“Why can’t it be me?” Wang Haoran retorted.

“Answer some questions for me,” Ji Shuiyao said, still skeptical and wanting to verify his knowledge.

“Please, go ahead.”

“What types of algae are there?” she asked.

“Algae can be divided into marine and freshwater types. More specifically, they’re classified into eight phyla: Cyanophyta, Chrysophyta, Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyta,” Wang Haoran explained carefully.

“That’s not too hard; anyone who studies hard could know that,” Ji Shuiyao commented, then thought of a more difficult question. “When did algae first appear?”

Wang Haoran answered immediately, “About four to five billion years ago, Earth was a chaotic place with thunder, storms, and raging waves. There was no oxygen, no life, just desolation for over a billion years. Around 3.5 billion years ago, during the Archean era, cyanobacteria appeared on Earth. They contained chlorophyll and could perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen. This led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere. Between 1.8 billion and 600 million years ago, during the Proterozoic era, Earth became a world of algae, with not just cyanobacteria but also green algae, brown algae, and large algae.”

“You know quite a lot,” Ji Shuiyao said in surprise and decided to raise the difficulty even more. “Answer one more question. If you can do this, I’ll believe you.”

After taking a sip of coffee, Wang Haoran replied calmly, “Please ask.”

Ji Shuiyao thought for a moment, then asked:

“In my current research project, there’s an experiment on microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. If it were you, how would you conduct this experiment?”

Ji Shuiyao herself didn’t have a solid idea for this experiment. This question served as a real test to see if he possessed actual skills or was just bluffing.

“The experimental strain can use the microorganism from the genus Ochrobactrum, specifically Ochrobactrum sp. BAP5,” Wang Haoran started explaining methodically:

“In the study of the marine microorganism Ochrobactrum sp. BAP5 degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the reagents involved include: standard protein marker; bovine serum albumin (5mg/mL); 0.01M phosphate buffer solution (PBS), 0.8g NaCl, 0.27g KH2PO4, 1.42g Na2HPO4, 0.2g KCl, adding 800mL of distilled water to the buffer, adjusting the pH to 7…

Stir with a stirrer for 30 minutes, then add 50mL of 86% (w/v) H3PO4 and dilute to 100mL with water. Use double-layer filter paper to filter and prepare for use.”

“The instruments used include: J**-6360 tungsten filament scanning electron microscope; solid-phase microextraction device with handle and 85um extraction head…”

“The specific method involves first observing the strain’s morphology. When doing this, use 2216E plate streaking to purify a single strain and observe the colony morphology. The strain is Gram-stained…”

“First, observe the degradation efficiency of strain BAP5 on single polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The strain is preserved with glycerol at low temperatures, then activated and multiplied with 2216E medium, and inoculated at 1% into M** containing BaP, Phe, pyr, Flu…”

As he elaborated, he was only halfway through, but even this part left Ji Shuiyao astounded.

[Ding, the host successfully established the identity of a top scientist.]

[Ding, the female lead Ji Shuiyao’s favorability towards the host increased by 20, current total favorability is 60 (admiration).]

[Ding, the host influenced the plot direction, gaining 1500 villain points, Lin Chen’s protagonist halo -75, host’s villain halo +75!]

Wang Haoran had wisely spent 1500 villain points to acquire a historical scientist template specializing in marine biology before meeting Ji Shuiyao. This preparation enabled him to answer her marine biology questions smoothly.

Though he spent 1500 villain points, establishing himself as a top scientist immensely increased her favorability, earning him 1500 villain points and raising her affection level to 60.

Wang Haoran immediately interacted with the system to use a charm halo on Ji Shuiyao.

[Ding, charm halo used successfully, female lead Ji Shuiyao’s favorability towards the host increased by 10, current total favorability is 70 (deep affection).]

[Ding, the host greatly influenced the plot direction, gaining 1700 villain points!]

Another substantial gain was made.

Across from him, Ji Shuiyao was still in shock and speechless.

Wang Haoran smiled and asked, “Are you done with marine biology questions? How about asking about biochemistry?”

Realizing her situation, Ji Shuiyao answered, “No, no need.”

“Since there are no more questions, can we have a proper conversation now?” Wang Haoran asked.

“Yes,” Ji Shuiyao replied, now aware of Wang Haoran’s true identity. She became more reserved and avoided direct eye contact but still gathered the courage to ask, “The confession on Global Discovery, were you serious?”

At this, Wang Haoran instinctively checked the time, knowing the website should have an update, and feigned surprise.

“Haven’t you checked the Global Discovery website announcement?”

“Website announcement?” Ji Shuiyao questioned and couldn’t help but check the Global Discovery website on her phone.

The previous explanation given by Wei Xiaobao was absorbed by Ji Shuiyao, leaving her mortified, wishing she could disappear.

Amid her embarrassment, she felt a sense of disappointment and regret.

Clinging to a slight hope, Ji Shuiyao asked, “Since that’s the case, why did you meet me?”

Wang Haoran clarified, “I just wanted to prevent someone from using my identity to deceive you, as it would not only harm you but also ruin my reputation.”

The tiny spark of hope in Ji Shuiyao’s heart shattered, leaving her feeling suffocated as she barely managed to say, “Thank you for your kindness.”

Wang Haoran took a sip of coffee and responded with a smile, “It’s what I should do.”

Ji Shuiyao tried to dispel her inner disappointment and said, “Your paper published on Global Discovery is truly impressive. I would like to invite you on behalf of my research institute to give an academic lecture. Would that be possible?”

“I’m afraid not. I published the paper on Global Discovery on a whim and didn’t intend to become famous,” Wang Haoran declined. He added a warning, “Also, I don’t want to be disturbed by others in the scientific community, so I hope you can keep this confidential.”

Ji Shuiyao couldn’t insist and nodded in agreement, “Of course.”

After acknowledging, she still couldn’t suppress her inner admiration and asked, “I’d like to consult you on some academic questions. Are you available tomorrow?”