The Green Tea is Always Targeting The Wrong Person (GREENTEA)
Seated in the center was Lan Yao, the director of the Millennium Research Institute and the world's greatest antagonist, Jiang Quan's unattainable love, and the uncle of the protagonist Lan Yi.
He perfectly matched Yue Chu's preferences—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, and a pair of sharp, cold eyes that exuded an air of arrogance. His gaze that was fixed on Yue Chu, was filled with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
This man was formidable, as if born to be a king and instilling fear in those around him.
Sitting to the lower right was Jiang Quan, one of the protagonists and a genius researcher who had become one of Lan Yao's key subordinates at a young age, specializing in the study of the Luster Virus.
He wore a white lab coat and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that perfectly embody the demeanor of a researcher. His cool, distant features carried a faint, misty quality reminiscent of the rainy landscapes of Jiangnan. His thin, pale lips made him look like an immortal painted on a scroll, ethereal and elusive.
Standing not far to Lan Yao's side was Lan Yi, who bore a striking resemblance to Lan Yao but had a completely opposite personality. His peach blossom eyes were deep and affectionate while radiating warmth and brilliance. Just looking into them felt like falling into a vat of peach blossom wine, intoxicating even without drinking.
Noticing Yue Chu's gaze, Lan Yi smiled openly and gave him a salute.
Yue Chu chuckled softly and nodded in return.
Sitting close to Jiang Quan was his cousin Mu You, a classic malicious supporting character. He appeared to be a shy, big boy as he nervously leaned against his cousin Jiang Quan. His fair, delicate face was full of innocence and youth, like an adorable little rabbit and made it hard for anyone to feel wary of him.
However, in the original world, it was Mu You who deliberately led Jiang Quan into a horde of zombies, all because he loved Lan Yi, who in turn loved Jiang Quan.
This resulted in Lan Yi rushing to save Jiang Quan, only to be bitten and transformed into the Zombie Emperor and setting off the chain of events that led to the world's destruction.
Yue Chu casually pulled out a chair and sat down leisurely across from Lan Yao. "May I ask why Director Lan has 'invited' me here?"
Yue Chu emphasized the word "invited", and though his smile remained unchanged, it was clear he was expressing his displeasure.
Lan Yao quietly observed Yue Chu as he appreciated his composure.
He liked people who knew how to read the situation because dealing with them required less effort.
Lan Yao: "I would like to invite Professor Yue to join my team and work with Jiang Quan on the research of the Luster Virus. Perhaps my subordinates misunderstood my intentions and acted a bit too forcefully. I hope you can forgive them."
Yue Chu leaned back in the soft chair as his slender, pale fingers tapped lightly on the gray marble table. "It seems I have no choice but to forgive, but Director Lan should know that I'm just a theorist. I've been stuck in the ivory tower for too long and have grown a bit rusty."
The key point was that while Yue Chu had inherited most of the original host's memories, he hadn't fully absorbed the knowledge the host had acquired.
It was like he could recognize the words individually, but when they were combined, he couldn't understand them.
Thinking about this, he felt a headache coming on.
He couldn't understand why the system had given him this body. It would have been better to place him directly into a cleanup squad—fighting was what he excelled at.
Lan Yao didn't like to hear such empty talk.
The reason he had brought Yue Chu here was that their research had hit a bottleneck, and they urgently needed a genius in the field to help them study the Luster Virus.
This virus held the key to slowing aging and combating diseases. Once unlocked, it would bring him endless wealth.
Lan Yao stared intently at the young professor before him. Although already in his thirties, Professor Yue, having spent so much time in academia, exuded an air of purity and elegance, untouched by the mundane complexities of the world.
Such a person might have pride, but on the other hand, they could also be easily controlled.
Lan Yao: "It's alright. I believe with Professor Yue's capabilities, you'll quickly get up to speed. Don't rush to decline just yet. Here's some information for you to review before making your decision."
A massive projection screen slowly unfurled on the wall to the left of the round table and revealed a series of confidential documents before Yue Chu.
Jiang Quan stood up and began to explain their latest experimental results.
His voice was cool and pleasant, like the gentle trickle of a clear spring. Yet, Yue Chu found himself growing drowsy, as if transported back to a high school classroom.
Twenty minutes into the presentation, Yue Chu couldn't help but yawn. When he caught the surprised glances of those around him, he smiled apologetically: "Sorry, I didn't sleep well last night."
Jiang Quan furrowed his brow as he thought that this was Yue Chu's way of asserting dominance. But with so many people present, he had no choice but to swallow his frustration and continue with his work.
Lan Yi turned his head slightly and chuckled softly as he found the yawning Professor Yue rather endearing.
Truth be told, he often felt sleepy during these presentations as well.
After Jiang Quan finished, Lan Yao kept his gaze fixed on Yue Chu's face and trying to discern his thoughts.
Winning over these scientific enthusiasts was simple—just pique their interest in the research project.
They weren't driven by fame or fortune, but they would become fervent over an unknown, mysterious virus.
However, Yue Chu's reaction was unexpected.
He remained calm and showed neither fervor nor resistance, as if he had merely heard a very ordinary topic.
Hmm, Yue Chu simply didn't understand.
He looked up and smiled gently at Lan Yao with his tone relaxed: "Director Lan is indeed extraordinary and I admire that. But this alone might not be enough to sway me..."
Lan Yao focused intently, his voice deep: "What do you want?"
