Chapter 670: Director Su's Punishment

Lin Yuan snapped back to his senses and hurriedly shook his head.

Lin Yuan concealed the turmoil in his eyes and spoke in a somewhat unnatural tone.

"It's... it's fine, General Manager Su. I was just thinking, since that Academic God has extraordinary talent, perhaps he won't readily agree to join the company."

He deliberately avoided the topic of "I am the Academic God."

Lin Yuan only wanted to delay as much as possible and find a suitable excuse.

As the words reached his lips, Lin Yuan added, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate difficulty.

"Moreover, that Academic God focuses on research related to traditional Chinese medicine; you know TCM values inheritance and original intention, most are unwilling to tie to commerce, and they won't easily join a company to participate in commercial vaccine development—this is probably not something we can easily persuade."

What Lin Yuan said was sincere, and it was also his inner concern.

The Ghost Doctor Sect always acts discreetly, never participates in any commercial disputes, and does not allow its disciples to commercialize traditional Chinese medicine...

Once Lin Yuan joins the Su Group as the Academic God and takes charge of X Vaccine development...

This would inevitably expose his identity as a member of the Ghost Doctor Sect, bringing unnecessary trouble.

Even... it would bring danger to the Ghost Doctor Sect and the Lin Family.

Therefore, he must find a way to refuse, even if it's just making excuses to delay.

Su Monong heard this, a hint of understanding appeared on her face, yet she did not give up.

Su Monong instead spoke with a firm tone:

"I know this isn't easy, and I understand the rules of TCM inheritance, but the Su Group is now in dire straits; the X Vaccine is our only hope. Lin Yuan, I know you're capable and meticulous—go try, even if it's just to meet that Academic God in person, convey our sincerity; there might be a turning point."

Su Monong's tone was full of pleading, her eyes holding a hint of desperate hope.

Su Monong's gaze at Lin Yuan was full of trust.

Lin Yuan looked at her like this, and the refusal in his heart was hard to voice—

He had already promised to fully assist Su Monong, yet now Su Monong placed all her hope on this "Academic God."

If Lin Yuan directly refused, it would be too heartless and would plunge Su Monong into utter despair.

Helpless, Lin Yuan could only nod reluctantly and give a perfunctory verbal reply: "Okay, General Manager Su, I understand; I'll try to find time."

In his heart, Lin Yuan had already figured it out: as long as he found an excuse to delay and didn't go to Zhijiang University to see that "nonexistent" Academic God, the matter would naturally fade away.

Seeing his agreement, Su Monong's face instantly showed a hint of relief.

Su Monong quickly said: "Great, Lin Yuan, I'll leave this to you. If anything comes up, tell me promptly. Zhi Yuan, you should also cooperate with Lin Yuan and go to the school to look."

Su Zhiyuan immediately nodded vigorously, her face full of determination: "Don't worry, Mom, I'll definitely cooperate well with Lin Yuan Brother and find the Academic God as soon as possible!"

As she spoke, she turned her head to look at Lin Yuan, eyes full of anticipation: "Lin Yuan, when are we going to the school? I can set off anytime."

Lin Yuan's heart tightened; he hurriedly made an excuse: "No rush, no rush, Zhi Yuan, I've been swamped with work lately—General Manager Su knows too—the company is in turmoil, many matters need my handling; once I'm done with this period, I'll accompany you to the school to find the Academic God."

Su Zhiyuan was a bit disappointed but didn't think much of it, obediently nodding: "Okay, Lin Yuan Brother, you go ahead and get busy; let me know when you're free."

Over the next few days, Su Zhiyuan would look for Lin Yuan every day...

Su Zhiyuan either sent a WeChat message or went straight to his office to ask when he was free, so they could go together to Zhijiang University to find the Academic God.

But Lin Yuan could always find all sorts of excuses...

Lin Yuan would either say... his current work wasn't finished.

Or say... he needed to attend to an important client.

Or say... he had to handle trivial internal company matters.

Lin Yuan kept making excuses, never willing to accompany her to the school.

Su Zhiyuan gradually grew suspicious, yet she didn't doubt.

She simply thought Lin Yuan was really too busy.

A week quickly passed.

It was clear that the weekend was approaching.

