Cheng You quickly put the matter of Cheng Tao behind her. Zhao Jisheng had asked her to come to the Agricultural Research Institute a couple of days prior, saying he had something to discuss.
She only had free time today and planned to pay him a visit.
Zhao Jisheng had previously received a small bottle of Condensing Dew from her, all of which he had used on medicinal herbs.
He had cultivated some higher-quality medicinal herbs at the Chinese medicinal herb base and spent his days there.
Whenever Cheng You came to see him, she would head directly to the base.
When she arrived, Zhao Jisheng was standing with a woman, engaged in conversation.
Upon seeing Cheng You, he quickly got up.
"Cheng You, this is Teacher Liu Ying, the editor-in-chief of 'Journal of Botany'."
Cheng You nodded, "Teacher Liu."
Liu Ying appeared to be around fifty, with some gray streaks at her temples.
She was dressed simply and neatly, clearly looking like a meticulous academic.
Liu Ying nodded slightly and then asked, "Professor Zhao, when will the teacher you mentioned arrive?"
Zhao Jisheng pointed at Cheng You, "I was referring to her. Teacher Liu, you can bring your materials over, and Cheng You can assist you."
Liu Ying paused, her gaze gradually showing annoyance.
She felt like she had been tricked.
"Professor Zhao, I waited patiently for so long because I was anxious! I sought your help out of trust, yet you treat this matter as a joke!"
How could such a young girl be more capable than Zhao Jisheng?
Liu Ying's impatience was evident, and she turned to leave.
Zhao Jisheng followed her, helpless, "Teacher Liu, please don't rush. Cheng You can truly help you. I never lie! Look at these medicinal herbs; they were cultivated with Cheng You's assistance. She is a specially appointed member of our Agricultural Research Institute!"
Liu Ying stopped walking, still finding the situation preposterous.
How could such a young girl be a specially appointed member of the Agricultural Research Institute?
"Trust me once, and she will definitely help you."
Looking at Zhao Jisheng's sincere eyes, Liu Ying found herself unable to refuse and returned.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Liu Ying, editor-in-chief of 'Journal of Botany,' and also a researcher at the Institute of Botany."
Cheng You gently shook her hand and asked, "Professor Zhao asked me to come over for another reason, didn't he?"
Liu Ying harbored no hope, but she still let Zhao Jisheng explain the situation.
Simply put, a plant cultivated by the Institute of Botany, Mu Xi grass, had contracted a disease. Despite everyone's best efforts to protect it, they couldn't stop its life from fading.
"What is Mu Xi grass?"
Liu Ying's expression dimmed. Cheng You likely didn't even know what endangered plants were.
"It's an endangered plant. Some research has indicated that Mu Xi grass has immense medicinal value, but due to its rarity, it's so precious that no one dares to research it in depth."
The entire institute only had this single plant.
Zhao Jisheng said gently, "I've exhausted all other options, so I called you here. See if you can..."
Cheng You nodded. It was a small matter, of course she could.
"I can go over if you need me to."
Liu Ying's eyes suddenly became sharp. She felt that Zhao Jisheng and Cheng You's attitude was too casual.
"Cheng You, do you understand the significance of Mu Xi grass? If we can successfully cultivate it, it might represent a historic step in our medical field. Are you confident you can save it? If not, can you take responsibility?"
The Mu Xi grass hadn't died yet. If it were harmed in the slightest due to her reckless actions, who would be responsible?
Cheng You found it inexplicable. Zhao Jisheng had asked her to come and help; why should she be responsible?
This made no sense.
"In that case, forget it. I know nothing about botany, so I won't cause any trouble. Professor Zhao, I'll be leaving now."
"Wait, Cheng You, don't be in such a hurry. Let's have a meal and talk it over properly," Zhao Jisheng hurried after her.
Cheng You waved her hand and left without looking back.
"Teacher Liu, why did you speak like that?" Zhao Jisheng looked at her with disapproval.
Liu Ying's face was stern, "Professor Zhao, if you can't help, you should have said so earlier. I could have sought help elsewhere. But you can't toy with me and waste my time!"
Zhao Jisheng, with a surge of anger, brushed his sleeves, "I've already found you a solution. Since you don't believe me, then so be it."
Not believing me is one thing, but acting so self-important about it.
The two parted on bad terms.
Outside the Agricultural Research Institute, Liu Ying began to feel troubled again.
Could the Mu Xi grass only be destined for extinction?
Xu Nanxi, who was waiting outside, came forward, "Teacher, how did it go?"
Liu Ying shook her head, "There's nothing to be done."
Xu Nanxi looked dejected, "What can we do? How about we publish a popular science column on Mu Xi grass and invite everyone to write in with their suggestions? Perhaps there are hidden talents among the public."
Expertise is specialized. Sometimes, researchers in institutes are not as knowledgeable as farmers who work the land.
Liu Ying thought this approach was feasible, "Then you'll be in charge of it. Write it up, and I'll review it."
Xu Nanxi readily agreed.
Because of the report from Zhen Shan Tang, he was fired by the Yan Cheng Evening News. He was then taken under the wing of his elective course teacher, Liu Ying, who brought him to the 'Journal of Botany'.
The Mu Xi grass was an excellent stepping stone. If this matter was handled properly, he could establish connections with the Institute of Botany.
He felt that his future was incredibly bright.
Upon returning to the compound, he had intended to share this news and receive some praise from Grandpa Feng.
However, he overheard him say, "Zhen Shan Tang has a medicinal herb garden. I heard their cultivated herbs are of very good quality. You can learn from Cheng You."
Xu Nanxi's expression darkened slightly. "Grandpa Feng, it's not that I don't want to be on good terms with Cheng You, but she has a prejudice against me, thinking I'm a poor relative coming to the Feng family for handouts."
Grandma Feng, upon hearing his words, looked up.
She appeared gentle, but her eyes were sharp.
Coupled with what Song Qinglan had told her, she was already beginning to dislike Xu Nanxi.
"Cheng You is a good child. If she doesn't like you, you should look for the reason within yourself. If there had never been any conflict, why would she dislike you for no reason?"
Grandpa Feng nodded in strong agreement, "Nanxi, you're a young man. Have a broader mind. You're both educated individuals; you should be humble and seek guidance."
Xu Nanxi felt a lump in his throat.
Cheng You had caused him to be fired from the newspaper, and these two old fools were telling him to look for his own reasons.
What was his fault? It all came down to him being set up.
Xu Nanxi suppressed his irritation and agreed, then strode out of the Feng residence.
He bumped into Feng Xue as he was leaving.
"You're so angry, were you scolded?"
If the old man was in a bad mood, she wouldn't go in.
Xu Nanxi gave a cold laugh, "Even if someone were to be scolded, it would be you."
Feng Xue was taken aback by his retort, her expression displeased.
"Why are you taking your anger out on me? I helped you get into the magazine; surely you haven't forgotten that?"
Xu Nanxi snorted, walking forward with his hands in his pockets, his mind preoccupied with the matter of the Mu Xi grass.