Shu Lanzhou waved her hand. "No need to file more complaints. If Professor He agrees, we can hold a press conference tomorrow morning to restate our findings publicly."
"Let's use that opportunity to explain the new drug's efficacy and its intended uses—alongside the principles of acupuncture-assisted surgery—so the public understands."
"And…" She slowed her speech, a sly smile crossing her lips, "this may force the director's hand. He'll have to go on record addressing the medical accident at Huaxing Hospital—and side with us."
A voice protested, "Why involve the director? The other team caused the mess; they should sort it out themselves. Why drag our press conference into it?"
"Exactly, they made the scandal—let them own it. This is our achievement. We shouldn't get tangled in their mess."
Facing their bewilderment, Shu Lanzhou explained, "They lodged these reports to shield themselves. The more desperate they are to bury this incident, the more suspicious it becomes."
"Though both projects aim to cure cellular diseases, the public sees them as twins: same compound, same effects. Everyone assumes a win for one means glory for both."
"That's why they expected us to take the fall. They believed that once we passed the investigation, they'd be safe—and could launch their drug unscathed."
"But have you considered whether their compound truly matches ours? Or if they ever ran genuine clinical trials?"
"What is the real cause of the medical accident? Why won't they allow a transparent, third-party investigation?"
Everyone present—practicing doctors and researchers—trusted their peers to uphold integrity. They assumed Han Weicheng wouldn't lie about such grave matters. To them, this was a tragic mishap, unrelated to any drug.
But Shu Lanzhou's line of questioning gave them pause.
"How do you know they resist an open investigation?" someone asked.
"Well," another said, "isn't it natural they'd want to hide a hospital mishap? Who wants their new drug linked to a patient death—especially at this critical moment?"
"I suspect it's a misunderstanding. After all, I've seen their compound—it's broadly similar to ours. It shouldn't be fatal. Something else is at play."
"I agree. Everyone would want to suppress negative press. Once that story breaks, no matter the truth, the drug's reputation is damaged."
"True enough!"
"If possible, I'd rather keep this quiet, too—these drugs are nearly identical."
Shu Lanzhou expected their reaction. Medical ethics and human decency incline them to give colleagues the benefit of the doubt. But she knew Han Weicheng's callous ambition all too well.
She stood. "What if I told you their drug does have flaws?"
"They're exploiting our goodwill, banking on us to take the hit—so they evade scrutiny and sail their drug through?"
"Even if you grant them innocence, why not still allow an open investigation? The longer you bury a medical accident, the worse the consequences. A forthright public inquiry is the only way to preempt future harm. Don't you agree?"
As opinions clashed, He Xin rose to speak. "I support Shu Lanzhou's proposal. The best way to avoid further fallout is to have both project teams undergo a transparent audit."
"Our research didn't succeed by luck. It's the result of rigorous, iterative testing—and hundreds of clinical cases. We welcome any review."
"But I suspect the other side fears genuine scrutiny."
With He Xin's endorsement, the decision was made.
The press conference was scheduled for first thing the next morning. He Xin, Mu Yanning, Long Xingyue, and others arrived with detailed but confidential archives. While these documents couldn't be released publicly, signed investigators would have full access under nondisclosure.
Thirty minutes before the conference, Mu Side found Shu Lanzhou in the green room.
"Yesterday afternoon," he said, "under Xiao Anning's lead, Luo Medical signed two-year supply contracts with Huaxing Hospital—not only for the new drug, but several other therapies."
Shu Lanzhou laughed. "They're bold to commit before any proof—trusting Han Weicheng to expertly replicate our formula."
"Given his skillset, this was within his grasp," Mu Side said with relief. "Fortunately, our secrecy measures during clinical trials were airtight. If our trial vials had leaked, controlling the situation would've been impossible."
Shu Lanzhou paused. "How did they react after their accident made headlines? And Luo Jialin—did he do anything?"
Mu Side squeezed her hand. "Luo Jialin went to see Du Yifan. Once the forensic report arrived, Du confessed—admitting he'd stolen the vials from the institute."
"Then Han Weicheng cooperated with the police. Yesterday morning, investigators collected the lab's surveillance footage. Barring surprises, once every piece of evidence is in, Du Yifan will be formally charged."
Shu Lanzhou's expression turned cool—more disappointment than surprise. Perhaps she'd held out hope Du might resist confession.
"How did Luo persuade Du to confess? Did Du realize he faced manslaughter charges—years in prison? Would he really accept that?"
Mu Side stroked her hand reassuringly. "Here's what happened: After Zhang's accident, the new vice president of Zhang's company was his first wife's younger brother. He held a grudge: Zhang had divorced his own sister to marry Huang Tiantian—Du's ex. Now Zhang's death traced back to Du and Tiantian, he blamed the Du family entirely."
"He seized control of Zhang's firm and moved against Du Corporation. The Du parents are now torn apart. Du's mother visited Du Yifan—tears and red eyes showed how hard she'd cried."
"So Luo's condition to Du was help for the family," Shu Lanzhou murmured. "But Du's brother-in-law has no real power at Luo Medical—how could he actually assist Du's family?"
Mu Side shook his head. "Du Yifan didn't have time to question that. He knew he did steal the vials—but whether they were final-product doses was up to Han Weicheng's word alone."
"Rather than pin his fate on a drawn-out investigation, Du accepted a lifeline for the family."
Shu Lanzhou's feelings were mixed. "I can't help but think Du's not completely rotten—he still cares for his parents."
"Tiantian," Mu Side added, "was also detained—she signed Zhang's surgery consent. Zhang's first wife now demands the police verify exactly which vials Du smuggled in."
"She suspects Han Weicheng tampered with them—poisoning Zhang intentionally. Even if they were trial doses, they shouldn't have killed him."
Shu Lanzhou's eyes widened. "Why does the first wife know so much?"