After Zhao Yongfu left, Qin He looked at the three people remaining in the room.
"This project is something we've all worked on together. I won't be omitting any of your names when it's done, so I hope everyone can focus on completing the final stages with peace of mind."
She pursed her lips, aiming to boost morale.
"I am not Professor Harlana's assistant. I am Harlana herself, so what I say will absolutely count."
The three people in the room's eyes widened.
After a long pause, Li Fengrui scrutinized Qin He, chuckling awkwardly.
"Xiao Qin, are you joking with us?"
Qin He sighed and found the forum account she had used to recruit the three of them on her phone. She logged in and let everyone see the username.
The others: "..."
Wang Jiming adjusted the rim of his gold-rimmed glasses and clutched his chest.
"Xiao Qin— no, Professor Harlana, how old are you this year!"
Qin He smiled. "Twenty-four."
Comparing oneself to others could be disheartening.
Gao Lang was also twenty-four, and had always been considered a prodigy in the industry.
Gao Lang circled Qin He twice, one hand on his hip, the other covering his face.
"From now on, anyone who calls me a genius, I'll assume they're insulting me."
Li Fengrui gave a wry smile. "Who would have thought Professor Harlana was such a young woman? Let alone twenty-four, she looks barely twenty. I had thought Professor Harlana was someone who cherished beauty, which is why she hired Xiao Qin as an assistant, I never expected—"
Qin He smiled.
"It doesn't really matter how old I am, but what I say will definitely hold true. Also, I would appreciate it if you could all keep my identity a secret. I'm only telling you this to put your minds at ease."
Gao Lang patted his chest. "Don't worry, Professor, no, Xiao Qin. I'm the most trustworthy when it comes to keeping secrets. If anything leaks one day, it'll definitely be Brother Li and Brother Wang!"
Li Fengrui, amused by Gao Lang, reached out to punch him.
Without Zhao Yongfu, the atmosphere in the research lab became much more relaxed.
After making arrangements with the three, Qin He took Qi Zhen and Qi Yang up to the third floor.
"Have you noticed any suspicious individuals around the research lab recently?" Qin He asked.
Qi Zhen thought for a moment. "No, everything seems normal. But Boss, what kind of suspicious people are you referring to?"
"If you see anyone observing this villa from a distance, pay extra attention," Qin He cautioned.
The group searching for Wan Fang Lun from the shadows was powerful, and they would have undoubtedly investigated how many properties she owned that could be used for storage. With people living in this villa now, it was bound to attract attention.
Qin He said, "If anything unexpected happens, your primary mission is to protect yourselves and the three researchers."
Qi Zhen nodded. "Don't worry, Boss!"
After dealing with matters at the research lab, Qin He went to the West District Joint Department on her way back.
The number of people at the Joint Department this time was even smaller than before.
What had once been a shopping mall converted into the Joint Department now only had seven or eight people in the vast office space, all of whom were responsible for the final wrap-up.
Now that the West District had been rebuilt, Gu Qichen had not visited again.
Qin He chatted with Liu Xing'an and had someone report on the reconstruction of the West District. There were some subsequent public complaints after the reconstruction, and the West District Joint Department had gone to the site to confirm and inspect.
"The day after tomorrow is our official wrap-up. I'll have people come to move everything out, and we'll hold a wrap-up ceremony," Qin He said with a smile to the person reporting.
"Everyone has worked hard these past few days. Tomorrow, everyone who participated in the West District Joint Department's work will have a gathering."
"Thank you, Little President Qin. Everyone will surely be very happy!"
Leaving the West District Joint Department, Qin He turned to look back at its simple entrance. Although it was a temporary office partitioned from a shopping mall, it held many memories.
Gu Qichen's face flashed before Qin He's eyes. She shook her head, clearing the complex thoughts from her mind.
...
Kalaya Club.
On the top floor, Xiao Liyan yawned, leaning back on a black sofa.
"Tomorrow is the West District wrap-up ceremony. Are you going?"
Gu Qichen sat at a desk not far away, putting on a watch.
"Of course."
This would be the first time he would see Qin He again in over a month since their "breakup."
Gu Qichen seemed to be taking it very seriously.
...
The next day.
Qin He woke up early. The West District reconstruction had occupied her focus for over a year, from getting the bid to competing with Gu Qichen for it. Now, a major task was finally completed.
She dressed up meticulously and went downstairs.
Downstairs, Ming Yuzhu and Qin Yun knew where she was going.
"Come back early after the wrap-up banquet. Don't stay out too late, and don't drink," Qin Yun instructed. "Or I can accompany you."
"No need, Brother. Someone is accompanying me today," Qin He said with a smile.
Qin Yun was startled, his brow furrowing.
"Who is accompanying you?"
"Lu Mingxi," Qin He replied with a smile.
A car was waiting outside the Qin family residence.
Qin He got into the car. Lu Mingxi leaned over the steering wheel, tilting his head to look at her.
"Why are you dressed so beautifully today?"
Qin He usually went without makeup, occasionally applying lipstick. Today, she had a full face of makeup, and she looked completely different, radiantly stunning, alluring and spirited. She exuded an air of aloof coolness.
"Thank you for your sweet words. Let's go."
Lu Mingxi whistled and started the car.
On the road, Qin He sat in the car, her eyes narrowed as she looked ahead.
Lu Mingxi curled his lips. "My mother told me to accompany you and pretend to be your boyfriend today, and I was shocked. I didn't expect you to have made a deal with her after saving her."
Qin He lowered her gaze. She had acted on impulse that day, and her mouth had run ahead of her, saying she would marry Lu Mingxi. But Gu Qichen wasn't someone to be easily fooled. She needed to have some seemingly substantial progress with Lu Mingxi, such as attending important occasions together.
The car quickly drove to the West District Joint Department. Everyone who had previously worked at the West District Joint Department had arrived.
Qin He stepped out of the car, her smile radiant. But when she saw the tall figure standing not far from the entrance, her smile froze.
Gu Qichen?! Why was he here?
Qin He stood there dumbfounded. She had considered that there would be media present at the West District wrap-up ceremony. As long as she was photographed with Lu Mingxi, that would be enough. But now—
Qin He took a deep breath. The familiar figure slowly turned around. The man's chiseled features and deep-set brows swept over, carrying an invisible tension. Qin He felt an urge to turn and leave. Gu Qichen's gaze had already landed on her—
As she stood there, caught between a rock and a hard place, Qin He's arm was pulled. Lu Mingxi stood beside her, a brilliant smile on his face.
"What's wrong? Why are you staring blankly?"
He lowered his voice. "Don't forget your purpose today. Now that Gu Qichen is here, isn't it even more effective?"
Qin He took a deep breath, lowered her gaze, and walked forward with Lu Mingxi.
On stage, Gu Qichen's gaze was fixed on Lu Mingxi with icy intensity. Yet, Lu Mingxi's smile was like a spring breeze, though a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.