C21 The End of the Battle!

Inside the sprawling laboratory, an array of sophisticated instruments buzzed with frenetic activity. Every piece of costly equipment operated at a breakneck pace.

Xu Wenn and his team were in the final stretch of their Water Fuel research. After relentless days and nights of calculations and a multitude of experiments, their diligence and the research team's perseverance were about to pay off—their project was nearing its conclusion.

Xu Wenn stood transfixed before a screen, watching data points dance wildly. A cadre of fervent scientists huddled behind him, some immersed in data analysis, others manning the instruments, and a few conducting experiments with Water Fuel.

The success of this technology was a testament to their collective effort.

Surveying the room, Xu Wenn spoke with measured gravity, "We're on the brink of completing our research. If we can successfully implement Water Fuel domestically, it will not only elevate our nation's prestige but also mark a monumental leap in our industrial capabilities."

His words reverberated through the lab, crystal clear to every researcher present. Wasn't this the day they had all worked tirelessly towards? Wasn't every sleepless night invested for the sake of their country's future?

"We're all aware that water is an abundant resource—from vast rivers and lakes to the smallest springs and streams," he continued. "And we know that water's elemental makeup is quite simple."

"Yet, until now, no nation has ventured into industrial research on water. Starting today, we will be the pioneers in harnessing water-based fuel, all thanks to the innovative, reusable catalyst you've all dedicated yourselves to developing—the 'Water Fuel'."

Xu Wenn's voice was tinged with excitement as he pressed a button beneath the large screen, bringing the system to life.

Under the watchful eyes of the team, a modest car engine, slightly modified, roared to life, powered by the Type I Water Fuel. The lab erupted into a frenzy of excitement.

"We've done it! My goodness, we've actually done it!" The usually stoic researchers were now overcome with emotion, tears streaming down their faces.

Even Xu Wenn was moved to tears. He knew that every ounce of effort had been worth it, culminating in this triumphant moment.

The breakthrough was swiftly reported up the chain of command.

In a spacious office, a high-ranking official perused a document, its contents underscored by a bold line of text.

"We've successfully developed a new form of energy — 'Water Fuel'! Xu Wenn has been instrumental in our achievement!"

"Truly, a once-in-a-millennium talent! This is the very technology that countless Western scientists have abandoned, yet in the hands of this genius, it's been cracked in no time at all!"

A white-haired elder clutched the documents, his hands shaking with excitement.

As a scientist who had studied abroad, he was acutely aware of the immense challenges in this field.

The thought of the obstacles he had faced made his heart ache.

But Xu Wenn had completed all the experiments in an incredibly short period, earning the elder's deep admiration.

"Absolutely, Xu Wenn is the future of our nation! We must protect him and ensure he comes to no harm!" another leader exclaimed, unable to contain his elation, his voice filled with respect and awe for Xu Wenn.

The room buzzed with a palpable sense of excitement and joy.

Meanwhile, Xu Wenn breathed a sigh of relief; his phase of the research was complete.

"Prof. Xu, would you like to join the celebration later? You're the driving force behind this project!" a researcher said, looking at Xu Wenn with reverence.

After a moment's thought, Xu Wenn smiled bashfully and shook his head.

"I'll have to pass on the banquet this time; I've got some family matters to attend to. You all are the true heroes of this project; you've worked tirelessly."

With those words, Xu Wenn drove his electric car out of the underground lab.

An hour or so later, Xu Wenn stepped off the subway and saw his home. He returned with a joy he hadn't felt in ages.

Yet upon entering, his mood turned somber.

Opening the door, he found his mother lying on the sofa, her complexion pale and sickly, while his father looked utterly worn out.

"Mom, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?" Xu Wenn rushed to the sofa.

Seeing their son, both parents' faces lit up with excitement.

"Wenn, you're finally home. How did the project go? We don't want to be a burden to you!"

Fighting back tears, Xu Wenn replied, "I did very well. Dad, please, what's happened to Mom?"

With a heavy sigh, Xu Wenn's father recounted the entire situation, leaving Xu Wenn stunned.

"Can you believe all this commotion and front-page headlines just because of that incident on the subway last time? It was all a misunderstanding!"

"But it's not as simple as you think! Dad and Mom have been laid off, and our family and friends have started treating us coldly. It's just... disheartening."

Xu Wenn saw the weariness and concern in his parents' eyes and felt his heart twist in agony. He desperately wanted to clear things up online right away.

He went ahead and recorded a video, uploading it to the internet, which quickly sparked widespread controversy.

In the video, Xu Wenn went over the subway incident, urging everyone to stay calm and not to let this misunderstanding harm other families.

Despite the video being shared rapidly online, the comments remained harsh and unchanged.

The comment section was flooded with criticism.

"Now you're in trouble. Trying to play the victim, huh? If you weren't a creep, how would you explain the bloggers getting banned?"

"If you're so innocent, why didn't you release a video clearing things up right after it happened? With all this chaos, you're still playing the victim card. Has your backer lost control of the situation?"

"..."

"I'm convinced Xu Wenn is nothing but a fraud. He's probably scared of a government investigation, so now he's trying to whitewash the whole affair. We're not buying it!"

Lulu was fuming after watching the video. To her, Xu Wenn was the epitome of a clueless guy!

Wasn't posting this video just making things worse?

"What do I do? What can I do?"

Lulu was frantic, feeling utterly powerless, like an ant on a hot skillet.