"What on earth are you doing? Why the rush?" Luo Xiuwen exclaimed, grabbing Cheng Yi by the collar and yanking him back with surprising force for someone of her stature. Standing at 1.76 meters tall, she was even taller than many of the boys, and her athletic build was evident even in her white lab coat. Cheng Yi had seen her workout at the gym and felt a twinge of envy at how effortlessly fit she was.
"Xiuwen, let go! This is an emergency!" Cheng Yi insisted, trying to wriggle free.
"What kind of emergency?" Luo Xiuwen asked, noting the genuine urgency in his voice. She stopped teasing him, recognizing that this was serious.
"The new hire is in trouble, and I need to get over there to help her."
"Seriously? Then what are you waiting for? Stop dawdling and let's go!" Without another word, she pulled him out the door.
The institute had finally landed a genius like Jian Yiling, and she had already published a paper in their name on her very first day. The older members were still riding high on the excitement of that brilliant work, which had been submitted for review by authoritative bodies. Now, someone was trying to cause her trouble? Luo Xiuwen wasn't about to let that happen.
Cheng Yi felt innocent in this scenario. It was her grip that had delayed him, yet here he was being accused of stalling.
"Uh, Xiuwen, I still need to bring two security personnel."
"Why do you need security? I can handle it myself," she insisted confidently.
"Of course, but…"
He had no doubt that Luo Xiuwen could match the strength of several security guards, but he thought it might be wise to have extra hands.
"Why not take a few more people? Wouldn't that be better?"
"Good point! We can't just take two; let's load up a whole van! And while we're at it, let's grab the armored vehicle from the garage! I want her to see just how formidable our security team really is!"
Their research institute wasn't just any small organization; it was well-known and held significant weight. To put it bluntly, who in Hengyuan City would dare to act recklessly toward them? Unless someone believed they would never fall ill themselves or their loved ones wouldn't either, they wouldn't risk antagonizing the institute.
---
After sending a message to Cheng Yi, Jian Yiling received another text from a different person.
[Dr. F.S., it seems you're in a bit of trouble. I can help you resolve it, and it will be absolutely clean. Consider it a small retainer, and we can do even more for you if you need.]
The moment the other party realized Jian Yiling was facing difficulties, they immediately reached out, hoping to convince her to agree to a previous proposition they had made.
[No need, thanks.] Jian Yiling responded succinctly, without a hint of hesitation.
[Dr. F.S., is it really that difficult to agree to what I asked?] The other party seemed exasperated but eager for her cooperation.
[I'm currently unavailable.]
[Dr. F.S., we truly need your help; this concerns the life of our elderly mentor. If you can assist him, we will meet any terms you set.]
[Really don't need it, thanks.] Her replies remained brief and resolute, showing no sign of wavering.
Dealing with the ruckus at the school gate would only require the two security personnel from Cheng Yi, and she felt no need for additional help.
Having failed to persuade her, the other party didn't continue to bombard her with messages. It was clear they didn't want to annoy Jian Yiling; they needed her, not to coerce her.
However, they clearly weren't ready to give up on any opportunity to cultivate a relationship with her.