Yuan Huan composed himself. He stood where he was for a few minutes contemplating before leaving the laboratory. He went over to the administrative block to see Zhao Lian.

Meanwhile, inside the office.

Zhao Lian poured Yuan Huan a glass of water. “I have considered the offer, but I have decided against joining you.”

Yuan Huan looked at Zhao Lian in surprise. “Why not?”

Zhao Lian smiled and replied tactfully. “I’m not interested in researching human genetic variance.”

“This is really more about the drug trial, so it’s not really human genetic variance,” said Yuan Huan.

Zhao Lian had unique insight in biochemical preparations. However, Zhao Lian was very stubborn. He had spent half a year convincing the man but to no avail.

The National Academy of Medicine was involved in a drug trial, so he needed the help of Zhao Lian.

“I’m sorry.” Zhao Lian turned him down yet again.

Yuan Huan rotated the black ring on his left index finger gently. He went quiet briefly and replied. “I won’t insist then. If ever you change your mind, feel free to get in touch with me.”

Zhao Lian nodded politely.

Yuan Huan stood up. “In that case, see you around.”

Zhao Lian wanted to ask him about Liu Qian’s research project, but he changed his mind. “Uh huh.”

Zhao Lian wanted to walk Yuan Huan out, but Yuan Huan raised his hand and stopped him. He quickly left the office. The moment he left the room, the smile on his face disappeared.

Zhao Lian was such a stubborn man.

Yuan Huan narrowed his eyes coldly as he walked toward the lift. When he got to the lift entrance and pressed for the lift, a voice came from behind.

He turned slightly and looked in the direction of the voice.

“Mr. Yuan, when did you get here?” Prof Liu walked over.

Yuan Huan nodded. “I’ve been here for some time.”

Prof Liu smiled and said politely, “Are you in a hurry to leave?”

Yuan Huan glanced at Prof Liu, paused for a couple of seconds, and replied. “Not really.”

Prof Liu invited him warmly. “I have a few questions for you. Shall we chat in my office?”

Yuan Huan turned the ring on his finger before agreeing.

**

Huo Yao went straight home after class.

Song Ning and Huo Jinyan had gone back to City S. When Huo Yao entered through the door, she saw her third older brother coming towards the entrance. He was dressed in a thick jacket and was probably on his way out.

“Brother Yulin, are you going out?” asked Huo Yao as she blinked and put on a pair of indoor slippers.

Huo Yulin nodded. “I have work to do, so I might not be coming back tonight. Take care while I am not home.”

Huo Yao acknowledged without asking further.

Huo Yulin retrieved his car keys from the drawer and turned to look at Huo Yao. He raised his hand to touch her head and said, “If I don’t come back for a few days, don’t get worried. I have a lot of work to do at the institute.”

Huo Yao’s third older brother had joined the National Academy of Medicine at his peer’s invitation ever since he came back to the country. “I hear your institute has developed medication for helping patients with trace element instability.”

Huo Yulin’s hand froze before he pulled it back and veered his eyes. He replied calmly. “Have you already heard about it?”

Huo Yao looked at him without answering. She simply asked. “Are you involved in it?”