Su Zibai on the stage had come to his senses. He took a deep breath and turned to the leader of the Ministry of Science and Technology: "Minister Li, I guarantee on my academic reputation that this research was completed entirely independently. These so-called evidences..."

Zhou Shihong asked, "Since you said you completed this research independently, then why don't you tell me what formula you used in the final step of this plan and how you cracked it?"

Zhou Shihong was well prepared.

The plan document on the big screen stopped at the penultimate page, and the last key part was deliberately hidden.

But the experts who have seen this plan are very clear about it.

Everyone turned their eyes to Su Zibai.

"I..." Su Zibai's Adam's apple rolled, his mind a little confused, "This part involves..."

"Don't talk about state secrets!" Zhou Shihong interrupted harshly, stomping his cane on the ground. "Everyone here is a strictly vetted expert!"

He turned to the audience and opened his arms. "Or is it that Professor Su can't even remember the formulas and data he wrote?"

Everyone's eyes were focused on Su Zibai, waiting for his answer.

The eyes of the military representatives became sharp, the expressions of the officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology became more and more solemn, and even Minister Li, who had always supported Su Zibai, began to look at him with suspicion.

Su Zibai's lips trembled slightly.

After a long ten seconds of silence, he slowly shook his head: "I don't know..."

These three words exploded throughout the venue like a thunderclap.

"Heh." Zhou Shihong's smile widened, revealing a victorious attitude. "Of course you don't know, because this plan was not made by you at all!"

Rose was suddenly shocked: Oh no...

She was the one who finally modified and submitted this data plan, and Su Zibai was indeed not aware of it.

However, she never expected that this data plan would be leaked...

How did Zhou Shihong have a complete backup of this top-secret plan?

As a security officer, she encrypted the key formulas during the final review, which is standard security procedure.

If she were to come on stage and tell the truth now, it would mean admitting that she had modified Su Zibai's research results without authorization. This would not only cause Su Zibai to fall into greater trouble and public opinion, but would also expose the confidentiality procedures of national security.

"Dika, go check what's going on. Why does this Zhou have a backup?"

Deka: “Yes!”

Rose looked at Su Zibai guiltily and nervously.

Su Zibai on the stage was like a pale statue, saying nothing in the face of a tide of questioning.

Rose had never seen him like this before. The confident scholar who spoke eloquently in the laboratory, the genius who could work for three days and three nights without sleep to overcome technical difficulties, now didn't even have the energy to defend himself.

The confrontation on stage continues.

Zhou Shihong pressed on: "Professor Su, I understand your difficulties. Young scholars are under great pressure and want to stand out... But science cannot be deceived!"

He turned to the audience, his voice suddenly becoming sorrowful. "I'm not here today to seek back any honor, but simply to defend the purity of science!"

He spoke so passionately that several young researchers looked at him with admiration.

The situation took a turn for the worse, and Su Zibai was like a trapped beast under the spotlight, isolated and helpless.

Su Zibai clenched and unclenched his fists. He turned to Minister Li and said, "Minister, I did stay up late to complete this research, but the final data processing part..."

He paused. "I was asleep at the time and didn't know what happened."

This explanation sounds weak.

Some people in the crowd were booing, and an old white-haired professor left his seat, shaking his head in disappointment.

Minister Li's expression became increasingly serious: "Zibai, you know the severity of this accusation. If you can't give a reasonable explanation, you really won't be able to convince the public..."

There were different opinions among the people below.

“So disappointing…”

"That's what I was saying. How could such a breakthrough be possible at such a young age..."

"The country invested so much resources, but it actually cultivated an academic fraud..."

Every word was directed at Su Zibai.

Amidst the numerous slanderous voices, the four little treasures suddenly jumped out, waving their little fists and shouting in unison: "We believe that our uncle is not that kind of person! He would not steal other people's scientific research results."

"That's right! My uncle wouldn't steal anything!"

The voices of the four little guys calmed the commotion a little.

But how could Zhou Shihong miss this opportunity?

He scoffed, "Little boy, adult matters are much more complicated than you understand, and you shouldn't let your emotions get in the way! Science is about evidence, not affection!"

He turned to Minister Li and said, "Minister, I request that an investigation team be immediately established to conduct a thorough investigation into all of Su Zibai's research!"

Minister Li pondered for a moment and nodded slowly: "Given the seriousness of the situation, it is indeed necessary to investigate thoroughly."

He looked at Su Zibai with a hint of regret in his eyes, "Zibai, during the investigation, please suspend all scientific research activities and cooperate with the investigation."

This sentence is like a verdict.

Su Zibai's shoulders slumped slightly, but he nodded: "I understand, and I will fully cooperate."

At this time, someone came forward with handcuffs and handcuffed Su Zibai's hands, intending to take him away directly.

The four little guys were so angry that they puffed up their cheeks and started muttering to themselves.

Sibao: "Humph, so many people bullying my uncle, that's too much!"

Sanbao: "What should I do? My uncle is about to be taken away..."

Erbao: "If all else fails, how about we take our uncle away?"

Dabao felt it was inappropriate: "This move is too risky. Not only will it not clear my uncle of suspicion, it will also make the crime even more serious."

Just as the four little treasures were thinking about countermeasures.

Rose strode towards the main console and, to everyone's astonishment, picked up the backup microphone. "Minister Li, leaders, I'm Rose, a special commissioner from the Security Department. I'm in charge of the security for this project."

She showed her credentials. "I guarantee with my position that Professor Su's research is absolutely free of plagiarism. Mr. Zhou's accusations are deeply suspicious. I request that this matter be referred to the National Security Department for investigation."

Zhou Shihong's expression changed. "This is against procedure! This is clearly a case of academic misconduct. Why does the National Security Bureau need to intervene?"

"Because..." Rose looked at him coldly, "The last step you just mentioned happens to be a top-secret national technology. You know so much about it, and you broadcast it publicly, which in itself is suspected of leaking secrets. Besides, who knows if you are lying? The origin of this document remains to be investigated!"

This counterattack made the situation delicate again.

Minister Li looked at Zhou Shihong thoughtfully, then at Rose: "In that case, this matter does need to be handled with caution."

He announced, "Today's celebration banquet ends here. All relevant information has been sealed and is pending investigation. Before the results of the investigation are out, please refrain from spreading false information."

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