Ecological Corner

In the office, the blush-inducing romantic atmosphere had not yet completely dissipated.

With a soft click.

Su Bai pulled the ring of an ice-cold can of cola with one hand, tilted his head back, and took a big gulp.

The icy carbonated liquid rolled down his throat, instantly dispelling the heat that had enveloped his body just a moment ago. The feeling of comfort spreading through his entire body made him unable to resist letting out a sigh of satisfaction.

Refreshing.

This moment of post-academic-discussion clarity, paired with a can of happy water, was simply an enjoyment that not even a god would trade for.

Glancing back toward the lounge, Chen Yusheng and Li Xingya were inside tidying up their appearance.

After all, the battle earlier had been a bit intense. Especially those two pairs of stockings used as teaching aids—although they were of high quality, under high-intensity pulling, they still deformed somewhat.

The two girls would probably need a good while before they could come out and see people.

You guys rest for a bit. I'll go outside and take a look. The fish tank delivery should be arriving soon.

Su Bai called out through the door. After receiving two responses filled with shy annoyance and lethargy, he pushed open the office door in a cheerful mood and walked out.

...

In the lobby of the computer laboratory, it was still a busy scene.

The clattering of keyboards, the humming of servers, and the arguing voices of a few people gathered together to discuss algorithms intertwined into a unique piece of music.

The academic atmosphere was simply too thick.

Su Bai strolled in leisurely with his hands in his pockets.

Yo, Young Master Su is here?

Good afternoon, Boss Su!

Brother Bai, you're looking handsome again today!

Seeing Su Bai walk in, the senior students who had been burying their heads in hard work all looked up and greeted him warmly.

Although Su Bai was a famous slacker in this lab, never participating in specific research projects and too lazy to even write a single line of code.

But his status in the lab was quite exalted.

For no other reason than his superpower of wealth.

Ever since Su Bai sponsored this laboratory in the name of Bangbang Technology, everyone's treatment had visibly improved.

In the past, running a model required waiting in line for computing power; now, top-tier graphics cards could be used freely. Previously, staying up late for overtime meant eating instant noodles; now, the high-end midnight snacks and snack cabinets regularly arranged by Boss Su were never empty.

For this group of master's and doctoral students doing research, a financial backer who could provide funding, replace equipment, and not blindly issue commands was practically their second parents!

Not to mention, this backer was also very easy on the eyes.

A few second-year female grad students who were organizing data couldn't help but sneak a few extra glances when they saw Su Bai's tall, straight casual attire and his radiant face fresh from exercise. They huddled together, whispering with knowing smiles on their faces.

It's here, it's here! Make way!

Just then, a commotion came from the corridor.

Several movers wearing professional work uniforms came in, calling out chants as they carefully carried a few massive wooden crates.

Whoa! What's this big guy?

Everyone's attention was drawn over.

Our fish tank has arrived.

Su Bai stepped forward, directing the workers to place the crates in the reserved empty space—it was the spot with the best lighting in the lab's rest area, right next to the coffee machine and floor-to-ceiling windows.

As the wooden crates were dismantled and the protective film torn off.

Wow...

A chorus of gasps echoed around.

It was a 1.5-meter-long ultra-clear glass fish tank.

It had to be said that the eye for detail accompanying the system's reward of Aquarium Aquascaping (Perfect Level) was truly sharp.

The glass used for this tank was extremely transparent. Looking straight at it, one could hardly feel the presence of the glass; it was as if it were a solid block of air.

The base cabinet was made of solid black walnut wood, with a heavy and warm texture. Paired with a top-tier full-spectrum light panel and a filtration system that looked incredibly precise, even someone who knew nothing about keeping fish could tell at a glance that this thing was very expensive.

Isn't this too transparent? An air tank?

This filter canister... Eheim's top model? This whole set must cost tens of thousands, right?

Tens of thousands? Just custom-making this tank alone probably costs that much. With Boss Su making a move, it's definitely the top of the top tier.

A group of STEM guys instantly crowded around. Although they didn't understand aquascaping, they understood equipment and craftsmanship.

People were always full of curiosity about things brimming with industrial aesthetics and the scent of money.

Su Bai, are you planning to build an aquarium in the lab?

A hearty laugh rang out.

An old professor with half-white hair and thick-rimmed glasses slowly walked over, holding a thermos cup.

It was exactly Chen Yusheng's previous mentor and the head of this laboratory, Professor Luo.

Professor Luo could be said to be very tactful. At first, he exploited Chen Yusheng, a high-quality labor force, to the max. But after discovering that she had Su Bai backing her, his attitude took a massive 180-degree turn. It could even be said that he no longer treated Chen Yusheng as a student, but rather as a colleague.

When it came to emotional intelligence.

Su Bai still preferred cooperating with this kind of professor.

Professor Luo.

Su Bai smiled and went to meet him. I just felt that the usual atmosphere in our lab is too serious. Setting up a fish tank, arranging some plants, and keeping a few fish can also help everyone relieve visual fatigue and relax their minds.

Hmm, makes sense, makes sense.

Professor Luo walked a lap around the fish tank and nodded in satisfaction. We computer science folks stare at screens all day, it really is easy to go blind. Having some green things to look at is quite nice. This is what they call ecological office work.

If it were any other student daring to make such a fuss in the lab, Professor Luo would probably have kicked them out long ago, scolding them for neglecting their proper duties.

But Su Bai was different.

This was the financial backer.

Just a couple of days ago, Professor Luo had signed for a batch of graphics cards sponsored by Su Bai and was still grinning from ear to ear.

In his eyes, this behavior of Su Bai's was an outstanding contribution made to improve the research environment.

But in Su Bai's view, this was a solid big project for farming cashback. After all, buying graphics cards was genuinely expensive, but because Chen Yusheng's affection level was very high, this was also counted as an investment in her.

It was just very comfortable.

Looks like I'll have to learn how to keep fish in the future too.

Professor Luo said with a chuckle, Watching these little guys swim around, maybe I can spark some inspiration too. Ah, young people nowadays really know how to live. Unlike our time, when we wished we could sleep in the office.

The atmosphere in this lab is getting better and better. Su Bai, this is all thanks to you.

Professor Luo patted Su Bai's shoulder, his tone filled with emotion.

In scientific research, passion is certainly important, but what is always lacking the most is money.

Without money, equipment falls behind, talent cannot be retained, and projects cannot move forward.

Su Bai's appearance was like a timely rain, allowing this originally somewhat dull and financially strained laboratory to glow with renewed vitality.

You're too polite, I'm just messing around.

Su Bai replied modestly.

As they were speaking, the office door opened.

Chen Yusheng and Li Xingya had finally finished tidying up and walked out.

Both of them had touched up their makeup. Chen Yusheng had returned to her usual aloof, straight-A student persona, though a faint, lingering romantic afterglow still softened her eyes and brows. Li Xingya followed obediently behind her, holding a document in her hands just to keep up appearances.

"Oh, the tank is here?"

Chen Yusheng's eyes lit up when she saw the massive fish tank.

"Perfect timing, Yusheng, Xingya. You guys are just in time."

Su Bai waved them over. "I'm going to need your help as my assistants for the aquascaping next. We're going to build an ecological corner."