“I understand.”

Henry Clark spoke slowly:

“If we can secure the rights to use this chemical compound and launch it as the debut product of our new brand, Rhine, we could absolutely disrupt the entire skincare market. At least in the field of moisturizers, we’d be unrivaled.”

“That’s right.”

Grace Harris nodded:

“Right now, all the major beauty companies around the world are offering Professor Xu extremely high prices. Some companies have even offered millions of dollars just for the licensing fee.”

Hiss…

Henry Clark drew in a sharp breath.

Millions of dollars, just for the licensing fee—this was truly outrageous. Converted, that would be at least tens of millions of Dragon Yuan.

But Henry Clark worked in the cosmetics industry, and he knew very well that Professor Xu’s product was absolutely worth that price.

If they could get exclusive rights, it would basically mean a death sentence for all other brands’ moisturizing products.

It would be enough to monopolize the entire moisturizer market.

“Actually, our MX company has offered even better terms.”

Grace Harris gave a wry smile:

“But Professor Xu simply ignores us… The good news is, he ignores every other company as well, so we still have a chance.”

“Let’s go, Henry Clark, let’s go say hello to Professor Xu.”

…

Henry Clark also held his wine glass, following behind Grace Harris to a corner of the hall.

Professor Xu Yun saw Grace Harris approaching and immediately turned to leave—

“Professor Xu, long time no see!”

Grace Harris stepped forward with a smile to greet him.

Xu Yun turned back and gave an awkward smile.

“Congratulations, Professor Xu.”

Grace Harris raised her wine glass, intending to clink glasses with Xu Yun:

“Your research is truly a groundbreaking invention! I believe that as long as it’s applied in the right field, it will definitely realize its true value!”

However…

Xu Yun did not clink glasses with Grace Harris.

He lowered his head and gave a self-deprecating smile:

“You mean that ridiculous failure? I’ve already been laughed at enough.”

“No, Professor Xu! I don’t think it’s a failure at all. You should cherish your rese—”

“Miss Zhao.”

Xu Yun raised his hand to interrupt Grace Harris. He looked up, his face serious, and said:

“Miss Zhao, I’m very glad to see you here today.”

“If you’re here to donate to the cause of science, I’ll drink as many glasses with you as you like.”

“But if you’re here for any other reason… then I’m sorry, I can’t oblige.”

…

Henry Clark narrowed his eyes.

It was clear that Professor Xu Yun was not welcoming to Grace Harris, and was even quite averse to interacting with these beauty companies.

“You flatter me, Professor Xu. Business is business.”

Grace Harris maintained her smile:

“Today, I’m here solely to support science and scientific research, nothing else.”

“That’s good, then on behalf of the scientific researchers of Donghai City, I thank you, Miss Zhao!”

Professor Xu Yun raised his glass for a toast, and Grace Harris deliberately lowered hers a bit.

Clink!

After the toast, both drained their glasses.

Professor Xu Yun set down his glass and looked at Grace Harris:

“Miss Zhao, I hope to see you more often at events like this in the future, and not in my laboratory.”

With that, Xu Yun turned and left.

Grace Harris took out a white handkerchief, pinched a corner, and dabbed at the wine stain on her lips:

“See, Henry Clark, he’s always had this attitude toward us. Today is actually better than usual.”

Henry Clark nodded.

He’d had very little contact with Grace Harris before, hadn’t even spoken a word to her.

He had thought this woman was always aloof and above everyone else, no matter where she was.

But now it seemed… she had her own difficulties too. She also had to put on a smile for Professor Xu Yun, had to bend down and ask for a toast.

But, that couldn’t be helped.

The company had to grow.

People below had to make a living.

Grace Harris was only 23, had just returned from studying abroad less than two years ago, and had already grown the company to this scale. Clearly, her family background was strong, and she must have had support from home.

But Henry Clark couldn’t understand—since she could have just enjoyed the fruits of her family business and waited to take over, why did she choose to strike out on her own?

Very few people in the company knew about these things. Grace Harris must have her own reasons, her own thoughts.

“Professor Xu Yun must be in great need of research funding, lab equipment, and so on… Why doesn’t he want to exchange that failed product for money?”

Henry Clark was very puzzled:

“With financial support, he could build his own lab and conduct research under better conditions. Who knows, he might actually discover something.”

Grace Harris put down her handkerchief and gave a helpless smile:

“That’s probably the pride and stubbornness of a scientist. He’s failed for so long, been ridiculed for so long, so he’s even less willing to sell his failed product and have it spread all over the world.”

“That chemical compound, born by accident, is a treasure in our eyes. But in Professor Xu Yun’s eyes… maybe it’s a shameful scar, a source of pain every time it’s mentioned.”

Grace Harris put down her wine glass, crossed her arms, and looked at Henry Clark: