Qin Siyang opened the Godslayer Camp app on his phone, pulled up the post reporting his Doom Octopus kill, and showed it to Furensa.
People in the comments were already questioning Furensa.
[Why did Furensa withdraw his report after reporting the post?]
[Could there be a problem with Furensa's research? After causing such a huge uproar, can he still remain an associate professor?]
[I knew Furensa couldn't be much of a researcher, being Harrison's student! It's already confirmed that he faked three top-tier papers!]
Furensa nodded with difficulty. "You're right, Mister Qin."
"Exactly. The reason I'm not asking to be the first or second author on this paper is out of respect for Li Tianming. I'm acknowledging you and Harrison as the leading contributors and giving you a chance to make your story hold together. You understand my goodwill now, don't you?"
Furensa sighed. "You're right, Mister Qin."
"Then would you say it's reasonable for me to ask to be the third author?"
Sweat had already begun to bead on Furensa's forehead.
Throughout their exchange, Qin Siyang had been composed, coolheaded, and calculating-nothing like an eighteen-year-old.
Furensa felt that Qin Siyang was even harder to deal with than the seasoned politicians he knew.
But Qin Siyang had him firmly by his weak spot. He needed this paper to prove his innocence.
He had no choice but to compromise.
"You're right, Mister Qin. Asking to be the third author is indeed very considerate of you."
"Then it's settled?"
Qin Siyang smiled faintly and held out his hand.
"Yes."
Their hands clasped, sealing their agreement to cooperate.
"Shall we begin collecting information about the Doom Octopus you killed, then?"
"No problem."
Qin Siyang and Furensa sat down at a lab bench.
Two cameras faced them from different angles, recording their entire conversation.