I'm a villain in the superhero world.

After Wu Fenghua answered the last question, the remote communication screen went black temporarily.

According to the procedure, this step should be the internal discussion and decision-making process within the decision-maker's office regarding this request.

But the decision-maker's office was essentially Lü Buyi's personal fiefdom.

Therefore, there was naturally no discussion. Lü Buyi simply made a symbolic black screen and then drank tea to pass the time.

Meanwhile, Wu Fenghua also breathed a sigh of relief.

Hugging her white coat tightly and playing with her red hair, she was both anxiously awaiting the results and secretly surprised that the rumors had been confirmed.

"So, that rumor was actually true?"

To be honest, she was also a little surprised by this, after all, in her impression, Xu Weiqing was a bit harsh and strict at the same time.

But as the chief researcher of the "Candle Dragon" laboratory, he naturally has his own pride.

How could he do such a thing?

And which scoundrel in the upper echelons would have such a shady deal with him?

However, now was not the time to think about these things, so Wu Fenghua put those thoughts out of her mind.

Since this rumor is true, it means that the outcome of her appeal is likely to be less than ideal.

—Lu Buyi calculated the time, and when he thought it was about time, he reconnected the communication.

Wu Fenghua's intellectual face, adorned with glasses, reappeared before Lü Buyi.

Lü Buyi did not speak first, but that in fact represented the answer.

Despite this, Wu Fenghua still asked with some resentment about the outcome of her appeal:

"I'd like to ask if it's possible for my layoff notice to be rescinded?"

Lü Buyi shook his head directly, giving an almost cruel answer:

"Based on the current discussion results, it cannot be withdrawn."

Wu Fenghua had actually anticipated this outcome, but when she actually heard the notification, she still couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

She had actually had a new inspiration for the topic not long ago, and she had a feeling that this direction was definitely the right one.

But there was nothing she could do; she lacked Xu Weiqing's qualifications and background, as well as his mountain of achievements and honors.

Therefore, this result was not entirely unexpected.

Sigh, I'm bowing down to the veterans.

Although the torment and anxiety in her heart almost drove Wu Fenghua to the point of biting her fingers.

But she tried her best to remain calm, both unwilling and still clinging to some hope, as she inquired about the reasons:

"May I ask the office staff why they made this judgment?"

Lu Buyi propped his head up with one hand, did not refuse, and explained the reasons in great detail.

"Although, as you said at the beginning, Xu Weiqing's layoff methods did not quite follow procedures..."

"But these are extraordinary times, and the research on the [Scales of the Candle Dragon] is at its most crucial stage."

"You have no new findings, your research topic has lacked innovation for a long time, and it's also taking up a considerable portion of the budget—"

"Therefore, considering all these factors, you can no longer stay in the 'Candle Dragon' laboratory."

Just as Wu Fenghua was about to completely give up as the judgment was being handed down word by word, and she was filled with resentment at the higher-ups for their poor judgment and blindness, she was about to give up completely.

Lu Buyi changed his tone, using a technique of praising first and then criticizing, giving her room to maneuver.

"However, although you can no longer continue your research in the 'Candle Dragon' laboratory..."

"However, I believe that research into the derivatives of 'Candle Dragon's Blood' may have unexpected value, and therefore should not be stopped abruptly."

"Therefore, based on my personal judgment, you can be appropriately transferred to a lateral position after leaving 'Candle Dragon' and then continue your research."

"Of course..." As Wu Fenghua's gaze grew increasingly suspicious, Lü Buyi added appropriately, "I will also provide all the materials and budget needed for your research project, so you don't need to worry about anything other than the research itself."

—After hearing these words, which would probably only appear in dreams in normal times.

Wu Fenghua's first reaction was not surprise, but panic.

She possesses almost all the flaws of a researcher: carefree, sloppy, occasionally slow-witted, and somewhat blind to reality—

But listen to Lü Buyi's final words.

Even if she were slow to realize, she should have understood that the person in front of her was probably more than just a staff member in a decision-maker's office.

Based on personal judgment, he could be directly transferred to a lateral position to continue his research on "Candle Dragon's Blood," and he could even be provided with an internal budget...

This level of authority is probably at least two levels higher than that old man Xu Weiqing's, right?

How could such a giant be interested in my research?

How dare I speak to such a big shot like that?

Did I just joke with him?!

Lü Buyi... Is that his real name? Why do I have no recollection of this name at all...?

However, to be honest, this person does look far too young...

Suppressing her embarrassment and panic, Wu Fenghua immediately sat up straight, trembling with fear.

Then, somewhat incredulous, she asked, still feeling dizzy.

"You...you're telling the truth?"

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, someone should contact you regarding the follow-up matters within three days. Do you have any further questions?"

The words of this approachable adult did not sound like mere politeness; he was most likely genuinely asking if I had any further questions.

Despite this, Wu Fenghua, who already knew of this person's noble status, still dared not overstep her bounds.

It's not the style of a researcher to act innocent after getting a good deal.

Wait... there seems to be something I really need to ask, and this lord shouldn't mind too much.

"Sir, Your Excellency, Senior, Sir..."

Wu Fenghua tried several different ways of addressing her, but none of them felt quite right or appropriate. She felt so awkward that she almost had to dig out a three-bedroom apartment from the floor.

So she decided to disregard all that and, with a trembling heart, stammered out the question she was most curious about:

"I...I don't know why you specifically chose my topic, but I still...thank you for supporting my research..."

"So, may I ask who you are?"

The man in front of her seemed to have anticipated the question she was about to ask, but for some reason his attitude was somewhat ambiguous.

Under Wu Fenghua's gaze, he still answered the question after a brief silence.

And then he gave that self-introduction that Wu Fenghua would never forget for the rest of her life.

"Lü Buyi, that's my name—"

"He is the head of the Lu family of the Far East among the Thirty-Three Holy Bloods, and one of the Seven Great Swordholders."

"Thanks to the trust of the previous generation, and the promotion by the chairman..."

"Currently in charge of the Far East region, the contemporary decision-maker, also known as the 'President' as you often say."

"Of course, just so you know, because I can read minds—"

At this point, amidst Wu Fenghua's completely malfunctioning mind and blank gaze, Lü Buyi continued:

"So, I'm also the one you just made up in your mind who had a shady deal with Xu Weiqing..."

"Scoundrel."