When Tang Xiao arrived at the laboratory, he saw everyone gathered around a specific spot, so he joined them.
“Let me see what you've been working on.”
As soon as Tang Xiao arrived, Xu Xianglei scooted over to make space for him, his face still glowing with excitement. “The experiment you designed was a success! We managed to produce the S and tracrRNA complex. It’s essentially a final weapon, capable of delivering precise strikes to an intruder’s DNA. The complex scans the entire foreign DNA sequence and identifies the protospacer that complements the crRNA.”
Tang Xiao patiently listened as he checked the results displayed by the instruments. As he compared the data, a smile gradually spread across his face. Based on the current findings, the S protein induced double-strand breaks in the DNA upstream and downstream of the targeted gene. The organism’s DNA damage repair mechanism would then reconnect the broken ends, effectively knocking out the target gene within the cell.
In short, the gene screening mechanism found in ancient mushrooms had been successfully replicated. A prototype for a new gene-editing technology had emerged. Although there were still unresolved issues—like whether it would function in eukaryotic cells—their direction was undeniably correct.
Getting to this stage was already enough to publish a good paper.
Xiao Bai arrived at the lab later that afternoon. When he saw the results, his face finally relaxed a little. However, his thoughts extended beyond publication—he was already considering the potential medical applications of this technology.
Though it was too early to talk about it, he caught a glimmer of hope.
For once, Xiao Bai smiled.
It startled the rest of the lab staff.
“You’ve all done well. The past few days have been tough. Organize the data, run a few more sets of repeat experiments, and Tang Xiao, you’ll draft the paper over the next two days,” Xiao Bai said, assigning the tasks with his usual efficiency.
As expected, most of the paper’s initial draft landed on Tang Xiao’s plate. The good news was that he didn’t have to worry about data organization or repeat experiments. Tang Xiao thought for a moment and didn’t find it too bothersome. Since the experiment had already succeeded in reality, it wouldn’t be long before it succeeded in the game. When the time came, he could use the same draft for both, making slight adjustments to the details.
That evening, Tang Xiao logged back into the game.
The game’s progress lagged behind reality. Due to an earlier state of heightened vigilance, research had been paused for a while, putting them behind schedule. But it didn’t matter—now that the real-world results were in, Tang Xiao had the ‘answer key’ and felt full of confidence. He returned to the game lab and re-designed the experiment for his in-game team.
Tang Xiao’s confidence was contagious. The team, including Lodge, who had been feeling a bit burned out at this stage of research, found themselves motivated again after seeing Tang Xiao's renewed energy.
“Tang, you seem to be in a good mood.”
“Of course, we’re about to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Tang Xiao said confidently. Although he wasn’t smiling, the relaxed look in his eyes gave it away. With an air of flamboyance, he added, “How about a bet? I bet the next set of data will turn out great, and we’ll be able to draft the paper right away.”
“What’s the wager?” Yu Ming perked up at the word ‘bet’ and excitedly approached.
“A bottle of champagne,” Tang Xiao replied with a grin.
In the lab, champagne held special meaning. It was a must-have at every celebration for a successful project. Outside the lab, alcohol was a scarce resource. Most researchers didn’t drink, but when a paper got accepted, even the most reserved scientists would drink themselves under the table.
“Deal,” Yu Ming said without hesitation. “Tang, I know you’re great at research, but experimental results don’t just appear because you want them to. I think it’ll take longer.”
“I’m siding with Tang,” Aberk chimed in, intrigued. “I bet this round of experiments will succeed. Same wager—champagne.”
Lodge said, “Then count me in too.”
“No, no, Lodge,” Tang Xiao interjected, “it’s boring if everyone bets on the same outcome. This is your chance to pick a different side.”
Lodge laughed. “Alright, then I’ll bet the results will come out in the next round instead.”
“Deal.”
Their lively banter drew curious glances from passing researchers, Xiao Bai included. He paused to watch Tang Xiao, who stood at the center of the group, surrounded by laughter and energy. For a brief moment, Tang Xiao’s figure overlapped with his own from years ago.
He wasn’t sure what he was feeling.
But in this moment, it was as if the past had resurfaced.
Back when Xiao Bai was with the Alliance, he’d been just as confident and spirited, believing they could achieve breakthroughs in gene-editing technology. They had aimed to solve food shortages, genetic disorders, and even issues like cancer and aging, fundamentally changing the world.
He had believed their work would save humanity.
But those grand ambitions had been cut short by the Alliance’s turbulence. The research was shelved indefinitely.
Such a fate wouldn’t befall this lab. Not again.
Xiao Bai snapped back to reality and returned to his office, his face expressionless.
