you flatter me. Scientific research has always been an important part of my life, but now I am just a businessman. After you leave, I certainly won't have the right to use the labs at BGI, this…”
She was in a bit of a dilemma, not because she was unwilling to help, but because of practical constraints.
"Don't worry, as long as you're willing, I can use my connections to write a letter of recommendation for you to work at the research institute. There are top-notch researchers and equipment there, and you'll definitely be able to shine."
"Am I, an outsider, capable of utilizing the research institute's human and material resources?"
“I say it’s okay, so it’s okay. Wanqing, listen to me. Scientific research cannot be neglected. It may involve the country’s development over several years or even more than a decade. You are a genius that comes along only once in a century. If your talent is buried, I will die with regrets.”
Professor Xue spoke these words with great emotion, and she could sense his good intentions. She sighed and agreed.
“Alright, since it is your last wish, I will help you fulfill it. During this time, you should rest well. When you recover, I will be waiting for your guidance.”
"Okay...I'll try to avoid it for a few days..."
With the joy of his long-cherished wish fulfilled, he slowly closed his eyes. His breath was weak at this moment, and Jiang Wanqing knew that the old professor didn't have many days left.
She explained the situation to Molly and the others, and said that she had been staying at the hospital for the past few days to see the professor off.
Finally, three days later, Professor Xue passed away in the hospital...
In accordance with his last wishes, the funeral should be simple and unpretentious, with only a few students and comrades paying their respects.
This winter was unusually cold. Jiang Wanqing saw off the person she respected most in this life and the previous life, and felt as if there was an empty space in her heart.
After the funeral, Cheng Ran helped her home, as she was overcome with grief.
"The dead cannot be brought back to life. Professor Xue, this is a happy occasion. Please accept our condolences."
"I know, I just... miss him."
Cheng Ran put his arm around her and gently patted her arm to comfort her.
"Although Professor Xue has passed away, his spirit will live on forever, and no one will forget his contributions to the scientific research community."
“Well, speaking of this…” Jiang Wanqing sighed, sat up straight, and looked at Cheng Ran, “Before he passed away, he gave me a task.”
"Um?"
She took out the notebook; it was heavy, and some of the pages were yellowed, showing that it was Professor Xue's life's work.
"He encouraged me to continue his research aspirations, wrote me a letter of introduction, and invited me to the research institute..."
"It seems he has high expectations for you. What are your thoughts? Do you still have the energy?"
Now is the time when children need companionship, and she also has her own career. Although Cheng Ran also hopes that Professor Xue's last wish can be fulfilled, she also hopes that she can do what she can. Some things don't need to be done personally; it's the same to teach others.
She pursed her lips and nodded slightly: "I do have the energy. Right now, I'm basically just doing guidance work at the factory. I'm just worried about whether I can handle suddenly changing careers like this."
Cheng Ran hugged her tightly, ruffled her hair, and spoke with confidence in her.
"Your abilities are obvious to all. Even though you've been busy with the factory for the past two years, your foundation is there. As long as you get started, you'll definitely be able to return to the top."
"You trust me that much?"
She looked up and saw that his eyes were shining brightly, even more so than his confidence in himself.
"Of course, I support whatever you do. You can give it a try."
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