The fake heiress loves to act? The max-level boss isn't interested in playing along.

It's December.

A thin layer of ice had formed on the surface of Shichahai Lake, and withered yellow willow branches drooped down, swaying in the wind.

The old locust tree in the alley was bare.

The gray branches are quite beautiful from a distance.

The sky was gray, the clouds hung low, and occasionally a few sparrows flew by.

It landed on the power line and curled up into a ball.

Fu Hua stood in front of a small courtyard gate and knocked.

The wooden door is mottled, and the iron door knocker is rusted.

She hasn't been back since she moved away from Shichahai.

I'm here today to find someone.

Previously, when she went to the biology department to look for Li Yan, her classmates all said they didn't know him.

Some people said they hadn't seen him in a long time, while others said he might have dropped out of school.

Some people said that the last time they saw him was half a month ago when he came to Professor Gu to ask for experimental data.

Fu Hua guessed that he should be here.

She saw Li Yan once after giving him the key in the cafeteria.

He came to see her, asked some questions about biological experiment data, and left without saying another word.

There was no movement from inside the door.

Fu Hua knocked again.

After a while, the sound of clattering footsteps was heard.

The door opened a crack, revealing a face.

Fu Hua was stunned for a moment.

The person before me was disheveled, with messy, unkempt hair, a stubble beard, and a pale face.

He was wrapped in an old cotton-padded coat, which had a few stains on it.

"you……"

Fu Hua looked at him: "Li Yan?"

Li Yan rubbed his eyes, recognized her, and was slightly surprised.

Then, he nodded and opened the door.

"It's you? Come in."

Fu Hua walked in and saw that the courtyard was piled with cardboard boxes and other odds and ends.

The door to the main room was open, and the inside was a complete mess.

The table was piled high with documents, and papers were scattered on the floor.

Bottles and jars were placed on the windowsill, and several folding beds were set up in the corner, with the quilts crumpled up in a ball.

The most eye-catching thing was the various small instruments displayed on the long table.

They were crammed together, with wires hanging down from the table and coiled up on the floor.

"Are you conducting an experiment here?"

Fu Hua asked.

Li Yan nodded, walked to the table, and shoved aside a pile of documents, revealing two chairs.

"sit."

Fu Hua sat down, her gaze sweeping over the instruments.

Some looked familiar, while others she had never seen before.

"Where did these devices come from?"

"Borrowed."

Li Yan said, "The old equipment that the biology department discarded can still be used after some repairs, and some of it was borrowed from other laboratories."

He paused, then added, "I've finished preparing the data you asked for last time. I'll get it for you later."

Fu Hua nodded.

The two began discussing the experimental data. Their discussion lasted for over an hour.

When Li Yan talks about his experiments, he becomes a completely different person.

His eyes lit up, his speech quickened, and he used more gestures.

Pointing to a pile of data and charts, I explained the experimental results to her one by one.

Fu Hua listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or nodding.

She stopped talking when her throat became dry.

"Is there any water?"

Li Yan paused for a moment, as if he was just realizing what was happening.

He dragged his cloth shoes, shuffling to the corner of the wall, picked up a thermos, shook it—it was empty.

He went to another corner and searched for a long time before finally finding an enamel mug.

I looked inside, then turned it upside down and tapped it, knocking out some dust.

"Wait a minute."

He said he went out carrying a thermos.

"Oh, no need, I..."

Fu Hua...

She wasn't actually thirsty; she could have waited a little longer.

After a while, Li Yan returned, poured hot water, and handed it to him.

Fu Hua took it and put it aside, but didn't drink it.

"Aren't you going to drink?"

Li Yan stared at Fu Hua.

"Eh,"

Fu Hua's mind raced. Pointing to the cup, she said, "Isn't it still steaming? Let it cool down a bit before drinking."

She chuckled dryly, took a brown paper bag out of her bag, and handed it over.

"Take a look at this."

Li Yan took it and pulled out the documents inside.

It was an official document with a red header and a company seal.

The project approval notice from the 863 Program states that the project title is "Research and Clinical Translation of Pediatric Bioprosthetic Valves".

The person in charge listed the name as Fu Hua.

Li Yan looked up, his eyes filled with surprise.

Obviously, no one expected her to have this skill.

Fu Hua raised her hand: "Keep reading, we'll talk after you're done."

Li Yan withdrew his gaze and slowly turned the pages.

Sometimes I stop and stare at a particular line for a long time.

After reading it, he looked up.

"What do you want me to do?"

Fu Hua looked at him.

"Technical assistant."

She said softly, "I can't finish this project by myself. I need someone to help me with experiments, record data, and guard the lab."

Li Yan remained silent.

He lowered his head and flipped through the document again.

"Where is the laboratory?"

He asked, "At school or outside?"

"The school. Professor Yan helped me apply for a room, and I'll pay the rent."

"What about the funding?"

"The 863 grant, plus subsequent investments, is enough."

Li Yan remained silent for a few seconds.

"What's in it for me?"

Fu Hua looked at him, not expecting him to ask that question.

"What benefits do you want?"

Li Yan thought about it.

"No one's bothering me."

He thought for a moment, then slightly raised his eyelids. "If it's possible for me to focus on my experiments without having to attend classes, meetings, or deal with all those messy people, then I'll agree."

Fu Hua thought the other person was talking about money.

That's true, someone like Li Yan is talented.

He only cares about whether he can smoothly and peacefully do what he likes.

"Can."

Regarding compensation, Fu Hua was straightforward and didn't mince words.

"Work with me, no empty promises, monthly salary of 80 yuan, plus research subsidies and bonuses, at least 130 yuan a month, with no upper limit."

I'll cover all your food and lodging, and I'll even give you my name as a co-author on your papers and patents.

If the project succeeds, there will be a dividend.

"Okay, I understand."

Li Yan closed the project proposal: "When do we start?"

"Wait for my notification."

Fu Hua stood up and looked at him.

"However, I have one request of you."

Li Yan looked at her.

"I know you're completely focused on the experiments and don't usually pay attention to details, but we're making biological valves, which are things that need to be sewn into a person's heart."

Even a tiny bit of oil, hair, dandruff, or dust on your hands can be a source of contamination under a microscope.

Once the valves become infected, it becomes a matter of life and death.

It's not about being picky; it's about industry standards, the bottom line in clinical practice. We can't afford to be sloppy.

Li Yan was shocked. So, all those things he'd always thought about—that he wasn't particular about details—were actually true.

When it comes to true expertise, it's not about individuality at all.

It's a vulnerability, a hidden danger.

She said these things not to restrict him,

They're trying to mold him into a true researcher.

The initial embarrassment instantly turned into shame, and I was truly convinced.

"Once you officially join the lab, I will require you to follow the hygiene rules. Do you agree?"

"I agree."

Li Yan looked down at his dirty cotton-padded jacket.

He touched his beard again, a little embarrassed.

"I……"

He scratched his head. "I'm usually like this at home. I'll be more careful when I go out in the future."

Fu Hua nodded, put the document away, and put it in her bag.

"The lab will be ready next week. I'll come find you then."