Daniel shot up from his chair.

"I got it! It's really solved!"

His voice trembled with excitement.

Jason frowned at him. "What's wrong with you?"

Others in the lab shot disapproving looks his way.

"Daniel, where were you this afternoon?"

"We've been swamped with work, and you just disappeared."

"Don't tell me you actually solved that problem?"

Daniel nodded vigorously. "Yes! That exact problem!"

He pulled Jason over to the computer. "Team Lead, look! Our previous approach was wrong. It should actually be like this…"

He quickly explained the new solution.

Team One gradually gathered around them.

"So that's how it works!"

"Daniel, you're amazing!"

"The Team Lead doesn't have to resign now!"

…

Jason stared at the computer screen, then suddenly noticed the email sender.

He froze, looking at Daniel. "This is…"

"It was submitted by our junior, Evelyn Ross! She sent it to me last Friday, but I left work without checking it!"

The lab fell silent instantly.

All eyes turned to Evelyn.

It was unbelievable.

The problem that had stumped them for a month was easily solved by this young woman.

Last Friday… was her first day.

Evelyn stood quietly, her expression detached and cool.

A hint of surprise flickered in her peach-blossom eyes. "This is what you were all struggling with?"

Everyone: "…"

Why did they read "is that all?" on her face?

Someone swallowed hard. "You… aren't you an undergraduate?"

Evelyn responded seriously. "Ability isn't determined by degrees."

Everyone regarded her with newfound respect.

After a brief silence, someone apologized. "I'm sorry for what I said in the elevator."

"I was wrong too. I shouldn't have said you were slacking."

"I even said I'd teach you… really overstepped…"

"We were blind…"

Research scientists are straightforward.

Evelyn knew their earlier criticism came from frustration.

She responded mildly. "It's fine."

Jason walked over to her. Still proud, he extended his hand. "Welcome to Team One."

Before, she was just a connection. Now, he acknowledged her ability.

"Clap clap clap!"

Applause came from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see the R&D Manager and a gloomy Julian.

The manager praised, "The young are truly limitless! Ms. Ross's professional skills are outstanding!"

Julian stared at Evelyn, his expression complex.

He knew about her talent. His attraction wasn't just superficial. But he never expected her to solve Team One's core problem.

With proper training, someone like her could soar.

Her future achievements might even rival Dr. Nan's…

But that was the future. For now, Dr. Nan remained far beyond her reach.

Julian clenched his fist, his resolve hardening.

He needed to control R&D now, to secure his position at Vance Group. He couldn't wait for her to develop.

Besides, she was a love child…

Whether by status or ability, he could never marry her.

Suppressing his emotions, he coldly addressed Jason. "I was thinking, if Team Lead Jiang couldn't complete the task, I would ask Dr. Nan to advise…"

Team One's eyes widened instantly.

"Oh my god, Dr. Nan!"

"Being guided by Dr. Nan is my lifelong dream!"

"I'd give up dating forever just to meet Dr. Nan once!"

…

Jason's face stiffened. "This small problem isn't worth troubling Dr. Nan."

Julian insisted. "Dr. Nan is our technical support anyway. It's only right to help."

Evelyn frowned.

She clearly refused Isabella. How did she become Vance Group's technical support?

Julian's confidence meant Isabella had lied again.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Team Lead Jiang, I just wanted a technically competent assistant, which is why I tried to transfer Evelyn. We're both key to R&D. No need for such tension. If you agree, I'll immediately invite Dr. Nan as technical support."

He dangled the bait, letting Team One know that handing over Evelyn meant access to Dr. Nan.

Dr. Nan's appeal to researchers was immense.

Team One would surely waver…

Evelyn's expression darkened. She found Julian despicable.

She looked at her colleagues, seeing their conflicted expressions. They understood Julian's implication.

Everyone exchanged glances, struggle written on their faces.

Evelyn's eyes dimmed.

She'd only been here a day and a half. Though she felt their goodwill last week, bonds were still shallow…

Julian saw his divisive tactic working and pressed further. "Team Lead Jiang, will you release her now? Evelyn has better prospects with me…"

Jason scowled, his tone firm. "No."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

Julian smirked coldly. "The company believes in democracy. Team One's matters aren't yours alone to decide. If you won't release her, have you asked the team? Does Team One truly not need Dr. Nan?"

Team One fell silent.

Jason tensed, glaring at his team.

Evelyn suddenly laughed.

She intended to avoid trouble by hiding her identity, but now she didn't want to test human nature…

She met Julian's gaze directly, her voice cold. "You're using Dr. Nan as a bargaining chip. Did you ever ask if I agree?"