Tang Xiao seemed to sense something and turned to look toward the back door, but all he saw was a glimpse of a white hem and a blurry silhouette.
That’s Xiao Bai.
He recalled reading in a newspaper that Xiao Bai had taken on this project for the sake of his mother.
However, in the game, this success came a few years too late for him.
But in reality, maybe they can catch up.
Thinking of this, Tang Xiao pressed his lips together and said to the others, “Let’s hurry up and make the most of our time. It wouldn’t be good if someone else beats us to the results.”
“Huh? Is there anyone else working on this project besides us?”
“The Alliance's side has long been sealed off, right?”
Tang Xiao said, “It's never a bad thing to achieve results quickly. There's just a little progress left—victory is right in front of us.”
Yu Ming and the others blinked at his words. Huh, so that wasn’t just a joke earlier?
But seeing how confident Tang Xiao was, they decided not to say anything more and naturally began speeding up the process.
On the other side, Xiao Bai returned to his office and immediately checked the results of the application approval.
Seeing that it was approved, with the meeting time and location noted, he glanced at the clock—it was scheduled to begin in about an hour. Expressionless, he stood up, grabbed a thick stack of documents, and headed out.
The application he submitted, naturally, was for Tang Xiao’s scientist qualification.
Advancing from the researcher track to the official scientist track wasn’t a simple task. The process was cumbersome, and more importantly, it required recognition from a certain number of high-ranking scientists. Additionally, it took time, as the scientist track was a focus for Third Eye's cultivation and resource allocation. After the attack during the previous Achievement Conference and the Huigui sect incidents, the approval process had become increasingly stringent.
For someone like Tang Xiao, who had been with the organization for less than a year, it would normally be impossible to pass. However, with Xiao Bai’s recent efforts, combined with the special contribution award from the leader, it might not be entirely out of reach.
Tang Xiao’s current project results stemmed from his earlier topic of study. Xiao Bai was fully aware of their significance—they weren’t achievements that could be easily justified by simply publishing in a top-tier journal. A dedicated report conference would be required to explain the findings. Even if the path from the Alliance to Third Eye was arduous, experts in this field would not hesitate to make the trip for such a presentation.
By that time, if Tang Xiao were still a researcher without a Ph.D., there would inevitably be shortsighted individuals doubting the legitimacy of his findings or suspecting that someone had assisted him behind the scenes or intentionally handed over the results to him as a student.
Tang Xiao likely hadn’t considered this.
However, Xiao Bai, who had faced such experiences himself, wanted to nip these issues in the bud.
Thus, Xiao Bai aimed to advance Tang Xiao’s qualifications before the paper was published, applying early. Ideally, once the paper was accepted, Tang Xiao’s scientist status and Ph.D. could be secured simultaneously.
Tang Xiao seemed to mind being the only one in the research group without a Ph.D. Quite a lot, actually. Well, this would be a fitting gift for him.
As Xiao Bai approached the meeting room, a rare smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he recalled Tang Xiao’s frequent eye twitches whenever people called him ‘Researcher Tang’ or ‘Dr. Tang.’ But the smile quickly faded, replaced by a blank expression as he stepped into the room.
Easy to meet the king, but hard to deal with his advisors.
About half of the Academic Committee members were already present, including Leon, who had recently been stripped of his acting leader position. He now sat with a sullen face, glaring at Xiao Bai.
Leon hadn’t forgotten that it was after Tang Xiao and Xiao Bai met with Dalton that the old man decisively removed him from his acting position.
Despite being Dalton’s son, the leader refused to meet him and rushed to see two outsiders upon waking.
Leon was torn between bitterness and cold sarcasm. Were researchers really that important in his father’s eyes?
“Dr. Xiao, where is your student?” Dr. Owen, who had spoken in Xiao Bai’s favor during a previous meeting, asked in surprise, noticing Tang Xiao’s absence.
“He’s still conducting experiments. This is just an application process; there’s no need for him to be present, is there?” Xiao Bai replied.
“That’s true. Alright then, let’s begin,” Owen said, though he thought to himself that it was somewhat unusual. Normally, students handle these processes themselves; it was rare for a mentor to personally intervene.
Xiao Bai—unexpected. He’d been in Third Eye for so long without taking on students, so people assumed he was distant and indifferent. Yet now, after finally accepting a student, he seemed incredibly protective.
Well, it made sense. A student with such rare talent was worth guarding like a treasure.
“Today’s agenda is to decide whether to approve Tang Xiao’s application for promotion to a Level 1 Scientist. As this member has been with Third Eye for a relatively short time but has shown exceptional results, Dr. Xiao has applied for him to use the Special Talent Channel, bypassing the usual qualification requirements. Let’s proceed with open discussion,” Owen announced.