Yue Chu rested his chin on his hand as his pale pink fingertips lightly tapped his cheek twice as he smiled: "Director Lan has been talking for a while without getting to the point. As an ordinary working staff, naturally, I'm more concerned about the salary and benefits."
Lan Yao's brows tightened as he suddenly realised he couldn't read this young professor.
Yue Chu came from a distinguished background, always living in luxury, and since entering the field of research, he had never been concerned with mundane matters like finances.
How could he possibly care about salary and benefits?
Looking at Yue Chu's calm and composed smile, Lan Yao realized he might have underestimated him.
This professor, as serene as a clear breeze and bright moon, was smarter than he had thought.
Fearless and composed, Yue Chu negotiated with ease and aimed to take the initiative in this transaction.
Lan Yao's eyes flickered slightly.
He liked this kind of young person.
Lan Yao: "Don't worry, I'll offer you the highest salary in the entire research institute. All the laboratories here will be unconditionally open to you, and you can choose anyone you want."
Oh? Anyone?
Yue Chu's gaze swept over to Jiang Quan, and with a teasing tone, he asked: "Then, can I have Dr. Jiang as my assistant?"
Jiang Quan's eyes burned with anger as his fingers grip the laser pointer so tightly they turned white.
He never imagined he would one day be subjected to such humiliation.
He glared coldly at Yue Chu with his pale lips pressed tightly together and exuding a stubborn pride.
It's fine. Uncle Lan would never agree to such an unreasonable request.
However, in the next second, Jiang Quan's confidence was shattered.
Lan Yao gazed into Yue Chu's smiling eyes and said, "Sure, as long as Professor Yue likes it. But if Professor Yue doesn't deliver results that satisfy me in the end, I will be very angry."
Those cold brown eyes were like a tiger in the jungle that were fixated on its prey and filled with silent warning.
Yue Chu chuckled softly and waved his hand, "I was just joking with Director Lan, no need to be so serious. Besides, how could a top talent like Dr. Jiang ever be subordinate to me? I’ll have to seek Dr. Jiang’s guidance in the future, so I hope Dr. Jiang won’t find me annoying."
Jiang Quan's back stiffened like a bowstring as his expression dimmed at Lan Yao's words, but a flicker of surprise crossed his face at Yue Chu's praise.
He couldn’t quite figure Yue Chu out.
With the pride they all carried, no one would ever say something like seeking advice from a rival.
And yet... Jiang Quan lowered his head uncomfortably to avoid Yue Chu's sincere gaze and pretended to busy himself with organizing the documents in his hands.
He actually felt that Yue Chu was telling the truth.
Of course, Yue Chu was telling the truth.
He wished he could dump all the work on Jiang Quan and act as his assistant instead.
Lan Yao liked Yue Chu's harmonious approach.
In his eyes, while Jiang Quan was talented, he was also young and headstrong, often unwilling to listen to others' opinions and prone to overthinking. Yue Chu, on the other hand, was more gentle and tactful, which was better for team collaboration.
He nodded in satisfaction, "I also hope that Professor Yue and Jiang Quan can work together to complete the research on the Luster Virus and benefit humanity. Since Professor Yue has agreed, let Jiang Quan show you around and familiarize you with the environment."
Yue Chu had no objections and casually nodded at Lan Yao.
Lan Yao didn’t stay any longer.
He had many things to attend to and left first.
Yue Chu walked up to Jiang Quan and extended his hand in a friendly manner, "Hello, Dr. Jiang. From now on, we’ll be colleagues. I look forward to working with you."
Jiang Quan glanced at him but didn’t shake his hand.
With a cold expression, he brushed past Yue Chu with his white lab coat fluttering lightly as he disappeared through the door.
Did Yue Chu think a few kind words would make him grateful?
Only after his cousin left did Mu You timidly approach Yue Chu.
His eyes were strikingly beautiful, with dark, clear pupils like a deer's, sparkling and watery. The baby fat on his face made him look much younger than his actual age, exuding an innocent and harmless charm that made it hard to be wary of him.
Mu You said, "Professor Yue, don’t take it to heart. My cousin just has a bit of a temper, but he’s kind-hearted. He didn’t mean to make things difficult for you."
Yue Chu smiled softly.
Ah, he almost forgot about this little green tea.
He reached out and gently pinched Mu You’s cheek, which was indeed as soft and tender as tofu.
Under Mu You’s surprised gaze, Yue Chu’s expression relaxed and the corners of his eyes slightly raised. "It’s fine. If I were Dr. Jiang, I would’ve probably thrown a chair and walked out long ago. How could I possibly be kind enough to guide someone who’s trying to take credit for my work? You’re still young, so you don’t understand, but it’s okay. You’ll get it eventually."
Mu You lowered his head and nodded meekly, though a hint of discomfort flickered in his eyes.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Lan Yi's gaze burned intensely as he stared at Yue Chu with his eyes drifting from that exquisitely beautiful face down to the slender waist, then lingering reluctantly on the long, straight legs before slowly withdrawing.
His peach blossom eyes, which seemed to brim with affection for everyone, sparkled with interest and he couldn't help but lick his dry lips.
He bent slightly to make a gentlemanly gesture of invitation as his handsome face beams with a radiant smile: "Professor Yue, please."
Translator:
I can't pinpoint the ML but I have two strong candidates. I present Lan Yi and Jiang Quan! 'Clap' 'Clap'. How about you folks?
•───────•°•❀•°•───────•
The completed novel is now available in my Ko-fi page.
If you appreciate what I do, please consider supporting me on kofi. Thank you!
•───────•°•❀•°•───────•