He Sixin's question once again left Shu Lanzhou momentarily stumped.
She couldn't exactly tell her that she knew the people who had kidnapped her — that in her previous life, those men had been connected to Lin Muyao.
Shu Lanzhou's eyelashes fluttered lightly as she lowered her gaze.
"It's simple. I barely know anyone in Shen City, and I haven't offended anyone at school. The only person I've ever had a conflict of interest with is Lin Muyao."
"Plus, I tested those kidnappers a little. It was obvious they were acting on someone's orders. As for the so-called 'Boss He' that the police identified as the mastermind, I don't buy the reason he gave for abducting me."
"After all, he's been running his entertainment business for years. Why would he suddenly risk everything to kidnap a random girl in broad daylight?"
"If he really wanted me to work for him, he would have had plenty of ways to do it discreetly — no need to blatantly break the law. Don't you think?"
He Sixin thought it over carefully.
"You're right. It really doesn't add up. It's just a pity that the police couldn't find any hard evidence. Without it, they can't formally charge the Lin family. Which means... those two are probably not done targeting you!"
"I'm not afraid!" Shu Lanzhou said firmly. From what she remembered of her past life, after the five kidnappers were arrested, Lin Jiayi no longer had anyone willing to do her dirty work.
Besides, Lin Jiayi cared a lot about her reputation. Though she resorted to underhanded methods, she preferred manipulating people into willingly stepping into her traps rather than openly resorting to violence.
"They're only after the top-tier research teams tied to the popular majors. Lin Muyao has already gotten what she wanted. Next, she'll be busy securing her position within the team and climbing her way up."
"And since I'm no longer part of that team, I won't be an immediate obstacle. Plus, after losing the campus competition, I know my senior brothers..."
At this point, Shu Lanzhou gave a cold, mocking smile.
"Trust me, sis, Lin Muyao's days ahead won't be easy."
He Sixin breathed a sigh of relief. "So you knew everything all along! No wonder you were so rude to Lin Jiayi. I thought you were just being reckless — honestly, you had me worried for a second there."
"Turns out those two are even worse than I thought. Honestly, it's better if Lin Muyao struggles a bit; keeps her too busy to stir up more trouble."
"But since you know they're behind all this, you need to stay vigilant."
"As for Lin Jiayi... Let me put it this way: my dad works at the same hospital as her. In many ways, he's no match for her. Otherwise, how else could someone with no real achievements get promoted to deputy director?"
"In short, you embarrassed her badly today. Knowing her, she'll definitely try to retaliate at some point. You need to be careful!"
He Sixin admitted that watching Shu Lanzhou verbally destroy Lin Jiayi earlier had been incredibly satisfying. But thinking about it afterward still made her a bit nervous.
Especially since the Lin family's influence in Shen City was massive — on par with the Mu family's standing in the medical world. Shu Lanzhou was studying medicine; if she wanted to have a future in the field, she'd eventually have to cross paths with them.
And besides, Shu Lanzhou had no powerful background to rely on!
"But don't worry too much." He Sixin patted her chest in reassurance. "You've got the Mu family, and you've got us. We won't let anyone bully you!"
Having lived another life, Shu Lanzhou knew all too well about the hidden dealings between the Lin family and Han Weicheng. She had long prepared countermeasures to protect herself from their schemes.
But hearing He Sixin say that still made her chest warm. She couldn't help but hug He Sixin's arm.
"Thank you, Senior Sis. I'm really lucky to have met you guys!"
...
Not long after, Mu Side appeared from behind the auditorium, leading Wu Cheng and a few others.
As soon as Ding Yuejiao spotted Shu Lanzhou, she started waving excitedly from a distance. "Shu Lanzhou!"
The group quickly approached.
Shu Lanzhou didn't dare speak first.
Wu Cheng took the initiative instead: "We've decided to hand over our project to Professor He from the Central Research Institute. Mu Side has also agreed to help with funding. It's just that..."
