"Major Wang Chen..."
After learning what had happened, Xu Zhen said apologetically, "I can guarantee that Professor Dawson's loyalty to the Empire is beyond question. He cannot possibly be an Alliance spy; he was merely too eager for quick results in his research."
"If he offended you in any way, I apologize to you on behalf of the Institute!"
Wang Chen's accusation against Dawson was simply too serious—so serious that even Xu Zhen found it difficult to bear the responsibility.
The Holy Light Research Institute was one of the Empire's foremost scientific research institutions. A great many of its projects involved the military; if any leaks occurred, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Every member of the Institute's staff, including experts, professors, and researchers, had undergone layer upon layer of screening and loyalty testing, and remained under close surveillance.
Xu Zhen had known Professor Dawson for decades. She knew that while his character was not particularly good, his personal abilities were beyond question, and he had absolutely no reason to betray the Empire.
Therefore, although she deeply resented him pulling such a stunt, she still did her utmost to defend her colleague.
After all, no scientist was one hundred percent pure!
"President Xu, I think I need a reasonable explanation."
In response to Xu Zhen's tactful defense, Wang Chen said in a deep voice, "I greatly respect the authority of the Holy Light Research Institute and its contributions to the Empire, but the Institute must also respect my dignity and my life!"
"Whether Professor Dawson is an Alliance spy or not, what he did seriously threatened my safety. Therefore, I no longer trust the Holy Light Research Institute, nor will I continue cooperating with the experimental work."
Xu Zhen had no answer. She turned and shot an angry glare at the