Pipi slowly approached Ransoku, his tone unusually serious for the first time.
"So, what's next, Boss? A cyborg or an alien bride?!"
Ransoku shot an irritated glance at Pipi but said nothing. His mind was still buzzing with thoughts. Without responding, he got up and walked straight to the bathroom. As the cool water droplets hit his body, he felt a moment of relief.
By the time he stepped out, it was already 6:30 AM. He hadn't slept all night. Letting out a long yawn, he quickly got ready and made some instant noodles. Before he knew it, **8:00 AM** had arrived. Grabbing his bag, he set off for the institute, following his usual daily routine.
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World Institute of Technology and Science (WITS)
WITS was the most prestigious institute in the city, renowned across the country for producing some of the world's greatest scientists. Working in its research labs was a dream for many. Ransoku was a Junior Scientist here, working under the **Junior Scientist Assistant Research Fund (JSARF)** scholarship. Officially, he was a junior assistant researcher, but in reality, his intelligence and knowledge far surpassed even his senior researchers.
However, he never sought the spotlight. He preferred to work quietly, helping others while secretly pursuing his discoveries. Most of the researchers around him held seniority by position and experience, but in terms of intellect and innovation, Ransoku was leagues ahead.
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Ransoku was engrossed in his research when his senior, **David Grace**, walked into the lab. David was an arrogant scientist, always boasting about himself and looking down on others.
David smirked and said, "Still stuck as a junior researcher, Ransoku?! I joined after you, and look, I've already become your senior! You need to understand that intelligence alone isn't enough. Politics, networking, and money matter just as much! Keep using your brain all you want, but without connections, you'll never move up!"
Ransoku simply gave a faint smile and continued focusing on his files, as if David's words had no impact on him.
Just then, another researcher, **Miss Esha**, entered the lab. She worked alongside Ransoku and was well aware of his capabilities. Esha was intelligent and outspoken, never one to stay silent in the face of injustice.
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With a sarcastic smile, she said, "You're absolutely right, Sir. Research and intelligence don't hold any real value here. Only those who nod along and kiss up to their seniors get ahead. And who would know that better than you?"
David frowned. "What are you trying to say, Miss Esha? Are you suggesting I don't deserve my position?!"
Esha smirked. "Oh no, Sir, I would never say such a thing. I simply meant that you're quite smart. After all, networking and politics are also a kind of science, and you've mastered them well. As for nodding along and ass-kissing, you clearly haven't perfected those skills yet — otherwise, you'd be in an even higher position by now!"
David relaxed a little and laughed. "Hahaha! You're not just beauty with brains, but you also have great insight. I knew you kept watching me, stalking me… but I didn't expect you to know me this well. But I can't blame you — I *am* quite the catch!"
Flashing a flirtatious smile, he added, "But we must maintain the senior-junior boundary!"
Esha rolled her eyes and said, "Absolutely, Sir. Which is why you should probably leave now?"
David's face turned red for a moment, but then he forced a fake smile and walked out of the lab.
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Esha turned to look at Ransoku, who was still calmly buried in his research papers. She gave a small smile and said, "How long are you going to stay silent, Ransoku? When will you start showing your brilliance?"
(She knew Ransoku was intelligent, but in reality, she had only seen a fraction of his true potential. If his mind was an ocean, she had only glimpsed a single drop. Yet, even that drop was enough to make him the most brilliant scientist in the lab in her eyes.)
Without looking up, Ransoku simply replied, "I prefer to work without showing off."
Esha thought for a moment and said, "Sometimes, the world needs to know who you are. Otherwise, people like David will keep being seen as superior."
Hearing this, Ransoku merely gave a faint smile and resumed his work.
Frustrated, Esha sat beside him and said, "Ransoku, you are the most intelligent person in this entire research facility. I know you don't like being in the spotlight, and you dislike showing off. But this isn't about showing off — it's about recognizing your own brilliance."
Ransoku replied, "Thank you for thinking that way, Miss Esha. But I'm fine just the way I am."
Esha let out a deep sigh and said, "Alright, do as you wish. But if you consider me a friend, then at least stop disappearing for days at a time. That's the reason why, despite your brilliance, you're still in this position. I don't want to see a day where I surpass you in rank while you remain stuck here."
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Ransoku chuckled softly and gave a small smile. Esha smiled too and asked, "By the way, where do you even go? No one ever knows where you disappear…"
At that moment, Ransoku drifted into deep thought…