Su Zhiyuan continued to invite Lin Yuan to go together to Zhijiang University.

But Lin Yuan grew increasingly anxious in his heart, fearing Su Zhiyuan would keep pestering him.

He feared that if he wasn't careful, he would expose his identity.

Lin Yuan simply decided on a more thorough excuse—he would return to his hometown for the weekend and have no time to go to school.

When Su Zhiyuan found him again and brought up going to the school on the weekend to find the Academic God...

Lin Yuan feigned helplessness and said: "Sorry, Zhi Yuan, I have to go back to my hometown this weekend; there's something urgent at home, I really can't get away—once I return from my hometown, I'll definitely accompany you, okay?"

Su Zhiyuan saw his troubled expression and could only nod.

Su Zhiyuan said somewhat dejectedly: "Alright, Lin Yuan Brother, go back to your hometown first to handle the urgent matter; stay safe, and look for me when you return."

Lin Yuan gave a perfunctory reply, but inside he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this would temporarily free him from trouble.

But Lin Yuan never expected that events would develop beyond his control.

Su Monong watched the company's situation grow increasingly dire, watched the X Vaccine research stall, and her inner anxiety grew heavier.

Su Monong could wait no longer.

She knew she could no longer rely on Lin Yuan and had to act herself.

Helpless, Su Monong could only temporarily set aside part of her work, take her daughter Su Zhiyuan, and, taking advantage of the weekend, drive together to Zhijiang University—

Su Monong decided... to personally go find that Academic God.

No matter the cost, she would bring that person back to the Su Group.

For herself, for the Su Group, to strive for the last sliver of hope.

On Saturday morning, the sunlight was just right.

Sunlight, filtering through the gaps in the leaves, cast dappled shadows, making the campus of Zhijiang University look especially fresh.

Su Monong wore a set of efficient professional attire, her expression solemn.

Beside her, Su Zhiyuan wore a simple little suit, her face showing a hint of anticipation and curiosity.

Mother and daughter drove together to the gate of Zhijiang University, hurrying straight into the depths of the campus.

In order to smoothly find that Academic God, Su Monong had done thorough preparations in advance.

After getting out of the car, she deliberately stopped a passing student to inquire……

After several inquiries, Su Monong finally learned that the recently renowned Academic God of Traditional Chinese Medicine would be teaching in classroom 301 on Saturday morning……

"Thank you, classmate, for the trouble." Su Monong politely thanked, then led Su Zhiyuan, tiptoeing toward the direction of classroom 301……

She feared disturbing the class inside the classroom.

The two quietly arrived at the door of classroom 301, and through the classroom's glass window, they looked inside.

That glance caused mother and daughter to freeze instantly on the spot……

The expressions on mother and daughter's faces…… were instantly replaced by shock and bewilderment, even their breathing unconsciously halted.

Only see, in the classroom, Lin Yuan was standing on the podium……

He wore a set of fresh casual attire, shedding the steady efficiency of the workplace, gaining a touch of elegant composure……

Lin Yuan held chalk, clearly explaining the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Lin Yuan's tone was gentle yet professional; the students below listened attentively, occasionally nodding in agreement, their eyes full of admiration.

"Mom…… that…… that isn't Lin Yuan, is it?" Su Zhiyuan reacted first, her voice full of disbelief, instinctively tugging at Su Monong's sleeve.

The depths of daughter Su Zhiyuan's eyes…… were full of bewilderment.

Su Monong also stood there dazedly, her eyes fixed tightly on Lin Yuan on the podium……

At this moment, Su Monong's mind went completely blank.

Su Monong's lips slightly parted, yet she couldn't utter a single word.

Lin Yuan, how could he be teaching in the Academic God's classroom??

This!!

Could…… could it be that Lin Yuan himself…… is the Academic God??

Su Monong was shocked beyond measure.

Moreover, considering that Lin Yuan also comes from a family lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine??

Su Monong felt even more…… this is highly possible!!

Su Monong simply couldn't believe that the Academic God she had painstakingly sought out and wanted to hire at high salary……

turned out to be Lin Yuan, who had always been by her side, assisting her!

Mother and daughter subconsciously exchanged a glance……

Mother and daughter each saw in the other's eyes the same shock and bewilderment.

