The all-round academic master's girlfriend

Beijing, a special resettlement community for the state.

For Tang Liu and Lin Hui, life here seemed to have suddenly switched from a fast-paced, hectic pace to a soothing and tranquil slow-motion experience.

No longer needing to work from dawn till dusk to make a living, no longer needing to worry about next month's rent and utilities.

The generous benefits provided by the state make their previous income from working away from home seem insignificant.

They live in spacious, bright, and well-secured houses, and receive a special monthly allowance that allows them to live quite comfortably.

At first, this sudden leisure left the two, who had worked hard for half their lives, feeling somewhat lost.

But they quickly found a new rhythm of life.

Tang Liu became fascinated with calligraphy.

Every morning, he would spread out Xuan paper in his study, grind ink, and immerse himself in the tranquil world of flowing brushstrokes.

Having been used to handling tools and developing calluses, my hands, now holding a calligraphy brush, have gradually gained a certain composure.

Lin Hui then enrolled in a yoga class in the community.

Every afternoon, she and a group of neighbors of similar age would stretch their bodies to soft music. Yoga not only made her body more flexible, but also soothed the lingering worries in her heart caused by her son's confidential work.

She had a smile on her face and her complexion was much rosier.

Life was comfortable and peaceful, but his only worries were his son, who was in a remote mountain base and who might not return for some time, and Xia Jinxi, who also missed her brother.

The sun was shining brightly that day.

Xia Jinxi dressed up carefully, wearing a light yellow dress that made her look fresh and lively.

She looked in the mirror again and again to make sure she was right before greeting Tang Liu and Lin Hui.

"Mom and Dad, I'm going out for a bit. I'm meeting up with my high school classmate Xiaowen to go shopping."

"Have you reported this to them?"

"I already said that yesterday."

"Go ahead, be careful, and come back soon."

Lin Hui smiled and gave her some advice. Now they weren't so worried about Xia Jinxi going out, since they knew there was a secret protective force.

Xia Jinxi arrived at one of the most bustling commercial districts in Beijing. At the entrance of the agreed-upon coffee shop, she immediately spotted the familiar figure who was eagerly waiting for her.

"Xiaoxi! Over here!"

Gao Xiaowen waved her arms excitedly, rushed over, and gave Xia Jinxi a big hug.

Wow! Long time no see!

"I missed you so much! Quick! Call me 'sister'!"

Xia Jinxi was struggling to breathe as she was being choked, and she tried to push her away.

"Dream on! I won't!"

Xia Jinxi blushed slightly and proudly raised her chin.

"Hey, you little brat, you'd better behave yourself now that you're in the capital!"

Gao Xiaowen pretended to tickle her, and the two laughed and joked together, as if they had instantly returned to their carefree high school days.

Gao Xiaowen failed to get into Lining University after the college entrance examination, and instead came to a key university in Beijing.

The two were overjoyed to be reunited after so long.

"Come on, let's go shopping! I know some stores here that have really nice dresses!"

Gao Xiaowen pulled Xia Jinxi along and excitedly walked into the large shopping mall next door.

A dazzling array of goods, bustling crowds, and an atmosphere of fashion and vitality permeating the air.

Xia Jinxi felt much better after experiencing the long-awaited liveliness.

In a sophisticated women's clothing store, Xia Jinxi took a fancy to a light green spring dress with delicate lace trim and a fitted waist.

After changing, she came out of the fitting room and twirled in front of the mirror.

Wow! So cute!

Gao Xiaowen's eyes lit up, and she exaggeratedly covered her chest.

"If your brother saw this, he definitely wouldn't be able to take his eyes off it!"

Hearing Gao Xiaowen mention her brother, Xia Jinxi blushed. Looking in the mirror, she saw that the clothes fit her perfectly, making her skin look as white as snow and her temperament fresh and refined.

"Xiaoxi, are you still a little unhappy today? Are you missing your genius brother?"

However, the observant Gao Xiaowen still noticed the lingering, faint melancholy between Xia Jinxi's brows.

While Xia Jinxi went to change her clothes, Gao Xiaowen leaned close to her and asked in a low voice.

Xia Jinxi paused slightly as she buttoned her clothes, her long eyelashes drooping. She didn't deny it, but gave a soft "hmm," her voice barely audible.

"Oh, I knew it."

Gao Xiaowen sighed, put her arm around her shoulder, and spoke in a gentle but earnest tone.

"Xiaoxi, I know you two have a good relationship, and you must miss each other after being apart for so long."

"But you have to believe in Tang Yuze! He was the undisputed academic genius of our year, and now he's doing something so amazing. He promised to come back as soon as possible, and he definitely will."

"What we need to do is to stay here and ensure he has no worries."

Xia Jinxi raised her head and forced a smile.

"Xiaowen, I know. I've always believed in my brother."

"He promised me he wouldn't keep me waiting too long."

"But sometimes, especially when I see other couples together, or when I'm alone and quiet, that longing just comes out on its own and I can't suppress it."

