Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss

"If I’m not suitable, then your presence at the entire institute is merely occupying a spot and wasting time."

Although everyone often engages in verbal sparring with hidden meanings, Qian’s direct confrontation is obviously putting Li on the back foot, disregarding the facade of fake friendliness.

"I studied clinical medicine, which perfectly complements the other members of our group. Personally, I find this combination quite suitable. As for you, hehe." Qian glanced up and down at Li and let out a cold laugh full of implication.

If Li had any sense, he would stop the conversation now, but unfortunately, someone is rushing to self-destruction.

"You’re too young to have studied clinical medicine. Do you honestly think you’ll be included in such a pairing? Little sister, what’s your father’s name? Tell us, so that we might seek your family’s help if needed in the future!"

"Enough with the chatter, let’s get to business!" Apiao felt a bit awkward, trying to pull Qian away, but Qian shoved him off.

At this point, Qian didn’t need to spare Li’s feelings anymore.

She stepped forward, lowered her voice, and said something that turned Li’s face pale instantly.

"You...?!" How did she know such a deeply buried secret?

Qian smiled confidently, "Do you recognize my status now?"

Li was so stunned by Qian’s words he couldn’t even respond. The others hadn’t heard what Qian just said, they only saw that she made Li’s face change color with a single sentence.

"Boss?" Other members asked Li, confused.

"Are you denying me? Are you sticking to the idea that I got in here through family connections as a fraud? Fine, I’ll loudly repeat the matter I just mentioned and have everyone analyze whether I’m right or not. What I’m going to say is—"

"Stop!" Li quickly halted Qian.

Qian proudly lifted her chin, her expression clearly saying: Beg me! But her words did not relent.

"My surname is Chen. I am a fraud who got in through family connections."

"Mr Chen! I was wrong! That was all a joke, just being playful! Since you are here with Apiao and the others, you clearly aren’t ordinary!"

Li’s sudden change in attitude surprised everyone as they looked at Qian, wondering what she had said to hold Li at her mercy with a single sentence.

"Your praise is too much for me. I’m just a fraud, I truly got in here through connections. As for our group, we are all ordinary people, powerless, nothing compared to you!"

"Mr Chen, I was wrong! Just joking earlier! Apiao was the most impressive in our field; his joining the army is proof of his noble character, which can’t be measured with money!"

Li was terrified of Qian revealing his secret, his earlier arrogance turned to sycophancy, the embarrassment was palpable.

"Remember this: they are the pillars of our nation, the hope of our people, deserving of our respect!"

Qian spoke formally, clearly intending to teach this morally distorted braggart a lesson, Li continually nodded in agreement, backing down from his usual arrogance.

When you hold one’s weakness, everything you say becomes the truth!

"Li, doing research demands focus—you seem a bit arrogant now. In the future, concentrate on your work and avoid provoking those you shouldn’t, understood?"

Li?!

The young men were desperately trying not to laugh. Qian was really on fire. Even though they didn’t hear exactly what she said to hit Li’s sore spot, it was immensely satisfying to see her putting Li in his place.

"Qian, what exactly did you just say?"

Once Li left with his people, the psychology team eagerly asked.

To be honest, that scene, though simple and straightforward, was extremely satisfying. Everyone had long wanted to give Li, the jerk, a hard time; he was just too arrogant, they’d been fed up with him!

"Those who frequently walk in the night will eventually encounter ghosts. His brain, silly from studying, is bound for a divine punishment sooner or later," Qian said lightly.

The group understood; she must have found some weak spot of Li’s.

"Regardless of what it was, as long as it made that cocky Li eat his words, we’re thrilled. We must treat Qian to lunch today! Right, team leader?"

"You..." Apiao was still pondering what Qian might have revealed, knowing she was concerned about these trustworthy people.

So she gestured for Apiao to come closer, whispered something in his ear, making Apiao’s eyes widen in shock.

"Is what you said true?!"

"If it weren’t true, would he have listened to me like that?"

"But we couldn’t detect anything; how did you figure it out just moments after meeting him?" Apiao appeared very hesitant.

Qian patted his shoulder, "Piao, though you all see me as young, I’ve more clinical experience than any of you. I gained credits two years ahead in university, and even before that, my teacher systematically trained me. Honestly, I might not match your academic and psychological expertise, but I’ve been studying clinical since many years ago. Before, you all thought I was parachuted in, yet I didn’t say anything—it takes time for talent to show, the strength of a horse is seen over distant journeys, and so is one’s heart!"

Qian spoke with profound insight, her demeanor not typical for someone her age. Coupled with her previous success in persuading those cold witnesses and now humbling arrogant Li, Apiao’s impression of her had greatly improved, even sparking some admiration in his gaze.

Others watched as Qian downgraded Li to "Li" and even demoted Apiao to "Piao," finding it amusing while their curiosity grew.

"Though our research directions differ, there’s no hierarchy between us. Our combination into a group means mutual cooperation, I still seek advice from you, seniors moving forward."

This statement, if made upon arrival, might have seemed weak and hard to convince this highly educated professional team, potentially making Qian look arrogant.

But having just humbled Li, her words now carried weight, earning belief almost instantaneously.

Seeing their expressions, Qian knew she was nearly winning them over, feeling secretly pleased while maintaining an impervious facade.

"Technically, I shouldn’t have told Piao these details because we have professional ethics against divulging patient privacy. But I’m a doctor at heart and dislike seeing those with issues who don’t take treatment seriously. Li’s colleague seems proud and likely won’t take medicine properly, so Piao, you’re close with him—persuade him, concealing illness is unwise."

"Yet, I’m still puzzled. This must be your first encounter with Li, right? How did you spot his issue in mere minutes without direct interaction?"

What an unexpected revelation, Li of all people turned out to have a problem!