For a moment, mother and daughter Su Monong stood frozen at the doorway, motionless……

Mother and daughter, just stood there dazedly watching Lin Yuan teaching inside the classroom……

In the minds of mother and daughter…… a chaos, countless questions swirling without cease.

On the podium, Lin Yuan was earnestly explaining the knowledge points……

Lin Yuan unintentionally lifted his head, catching sight of two figures at the classroom doorway……

Instantly, the chalk in Lin Yuan's hand paused, and his explanation came to an abrupt halt.

The composure and calm on Lin Yuan's face…… vanished instantly without a trace.

At this moment, Lin Yuan was instead filled with utter bewilderment and panic.

General Manager Su? Zhi Yuan?

Lin Yuan let out a startled cry in his heart, his whole person dazed, his heart sinking sharply?

They…… how could they come here?

And they even found classroom 301?

Oh no, could my concealed identity be about to be exposed?

Lin Yuan's mind instantly went into disarray, even the thought of lecturing disappeared.

His eyes darted anxiously over the mother and daughter at the doorway, then he forced himself to regain composure and withdrew his gaze.

Lin Yuan hastily wrapped up the remaining content, speaking at an astonishing speed: "Alright, today's lesson ends here; review the knowledge points well after class, dismissed."

As soon as his words fell, Lin Yuan quickly stepped down from the podium……

Lin Yuan ignored the students' doubtful gazes, almost fleeing as he walked out of the classroom.

Just as he stepped out of the classroom door, he was blocked by Su Monong and her daughter, who had been waiting there.

Su Monong's complexion had returned to calm, yet still carried a hint of coldness and questioning.

Su Monong's eyes fixed tightly on Lin Yuan, her tone full of dissatisfaction and doubt:

"Lin Yuan, how are you teaching here? What exactly is going on? You haven't been working at Su Group all along? How did you become a teacher at Zhijiang University?"

Su Zhiyuan also furrowed her brows, her eyes full of grievance and confusion, following up with a question:

"Yes, Lin Yuan, how have you kept this from us? How many more things are you still hiding from us?"

Lin Yuan, for a moment, didn't know how to begin answering……

Su Monong took a deep breath, her eyes growing sharper, her tone carrying a certain certainty as she asked word by word: "So, the Academic God of Zhijiang University's Traditional Chinese Medicine that I painstakingly inquired about and wanted to hire at high salary…… wouldn't it be you?"

In Su Monong's tone, there was both disbelief and anger after being deceived——

She had placed all her hopes on this Academic God, even lowering her stature to come in person……

But the result was discovering……

The person she had been seeking was none other than Lin Yuan, who had all along concealed his identity and given perfunctory excuses.

Lin Yuan looked at the mother and daughter's icy, questioning gaze, realizing he could no longer conceal the truth……

Lin Yuan sighed helplessly and slowly lowered his head.

Lin Yuan, with a mix of guilt and helplessness, said: "Yes, General Manager Su, Zhi Yuan, sorry, I've kept this from you for so long. The Academic God of Zhijiang University is indeed me."

Upon hearing Lin Yuan personally admit……

Su Monong and her daughter's anger flared instantly.

Su Monong furrowed her brows, her voice full of anger and disappointment:

"Lin Yuan, you've gone too far! We trusted you so much; I placed all the company's hopes on that Academic God, even asking you to seek them out, but what about you? You keep making excuses to placate me, hiding your identity from us—what exactly do you mean?"

Su Zhiyuan also reddened her eyes, her voice filled with grievance and anger:

"Lin Yuan, how could you deceive us? I've been foolishly waiting for you to finish your work, hoping to accompany me to find the Academic God, but it turns out you are the Academic God—have you been playing us all along?"

The mother and daughter exchanged words, scolding Lin Yuan with a few sentences……

The mother and daughter's tone…… was full of disappointment and anger.

Obviously, they were heartbroken by Lin Yuan's concealment.

Lin Yuan hurried forward, wanting to explain: "General Manager Su, Zhi Yuan, sorry, I didn't intend to hide this from you; I have my difficulties, please hear me out……"

But Su Monong and her daughter were still angry, refusing to listen to his explanation.

