After their moonlit conversation, Wang Haoran no longer sought out Ji Shuiyao for private talks during their return trip. Instead, he dedicated his time to writing scientific papers.

In the next two days, Wang Haoran published nine biochemistry papers on Global Discovery. All nine papers consistently made it to the website’s front page.

Meanwhile, Lin Chen wasn’t falling behind. Ji Shuiyao and her colleagues were closely monitoring the publications on Global Discovery. In just two days, “Lin Xiaobao” and “Wei Xiaobao” each released ten groundbreaking scientific papers. These publications quickly propelled them to the forefront of their respective scientific fields, shaking the entire scientific community.

Many senior members of research institutes wanted to learn more about the authors of these papers and invite them to present lectures at their institutions. Ji Shuiyao’s institute was no exception. However, given its moderate standing, the institute couldn’t offer high lecture fees, so Ji Shuiyao wasn’t very hopeful.

She continued her research on megalodon blood, but a day later, on the Qixi Festival in Yan Country, “Lin Xiaobao” published a front-page article on Global Discovery. The article stunned the scientific community.

Unusually, this article wasn’t about a scientific topic; it was a reflection on his achievements, which also served as a thinly veiled confession. The subject of this confession was Ji Shuiyao, the youngest female scientist in the world.

The appearance of a confession on the world’s most authoritative scientific website seemed odd to many, who initially suspected a backend error. However, Global Discovery soon confirmed the authenticity of the article. Because of “Lin Xiaobao’s” recent contributions, his stature had soared, earning him the title of a leading marine biologist, which warranted an exception.

The essence of “Lin Xiaobao’s” confession was particularly dramatic:

“A fan fell in love with his idol, pushing himself tirelessly to meet her level, only to surpass her field. But this fan isn’t truly passionate about marine biology, nor is he content with his scientific accolades. His sole wish is to marry his idol. Without fulfilling this wish, he might not concentrate on marine biology in his lifetime.”

This declaration drew attention to Ji Shuiyao, and everyone was eager to hear her thoughts.

At Ji Shuiyao’s workplace, her colleagues were buzzing about the situation.

“Deputy Director Ji, who exactly is this ‘Lin Xiaobao’?” someone asked with curiosity.

“I wish I knew,” Ji Shuiyao replied, visibly puzzled.

She was in shock, having admired Lin Xiaobao and Wei Xiaobao after reading their papers. She viewed Lin Xiaobao as a role model she aspired to match.

Reading Lin Xiaobao’s reflection left her stunned—the person she admired was actually her fan! The role reversal was astonishing, and even more unsettling was discovering her idol was deeply in love with her.

Ji Shuiyao had received confessions before, but they never moved her, and she declined them, focusing solely on science. However, this confession stirred her emotions.

“Deputy Director Ji, will you agree to marry him?” someone teased.

Ji Shuiyao wanted to say she needed to meet him first and assess his character and age, but she was too embarrassed. Instead, she replied demurely:

“I’m focusing on my scientific research and don’t want distractions.”

“But he claims without marrying you, he can’t focus on marine biology. For science, perhaps you should make a sacrifice.”

“That’s right, Deputy Director Ji, refusing him would make you a villain in the scientific community.”

“Deputy Director Ji, quickly respond to Global Discovery before he gets disheartened and leaves science.”

Her colleagues continued teasing her.

“Enough chit-chat, get back to work,” Ji Shuiyao said, blushing.

Her colleagues returned to their tasks, leaving Ji Shuiyao to quell her inner turmoil and concentrate on her work.

But suddenly, Lin Chen called.

“Sixth Sister, I saw the news. Someone confessed to you! What do you think about becoming Lin Xiaobao’s wife?” Lin Chen cheerfully inquired.

“Why are you joining in on this?” Ji Shuiyao retorted.

“It’s not teasing. If he’s going to be my brother-in-law, I deserve to know,” Lin Chen insisted, eager to gauge Ji Shuiyao’s feelings to strategize his next move.

“You’re overthinking it. Your Sixth Sister doesn’t plan to marry,” Ji Shuiyao stated firmly but then added, almost involuntarily, “At least not before 30.”

Lin Chen felt relieved. Ji Shuiyao used to say she’d never marry, but now her stance had softened, a sign she might be interested. Excelling in science would surely win her affection.

Lin Chen hung up and resumed typing at his computer, crafting another high-level scientific paper for Global Discovery.

Eight hours later, his work was ready. Previously, he’d spent only a couple of hours per paper, each causing a stir. This time, a more meticulous approach promised to make an even bigger impact once published.