Her voice carried a hint of grievance and dependence; she only revealed this vulnerability in front of her closest best friend.

"It's okay, it's normal to miss him when you miss him."

"From now on, whenever you feel bored, just call me. I'll be there whenever you need me, and I'll keep you company while you eat, play, and go shopping. I promise I'll make you happy!"

Gao Xiaowen hugged her tenderly.

"Thank you, Xiaowen."

Xia Jinxi sincerely thanked them; having friends around made her feel much better.

"By the way, Xiaoxi, aren't you a high-priority protected individual now? Is it alright for you to come out and play today?"

The two bought the spring outfit and browsed for a while longer. Suddenly, Gao Xiaowen seemed to remember something and asked curiously...

"No problem. I reported it according to regulations before I came out."

Xia Jinxi smiled and explained.

She subtly gestured with her eyes to the seemingly ordinary passersby around her.

"There are people following us even when we can't see them, but they are very professional and won't disturb our normal lives, so don't worry."

"Wow, what a entourage... No wonder they're the family members of a national treasure-level expert. Alright, let's have some fun today!"

Gao Xiaowen suddenly realized and clicked her tongue in amazement.

----------

Meanwhile, at a research base deep in the mountains.

The tense atmosphere contrasted sharply with the leisurely atmosphere of Beijing.

After months of tireless work day and night, breakthroughs have been achieved in theoretical analysis and preliminary drug preparation.

Now, they face a critical juncture: applying their research findings to real patients.

In a specially modified isolation observation room that meets the highest biosafety standards, Tang Yuze, Huang Yu, and several core medical experts are looking through the thick glass wall at the little girl sitting quietly on the hospital bed.

The girl was about seven or eight years old. Her skin and hair were a pale white, lacking pigment, and even her eyelashes were silvery white. Her big eyes were exceptionally clear, but they also carried a hint of timidity and discomfort with the light that was not appropriate for her age.

She has a typical case of albinism.

"Is this the child?"

Tang Yuze's voice was somewhat low. Looking at the child's innocent yet sickly face, the joy he felt from the progress in his research was replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility.

"Yes."

Dean Huang Yu stood beside him and nodded solemnly.

"Her name is Duoduo. Her family's financial situation is actually not bad; both her parents are highly educated."

"However, there is currently no cure for albinism worldwide. Only some adjunctive treatments and symptom management can be carried out, which are expensive and have limited effects."

"They went to many top medical institutions at home and abroad, but in the end they placed their hopes on us."

"It can be said that Duoduo and the countless patient families like her behind her are the significance of our research and the reason why we cannot fail."

Tang Yuze remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Dean Huang, is it really ethically sound to use gene therapy drugs that haven't undergone large-scale clinical trials, even if it's just a preliminary formulation? After all, this involves a child..."

This is a moral dilemma he, as a researcher, especially as the leader of this research that could potentially change the history of human medicine, must confront. Even if they have theoretical basis and animal experimental data, the risks and ethical pressures of directly applying it to humans, especially children, are enormous.

Huang Yu understood his concerns and patted Tang Yuze on the shoulder.

"Yuze, your concerns are valid; it demonstrates your sense of responsibility."

"Regarding ethical review, we have a top-level special review team composed of multiple departments, including the National Supreme Medical Ethics Committee and the Biosafety Committee."

"Duoduo's case has undergone rigorous review by them and obtained the full informed consent of her guardian."

He paused, his gaze passing through the glass as he looked affectionately at the little girl named Duoduo.

"For Duoduo and her family, the conventional treatment path has come to an end."

"What we offer, while carrying unknown risks, is currently the only hope that may bring about fundamental change."

"Her parents signed the agreement voluntarily after fully understanding all the potential risks and possible benefits."

“They believe in the country, they believe in us, and they believe in you, Tang Yuze.”

"This is not a cold, hard human experiment; it is a life-or-death struggle against the disease based on mutual trust. We are Duoduo's last hope."

Listening to Huang Yu's words and looking at the small, quiet figure in the isolation room that was so heartbreaking, Tang Yuze took a deep breath.

Last hope...

These four words, like a heavy burden, weighed on his shoulders, yet they were also like a blazing torch, dispelling the last trace of hesitation in his heart.

He seemed to see countless families shrouded in the shadow of genetic diseases.

Yes, he cannot back down.

Scientific progress is inevitably accompanied by risks and controversies, but to stop moving forward out of fear is the greatest betrayal of life.

Tang Yuze's gaze hardened again, sharp as a knife, as if it could pierce through glass and see the flaw hidden deep within his genes.

"I understand. Let's get ready to begin. Follow the pre-arranged plan and closely monitor all of Duoduo's vital signs and data changes."

Tang Yuze's voice regained its usual calmness and decisiveness.

"For Duoduo's sake, and for everyone who is waiting, we must succeed."

The door to the isolation room was slowly opened.

The medical team, dressed in full protective gear, carried the pale purple reagent that held countless hopes and prayers as they entered.