Chapter 48: Green Vine Research Institute

A formulaic smile played on his lips, but his eyes betrayed a sense of superiority. "Ladies and gentlemen, for the sake of scientific research, I must ask you to sign this confidentiality agreement. Everything you have learned today must remain strictly secret."

The director beamed at Dr. Gu, yet inwardly was flush with self-satisfaction. "I’m truly sorry, Dr. Gu, for involving you in such matters. But since you’re already here, please sign as well."

Dr. Gu’s expression soured as he addressed the institute staff. "I don’t think you should do this. Since the use of RTC-1 extract has been officially prohibited, there must be a reason. Aren’t you afraid of potential side effects?"

He had no idea what methods they had used to stabilize the RTC-1 extract or to make it suitable for biological use, nor whether they had eliminated the side effects. Still, an unshakable anxiety gnawed at his heart—he feared something would go wrong.

Given his understanding of RTC-1, he doubted the director and his team possessed the skill to address its inherent problems.

But the director responded with perfect composure. "Dr. Gu, there’s no need for your concern. As you can see, compared with your previous experiments, our trial has been a complete success. Its feasibility is proven; further doubts are unnecessary."

As he spoke, the researcher holding the official documents gestured for them to sign. "Please sign the confidentiality agreement promptly. I have an important guest to receive and can't waste more time here. If any of you let slip what happened today…"

He left the threat unfinished, but its meaning was clear.

With no alternative, everyone signed the agreement.

The director's eyes lit up eagerly. "May I ask what urgent matter you have—who is the guest you must receive?"

Anyone able to command such caution from the institute could not be insignificant.

Satisfied, he put away the agreements and replied courteously, "A very important researcher is coming to the Wanlin Research Institute in Songdu. I was specifically assigned to welcome them."

Ordinarily, he would not have regarded the director with such respect, but now that the hospital had developed this new medicine, his status had changed.

Shi Xuetong snorted. "Some people just had to show off their paltry knowledge, and now look—the Institute’s medical division has come knocking!"

The director was in high spirits. "Young Master Xiao Yang, since your friend doubts our research, we’re concerned for your safety. Therefore, our hospital will no longer provide you with this medicine."

Both Huo Shuyue and Shi Xuetong’s faces fell.

Originally, they had been delighted to discover the medicine worked for Xiao Yang and had even been endorsed by the research institute. They never expected the director would now refuse to provide it.

And all because of Gu Ci!

Huo Shuyue, both angry and anxious, pleaded, "Director, we never said the medicine was bad. It’s Gu Ci who keeps spouting nonsense—please don’t hold it against us."

The director snorted, his face apologetic but his words tinged with smugness. "I’m only concerned you might have problems after using it, since your classmate is so worried. Let’s just leave it at that. With such a skilled practitioner of traditional medicine among you, I’m sure you’ll be fine."

Huo Shuyue’s face turned green. Shi Xuetong went so far as to point at Gu Ci. "It’s all your fault! If not for you, the director would never have stopped Xiao Yang from using the medicine."

Huo Shuyue stamped her foot and glared at Gu Ci. "Gu Ci, aren’t you going to apologize to the director?"

But Xiao Yang spoke up. "Sister Ci, I don’t want their medicine anymore. Please continue with the acupuncture."

He turned to the director and the others, his voice calm. "Director, I need to rest now. Please leave."

The director’s expression darkened instantly. He had only wanted to intimidate Gu Ci, not realizing the Xiao family’s young master would be so ungrateful.

So be it. Xiao Yang would never use their experimental drug again.

Even if word reached the Xiao family, he would be blameless. He was merely withholding a still-experimental medicine, allowing Xiao Yang’s bones to heal at their natural pace. There was no issue—he’d only offended two overconfident youngsters.

The director gave a cold, angry laugh. "Very well. We’ll leave at once!"

But the institute staffer forced a stiff smile. "Not yet. You can’t leave now."

Everyone’s eyes turned to him.

He pointed at Gu Ci. "If you still refuse to sign the confidentiality agreement, I can detain you for leaking medical research secrets!"

"I don’t think that will be necessary," Gu Ci replied crisply, eyes lifting from her phone. "This confidentiality agreement will soon be irrelevant."

The institute staffer fumed at her tone, but at that moment, his phone rang. He answered, and his expression changed dramatically.

The director noticed the sudden shift in his demeanor and felt a pang of foreboding. "What’s wrong? Has something happened?"

The staffer said nothing, only listening intently to the caller. When he hung up, his face was ashen. "It’s the Qingteng Research Institute… Qingteng…"

If one listened closely, his voice even trembled.

At the mention of Qingteng, the director’s heart skipped a beat, dread washing over him. "What about Qingteng? What does our medicine have to do with them?"

Qingteng Research Institute—the country’s most prestigious, the very pinnacle of authority…

The staffer closed his eyes. "The extract originated from Qingteng. They’ve discovered what we’ve done and are questioning me about it. They also instructed us to relay this message: immediately halt your experiment and be prepared to be held accountable."

The director staggered back two steps.