Su Monong shoved his hand away and turned to leave, fuming.

The mother and daughter hurried away……

No matter how Lin Yuan shouted behind them.

The mother and daughter never turned back.

Lin Yuan's outstretched hand froze midair.

……

In the evening, after class, returning home.

Lin Yuan took out his phone, sending separate WeChat messages to Su Monong and Su Zhiyuan, hoping to explain his reasons for hiding his identity, but the moment the messages were sent, the screen popped up with the prompt: "The recipient has refused your message."——

The mother and daughter actually blocked him directly.

Lin Yuan stared at the screen, utterly speechless.

He sighed helplessly, tossed the phone aside, his heart filled with bitterness……

He knew he had truly angered the mother and daughter this time.

Days passed with excruciating torment.

In the blink of an eye, Monday arrived. Lin Yuan packed up and, as usual, went to work at Su Group on time.

Lin Yuan still harbored a sliver of hope, wanting to meet Su Monong in person to explain things clearly.

But just as Lin Yuan reached the company entrance and swiped his card, the access system blared an alarm:

"Insufficient permissions, cannot enter."

Lin Yuan furrowed his brows and quickly contacted the company's administrative staff to inquire about the situation……

The result, the reply…… left Lin Yuan completely bewildered:

"Lin Yuan, General Manager Su has notified us to suspend all your work, placing you on leave; the specific date for returning to work will be announced later."

"On leave?" Lin Yuan stood frozen, his face full of disbelief.

Immediately, a deep sense of helplessness took over, and he couldn't even force a bitter smile.

He knew Su Monong was still angry and deliberately punishing him.

Lin Yuan stood at the company entrance, silent for a long while, finally shaking his head and thinking to himself:

Forget it; since she's still angry, I shouldn't keep pestering her—I might as well quit.

Having made up his mind, Lin Yuan turned and left Su Group……

With nothing to do all day, Lin Yuan went to the Goddess Bar……

Only by evening did Lin Yuan drive home……

……

In the evening, Lin Yuan drove, just having parked his car downstairs.

Suddenly, a familiar car came into view——

Su Monong's Mercedes-Benz was parked steadily beside his parking spot.

And Su Monong sat in the driver's seat, her icy gaze fixed on Lin Yuan.

Su Monong's very presence…… exuded an aura that warned strangers to keep away.

At that moment, the Mercedes-Benz's door opened.

Su Monong stepped out in high heels, coldly.

Lin Yuan's heart tightened; he instinctively tried to dodge, but Su Monong quickly stepped in to block his path.

"Lin Yuan, why are you running?" Su Monong's tone was icy, yet she couldn't hide the complex emotions in her eyes.

Without waiting for Lin Yuan to speak, she grabbed his wrist.

"Get in the car." Su Monong forcibly dragged Lin Yuan…… into her Mercedes-Benz.

The car door shut with a "bang."

The atmosphere inside the car instantly became oppressive and ambiguous.

Su Monong said nothing, then turned and lunged at Lin Yuan……

She pressed Lin Yuan onto the seat, both hands holding his shoulders……

Su Monong's long hair cascaded down, stunningly alluring.

But at this moment, her beautiful eyes were filled with anger and grievance, plus a hint of barely perceptible seductive chill.

Before Lin Yuan could react, Su Monong lowered her head and fiercely kissed his lips...

Su Monong's force... carried a hint of punishment, even biting his lips hard, tasting a faint trace of bloodiness.

"Stupid man, stupid brother, I let you deceive me... let you deceive me..."

Su Monong kissed him while mumbling curses unclearly...

Her voice was full of grievance and anger, tears... sliding down her exquisite cheeks... % dropping onto Lin Yuan's neck, scalding and piercing.

Su Monong's hands... unconsciously rested on Lin Yuan's chest, slowly undoing his shirt buttons...

Her fingertips... carried a hint of trembling...

Afterwards, Su Monong lifted her own bodycon skirt and sat down on Lin Yuan without hesitation...

Her, is this punishing Lin Yuan?

No...

Even Su Monong herself didn't know.

What exactly is this—punishment or lesson, or... a reward?

Su Monong's anger in the depths of her eyes... gradually being replaced by intense affection...