Chapter 0439

"Moreover, is there a more reliable partner in all of China than Luo Corporation? Today, I’ve gathered the key members of our institute in Beijing here to show Luo Yao our stance, and also to inform you of something."

"Luo Yao isn’t just our partner—she’s also the largest benefactor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. All three of our university research projects bear her imprint. We didn’t tell you before because we didn’t think it necessary, assuming you researchers only needed to focus on your work."

"But now, we have to make it clear. Because I’ve noticed that as your status has risen, you’ve begun to forget your original purpose. Now, you’re even using your positions to attack others. Without her financial support, no matter how capable you are, you wouldn’t have the means to achieve anything. Remember—don’t overestimate yourselves."

Chen Buhui grew anxious. The thought of apologizing to Luo Yao was worse than death to her.

"I refuse. I’m Luo Yao’s elder—I won’t apologize to her."

"Today, whether you like it or not, you will apologize. Otherwise, I’ll expel you from the Academy. You know I have that authority."

Wei Junjie’s demeanor shifted as he spoke. Normally refined and composed, his anger transformed him into a figure even the Academy feared.

Just then, someone entered to report.

"Director, Luo Corporation’s car has arrived."

Wei Junjie immediately stood. "Let’s go greet her together."

He led the group out of the room, with everyone following in silence.

These researchers, usually reserved and immersed in their studies, were now visibly nervous about meeting a corporate magnate.

Of course, two exceptions stood out—Chen Buhui and Wei Junjie.

When they reached the building’s entrance, Luo Corporation’s convoy had arrived. To their surprise, Luo Yao wasn’t there—instead, Liu Meng stepped out.

"Assistant Liu, where’s President Luo?" Wei Junjie asked hurriedly, glancing behind her.

"President Luo is occupied and couldn’t make it. You can relay anything to me."

"Can you represent her?"

"Yes."

The experts—men and women, all middle-aged or older, with the youngest in their forties—were taken aback by Liu Meng’s commanding presence.

"Very well, Assistant Liu. Welcome." Wei Junjie extended a hand. Liu Meng gave him a cold glance but eventually shook it.

She didn’t dislike men, but years alongside Luo Yao had conditioned her to keep them at a distance. Still, as the Academy’s director, Wei Junjie deserved basic courtesy.

"Director Wei, let’s get straight to the point."

With these scholars, there was no need for subtlety. Experts though they were, flowery language would likely be lost on them. Directness worked best—a skill Liu Meng had mastered.

Wei Junjie took no offense. "Of course, of course. Assistant Liu, please come inside."

As Wei Junjie escorted her in, Chen Buhui stared intently, but Liu Meng didn’t spare her a glance.

Chen Buhui exhaled in relief. She’d braced herself to apologize to Luo Yao, but with Luo Yao absent, perhaps she could avoid it altogether.

Had Luo Yao come, she’d have had no choice—though she could’ve refused, she didn’t dare. Without the Academy’s backing, she was nothing.

Inside the room, Liu Meng was seated in a place of honor, experiencing the treatment of a high-ranking executive.

"Director Wei, let’s keep this brief. President Luo expects my report soon—she needs to return to her husband, Lin Ran. He can’t function without her."

Wei Junjie forced an awkward smile. "Right, of course. Here’s the situation—I’ve asked Xiao Chen to apologize to President Luo. Could we let this matter rest?"

Liu Meng’s expression remained neutral, but her mind raced.

She’d suspected official interference, but it was Chen Buhui all along.

On the way, she’d even considered scrapping the project and cutting ties with three Academy collaborations as punishment.

Her confidence came from Luo Yao’s unconditional trust: "Do as you see fit. Even if the sky falls, it’s fine."

Those words had steeled her resolve.

"An apology to President Luo isn’t necessary."

At this, Chen Buhui visibly relaxed, shooting Liu Meng a smug look that said, "Know your place."

"However," Liu Meng continued, "you will apologize to her husband, Lin Ran, and publicly explain the entire incident. Additionally, the Academy will concede three percentage points of profit from the Tech City project. After all, Lin Ran loves money, and President Luo wants to pad his allowance."

The room fell silent.

Something felt… off. Wasn’t this reasoning absurd?

Chen Buhui’s face twisted in shock and fury.

"Apologize? Why should I apologize? I never bullied Lin Ran."

Liu Meng retorted, "Our President Luo Yao said you called Young Master Lin an unfilial descendant in Shanghai. Even if there is some connection between Young Master Lin and your Chen family, that doesn’t give you the right to speak about him that way. In this world, no one except President Luo Yao has the privilege to bully him—including you."

Liu Meng understood Luo Yao’s stance. Back when Chen Buhui had called Lin Ran unfilial, Luo Yao had been furious but temporarily set it aside due to the bidding matters.

This time, she was determined to settle the score for President Luo.

What was owed would eventually be repaid.

Chen Buhui tried to argue, but Wei Junjie cut her off with a sharp command, "Apologize."

Chen Buhui glanced at Wei Junjie, then at the other experts, feeling as if her dignity was being ground into the dirt.

Under the weight of everyone’s stares, she finally cracked.

"I’m sorry. I was wrong."

Liu Meng shook her head. "The way you apologized is wrong, and the person you’re apologizing to is also wrong."

She pulled out her phone and started recording a video on the spot.

"Professor Chen, if you make a mistake, own up to it. If you deserve punishment, take it standing tall. President Luo Yao is already going easy on you by just demanding a public apology to our boss."

The words were a ruthless blow.

Chen Buhui took a deep breath, suppressing her anger as she faced the camera. "Lin Ran, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have called you unfilial. From now on, outside the Chen family, I will never speak to you as an elder again."

Liu Meng stopped the recording, indifferent to Chen Buhui’s last remark. It didn’t matter if Lin Ran severed all ties with the Chen family.

In fact, if Lin Ran really cut off the Chens, President Luo Yao would be thrilled.

She even secretly hoped Lin Ran would break with the Chen family entirely—just so he could spend all his time in a pure, love-filled daily life with their President Luo.