C15 The Impact Is Huge!

Upon reaching the laboratory's entrance, Xu Wenn pushed the door open and stepped inside. There, he was greeted by an elderly man with graying hair—his assistant, Ding Guoyi. Despite officially being Xu Wenn's superior, Ding Guoyi treated him with great respect.

"Professor Xu, last night's experiment failed again," Ding Guoyi said with deference. "We need to convene a meeting to analyze the failure, which will aid our future research endeavors."

Indeed, Ding Guoyi, well into his sixties, held a deep respect for Xu Wenn. Science knows no borders, and age is no barrier to research. Respect is earned by those who achieve.

Xu Wenn's accomplishments had long eclipsed those of Ding Guoyi. Yet, to safeguard Xu Wenn, Ding Guoyi maintained the role of his superior in name. Within the walls of the research institute, however, he served merely as Xu Wenn's assistant.

"There's no need for that, Elder Ding," Xu Wenn interjected. "I've already reflected on my errors after returning home last night. Let's head to the experimental base now and proceed with the next trial."

Ding Guoyi was taken aback. Professor Xu had distilled his missteps into lessons learned in just one night? And his tone suggested he might have already devised a solution to the problem—astonishing!

This was no trivial experiment with hydrogen and oxygen. Success here could herald the dawn of the third industrial revolution. With "Water Fuel" in hand, Great Zhou Country could ascend to the ranks of the world's leading manufacturing powers, independent of foreign machinery. Even nations with advanced precision equipment industries would be left trailing in the wake.

But why such a bold claim? What does "Water Fuel" have to do with precision equipment processing? Recent studies indicated that "Water Fuel" wasn't just a clean energy source; it also reacted with a catalyst to produce a solid material of exceptional quality—highly resistant to heat and incredibly strong. The potential applications for "Water Fuel" were boundless, its value far surpassing that of the lithography machine.

Securing the lab, Ding Guoyi then opened another door. Behind it, a car awaited, with a wide tunnel stretching out two meters ahead.

This was the central entrance to the experimental base.

The secret facility lay beneath the Kun Roc Scientific Research Company.

Access was strictly limited to high-level engineers and senior researchers.

After thorough security checks, Xu Wenn and Ding Guoyi entered the lab, where over twenty researchers had gathered in anticipation.

These were seasoned experts, each over fifty years of age.

Yet, in this moment, they all deferred to Xu Wenn.

"Alright, esteemed colleagues, let's proceed with the experiment!"

At Xu Wenn's command, the team of white-clad researchers sprang into action.

Meanwhile, Xu Wenn's parents had arrived for work at Dinghai High School.

The office teachers offered their usual greetings, though their glances carried an odd air.

Just then, the principal entered.

He summoned Xu Wenn's parents to his office.

"I regret to inform you of some unfortunate news."

"The school has decided to put your teaching assignments on hold for the time being."

"We're awaiting further information on when you can return to work."

Xu's father and Xu's mother were visibly confused.

"Principal, what... what's happening?"

"Why are our classes being suspended?"

"We haven't made any mistakes lately."

Noticing their bewilderment, the principal inquired, "Are you not aware of the recent events?"

"Your son, Xu Wenn, has become a hot topic online. His situation, along with your roles at Dinghai High School, has been widely publicized."

He sighed deeply.

"You both are exemplary teachers."

"From your peers to the students, you're held in high regard."

"But now, Xu Wenn's reputation has taken a severe hit, and he's facing a barrage of criticism..."

"Moreover, you are esteemed members of our key educational institution in Dinghai."

"This issue transcends Xu Wenn's personal affairs; it affects the school's standing as well."

"We, the administration, have been pressured into taking this action."

"Let's leave it at that for now. Please go home, and rest assured, I will notify you immediately should there be any updates."

The news struck Xu Wenn's parents like a thunderclap. It wasn't the suspension that shocked them, but how Xu Wenn had become mired in controversy.

Nevertheless, as individuals of integrity, they exchanged a few words with the principal before Xu's father escorted Xu's mother back home.

Their hands shook as they clutched their cellphones.

"No way! This... This can't be happening!"

"Our child isn't capable of this!"

"Absolutely not! Wenn is always so frugal, saving to donate and help others. How could he ever commit such an atrocious act?"

In that moment, the couple felt as though their entire world was crumbling.

Xu Wenn's mother had initially thought the video from last night was simply a misunderstanding by some woman.

But who could have predicted...

In just one night, a myriad of differing opinions emerged.

The most trending video currently had over four million likes and hundreds of thousands of comments.

And over 90% of viewers believed Xu Wenn was a deviant.

It was all falling apart...

The elderly couple had a sinking feeling about what lay ahead.

With such an onslaught of public scrutiny, their son's future seemed doomed.

Xu's father and mother broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

The focus shifts to Lulu.

With dark circles under her eyes, Lulu was fixated on the screen, reading the flood of comments.

Beside her sat a barely touched bowl of instant noodles.

"How could this happen..."

Lulu, though a woman, hadn't fallen for the feminist rhetoric. She had diligently gathered information on Xu Wenn from the past few years.

Setting aside his other scientific achievements, his charitable donations alone amounted to over half a million!

The more Lulu reviewed Xu Wenn's records, the more she sensed something was amiss, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

She no longer dared to defend Xu Wenn publicly; her previous attempts at clearing his name had nearly cost her all her followers.

"I can't give up now!"

With determination, Lulu continued to comb through the videos.

At this point, the phone lines at Dinghai University and Kun Roc Scientific Research Company were on the verge of collapse...

The receptionist at Kun Roc Scientific Research Company was particularly overwhelmed.

The incessant calls were from news outlets and journalists, all eager to speak with Xu Wenn and find out how the company and university would respond to the allegations.

The front desk staff remained vigilant.

The boss had been clear: stall if possible, and if all else fails, disconnect the line.

At that very moment, Lu Suiyuan, the head honcho of Kun Roc Scientific Research, was absolutely livid.

"Outrageous! What kind of nonsense is this blogger spouting?"

"Prof. Xu? He's nothing like what they're saying!"

"His research is always thorough and precise, and he's dedicated his earnings to the betterment of society!"

"A man who would rather live on plain steamed buns and water just to donate to others could never be the person they're depicting!"