Chapter 9: Gene Engineering

  Would Yang Fei tell Bai Gang, or would Xu Danlu tell Bai Liangfeng? At this moment, Zhang Yang had no clue at all. Logically speaking, both of them had every reason not to want to see Zhang Yang again. One had been his blind date, the other had been groped by him—those were things that, if spread around campus, would instantly become the top gossip. So if the world lost this troublemaker Zhang Yang, things would definitely be a lot more peaceful.

  But Zhang Yang didn’t get depressed over it. Since things had already reached this point, so be it. As long as he could make it through the afternoon, it’d be the weekend. Saturday he had English retake class, but since Yang Fei said she didn’t want to see him, that basically meant after his elective in the afternoon, he could use Saturday and Sunday to make some money.

  Zhang Yang’s chosen major course was Gene Engineering, worth two credits. It wasn’t that he was particularly interested in it, but because the class often featured lectures by Academician Professor Zheng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Generally speaking, as an academician, he rarely taught undergraduates. Having graduated from Princeton University, Professor Zheng was a well-known expert in biological genetic engineering in the country. He led a PhD class and a small master’s class in the Chemistry Department, and the undergraduate course was basically his extra contribution to the college. Of course, this also showed how approachable he was.

  This was the only course Zhang Yang never skipped, but his grades were terrible—worse even than in English. Professor Zheng’s time was precious, so sometimes his lectures would unknowingly drift toward more advanced levels, like those suitable for PhD students. So many students had to consult the teaching assistants after class to fully digest the material.

  But Zhang Yang didn’t have that chance, because this time, the temporary TA assigned by Professor Zheng was Bai Gang. Ever since he’d offended Bai Liangfeng, Zhang Yang had been unlucky in this course. He even considered switching to another restricted elective, like Enzyme Engineering or Cell Engineering.

  Yet strangely, what Zhang Yang used to find confusing or uninteresting suddenly all made sense today. It was like he already knew those things in his mind, and Professor Zheng was merely pulling them out from his memory.

  As class was about to end, Zhang Yang didn’t feel sleepy as usual. Instead, he felt like time passed too quickly, leaving him unsatisfied.

  Could this be the effect of what the Nuwa System called Primary Brain Domain Development? If so, this M-level reward was seriously goddamn overpowered.

  “Students, thank you for listening carefully to today’s lecture. Hmm, there’s still some time left. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask. Let’s discuss together—anything related to the course is fine.” Professor Zheng looked at his watch, noticed there was still time, then glanced around the classroom with a kind smile.

  With such a rare chance to speak directly with an academician, of course, no student would pass it up. Instantly, many hands shot up from those who had prepared questions.

  Seeing so many people raising their hands, Bai Gang quickly chimed in from the side, “How about this—since there are too many of you, I’ll help the professor pick a few representatives to ask questions, okay?”

  “Zhang Yang, you ask one.” With a faintly expectant smile, Bai Gang suddenly called Zhang Yang’s name without warning. But Zhang Yang hadn’t even raised his hand, so it was obvious this bastard just wanted to embarrass him.

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  Being named by Bai Gang, Zhang Yang was truly caught off guard. If he couldn’t come up with a decent question, it would be beyond embarrassing—especially in front of such a respected academician.

  In his heart, Zhang Yang cursed Bai Gang’s ancestors eighteen generations back, but still unwillingly got up from his seat.

  Seeing Zhang Yang’s confused expression, Bai Liangfeng sitting nearby couldn’t help feeling delighted. He secretly gave Bai Gang a thumbs up and, in his excitement, squeezed Xu Danlu’s hand beside him, then moved his lips toward Zhang Yang in a mocking gesture, ready to enjoy the show.

  Zhang Yang coughed and cleared his throat. Although he understood the lecture fine now, he hadn’t prepared any questions. But right then, the system suddenly chimed in his head with a crisp “ding”—【Random Task Reminder: The system host may spend a certain amount of system points to seek system assistance once. When points are negative, this is limited to one use. Would you like to use this chance?】

  This was like a godsend. Zhang Yang didn’t hesitate and immediately accepted.

