Shu Lanzhou looked at Mu Side. "Think about it—what's the most profitable sector in the medical industry right now?"
"Medical aesthetics?" Mu Side was a little surprised. "But Han Weicheng's work is focused on curing major illnesses. How would that relate to this industry?"
A cold smirk flashed across Shu Lanzhou's face. "Medical aesthetics relies heavily on various drugs and injections. Curing major illnesses is also about preserving health and prolonging life."
"What if, from the start, drugs could be used to maintain the human body's optimal health indefinitely?"
"Immortality?" Mu Side chuckled.
"He's delusional. Countless emperors throughout history have tried and failed to achieve that. Does he really think he can?"
Something that goes against the laws of nature is naturally impossible, but…
Shu Lanzhou smiled faintly. "Even knowing it's impossible, there are still plenty of people obsessed with staying young and beautiful. That's why the medical aesthetics industry is booming."
"A temporary enhancement is one thing, but long-term anti-aging, wrinkle removal, weight loss, facial slimming—these are ways to maintain beauty over time. This industry is a gold mine."
Medical aesthetic products are constantly emerging. Whether or not Han Weicheng has found a way to achieve immortality is unclear, but when it comes to anti-aging and beauty preservation, his research has probably yielded some results.
Even if prolonged use of his products is like drinking poison to quench thirst, it doesn't stop him from making a quick fortune.
What worried Shu Lanzhou wasn't that he would go into medical aesthetics and chase fast money.
She feared that under the guise of research, he'd change his name, and then quietly introduce his products into reputable hospitals.
He could use legal means to turn ordinary people into his lab rats.
"Don't worry so much. I'll have people keep an eye on their every move. Whatever product they release, I'll get my hands on it and run tests right away."
Mu Side patted Shu Lanzhou's head. "Sleep now. Didn't you say you're going to the National Hospital with Director Long tomorrow?"
"Okay!" Shu Lanzhou kicked off her shoes and curled up in Mu Side's arms.
She was still too weak and far too naïve. Otherwise, Han Weicheng wouldn't have gotten away again.
If she wanted to fight someone as vile as him, she had to become much stronger.
Mu Side's embrace was too warm and comforting—Shu Lanzhou fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
In contrast to her restful night, Han Weicheng couldn't sleep at all.
He had no family, no relatives. An orphan like him—no one cared what happened to him.
Back then, the Mu family had chosen him precisely because he was an orphan.
He used to believe that Mu Yaan loved him. He thought her care and the kindness of the Mu family meant he was worthy, that he had earned it through his efforts.
At the time, He Xin constantly clashed with him. They were clear rivals. Han Weicheng couldn't bear to lose. He pushed himself, never daring to show even a hint of weakness before Elder Mu or Professor Gu.
Mu Yaning thought he wasn't good enough for her sister, so he made sure to prove her wrong—not only by surpassing He Xin in everything but ultimately by being chosen by Elder Mu as his disciple.
That night, he had been so happy he couldn't sleep. He went to He Xin to show off, told him he had won, that Mu Yaning was wrong, that he deserved to be the Mu family's successor, that he was Elder Mu's favorite student.
But in the end, he realized the Mu family only ever wanted a successor, a live-in son-in-law, a docile tool they could control.
They didn't choose him over He Xin because of merit—but because he was an orphan, while the He family was respectable and well-connected.
He was devastated then, filled with despair. He felt played. More than once, he wanted to ask Mu Yaan—what had she really seen in him? Did she ever truly love him?
But before he could ask, disaster struck the Mu family...
He didn't regret his choices. He didn't regret what he did that day. The Mu family had it coming. Elder Mu brought this on himself. They dared use him—they deserved what happened.
Ha… The Mu family always portrayed themselves as just and noble, claiming to carry on Mu medicine to heal the masses and conquer disease.
Well, he was determined to see Mu medicine fall into ruin, to be reviled and forgotten. He would make sure this legacy ended with him.
He was so close to success. After the Mu family collapsed, everyone scattered—even He Xin lost his will to compete.
He was about to destroy Mu Yaning's career, prevent her from recruiting students, and get the program canceled from the university. But then—Shu Lanzhou appeared…
He had underestimated that damn woman. She provoked He Xin into challenging him again, helped Mu Yaning succeed in her research, and fractured his team—leaving him utterly disgraced.
Shu Lanzhou… she really was a menace!!
The door creaked open. Xiao Anning and Luo Jialin entered from outside.
Because of Du Yifan's situation, the three of them were now tied to the same sinking ship.
Only after things went south did Luo Jialin learn that Han Weicheng had been colluding with Xiao Anning all along. Even the plan to pre-apply for the new drug's approval had been Xiao Anning's idea.
At first, he had been furious—hurt, regretful, and incredulous. What Han Weicheng did went against all ethics and humanity.
But now, he had been stripped of his position as heir of the Luo family. His father was being squeezed out by uncles and senior executives. He had lost his role in the company.
In that state, he suddenly understood Han Weicheng. When cornered, a person always chooses what benefits them most. He had gone numb.
Now, his mind was focused on one thing: make money, rise again, and force the Luo family to acknowledge him.
Everything he had lost—he would reclaim it all.
"When can I enter the lab?" Han Weicheng lifted his eyelids, glancing coldly at Xiao Anning.
Xiao Anning set the food she brought on the table. "What's the rush, Professor Han? Look what I brought you—come eat while it's still hot."
"Xiao Anning, I'm warning you—don't play games. Just because I took the fall and the verdict's out doesn't mean I can't come after you." Han Weicheng grabbed her by the collar.
"If you so much as fail me on one thing we agreed on, I won't hesitate to go to Elder Xiang myself—and tell him everything you've been doing behind his back!"
Xiao Anning coaxed him softly, "Alright, alright, Professor Han, don't get so worked up. I didn't say I wouldn't do it. Everything I promised you, I'll follow through—every last detail."
"If you don't believe me, ask Jialin. He can vouch for me. The research center does exist. We're just waiting for things to blow over before you lead the team."
"We came today to discuss exactly that. Let go now—let's talk it out calmly."
"Hmph!" Han Weicheng shoved Xiao Anning aside and stormed over to the table, opening the food she'd brought.
The dishes looked good, but he had no appetite.
His reputation was ruined. Unlike the time he was dismissed from the university, this time it was total—inside and out, beyond repair.
For him to rise again would be nearly impossible—unless he did something earth-shattering to reverse his image.
That research project was his last gamble. He had to start it as soon as possible.
This time, he wanted both fortune and fame. The Mu family, Shu Lanzhou—they were now his sworn enemies!
Just wait—Han Weicheng hasn't lost yet!