As soon as he finished, Leon coldly spoke up, “I oppose it.”
Predictable, Owen thought.
He was well aware of the animosity between Leon and the duo of Tang Xiao and Xiao Bai. “Your reasoning?” Owen asked calmly.
“It’s too risky. Tang Xiao hasn’t even been with us for a year. His promotion to official researcher already broke the precedent. Normally, his probation period wouldn’t even be over yet, let alone undergoing further evaluation to ensure he isn’t a spy from another organization. The scientist track grants access to significant resources and confidential research data. What if he’s a double agent? Therefore, I oppose it,” Leon declared.
“The ‘spy’ argument has already been addressed. The Achievement Conference incident and the recent beast tide crisis have sufficiently demonstrated Tang Xiao’s loyalty and dedication,” Xiao Bai countered. “The leader awarded him a Special Contribution Award—does that not prove enough?”
“Besides,” Xiao Bai added with a mocking smile, “do you think a rival organization would waste such a gifted researcher as a spy? That’s a bit too generous, don’t you think?”
Leon sneered. “Perhaps they aren’t so generous. After all, he joined us without even having a Ph.D.”
Xiao Bai fired back, “Oh? Dr. Leon, as far as I recall, your academic career consists of just one top-tier journal publication. And based on my investigation, it wasn’t exactly groundbreaking. Why not publish more? Why not solve long-standing mysteries in academia? Don’t want to?”
“Pfft.”
Owen maintained a professional demeanor, though he reflexively touched his lips. Not him, certainly.
But who failed to hold back?
Glancing around the room, he noticed some members pursing their lips, others looking up or down—no one wanted to admit it.
Leon’s face turned dark, suppressing his anger. Rather than continue sparring with Xiao Bai, he shifted his focus to the other members, as their votes would ultimately decide the outcome.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please recall what kind of individuals have historically been granted the Special Talent Channel. They’ve always been internationally renowned scientists with multiple core achievements. Even Dr. Xiao himself, when joining Third Eye, was already a Nobel Prize nominee, holding patents worth millions and a tenured professorship. Tang Xiao’s achievements pale in comparison. Though he has potential, allowing him to use this channel diminishes its value,” Leon argued.
His points struck home for some members, who nodded in agreement.
Tang Xiao’s rise had been too recent. While some regarded him as a genius, he currently had only one Grade A SCI paper and one Nature publication under his belt. These were already significant achievements for a researcher, but compared to the renowned scientist who had previously taken the Special Talent Channel, he was still too inexperienced.
For example, when Xiao Bai joined Third Eye, he was already a Nobel Prize nominee, held patents worth millions, was a renowned scientist in the Alliance, and was a tenured professor.
Compared to those figures, while Tang Xiao had the advantage of youth, his achievements lacked comparable weight.
In simple terms, approving him would dilute the prestige of the Special Talent Channel.
Leon’s rebuttal hit the mark. Xiao Bai didn’t have particularly strong counterarguments to refute him. While Xiao Bai had faith in Tang Xiao’s potential to produce groundbreaking results soon, others didn’t share the same confidence.
“Even so, I believe we should make an exception. Tang’s achievements have already surpassed the level of a researcher. If he doesn’t receive the recognition and titles he deserves, what message does that send to others, especially those more senior scientists who work under his direction?” Xiao Bai said after a long pause.
“When the scientist track was first created, it was meant to identify and empower the most capable individuals, allowing them to take charge of high-level projects and research. Only in this way can we address humanity’s current challenges in the shortest time possible. I hope none of you have forgotten the original intent behind the leader’s establishment of the Third Eye.”
Owen sighed quietly, glancing at the empty leader’s seat before saying, “The arguments for and against approval have been presented. Does anyone else wish to speak?”
No one replied.
“Then let’s proceed to the vote,” Owen announced.
As soon as he finished, a few members close to Leon cast their votes against the application, while those who favored Tang Xiao and Xiao Bai voted in support.
The original voting blocs on both sides were fairly balanced, leaving the outcome dependent on a few neutral members.
“Hmm, Tang Xiao… Is he that young man who resolved the alien beast crisis?” An elderly member with white hair and a beard, who appeared to have just woken up, suddenly asked under the gaze of Xiao Bai and Leon.
Xiao Bai’s temple twitched. “Yes.”
Leon interjected, “But what we’re discussing now is whether Tang Xiao qualifies for the Special Talent Channel. Fellow scientists, please consider this carefully. Contributions are one thing, but academia should remain pure. Otherwise, we might as well recruit from the Masked Man Group to conduct research.”
The elder laughed heartily and pointed at Leon without saying anything.