  Less than half a second later, the system responded. Zhang Yang suddenly felt something new appear in his mind—more precisely, a theoretical framework. Seeing it, he was stunned. Damn, if only this had popped up earlier.

  “Professor, I know you’re leading the research on Super PCR technology, and that it’s been progressing well. I understand you’re developing a new PCR simulation method, and within it, I simulated the NTF chain model. I think this technology represents a revolutionary breakthrough for targeted cancer therapies. So I’d like to ask, Professor, how do you think it might advance tumor treatment in the medical field?”

  When Zhang Yang finished his question, Bai Gang, the TA, froze. As both TA and PhD student, he couldn’t even understand what Zhang Yang was talking about. His instinct told him this guy was just bullshitting, so he frowned, stood up, and said, “Zhang Yang, don’t go too off-topic. Seems like you’re…”

  “No, let him finish.” Professor Zheng’s serious tone cut Bai Gang off. His sharp eyes fixed on Zhang Yang at the back of the room. “Zhang Yang, right? You understand the NTF chain model?” he asked, astonished.

  After getting confirmation, Professor Zheng said in surprise, “Students, I’m truly impressed. I didn’t expect an undergraduate from the Chemistry Department to be able to simulate the NTF chain model. Well done. The PCR polymerase chain reaction technology is mainly applied in gene replication engineering. The project I’m leading aims to develop a Super PCR that can instantly replicate millions of copies. I can reveal a little to you all—it might be used in China’s coral reef construction in the future. But as this student pointed out, the NTF chain model in the Super PCR replication process could indeed be applied to targeted drugs. This could truly become a groundbreaking innovation in medicine…”

  Once Professor Zheng got started, he couldn’t stop. At first, he remained seated, but eventually stood up and kept explaining passionately. Even when the bell rang, he was still full of energy.

  Bai Gang didn’t dare interrupt and could only let him go on. Finally, when he realized how much time had passed, he stopped abruptly, smiled wryly, and said, “Sorry for delaying everyone’s dismissal. Zhang Yang, if you’re interested, feel free to come see me after class to discuss further.”

  After class, Zhang Yang instantly became the center of attention—the academician had invited him personally. That wasn’t a privilege ordinary students got. Nearby, Bai Liangfeng was fuming with jealousy, while Bai Gang, who ended up making a fool of himself, looked utterly displeased.

  “Tch, just got lucky. You really think you can discuss academic research with Professor Zheng with your half-assed knowledge?” Bai Liangfeng sneered loudly as Zhang Yang quietly packed his books.

  Beside him, Xu Danlu avoided Zhang Yang’s gaze. Zhang Yang, however, stayed calm and stared back at Bai Liangfeng, retorting, “What? You gonna bite me?”

  Bai Liangfeng had never treated him kindly, so Zhang Yang saw no reason to be polite either.

  “You just wait, punk. I know you asked my girl out this morning. Don’t think I don’t know.”

  Hearing that, Zhang Yang paused slightly. This guy knew?

  He instinctively turned toward Xu Danlu and noticed several fresh scratches on her face and neck—clearly from just this afternoon.

  Staring at Bai Liangfeng, Zhang Yang’s eyes filled with disdain. “A man who hits women isn’t a man. Disgusting.”

  After saying that, he pushed him away. The shorter Bai Liangfeng, nearly ten centimeters shorter, stumbled backward. By the time he regained his balance, Zhang Yang had already walked off.

  “Fuck, you just wait…” Bai Liangfeng turned to Xu Danlu, eyes flashing viciously. “You bitch. You must’ve done something dirty with him. Once I find out, you’ll pay for it.”

  “I told you, there’s nothing between us. Why won’t you believe me?” Xu Danlu said pitifully.

  “You think I’d believe that?” Bai Liangfeng growled, eyes running over her curvy figure, throat tightening. “I’ll give you one more chance. Meet me tonight at Qingyuan Hotel and explain everything. Otherwise, forget ten thousand yuan—you won’t even get ten. Let your dying old man rot.”

  Hearing that, Xu Danlu’s face turned pale. Of course she knew what meeting him at the hotel meant. But if she didn’t go, how could she pay for her father’s newly diagnosed hypopharyngeal cancer treatment, which cost a fortune?