19: Chapter 19 Project Establishment

In the laboratory, Chen Youhua was facing the computer screen, his ten fingers flying as the keyboard clattered rhythmically.

He was cross-referencing that ambitious proposal, meticulously refining the list of experimental materials, confirming even the model of a single pipette tip twice.

He was completely immersed in his own world, entirely unaware that at this very moment, on the top floor of the college's administrative building—a symbol of power—a small storm caused by him had just subsided.

Professor Zhang Zhenhua hadn't greeted Chen Youhua; he simply took Chen Youhua's proposal and knocked on the heavy solid wood door of the Dean's office.

"Old Zhang? A rare visitor indeed, come in, sit down!"

The Dean looked up from a mountain of documents, a familiar smile spreading across his face as he personally stood up to brew tea.

He and Zhang Zhenhua were old friends, and he was well aware of the weight this academic heavyweight carried, as well as his notoriously stubborn temperament.

Professor Zhang didn't bother with pleasantries. After taking a seat, he placed the proposal right in the center of the Dean's desk with a 'thud' and pushed it over.

"Dean, I'm here to report something to you.

A freshman in the lab, Chen Youhua, is planning to lead a small project himself.

Here, the proposal is right here."

Professor Zhang's tone was as calm as if he were saying the weather was nice today.

"Pfft..."

The top-grade Longjing tea the Dean had just sipped almost sprayed out.

He set down his teacup, his eyes wide as if he had heard some incredible tall tale.

"Chen Youhua? That Provincial Top Scorer? A freshman?

Old Zhang, if you want him to do odd jobs in the lab, wash bottles, and gain some experience, I'm all for it!

But you're letting him lead a project?"

He leaned forward, tapping the desk forcefully with his finger.

"On the college's side, I can just wave it through the process, no big deal!

But if word gets out... what will those people outside waiting to laugh at you and our college say? That there's no one left in a top-tier lab? That we're letting a green freshman take the lead?

Old Zhang, aren't you... just looking for trouble? Won't this affect your reputation?"

Professor Zhang leaned back into the leather sofa, picked up his teacup, and slowly blew away the floating leaves without even raising his eyelids.

"I know what you're thinking.

By conventional standards, it is too early; it's a bit shocking."

He set down his teacup and poked the cover of the proposal accurately with his index finger.

"So, have a look at this first.

It's not a draft; he carved it out word by word himself. From theoretical basis, experimental design, and budget to risk assessment, it's watertight.

It's more solid than many of the graduate student thesis proposals I've reviewed over the past few years!"

The Dean picked up the proposal skeptically, his eyes practically saying,

"I'll see what kind of wonders you can talk up."

At first, he just flipped through the pages carelessly, but as he read on, his flipping speed slowed down significantly, his brow furrowing and relaxing intermittently.

The rigor of the logic chain, the feasibility of the experimental steps, the thoroughness of the anticipation of potential problems, the precision of the budget... how did this look like a freshman's assignment?

It was clearly the work of an experienced veteran!

His gaze finally settled on the expected results and contributions column, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the smooth paper.

"Hmm..."

The Dean finally closed the proposal, tapped his finger on it, and his tone softened considerably, though concern remained.

"The level... is indeed beyond my expectations; this kid has some skills. But Old Zhang!"

His voice rose slightly again.

"Discussing strategies on paper is one thing, but going into battle for real is another! You know the lab better than I do!

If one link goes wrong, the whole game is lost! If he messes up or quits halfway, this mess..."

"I know the risks!"

Professor Zhang interrupted him abruptly, his voice not loud but carrying an unquestionable decisiveness as he looked sharply at the Dean.

"Just because there might be risks or gossip, should we let students be timid and afraid to venture out or try?

When did the academic world become so hesitant and obsessed with seniority? Whoever is capable should step up; doing things according to one's ability is the hard truth!

I've been observing this kid for over a month. I have a clear account in my heart of what he's made of. He's not acting on a whim; he's the type who identifies a path and will grit his teeth to see it through to the end!"

He leaned forward slightly and pointed to the proposal again.

"This document is the answer sheet of his ability and a declaration of his attitude! Clear and unmistakable!"

Professor Zhang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a calm but powerful tone.

"I, Zhang Zhenhua, act uprightly and am not afraid of people gossiping behind my back.

Whether it's a mule or a horse, let's take it out for a walk!

If he can really make this project work and produce solid, resounding data, that will be the best slap in the face for those who gossip! If it really fails..."

He paused, his gaze candid.

"The responsibility lies with me! It's because I failed to recognize his character and failed in my supervision. I, Zhang Zhenhua, will take the fall!

But not even giving him a chance just because he's a freshman? Just because he's young? That doesn't fit my rules, and it certainly doesn't fit the rules of my lab!"

The office fell into silence for a moment, punctuated only by the slight 'thud-thud' of the Dean's fingers tapping on the desk.

He looked at his old friend, seeing that familiar and stubborn persistence in his eyes.

It was a decades-long, almost paranoid faith in true talent and learning.

He knew even better that with Zhang Zhenhua's current status and momentum in the field, becoming an Academician in the next few years was almost a certainty. The college and the university were both counting on him to hold up the banner.