"Just what?" Shu Lanzhou asked anxiously. "As long as it doesn't involve Lin Jiayi, you can set whatever conditions you want. I'll do whatever it takes."
Wu Cheng chuckled and waved his hand.
"No need to be so nervous. I'm not ungrateful. Our project owes a lot of its success to you. Plus, I'm already interning under Professor He — it wouldn't make sense to hand the project to anyone else."
"The only thing is, there are six of us on the team. I'm not sure if the research institute can take all of us. We'll have to ask Professor He about that."
The project was the result of their collective efforts. It wouldn't be right to split them up.
Shu Lanzhou glanced at Mu Side and He Sixin.
"No big problem," Mu Side said with a nod.
"Based on standard procedures, once a project like this is accepted, all team members are usually brought in — unless someone has other plans."
Shu Lanzhou finally relaxed. "Then, Wu Senior, could you discuss it with the others and see if everyone wants to stay?"
"Of course." Wu Cheng agreed readily. "I'll update Yuejiao, and she'll relay it to you."
Shu Lanzhou nodded.
The group parted ways. Ding Yuejiao tugged Shu Lanzhou's sleeve and said, "Thank you for worrying about all this. Once everything's settled, we'll treat you to a big meal!"
"Senior Wu is waiting for you, go on. We can talk about the dinner later." Shu Lanzhou waved her off with a smile.
After the others left, Shu Lanzhou turned to Mu Side.
She hadn't even gotten a chance to thank him when he placed a hand firmly on her shoulder.
"When I got there, Wu Cheng had already rejected Deputy Director Lin. This really wasn't about me."
Hearing that, Shu Lanzhou's heart lifted. She had trusted her judgment — Wu Cheng turned out to be even more loyal and upright than she had hoped.
"But I still need to thank you," she said sincerely. "Wu Cheng mentioned you agreed to fund the project. I'm sure that gave him the confidence to completely cut ties with Lin Jiayi."
Mu Side ruffled her hair lightly.
"Why do you dislike Deputy Director Lin so much?"
"It's not that I hate her — she hates me!" Shu Lanzhou bit her lip. "She's Lin Muyao's mother. I embarrassed her daughter more than once. Of course she's out for revenge."
Mu Side understood. He pinched her cheek with a small smirk.
"Got it. Don't worry. I'm keeping an eye on things. Lin Jiayi won't find a way to sneak in any tricks. If her daughter can't hold her own, that's on her — it's not your fault."
"If she dares bully you again, you fight back hard. Don't be afraid. Even if the sky falls, I'll be here to hold it up for you. Understand?"
Shu Lanzhou stared at him blankly, completely at a loss. "Senior... why are you pinching my face?"
And why was he saying things she didn't know how to react to?
"Ah..." Mu Side seemed a little flustered too. Was this girl focusing on the wrong thing? "Just checking if you've gained any weight. Clearly, still too skinny — not enough cheek to pinch."
Shu Lanzhou blinked innocently and said with utmost seriousness, "I did gain weight... it's just all on my waist."
"You're saying... I should be pinching your waist instead?" Mu Side's breathing hitched slightly as he took a step forward, lifting his hand with mischief sparking in his eyes, fingers poised as if ready to test her claim.
Shu Lanzhou finally realized the danger and panicked:
"No! That's not what I meant! I just meant... I did gain weight! Next time, you don't have to pinch me — you can just ask!"
"But that's no fun." Mu Side's smile was like a sly fox's, eyes brimming with playful intent. "I like verifying things myself. For example..."
He raised his hand again, reaching for her cheek.
Terrified, Shu Lanzhou spun around and fled.
After a few steps, she abruptly turned back, bowed deeply, and shouted, "Anyway, thank you for helping with Senior Wu's matter. I'll treat you to a meal next time!"
With that, she bolted again.
He Sixin watched all this, at a loss for words. She pointed at Mu Side and said, "You're unbelievable. I'll deal with you later!"
"Don't scare her, Sis," Mu Side chuckled. "Keep an eye on her for me. You don't want someone else sweeping her away, do you?"