Chapter 10: I Will Do My Best

With only three days left in Mu Shi'an's research visit to Nancheng, Zhao Baitong finally managed to secure a meeting.

She arrived at the café half an hour early. Mu Shi'an arrived two minutes ahead of schedule, accompanied by a male college student.

Zhao Baitong stood up. "Professor Mu."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Mu Shi'an said. With her sharp, short hair, black-rimmed glasses, and gray women's suit, she exuded a professional, scholarly air. "Let me introduce you. This is my student and assistant, Xiao Zhe, who is currently pursuing his doctorate."

Zhao Baitong smiled and extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Assistant Xiao."

The man brushed her hand lightly, as if he were a germaphobe. "Hello, Zhao..."

Xiao Zhe wore a simple white shirt. His short, dark hair framed a lean, chiseled face that held an air of unworldly detachment.

When Xiao Zhe failed to recall her name after a few seconds, Zhao Baitong felt a prick of awkwardness. "Zhao Baitong," she prompted.

Mu Shi'an offered a polite smile. "Let's all sit down."

Mu Shi'an was busy; she set Xiao Zhe to work on a tablet calculating data while Zhao Baitong ordered coffee for them.

"Professor Mu, the reason I wanted to meet you is to apply for a spot on your research project. I hope to have the opportunity to join your team." Zhao Baitong knew Mu Shi'an was pressed for time and got straight to the point.

Mu Shi'an frowned slightly. "Baitong, back when you were finishing your senior year, I urged you that pursuing further studies was the best path for your talent and qualifications. You didn't listen then, and you've lost so many years. You must realize that starting over now means competing against top students two or three years your junior. It won't be easy, and I only have one spot left on my team."

Xiao Zhe glanced up at Zhao Baitong. She wore a high-necked sweater and chin-length hair, looking both conservative and pure.

Zhao Baitong turned pale. "Professor, I know all of this. I’m not asking for favors; I just want to apply for your project and earn the spot through my own hard work."

Three years ago, when faced with a life-defining choice, Zhao Baitong had firmly chosen Fang Zhixu, abandoning her own future. In retrospect, it hadn't been worth it.

Mu Shi'an’s expression softened. "I know why you gave up your studies back then. I saw the news—the man you loved was marrying a woman from a prominent family. Baitong, I warned you long ago that an unequal relationship rarely ends well. Endless sacrifice doesn't necessarily buy true love. You were so stubborn back then, nothing could have swayed you. You truly didn't turn back until you hit the wall."

Zhao Baitong’s cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head in shame. "I hit the wall, Professor. It hurt. I know I was wrong, and I regret it deeply."

Mu Shi'an understood Zhao Baitong’s character—introverted and shy, yet a natural talent for biological research. She knew that if Zhao Baitong hadn't been truly determined to continue her studies, she never would have reached out for this meeting, nor would Mu Shi'an have spared the time in her busy schedule.

Facing Zhao Baitong's sincere repentance, Mu Shi'an’s expression eased. "Are you truly ready to turn over a new leaf?"

"Professor Mu, I truly know I was wrong."

The eyes behind the black-rimmed lenses flashed with the sternness of a mentor. "You only have this one chance with me, do you understand?"

Zhao Baitong looked up, her eyes bright, and nodded firmly.

"Since you've made up your mind, move forward and don't look back. Send your email address to Xiao Zhe, and he will send you the necessary application materials. Time is short and the task is demanding. Good luck, Baitong!"

Zhao Baitong beamed. "I will do my best, Professor!"

After seeing Mu Shi'an and Xiao Zhe out of the café, Zhao Baitong turned back to retrieve her coat and nearly collided with someone.

"A-Assistant Cheng."

Cheng Mu was Fang Zhixu’s assistant, one of the few people in Fang’s circle that Zhao Baitong knew.

"Here to see a friend? Have you settled the bill? If not, I'll take care of it." Cheng Mu was holding a box of tiramisu and standing at the counter.

Zhao Baitong didn't know if Cheng Mu had seen Mu Shi'an, which made her nervous, but she knew Cheng Mu was not a gossip. "No need, Assistant Cheng. I've already paid."

It was work hours, and seeing Cheng Mu buying tiramisu—a dessert young women typically liked—Zhao Baitong immediately assumed it was for Fang Zhixu to entertain a guest. And among the women in his life, there was only Meng Tang.

As her gaze brushed over the tiramisu, her eyes dimmed. She grabbed her coat and left the café.

Meanwhile, Cheng Mu carried the elegant cake box up to the top floor of the Nanhai Engineering headquarters. Fang Peiyuan was busy admiring the profile displayed on the wall.

Fang Zhixu’s resume was extensive: Lead Designer of the Nanhai T863 Project, Head of the R&D Group, Founder of the G-Project...

"Brother, your credentials are so flashy. You’ve really been killing yourself with work while I was abroad!"

The shadows of the blinds fell across Fang Zhixu’s face, emphasizing his sharp, deep features and hidden indifference.

Cheng Mu handed over the tiramisu. "Miss Fang, the tiramisu you wanted."

"Thanks, Brother Cheng." Fang Peiyuan took a light sniff. "I never found one better than this while I was abroad."

Cheng Mu lowered his eyes with a faint smile. "There is plenty of food out there, but it never tastes like home. You must have been homesick, Miss Fang."

Fang Peiyuan, Fang Zhixu’s younger sister, had gone abroad for her studies four years ago and hadn't returned since.

She opened the box and took a small scoop. "I was. Now that I’m back, I’m not leaving again."

Fang Zhixu signed the last page of his documents, loosened a button on his suit, and glanced at her coolly. "Nanhai isn't the Fang estate. If people find out you're coming and going using my name, they’ll say I’m abusing my power. You’ve had your cake, now hurry along."

Fang Peiyuan pouted. "You don't come home to the Fang estate, so I have no choice but to come find you here."

Fang Zhixu pulled out a cigarette but didn't light it. "I don't go home because I'm busy."

"You're just hiding from Mother. You're afraid she'll drag you away from Nanhai to inherit the family fortune. Though, she’s quite happy about you getting back together with Meng Tang. Even if the Meng family isn't as prosperous as it once was, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse. Meng Tang’s uncle holds a higher rank than Dad. Marrying her would definitely help Dad’s career."

Fang Zhixu looked impatient. "Are you finished? Cheng Mu, take Fang Peiyuan home."

Fang Peiyuan refused to move. She stepped closer to him in her heels. "Brother, I’m not just being willful. I came to see you because it’s important. I heard Professor Mu Shi'an from Jiang University is in Nancheng for research. I’ve studied biological science for four years abroad and have read her papers; her work is at the absolute top level in the country. I don’t want to go back; it’s too lonely abroad. I want to stay and join her research team."

She watched his face, her tone softening. "Brother, you studied at Jiang University, too. Could you help me reach out to Professor Mu? I heard there’s only one spot left. I really want it. Please, Brother."

Fang Zhixu looked down at his phone’s contact list. His expression was flat, but as he found Mu Shi'an’s information, a flicker of complexity crossed his eyes.