The double standard did not faze Leon as he remained unmoved.
Another neutral member, Dr. Bazel, drawled, “Alright, so what’s wrong with politics? I’ve never believed that researchers should avoid it. This world should be led by the smartest people, and we are the smartest people.”
The elder snorted. “The closer you are to politics, the farther you are from science.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I’m retired, of course.”
The two bickered, their playful banter showcasing a dynamic they’d had since their youth. Xiao Bai and Leon shared a rare moment of unity, looking helplessly at the duo who had been arguing for decades.
“So, what are your decisions?” Owen had to ask.
The elder said, “It’s true, though—letting a young man gain more experience isn’t a bad idea.”
Bazel agreed, “I support that.”
Xiao Bai’s heart sank, while a smile crept onto Leon’s face.
Owen said, “That brings the current vote count to—”
At that moment, Xiao Bai’s communicator rang, interrupting Owen’s announcement. Leon frowned and said sarcastically, “Not even capable of silencing your device for a meeting? Dr. Xiao, you—”
“Shh.” Xiao Bai impatiently gestured for silence. Seeing that the caller was Tang Xiao, he felt a sense of foreboding mixed with hope. Under the watchful eyes of the room, he chose to answer the call.
“Hello?”
“Dr. Xiao, I thought it was necessary to inform you,” Tang Xiao’s voice, barely able to contain his excitement, came through the background noise of Yu Ming and others cheering. “We succeeded! Of course, it’s just the first stage. We still need to test whether this technique will work on lab mice.”
At that moment, Xiao Bai was at a loss for words.
The meeting room fell into complete silence. Several scientists exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of Tang Xiao’s current research topic. But judging from Xiao Bai’s expression, it wasn’t something trivial.
Leon said coldly, “What kind of stunt is this, Dr. Xiao? Isn’t this a bit childish? Even if this project has made progress, it doesn’t erase the gap between Tang Xiao and established scientists.”
“The new gene-editing technology was once the most hotly contested and controversial new technology in the Alliance,” Xiao Bai said, his voice steady—or rather, forcibly kept steady—but the tremor in his tone betrayed his unease.
He had faith in Tang Xiao, but he had not expected this day to come so soon.
“FSCGS technology may fundamentally change how we address certain issues, such as diseases and food shortages,” Xiao Bai continued, then seemed to recall something, his lips curling coldly. “And, of course, what they fear most—the mass production of superpowers.”
Granted, practical implementation was still a distant dream.
But that didn’t stop him from using it as leverage.
The mention of the project’s name left the gathered scientists holding their breath. Even the previously drowsy elder straightened up in an instant, his eyes alight as he stared at Xiao Bai. “I thought you’d never restart this project again.”
“I didn’t,” Xiao Bai replied. “This is Tang Xiao’s project.”
Owen couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Bai’s expression and was surprised to see an unprecedented complexity in his usually impassive face—there was wistfulness, frustration, and unmistakable pride.
It was the first time most of them had seen such vivid and layered emotions on Xiao Bai’s face. The icy aura he carried, like a Siberian winter, seemed momentarily displaced by something warmer, almost human.
This convinced Owen that this was, indeed, an unforeseen and dramatic turn of events, one even Xiao Bai hadn’t anticipated.
No one could predict when world-changing breakthroughs would emerge or when they would arrive.
And now, they were lucky enough to witness one of those moments firsthand.
Everyone sat in silence, listening to the call. The young man on the other end of the line, oblivious to the fact that Third Eye’s top brass were listening in, continued eagerly explaining their experiments and methodologies. “This technology still has some limitations,” Tang Xiao said. “For example, it requires complementary pairing with the upstream A-sequence bases near the editing region, which needs to have a relatively conserved A-sequence NGG. Secondly, the guide RNA must pair with the upstream A-sequence bases. And most importantly, while we’ve isolated this tool, there are still potential issues with off-target effects in practical applications. However, the results we’ve achieved so far are enough to publish a paper. What do you think?”
“Mm, sounds good. I’ll leave it to you,”
Xiao Bai replied flatly, said a few more words, and ended the call. He turned back to the meeting room.
Leon’s face was darker than ever. In stark contrast, neutral scientists like Bazel were now visibly intrigued. They had no interest in the political disputes—they were far more eager to discuss this fascinating technology with Xiao Bai or Tang Xiao after the meeting. It seemed to hold potential applications across numerous fields.
Noting the varied reactions around him, Xiao Bai allowed himself a small smile. “I believe you’re all correct. Science is pure and should be judged solely by its results. Now, I think we can revisit Tang Xiao’s application.”
“So, do you believe this achievement qualifies Tang Xiao for the Special Talent Channel?”
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