75: Chapter 75 Reunion Dinner

The bustle of the laboratory gradually subsided with Chen Youhua's departure.

When Chen Youhua reappeared at the laboratory entrance, he was met by dozens of gazes that focused on him simultaneously, a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a hint of awe.

With a relaxed smile on his face, he raised his hand and clapped lightly, the crisp sound echoing in the now-emptied space.

"Everyone,"

His voice wasn't loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.

"Today is a good day; a reunion is worth celebrating. Tonight's on me, let's all have dinner together, how about it?"

"Great!!!"

After a brief silence, the laboratory instantly erupted into deafening cheers! Emotions that had been suppressed for a long time finally found an outlet.

Wang Zhe was so excited that he let out a howl and jumped up, waving his thick arms.

"A dinner party! Definitely! Tonight, whoever doesn't drink until they're under the table is a coward! No going home until we're drunk!"

He announced with grand heroism, drawing a wave of laughter and agreement.

Senior Student Li Wei stood to the side, watching Wang Zhe's posture as if he were preparing for a battle until dawn. She couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle, her eyes curving into crescents, full of the joy of reunion.

She teased with a smile, "Wang Zhe, take it easy. We still have experiments to do tomorrow!"

Just then, a timid voice rang out from the crowd. It was a new Junior Student; blushing, he plucked up the courage to raise his hand.

"Um... that... Senior Brother Chen, can we... can we newcomers go too?"

Beside him, several other equally green Graduate Students also looked at Chen Youhua expectantly, both hopeful and nervous.

Chen Youhua's gaze swept gently over these fresh faces, and without the slightest hesitation, he said loudly.

"Of course! Everyone come! Not a single person should be missing! Today's on me, everyone..."

He paused intentionally, imitating Wang Zhe's heroic tone with a grand wave of his hand.

"Drink until we drop!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a few very faint sighs of professional helplessness came from the corner.

Mountain Eagle and his colleagues exchanged a look that signaled an upgrade in mission difficulty.

Protecting the target during such a large, chaotic gathering that would definitely involve alcohol... the security plan had to be adjusted to the highest level immediately.

Everyone cheered, quickly finishing up their current experiments, turning off instruments, and tidying their benches.

Soon, a large group of people swarmed out of the Biology Building in a grand fashion.

Chen Youhua's official car, with its sleek lines, entirely black body, and special license plate, was parked quietly downstairs, silently manifesting its owner's status.

Professor Zhang, Wang Zhe, and Li Wei, being close to him, were invited by Chen Youhua to get into this car.

The others took taxis in groups of twos and threes, with Chen Youhua naturally covering all the costs.

The interior was spacious and comfortable, filled with the faint scent of leather and cleaning agents, a stark contrast to the atmosphere of the laboratory.

Wang Zhe was like a curious baby, touching here and looking there. Finally, his gaze landed on the low-key yet highly significant license plate number, and he clicked his tongue in wonder.

"Youhua, you brat... what a display! You've really made it big!"

He slapped the leather seat hard.

"This car is worth several lifetimes of my hard work!"

Li Wei, sitting next to him, couldn't help her curiosity either and asked softly.

"Youhua, these past two years... what have you been doing? I feel like... you've changed so much."

There was concern in her eyes, as well as curiosity about the unknown.

Chen Youhua leaned back against the comfortable seat. Hearing this, he turned his head, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth as he looked at Wang Zhe.

"What? Is Brother Zhe envious? Do you want to live like this too?"

Wang Zhe immediately straightened his back, his face instantly filled with yearning. His eyes grew distant, as if he had fallen into some grand fantasy.

"I do! How could I not! I even dream about it!"

He cleared his throat, imitating the solemn tone from a movie.

"I stayed up for three days and nights in the lab, and finally! An epoch-making major achievement was born!

Suddenly, a gale blew outside, and a military helicopter painted with a red flag landed on the roof of the lab building with a roar!

The hatch opened, and a top leader strode out, gripping my hand tightly with eyes like torches: 'Comrade Wang Zhe! The fate of the nation and its people is entrusted to you!'

Then I'm invited onto the helicopter and whisked away to some super-secret base. There, I lead a group of white-haired Academicians who worship me as I hack through obstacles, slaying gods and Buddhas alike! I solve world-class problems and save the Earth from fire and brimstone! And then..."

He grew more excited as he spoke, gesturing wildly with spit flying everywhere.

"Pfft~ Hahahaha!"

Chen Youhua couldn't hold it back any longer, laughing so hard he doubled over, tears nearly coming to his eyes.

Li Wei clutched her stomach, laughing uncontrollably, punching Wang Zhe's arm as she laughed.

"My god... Wang Zhe! Can you be serious for once? 'Slaying gods and Buddhas'... Look at Youhua, he's so steady! I almost choked laughing at you!"

Wang Zhe felt a bit embarrassed by the laughter and scratched his head.

"Well... one must have dreams!"

Chen Youhua finally stopped laughing, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and looked at Wang Zhe. With a hint of indiscernible depth in his eyes, he asked half-jokingly.

"Then... Brother Zhe, what if such an opportunity really presented itself to you? An opportunity that... might change your research career, or even the trajectory of your life?"

The playful grin on Wang Zhe's face vanished instantly, replaced by an unusually serious expression.

He straightened his back, cupped his hands, and gave Chen Youhua a proper formal bow. His voice was loud and clear.

"I beg God Chen to guide me! I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

His posture was exactly like that of a martial arts junior waiting for a master to transmit power.

Chen Youhua couldn't help but smile at his exaggerated performance, but he only nodded with a smile and didn't respond.

Meanwhile, the car stopped smoothly in front of a familiar hotel.

It was the very same hotel where everyone had seen Chen Youhua off after Professor Zhang's project concluded.

That dinner, though seemingly lively, had been tinged with a lingering sadness due to the impending departure, making even the food seem tasteless.

Today, he had brought everyone back here again.

For no other reason than to make up for that meal that hadn't been fully enjoyed and to bring things to a perfect close.

The four of them got out of the car and stood at the brightly lit hotel entrance, waiting for the others.

Professor Zhang had been standing silently to the side with a gentle smile, watching the youngsters play around.

He knew that tonight belonged to them; as an old man, he only needed to quietly soak in this long-lost bustle and vitality.

Soon, the main force from the laboratory also arrived one after another.

Chen Youhua led the group, familiarly heading toward a pre-booked luxury private room.

As for when he booked it? Don't ask; if you do, the answer is simply that Chen Youhua had his own arrangements.

The private room was spacious and bright, with a huge round table large enough to accommodate everyone.

Everyone took their seats, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

A smartly dressed waiter respectfully handed over a thick menu.

Chen Youhua didn't even reach out to take it.

He merely gave a slight nod to the Floor Manager, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable confidence.

"No need to order. Bring out all your signature dishes—the best and most expensive ones. Same for the drinks; I want the best."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the table of familiar and excited faces, a warm and carefree smile curving his lips.

"Today, the most important thing is for everyone to be happy."