One late night, only the two of them remained in the laboratory.
Zhou Xiaobai is observing rice samples under a microscope, while Su Mingqiang is organizing data nearby.
"Mingqiang, look at this!"
Zhou Xiaobai suddenly shouted excitedly.
"The cell wall structure of this sample is significantly thicker than that of other samples!"
Su Mingqiang quickly moved closer, and the two heads almost touched.
Through the microscope, he did indeed see an unusual structure.
"This could be the key to cold resistance!"
Su Mingqiang said excitedly.
"We should focus on developing this strain!"
Zhou Xiaobai turned to look at him; their faces were inches apart.
Under the soft laboratory lights, her eyes sparkled, and a joyful smile graced her lips.
Su Mingqiang suddenly felt a pang of heart palpitation and quickly took a step back.
"I...I'll go get the notebook."
He stammered as he turned around, nearly bumping into the table.
Zhou Xiaobai watched his retreating figure, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
As their collaboration deepened, their understanding and tacit agreement grew stronger.
Zhou Xiaobai admires Su Mingqiang's keen observation skills and rich practical experience.
Su Mingqiang admires Zhou Xiaobai's solid professional knowledge and rigorous scientific research attitude.
One rainy afternoon, they were trapped in a makeshift shed in the experimental field.
Raindrops pattered against the plastic canopy roof, and the surroundings were shrouded in mist.
Do you remember the first time we met?
Zhou Xiaobai suddenly asked.
"It was also a rainy day."
Su Mingqiang nodded.
"Back then, you were an expert investigating the theft of germplasm resources, and I was..."
His voice lowered.
"What is it?"
Zhou Xiaobai asked softly.
"He is a released prisoner with a criminal record."
Su Mingqiang smiled wryly.
Zhou Xiaobai frowned.
"Mingqiang, the past is the past. Now you are an excellent agricultural technician and a key member of our research team."
Su Mingqiang shook his head.
"Some things aren't so easy to get over. I..."
He hesitated, then sighed and gazed into the depths of the rain.
Zhou Xiaobai wanted to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent.
She knew that Su Mingqiang's inner conflict couldn't be resolved with just a few words.
A few days later, the base welcomed the first batch of cold-resistant rice seedlings for transplanting. This was a crucial moment, and everyone watched with bated breath.
Su Mingqiang personally went to the field and carefully transplanted each seedling.
Zhou Xiaobai recorded data on the ridges of the field, offering guidance from time to time.
"Mingqiang, make the spacing in the third line a little wider... Yes, that's it!"
She shouted.
Su Mingqiang looked up and smiled at her; in the sunlight, the sweat on his face glistened. Zhou
Xiaobai suddenly felt a pang of heartache, took out a towel and a water bottle, and went over.
"Let's take a break."
She handed her the water bottle.
Su Mingqiang gratefully accepted it and drank it in large gulps.
Zhou Xiaobai naturally used a towel to wipe the sweat from his forehead, an intimate gesture that stunned both of them.
"I......"
Zhou Xiaobai's hand froze in mid-air.
"Thanks."
Su Mingqiang said softly, his eyes flickering.
Just then, shouts came from afar.
"Technician Su! Director Zhou! Commander Xia is here!"
The two snapped out of their daze and quickly separated. Xia Weiguo strode over, followed by several officers.
"How was the transplanting?"
Xia Weiguo asked.
"Reporting to the commander, everything is going smoothly!"
Su Mingqiang stood at attention and answered.
Xia Weiguo nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly lowered his voice.
"Mingqiang, I heard from Xiaobai that you're doing an excellent job. Young man, you have a bright future!"
He gave the two of them a meaningful look.
"Keep it up!"
After Xia Weiguo left, Zhou Xiaobai blushed.
Su Mingqiang fell into deep thought.
He knew that his feelings for Zhou Xiaobai had gone beyond the scope of colleagues, but the shadows of the past prevented him from taking that step.
In the stillness of the night, Su Mingqiang often sat alone by the experimental field, gazing at the starry sky in a daze.
He thought of Li Jinhua, of that unbearable past, and of Zhou Xiaobai's warm smile.
Am I good enough for her?
He asked himself this question countless times, but he could never find the answer.
Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaobai was tossing and turning in his dormitory.
As an elite member of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, she was never short of suitors, but none of them moved her heart as much as Su Mingqiang.
His resilience, his talent, and the tenderness hidden beneath his cold exterior all deeply attracted her.
Why is he always afraid to get close?
Zhou Xiaobai thought to himself, troubled.
"Could it be because of his past?"
One day, Zhou Xiaobai finally couldn't hold back any longer.
She stopped Su Mingqiang in the laboratory.
"Mingqiang, we need to talk."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Su Mingqiang was stunned.
"Now?"
"Now!"
Zhou Xiaobai said firmly.
"About...about us."
The laboratory was so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat.
Su Mingqiang's expression changed, but he finally nodded.
"Xiaobai, I..."
"Listen to me first!"
Zhou Xiaobai interrupted him.
I know what you're worried about. But I want to tell you, I don't care about your past, I only care about who you are now!
Su Mingqiang's eyes widened.
"you......"
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