This weight was so heavy that he had to weigh his options.

The Dean let out a long, silent sigh, leaned back in his chair, and a helpless yet slightly admiring smile appeared on his face.

He picked up the proposal and weighed it in his hand, as if weighing a young man's future and an old friend's stubbornness.

"Fine, fine, fine! I can't out-argue you, you stubborn mule! Once you set your mind on something, ten oxen couldn't pull you back."

He shook his head and placed the proposal back on the desk.

"Leave the materials here. I'll have Little Liu handle the college's filing process. I'll guarantee a green light all the way; I won't block him."

He paused and looked at Professor Zhang, his tone teasing yet carrying a hint of solemnity.

"Old Zhang, your protectiveness... and your upright backbone, I truly admire it. However, let me be clear upfront,"

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"Keep this low-key! And keep a close eye on it for me! If he really achieves something, everyone will be happy, and I'll personally request a reward for him!

But if... I'm saying if... there are some bumps along the way and it causes a stir, you, with your old arms and legs, better hold firm for me. Don't let it collapse!"

"I know what I'm doing."

Professor Zhang stood up, the layer of serious frost on his face finally melting into a very faint smile. He picked up his briefcase.

"Thanks, Dean."

"Go on, go on, get busy with your experiments. Don't be an eyesore here."

The Dean waved him off, watching Professor Zhang's straight back disappear out the door.

The office grew quiet. He picked up the proposal again, carefully flipped through a few more pages, stroked the paper with his fingers, and couldn't help but shake his head with a laugh, muttering to himself.

"Freshman... tsk tsk. Zhang Zhenhua, oh Zhang Zhenhua, you're really making a big gamble this time. But..."

His gaze lingered on the rigorous logical deductions in the proposal.

"This kid really is good material. Interesting."

He picked up the internal phone.

"Little Liu, come here for a moment. In Professor Zhang's lab at the School of Life Sciences, there's a freshman named Chen Youhua who wants to start a project. I have the proposal here; process it for him as quickly as possible."

Setting down the phone, the Dean paced to the window.

The sunlight outside was just right, spilling onto the students walking hurriedly through the campus.

He took a sip of tea and looked into the distance.

In the world of academia, regardless of background, those who can ultimately gain a foothold and win respect do so by relying on solid ability.

He couldn't help but think of the young Zhang Zhenhua back then. Didn't he also face doubts and, with a novice's drive and solid results, carve out his own world? Now, would this young man he favored be able to embark on the same journey?

---

Zhang Zhenhua returned to the lab in a rush and walked straight behind Chen Youhua, who was still struggling with the material list.

"Youhua." The voice wasn't loud, but it made Chen Youhua snap back to attention and jump to his feet.

"Professor!" Chen Youhua quickly responded, his heart pounding, unsure of what the result from the Dean's side was.

Zhang Zhenhua nodded, his gaze sweeping over the dense tables on the screen.

"Finals are coming up soon, followed immediately by the winter break.

What's your schedule? The project can't be delayed, and you certainly can't fail your classes."

The question was direct, carrying an unquestionable pressure.

Chen Youhua straightened his back and spoke clearly.

"Don't worry, Professor, it's all arranged. I'll give my all for the final exams.

As for the winter break, I plan to go back on New Year's Eve to have dinner with my parents and return early on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

The rest of the time, I'll be pinned to the lab, going all out on this project."

There was a look of determination in his eyes.

"If everything goes smoothly, I'll strive to get the first batch of usable core data before the next semester starts!"

Zhang Zhenhua was silent for a moment, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce through Chen Youhua's thoughts.

He suddenly asked a seemingly casual question.

"What about your senior students? With such a large workload, if you tackle it all alone, I'm afraid even having three heads and six arms wouldn't be enough. Have you talked to them?"

He was prompting Chen Youhua; a laboratory is a team, and going solo doesn't work.

Although he didn't directly intervene to coordinate, he was clearly paying attention to Chen Youhua's way of handling things.

Chen Youhua felt a warmth in his heart, knowing the professor was concerned about the project's actual feasibility, and quickly replied.

"We've already discussed it! Senior Student Wang Zhe promised that as long as he's free, he'll help me tackle the tough part of cell imaging!

Senior Student Li also said she can find time to help me streamline the standardized processes for chip quality inspection and cell culture.

And Senior Student Zhao said to find him anytime if there are issues with data processing. Moreover..."

He paused and showed a confident smile.

"I've broken down the entire process and made a very detailed schedule. As long as it's coordinated well and everyone helps share the key segments, the total workload is actually manageable. The winter break will definitely be enough time, and it won't delay the seniors' own research topics."

After hearing this, Zhang Zhenhua's face remained expressionless, and he just nodded again.

He didn't say anything more; he just raised his hand and waved it casually, the meaning clear: everything that needed to be said had been said, now get back to work.

Chen Youhua felt as if he had been granted a grand pardon and immediately sat back at the computer, the weight of the project approval finally lifting from his heart.

Looking at the pending material list on the screen, he felt full of energy.