Upon hearing Er Ya speak, the old professor became even more excited.
If it were just ordinary herbal purification, it would be fine, but his project involved purifying multiple herbs.
Using the old method, purification would damage the fiber of the poisonous grass itself, and even the toxin levels would change. His experiments could not afford such errors.
However, if he used the new method, relying on him alone to complete the entire experiment might mean he'd work until his dying day without achieving a complete result.
If he hadn't broken ties with his main family back then, he might have been able to find capable young people among the Tang family's new generation to assist him.
But the past was like smoke; he had decided to sever all ties with the Tang family. Therefore, he had to find another way.
"What's your name?" Professor Tang asked Er Ya.
"Er Ya," Er Ya replied.
Hearing the rustic name "Er Ya," many people wore subtle expressions.
"What's your surname?" Professor Tang asked.
"Di." Er Ya thought Professor Tang was some kind of school leader and pointed to the work ID tag clipped to her chest. "My name is Di Er Ya."
This was the information compiled by her third elder brother Di when arranging work for her, taking his surname.
"Mm, acceptable." Confirming Er Ya did not share the surname Tang, Professor Tang nodded with satisfaction and said, "Starting today, you don't need to work as a security guard anymore. Come to the laboratory with me and start as my personal assistant. If your contributions to the experiment are significant, your name can be added."
Professor Tang had always been clear about public and private matters; he wouldn't disregard Er Ya's contributions just because she wasn't a formal researcher or was merely a junior security guard.
Upon hearing Professor Tang's words, everyone's eyes widened.
What an honor this was!
Not only could she enter Professor Tang's laboratory, but she could also have her name credited!
This was the dream of countless scientific researchers!
The finance department students immediately sensed an opportunity for gain. Their gazes towards Er Ya were no longer filled with mockery and doubt, but with admiration and envy.
Even the security guards and cafeteria uncles standing beside Er Ya couldn't help but look up to the new young girl.
Originally, seeing her cheerful personality, young age, clear eyes, pretty face, and sweet smile, they were all quite willing to tease her.
Who knew Er Ya was so capable!
"Why should I go to your laboratory?" Er Ya said with a slight twitch of her lips. "I'm doing fine as a security guard. What are you trying to do?"
Hearing Er Ya's words, those who had already widened their eyes couldn't help but open their mouths even wider.
They truly wanted to grab Er Ya by the ear and ask, "Are you okay! Are you okay! Are you okay!"
"You're young and don't understand the implications. Going to the laboratory is far better than being a security guard." Seeing that Er Ya was Xia Qingtian's friend, the counselor couldn't help but try to persuade her.
Hearing the counselor speak, a few students whose hearts were sour and had no outlet for their feelings also chimed in.
"Truly unappreciative of blessings! How can being a security guard compare to working in a laboratory!"
"Exactly, what kind of proper job is being a security guard? Working in a laboratory is a hundred times better than being a security guard!"
"Anyone with some talent shouldn't be a security guard!"
Everyone spoke one after another. There was already a sense of unwillingness, and with more people, this emotion was difficult to contain, making their words inevitably barbed and biased.
"What's wrong with being a security guard? I'm happy being a security guard. We have rotating days off, meal allowances, and we can wander around when students are in class. If anyone tries to bully students from our school, we can protect them!
We earn the money we deserve, and we do the work we should be doing. Why can't we be compared to others?"
Er Ya became indignant when she heard people denigrating her job.
Why should these people, who were here to spend money, look down on her, who was here to earn money?
Hearing Er Ya's words, the security guards and cafeteria uncles present couldn't help but look at the young girl with newfound respect.
Er Ya's words made people feel good.
"You..." Professor Tang seemed about to say something but was interrupted by Xia Qingtian.
"Professor Tang, Er Ya has a bit of a temper. Please don't take it to heart." Xia Qingtian glanced around and said, "With so many people gathered here, it's not good. How about I act as an intermediary, and we can discuss this privately later?"
Professor Tang, hearing Xia Qingtian's words, could only swallow the words he was about to say. He took a deep breath and said, "Alright, let's discuss it privately then."
After speaking, Professor Tang gave Er Ya another deep look and turned to leave.
In any case, this talent was something he was determined to secure!
Seeing Professor Tang leave, the counselor immediately followed. After walking halfway, he turned back and said, "Xia Qingtian, take everyone back to the classroom. Come to my office after class!"
"Okay." Xia Qingtian was a bit surprised by the counselor's instructions but quickly responded and led everyone back to the classroom.
Not long after they returned to the classroom, the bell for the end of class rang.
Everyone walked out chatting and laughing, seemingly eager to share this news with friends from other classes or even other departments as soon as possible.
This was a major event.
Xia Qingtian also walked out with Li Xiaoxiao. As they reached the doorway, Xia Qingtian was violently bumped from behind, nearly causing her to stumble.
After Xia Qingtian regained her balance and looked up, she saw that Jiang Yingying's eyes seemed even redder than before. "Xia Qingtian! You have guts! I'll remember you!"
After saying this through gritted teeth, Jiang Yingying then ran away crying.
Jiang Yingying's two followers also glared at Xia Qingtian with resentment before chasing after her. "Yingying!"
"What's wrong with her?" Xia Qingtian rubbed her sore shoulder and looked at Li Xiaoxiao.
"You were late this morning and don't know what happened." Li Xiaoxiao then held Xia Qingtian's arm and walked her out, explaining the situation.
Before class started that morning, the counselor and the old professor had rushed into the classroom, taking out Xia Qingtian's and Jiang Yingying's test papers and looking for them.
Xia Qingtian hadn't arrived, only Jiang Yingying stood up. At that time, she felt not only surprise but also a bit of pride.
"Did you answer this test paper?" the old professor asked.
"It's mine." Jiang Yingying naturally recognized her own handwriting and nodded.
"Your test papers are identical," the old professor looked at Jiang Yingying.
"Uh..." Jiang Yingying would certainly not admit to copying Xia Qingtian's. So, she immediately said, "Classmate Xia Qingtian looked at my test paper earlier. I don't know..."
Jiang Yingying didn't finish her sentence. Li Xiaoxiao's forehead was covered in black lines. Just as she was about to stand up and deny it, she saw the counselor also looking excited. "Yingying, why didn't we know you understood these things before? You've been hiding it really well!"
"Just a little bit of exposure," Jiang Yingying said with a dry laugh.
"Then try answering this test paper again." The old professor immediately handed over another test paper.
Jiang Yingying didn't know how to do it and was stumped on the spot.
Before Li Xiaoxiao could report her, she had already exposed herself.
Although the old professor didn't scold Jiang Yingying, she herself felt incredibly guilty. Then, using her old methods, she started crying.
However, this time it was clearly not useful. Not only did the old professor lose patience, but even the counselor's face darkened.
It was at this moment that Xia Qingtian entered the classroom.
"This is also my fault?" Xia Qingtian's mouth twitched, feeling this was truly a disaster from nowhere, a calamity befalling her.
Li Xiaoxiao just shrugged.