Cheng Tao’s eyes were filled with sarcasm. “Since you know she and I are sisters, you should have been able to find out that we don’t get along.”
Qiu Yingxun smiled, his words full of self-importance. “How can sisters not get along? Blood ties can’t be severed.”
Cheng Tao felt an unspeakable disappointment. If he had only investigated further, he would have known that she and Cheng You were not related by blood.
“If I get the Mu Xi grass for you, will you take me away from here?”
Qiu Yingxun dared not refuse. Of course, Mu Xi grass was more important.
Cheng Tao still held onto a sliver of hope for him, longing for him to take her away from this purgatory.
With this thought, she went to find Cheng You and begged her for a sprig of Mu Xi grass.
Cheng You gave it to her generously, without any difficulty.
This shocked Cheng Tao. “I thought you would refuse.”
Given what she had done to Cheng You in the past, their relationship could hardly be considered good.
Cheng You tugged at the corner of her lips. “There’s nothing to refuse.” She had even shared the method of propagating Mu Xi grass. To her, Mu Xi grass was no different from ordinary medicinal herbs.
Cheng Tao’s life had already gone down the wrong path. In her mind, whatever she did would only lead to more mistakes and consequences.
Cheng You didn’t feel any obligation to make things difficult for her.
Retribution would eventually come.
Cheng Tao, overjoyed, took the Mu Xi grass home.
Qiu Yingxun also hadn’t expected it to be so easy. It seemed Cheng You and she did have some sisterly affection.
“I told you, blood ties can’t be severed.”
This Mu Xi grass had a great use for him, and he needed to take it back and plant it quickly.
Seeing him preparing to leave with the grass, Cheng Tao grew anxious and quickly grabbed him.
“Didn’t you promise to take me with you?”
Qiu Yingxun froze for a moment, then turned back to reassure her. “Since I promised you, I will definitely take you away. Don’t worry.”
Cheng Tao felt a little more at ease and smiled. “Then when will you come back to pick me up?”
“Be good, soon. I need to take this Mu Xi grass to an exchange meeting. After the meeting, I’ll come back to pick you up.”
Hearing his words, Cheng Tao, of course, believed him unconditionally.
“Then I’ll wait for you to come back for me.”
Qiu Yingxun, holding the Mu Xi grass, headed straight for the school.
He needed to find Teacher Yang, who was the only one who could help him.
He wanted to take the Mu Xi grass to the exchange meeting and make a name for himself with it.
Teacher Yang rubbed his eyes, looking at him in disbelief.
It truly was Mu Xi grass.
“How did you get it?”
Qiu Yingxun instinctively didn't want to mention that Cheng You had propagated the Mu Xi grass.
“I… I cultivated it myself. I accidentally discovered that Mu Xi grass can be propagated through cuttings.”
He couldn't do it now, but he believed he would find a way in the future.
Teacher Yang was greatly shocked. “This is the first time I’ve heard that Mu Xi grass can be propagated by cuttings!”
He picked up the Mu Xi grass and examined it carefully, asking questions repeatedly.
He hadn't expected Qiu Yingxun to have such a talent!
“If you take the Mu Xi grass to the exchange meeting, you'll definitely stand out.”
He was now somewhat relieved that Cheng You hadn’t participated in the exchange meeting, giving Qiu Yingxun this opportunity.
Qiu Yingxun was a little excited. “Teacher Yang, I will never forget your guidance!”
During this time, they focused all their attention on the Mu Xi grass, putting in their utmost effort and caring for it meticulously.
Su Jinwen had been feeling that Teacher Yang had been acting strangely these past few days. He would pass by her, looking like he had something to say but couldn’t bring himself to.
His expression made her feel suffocated.
“Teacher Yang, if you have something to say, just say it.”
He looked so constipated all day, it was exhausting.
Teacher Yang looked around to ensure they were alone in the office, then whispered, “Teacher Su, have you seen Mu Xi grass?”
Su Jinwen nodded. “Yes, I have.”
“Who gave it to you?”
Su Jinwen was taken aback. “Didn’t we see it at the Botanical Research Institute?”
Teacher Yang tutted, feigning a slap to his own mouth.
“Look at me, I almost forgot.”
“Forgot what?”
Teacher Yang smiled. “I forgot that none of your students can cultivate Mu Xi grass.”
Su Jinwen was utterly confused, becoming more bewildered as he spoke.
“Teacher Yang, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Teacher Yang covered his mouth slightly and said in a low voice, “Teacher Su, Yingxun in our class can cultivate Mu Xi grass.”
The textbook Su Jinwen was holding fell to the floor.
“What did you say?” she asked in astonishment.
Teacher Yang was pleased with her reaction and smiled faintly. “Mu Xi grass, you heard me correctly.”
Su Jinwen no longer cared whether he was showing off. She eagerly began asking about the Mu Xi grass.
However, Teacher Yang deliberately played coy, revealing only a few snippets before stopping.
He simply couldn’t resist the urge to brag and wasn’t going to tell Su Jinwen too much.
This left Su Jinwen feeling frustrated and pent up.
She couldn’t help but go and tell Cheng You about it.
“Qiu Yingxun actually knows how to propagate Mu Xi grass. He’s been hiding it well.”
Cheng You suddenly understood. So, Cheng Tao asking her for Mu Xi grass had been at Qiu Yingxun’s instigation.
“Did he tell you?”
Su Jinwen replied, “Teacher Yang told me. They’re probably planning to take the Mu Xi grass to the exchange meeting.”
Cheng You let out an “oh.” So that was their plan.
“Then let him go and participate.”
Su Jinwen felt a sense of regret, unsure of what she was feeling.
There was a hint of sourness, mixed with a touch of envy.
But Cheng You was already outstanding enough. She shouldn’t expect a student to be omnipotent.
“It would be great if the method of propagation could be made public.”
This would be a contribution to society.
But she only said it in passing and wouldn’t make such demands of others.
After all, it was Qiu Yingxun’s own achievement.
Cheng You smiled. “Perhaps it will be announced in the future.”
Su Jinwen sighed. “Perhaps. You should go back and study hard.”
Seeing her demeanor, Cheng You walked a few steps, then hesitated and turned back.
“Teacher, are you free today?”
Su Jinwen raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“I’d like to invite you to my place for dinner.”
Cheng You greatly liked Su Jinwen; she was strict but principled.
She had been taught by her since graduation and would continue to spend two more years together until graduation.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Su Jinwen her mentor.
Cheng You had always felt fortunate to have met such a teacher.
Su Jinwen glanced at the calendar and nodded. “Okay, I haven’t been to the military compound yet!”
Besides Su Jinwen, Cheng You also invited Cao Yanyan and Fang Yunbao.
Both of them agreed.
The primary reason wasn't just dinner; Cheng You also wanted to show them the Mu Xi grass.
But she hadn’t anticipated their astonished screams.
Even the usually composed Su Jinwen couldn’t remain calm.
“The Botanical Research Institute only has one. They haven’t successfully cultivated a new Mu Xi grass in so many years!”
Cheng You didn’t just have one; she had an entire plot of land!