The saddest thing in the world isn't when your colleagues were just condemning someone with you a moment ago but are now showering that same person with praise and flattery. No, the real sadness is when they continue to do so, even when they see you've arrived.
Moreover, their praises become even louder.
In the office, a group of people was enthusiastically showering praise and flattery like a rainbow fart.
"Professor Shi, this idea has been around for a while, but no one could make it a reality, or rather, no one could make it work as people had imagined. It's truly amazing that you've actually accomplished it!"
"Yes, Professor Shi, I have dreamt of our country having this technology since I was in primary school. I thought I wouldn't see it in my lifetime, but you've actually made it happen!"
The young man standing next to Qin Yunsheng felt a sense of sorrow. Although the people in their office were generally younger and didn't have as many impressive research results as the experts in the neighboring office, this level of flattery was still excessive.
If Shi Qing had indeed created something worthwhile, it might be a good thing, but it didn't warrant this level of flattery. Have they all forgotten their previous spirited declarations that titles and family backgrounds shouldn't matter in modern society? Even if someone were a noble or had a duke for a father, they shouldn't have any influence over them in this day and age. Have their principles been swayed by Qin Ge's charisma?
However, he suddenly realized that Qin Ge was not actively encouraging this flattery like the others.
This revelation shook him, and he turned to the military officer beside him, feeling a connection as if they were the only ones with a clear mind in the room, like-minded souls in the midst of a chaotic crowd.
Then, Qin Yunsheng, still standing tall with perfect military bearing, focused his gaze on Shi Qing, who was being surrounded by people praising him.
With a slight curve of his lips, Qin Yunsheng approached and stood next to the young viscount, his voice low and gentle, as if he had known all along, "Have you been successful with what you've been busy with these days?"
"Yes, I've succeeded."
Even though he had been surrounded by a group of people, Shi Qing had remained nonchalant. He lazily leaned into the man's arms, their heights not too different, so he didn't appear overly dependent. However, the unmistakable intimacy between them was evident to everyone.
In an instant, the people who had been fervently praising them subconsciously lowered their voices, as if afraid to disturb the couple.
Qin Yunsheng, on the other hand, paid no attention to them. From the moment he entered, his gaze remained fixed on Shi Qing alone.
The young man, who had no idea what was happening, looked at the scene, hoping that Qin Yunsheng, who had just returned from outside and seemed as clueless as him, would ask what was going on. However, Qin Yunsheng didn't utter a word. Instead, his gaze was gentle and unwavering, and he stood there firmly, offering his body as a support.
The young man muttered to himself, "..."
There was no other choice; he had to find out himself.
He approached cautiously, feeling a bit awkward and unsure, so he decided to ask his colleagues, "What's going on? Why is everyone so excited today?"
A colleague, who was clearly excited, replied, "Professor Shi has developed artificial nerves."
"What?!!!"
The young man's voice nearly cracked.
"Artificial nerves?!!!"
"Is it real?!!!"
Just as Shi Yiyi walked in and heard this conversation, she was stunned. She had joined the research team for the "Invisible Crown Prince," and she was well aware of what the term "artificial nerves" meant.
It was an extremely challenging project that many people were working on. After all, the potential impact of creating artificial nerves was enormous, not only for the country but also for the people.
Shi Yiyi wanted to marry the "Invisible Crown Prince," and she needed to make herself look more qualified. Therefore, she actively participated in various research projects that could enhance her reputation. If other projects were like pieces of meat, then "artificial nerves" were like an entire pig farm. She had to get involved.
Shi Yiyi was full of determination.
Qin Yunsheng, however, never shifted his gaze away from his beloved.
Then he noticed that Shi Qing, who had been lazily leaning against him, straightened up as soon as Shi Yiyi entered the room.
Hearing Shi Yiyi's excited words, the young viscount's face lit up visibly, and his expressions were filled with eagerness. Just moments ago, he couldn't be bothered to say a word, but now he voluntarily stepped forward. He lifted his chin slightly, and on his fair and handsome face, you could practically see the words "I am proud" written.
His voice carried a hint of arrogance as he spoke, "Of course, it's my development of artificial nerves."
Shi Yiyi responded, "You?"
She didn't believe Shi Qing... Well, she truly didn't believe Shi Qing.
Shi Qing had always been focused on indulging in pleasures, looking like a lord, always staring at his computer screen in the office, even getting others to buy his meals. How could someone like him develop artificial nerves?
The young viscount didn't mind his cousin's skepticism at all. Instead, he sneered with a triumphant tone, "You don't acknowledge my talents; it's jealousy."
Shi Yiyi was infuriated by Shi Qing's contemptuous gaze.
