Chapter Seventeen: Shen Zhuoran's Apology

“Lanlan, I was wrong.”
“Let go of me.”

Yu Lan had lost all patience to listen to Shen Zhuoran any longer. The moment Shen Zhuoran’s large hand gripped her wrist, she swiftly yanked her hand free.

Her mind was consumed with one thought: to return as quickly as possible.

Staying here any longer was nothing but a waste of her time.

She even began to find her initial decision to stay at the research institute through the competitive selection laughable.

She had misjudged Shen Zhuoran, believing him to be a fair and just man who would offer everyone a chance. She had hoped that after succeeding in the selection, she could collaborate with him to pioneer a new path.

Yet, while she was diligently answering questions, Shen Zhuoran had already ordered the removal of her permissions.

He hadn’t given her a single opportunity to prove herself.

A raging inferno blazed wildly within her chest.

And yet, Shen Zhuoran still tried to approach her, to close the distance between them.

Yu Lan felt a wave of disgust. She detested contact with such a person. Turning around defensively, she bristled like a hedgehog, eyes sharp and wary as she stared at Shen Zhuoran.

“Stay away from me.”

“You’re truly detestable.”

Bang!

It felt as if her heart had been gripped tightly in someone’s fist.

The blood coursing through her veins suddenly froze.

A sharp pain surged from within her heart.

Pain.

So intense.

It nearly brought the usually proud, privileged, cold, and aloof elite to her knees.

Shen Zhuoran had never felt such heartache before.

Had someone told him a day earlier that he would be tormented to despair by the simple words of an ordinary female, he would have merely cast a cold glance and spoken without emotion.

Because such a thing was impossible.

Yet now, it was undeniably real.

An inexplicable panic spread through Shen Zhuoran’s heart, tightly enveloping him.

He realized he could not bear to see the cold, emotionless look in Yu Lan’s eyes.

Don’t look at him like that.

Just moments ago, Yu Lan had smiled at him—so sweetly, so softly—with eyes like shimmering stars.

The stark contrast only deepened the pain gnawing at his heart.

Shen Zhuoran refused to accept that the relationship between them had come to this.

The next moment, Shen Zhuoran did something that stunned everyone present.

He suddenly grasped Yu Lan’s wrist, and with that delicate, slender hand in his, he raised his own and slapped his cheek loudly.

The other researchers present all widened their eyes in shock.

Even Yu Lan was stunned, her eyes slightly widened as she stared blankly at Shen Zhuoran.

The graceful and polite Yu Lan had never once raised a hand to slap anyone, not even uttered a curse. Though it was Shen Zhuoran who held her hand and struck himself, Yu Lan still felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

Her soft lips parted as if to speak.

Then, Shen Zhuoran’s apologetic voice broke the silence:

“Lanlan, I’m sorry. It was my fault.”

“I was too arrogant and underestimated you. You are the smartest and most capable female I have ever seen.”

“Letting you leave would be the greatest loss for our research institute. Of course, if you can forgive me and choose to stay, we can provide you with a better and larger platform.”

“I hope you won’t be angry at me for my momentary arrogance and poor decision.”

“I was wrong, and you have every right to punish me.”

The tall, handsome man standing before Yu Lan bowed his head slightly, his gaze sincere and earnest.

On his pale skin, the red imprint of the slap was unmistakably vivid.

Yu Lan averted her eyes slightly. She had been very angry—furious, even—but Shen Zhuoran’s self-slap and apology had suddenly weakened her resolve.

Now, with such a sincere apology and his recognition of her worth, she hesitated.

Her beautiful brows furrowed faintly, her delicate face betraying her inner turmoil.

Everyone knew Yu Lan was deep in thought.

Even Shen Zhuoran softened his breath, his powerful hand still gripping Yu Lan’s wrist with warmth and strength. The usually composed director of the research institute was for the first time uncertain, as if his soul floated above him and his heart pounded fiercely.

He waited for Yu Lan to speak, to decide his fate.

Yu Lan’s decision came swiftly. She was a graceful woman, soft yet sharp.

She dared to fight for the chance to stay at the institute and could turn her back without hesitation when faced with Shen Zhuoran’s unfair decision.

But now, after his sincere apology, she thought she could stay.

In front of everyone, Yu Lan nodded.

“Alright, I will stay.”

“But,” Yu Lan fixed her gaze firmly on Shen Zhuoran, her lovely face resolute and serious,

“remember this, Shen Zhuoran—it is you who is letting me stay. I am not some useless person here to collect a stipend.”

“Mm.”

Shen Zhuoran nodded. If Yu Lan were useless, then what were the ordinary researchers at the institute?

Worse than useless?

Once again, Shen Zhuoran apologized sincerely to Yu Lan:

“I’m sorry. I was too arrogant just now.”

Hearing Shen Zhuoran apologize again, the senior researchers exchanged glances in disbelief.

What was happening?

Had the sun suddenly risen from the west?

They had never seen Shen Zhuoran like this before!

Judging by his expression just now, if Yu Lan had refused, he might have broken down in tears on the spot.

Was this really the ever-calm, self-composed director they knew?

Fearing they might learn too much and risk being silenced, the senior researchers quietly stepped back, keeping their distance from Shen Zhuoran and Yu Lan.

Yu Lan looked at Shen Zhuoran with a serious expression, though he still seemed somewhat uneasy:

“It’s alright. You have already apologized, so I agree to stay. That means I forgive you.”

“I believe your decision was made out of misunderstanding. Once we get to know each other better, such misunderstandings will no longer exist.”

“I hope you will think carefully before making decisions in the future.”

“Mm.”

Shen Zhuoran gazed at Yu Lan’s earnest, serious expression and nodded solemnly.

How could she be so adorable!

It felt as if a joyful little deer was leaping inside his chest.

She had just said they would continue to get to know each other?

But only a female would extend such an invitation to a male.

Was Yu Lan inviting him?

Shen Zhuoran’s heart pounded wildly.

In such a short time, his emotions had surged dramatically.

If he were weaker, he might have already collapsed. Instead, he felt invigorated, radiant.

“Come, to my office. I’ll restore your permissions.”