Chapter Thirteen: Leaving the Research Institute?

Page 1/3

Shen Zhuoran realized something was off with himself. He struggled, wanting to reach for the soothing agent he kept in the lounge. He couldn’t afford to be overcome by desire here at the research institute. The deep blue soothing agent was taken from the medical kit, radiating a chilling aura. Shen Zhuoran was intimately familiar with the injection method—ever since adulthood, every bout of heat had been forcibly suppressed with the soothing agent. The cold liquid injected into his body would quickly quell the surging blaze within. Yet, at the moment he grasped the vial, hesitation took hold. Was he really going to inject it? Was this truly what he wanted? The scent was so intoxicating, so fragrant, as if his very soul trembled in response. Shen Zhuoran suddenly lifted his head to look at himself in the mirror—his black hair damp and hanging over his forehead, still dripping water, droplets trailing down his cheek and onto his clothes. His shirt was soaked across the chest, rising and falling with heavy breaths. His dark eyes sparkled with a wicked gleam, a stark contrast to his usual cool and distant demeanor, now revealing a desperate longing for satisfaction. Shen Zhuoran raised his hand and wiped his face vigorously, drying the wet droplets. When he looked up again, he had transformed back into the refined, courteous elite director of the research institute. He turned and walked toward the door. On the washbasin, the untouched deep blue soothing agent gleamed coldly. No one likes coldness; people naturally yearn for warmth.

*

At this moment, in the corridor, the tension between Yu Lan and Louisa had not subsided. Facing Louisa’s haughty disdain, as if she didn’t even see Yu Lan, and with an unspoken challenge waiting for Yu Lan to lose her temper, Yu Lan curled her lips and clenched tightly the ID badge Zhao Song had just given her. It was the badge of a research assistant at the institute, her pass to freely enter the premises. The two women stared at each other silently for a long moment before Yu Lan spoke, her voice cutting through the air: “On what grounds?” “What?” Louisa frowned, scrutinizing Yu Lan closely. Then, Yu Lan lifted her gaze; her eyes were beautiful, with long curled lashes and a slightly rounded shape. When happy, her smile was healing and gentle, but now, angered by her adversary, the upward tilt at the corners of her eyes revealed a rare sharpness.

Page 2/3

“I said, on what grounds.” Yu Lan enunciated each word clearly, her gaze fixed on the ID badge hanging on Louisa’s chest. A mocking curve lifted the corner of her mouth. “You’re just a research assistant here, no different from me.” “Rank-wise, we are equals. What right do you have to tell me to leave?” “Princess Louisa,” Yu Lan emphasized the last words, laced with disdain. If not for the original owner’s disappearance, would Louisa have ever been crowned princess? She was merely the daughter of a noble lord. Ultimately, in terms of status and bloodline, Yu Lan could outclass Louisa by miles. The subtle mockery in her tone was not lost on Louisa, whose forced gentle facade nearly shattered. It was like Louisa could taunt Yu Lan as a useless female, less favored now, but equally Yu Lan could scorn Louisa’s lineage. Louisa clenched her teeth, about to retort when suddenly a tall, aloof figure approached them. Louisa’s expression instantly softened with warmth and care. “Director Shen, what brings you here?” “Come to check on the research progress? Regarding the new male heat soothing agent, our second lab—” “How are you here?” Before Louisa could finish, Shen Zhuoran cut her off. Following the irresistible, intoxicating scent, Shen’s nose sniffed the air like a hungry dog drawn by the scent of fresh meat, able to find the alluring female no matter the distance. When he finally saw that slender figure turned away from him, it was as if a heavy hammer struck his head. Now standing before Yu Lan, the tall man’s imposing frame nearly overshadowed the petite woman. His half-lowered dark eyes swept slowly across the beautiful, confused girl’s face, revealing an unidentifiable emotion. After a long moment, he asked again, “How are you here?” So fond of him? Fond enough to sneak into the research institute? Shen Zhuoran’s thin lips pressed tightly, his brows slightly furrowed. He should have been displeased, yet deep within, a secret joy flickered. For her to go to such lengths for him… “Ah?” Startled by the question, Yu Lan was momentarily stunned. She extended her small hand, palm up, revealing an ID badge. “I saw the research institute recruiting research assistants online. I submitted my resume and came for the interview.”

Page 3/3

“Zhao Song just told me I passed the interview and joined the research institute family.” Yu Lan’s face radiated the joy and satisfaction of having found a job, her soft lips curling into a sweet smile. Any discerning observer could tell she was genuinely happy. Seeing this, Louisa quickly chimed in, “Director, you know Lanlan wouldn’t know how to do any experiments.” “I think Zhao Song didn’t handle this well. If the lab really is short on female research assistants, I have some female friends with A-level healing abilities. I can invite them to try joining the institute.” Previously, Louisa had never mentioned the chronic shortage of female research assistants at the institute, all to ensure she remained the only one. The sole kind, intelligent, and dedicated female who could withstand the institute’s harsh workload—her public image card. Once she was no longer unique, the publicity would lose its luster. But now, if it was Yu Lan, Louisa would rather find several A-level females herself. At least they would all pale in comparison to her in healing ability, appearance, and family background. She was not afraid of their attention stealing from her. Yet Yu Lan—Louisa’s eyes swept over Yu Lan’s pretty, soft face, flickering with jealousy. “Hmm.” Shen Zhuoran nodded, somewhat approving Louisa’s suggestion. He reached out to take the research assistant badge from Yu Lan’s hand. His voice was icily cold: “The research assistant position isn’t suitable for you.” “This is Zhao Song’s mistake. I will have him apologize to you.” In truth, Shen Zhuoran didn’t really believe Louisa’s claim that Yu Lan was lazy and useless, here only to collect a stipend. He simply thought, with the lab filled with males, Yu Lan—soft and delicate like a pretty little cake—though lacking healing ability, was stunningly beautiful. Who knew what those ruthless elite males might do to her? Just imagining Yu Lan standing among a crowd of males made Shen Zhuoran unable to accept it. Considering how much Yu Lan liked him, he decisively made the decision for her. The gentle smile that had graced Yu Lan’s beautiful face vanished instantly. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides as she fixed her gaze on Shen Zhuoran, who stood a full head taller—the cold, merciless man. “On what grounds?”