Why did Shi Qing look down on her like this? Just because he was the Duke's son and was born with a title and a substantial inheritance? What about her? She also had a blood relation to the Duke, and she grew up in the Duke's household. Wasn't she just as good as Shi Qing? Why did the Duke have to give everything to Shi Qing?
"Am I jealous of you? Do you even have any talent? Can you have any talent? Look at all the people standing in this office, ask them if they think you have talent!" Shi Yiyi was very confident.
She crossed her arms, even standing a bit arrogantly, waiting for Shi Qing to be humiliated in the silence of the room.
She knew that even though Shi Qing had developed the chips for unmanned aerial vehicles, based on his attitude in the office these days, there must be a lot of people who were displeased with him. She even heard that young man muttering about Shi Qing.
In this entire office, everyone was on the same page with her!
However...
One colleague who was standing closest to Shi Qing hesitated and glanced at Shi Yiyi. "Yiyi, you don't need to say it like that. Professor Shi does have a lot of ability."
Once one person spoke up, the rest followed more easily.
"Yeah, Yiyi, Professor Shi is incredibly talented. You don't know how amazing the artificial nerves he developed are. Even many senior researchers couldn't achieve what he has."
"Really, Professor Shi is a genius. He actually made it happen. I still feel like I'm dreaming. My whole body feels light and ethereal. Hey, am I really dreaming now? Ouch! Why are you pinching me?"
The colleague who was pinched replied, "I'm helping you confirm whether you're dreaming."
Listening to the praises for Shi Qing from all sides, Shi Yiyi couldn't believe it.
She couldn't believe that everyone was now saying the opposite of what they had just said. How could everyone turn against her?
She remembered the young man who had talked badly about Shi Qing before, and her eyes immediately turned in his direction.
She saw the young man who had once whispered, "Why did Qin Ge get together with Professor Shi when Qin Ge is like half of my idols?"
The young man was now looking dreamily at Shi Qing's computer. He muttered to himself, "Qin Ge! You really have great taste, incredibly great!"
Shi Yiyi couldn't believe it.
She then looked at Qin Yunsheng. The military officer had never been involved in research matters and was currently silent, gazing gently at the young viscount.
Shi Yiyi felt like she was going crazy.
Either she had gone mad, or the whole world had gone mad!
She sneered and retreated, slamming the door behind her.
"You just wait. Sooner or later, everyone will see Shi Qing's true colors!"
Shi Yiyi's arrival and departure didn't create much of a stir because everyone was busy continuing with their flattery.
"Professor Shi, if you announce the successful development of artificial nerves, you'll definitely receive awards."
"Yes, and you'll become a national sensation."
"Professor Shi, could I take a look at the experiment? I really want to see it. Thank you, Professor Shi."
Shi Qing was basking in the adoration, but instead of looking smug like he did with Shi Yiyi, he appeared lazy.
He asked, "If I make this public, will reporters come for interviews?"
"More than that!"
Immediately, someone enthusiastically answered, "For such a good cause for the country and the people, maybe even the royal TV will come!"
Shi Qing appeared contemplative. He turned to his boyfriend behind him and asked, "Is that true?"
Qin Yunsheng, who had protected many people and had a general understanding, saw the bright and sparkling eyes of his little lover and nodded affirmatively, saying, "It is."
Even if it wasn't true, he had a former army comrade working in the television industry who owed him a favor, so he could turn a "no" into a "yes" if needed.
Shi Qing's eyes lit up even more upon receiving this affirmative answer. He rarely had such a delighted expression. He turned around, placed his hands on the keyboard, and started typing away.
Others didn't know what he was doing, and they were curious to see but also felt it would be impolite to peer over his shoulder.
Until a while later, Shi Qing stopped his actions and clicked the mouse a few times. Then, the sound of the printer working filled the room.
Soon, a stack of papers was printed out.
Everyone craned their necks, trying to get a closer look at what was written on them.
Was it the research concept? The research process? The research results?
Then, the young viscount picked up the stack of papers and distributed them to everyone present except for Qin Yunsheng.
His lips curled, and he smiled much more amicably than usual, speaking in a gentle tone, "Please share these among yourselves. When the interviewers arrive, just follow what's written here."
So, people looked down in puzzlement at the papers in their hands.
On the white pages with black text, there were several lines written clearly:
"Professor Shi Qing is a kind and patient person, dedicated to his work, often working tirelessly even to the point of neglecting his meals and sleep. Even during his breaks, he keeps reading and studying, earning our admiration.
He has deep respect for his work, is friendly to his colleagues, and caring to his loved ones. Yet, he holds himself to incredibly high standards and is known for his self-discipline. He's always selfless, strict with himself, leads by example, and when praised by others, he can even get shy. He possesses a warm and humble heart.
PS: If the media asks, 'What is Professor Shi's favorite phrase?' Please respond with the following...
Prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality.
Justice, rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity, kindness."
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