The researchers fell silent. If strictly adhering to the requirements, their work indeed did not meet the standards.
A hush fell over the entire hall.
Han Yun's expression turned exceedingly grim. Everything had been proceeding according to her plan, and she hadn't anticipated Jiang Mengxin's sudden appearance to foil her scheme.
Frustrating!
Su Fei'ang, however, remained oblivious to the severity of the situation.
He stubbornly argued, "Grandmother, the cherries I developed are already excellent. Where in the world can one find absolute perfection? I believe, overall, they are very close, and thus can be considered Wave-Kissed Cherries."
The moment he finished speaking, Shen Dianlan slammed her hand on the table, her voice thunderous, "What utter nonsense are you spouting?! If it meets the standard, it meets the standard; if it doesn't, it doesn't. What do you mean by 'overall very close' being acceptable? Do you know how our Su family rose to prominence and earned such an impeccable reputation? It was built on an unwavering spirit of meticulous pragmatism! If 'close enough' were sufficient, the old man would have succeeded more than a decade ago, and it wouldn't be your turn to present results now. The old man was strict with his work, strict with himself. If even one aspect didn't meet the standard, it wouldn't do. That's why he couldn't rest even in death. Do you understand?"
His grandmother's lecture left Su Fei'ang flushed, his head bowed, unable to retort.
However, the worst was yet to come.
Shen Dianlan continued her tirade, "Su Fei'ang, you twist falsehoods into truth and shamelessly believe you are in the right. How can you possibly embody the qualities of a Su family head? With your deceitful approach, do you truly deserve to be the patriarch?!"
Boom!!!
Su Fei'ang had never imagined the situation would escalate to such a degree. Judging by the current trajectory, Shen Dianlan intended to directly disqualify him from the succession.
Everyone could see Shen Dianlan's true objective.
On the surface, she was angry. In reality, she was trying to cover her tracks, using the excuse of deception to strip Su Fei'ang of his eligibility to contend for the family headship.
This maneuver was indeed cunning.
Han Yun closed her eyes in despair, letting out a long sigh. She had lost.
Su Fei'ang panicked. He looked towards Han Yun, hoping she would speak up for him and salvage the situation. But to his embarrassment, Han Yun remained silent, indicating that even she had conceded defeat.
Shen Dianlan was delighted, her previous gloom completely dispelled. She had finally cleared an obstacle for her daughter, Su Ru.
Shen Dianlan then addressed the researchers, "The Su family paid you well, yet you colluded with Su Fei'ang to deceive me. Utterly contemptible! Begone! From this day forward, you are all dismissed."
The researchers, heads bowed, slunk away shamefacedly.
Having dealt with this matter, Shen Dianlan was beaming inwardly, though she maintained an appearance of anger, sitting there with a feigned 'unhappiness.'
The atmosphere in the hall was rather awkward.
During the banquet.
Lu Ming whispered into Jiang Mengxin's ear, "An opportunity has presented itself to help Su Wanran. If not now, then when? Go!"
Jiang Mengxin nodded and stood up once more. She needed to support Su Wanran.
She looked up and said, "Esteemed Elder Madam, there is no need for your anger."
All eyes once again converged on the beautiful woman. Shen Dianlan stared at her with eyes like a vixen and asked coldly, "When such a shameful incident has occurred within the Su family, how can I not be angry?"
Jiang Mengxin stated solemnly, "Indeed, Su Fei'ang, in his pursuit of the family headship, colluded with researchers to falsify results, presenting unqualified cherries as Wave-Kissed Cherries. Such behavior is shameful, hateful, and infuriating. Elder Master Su, if he knew of this, would surely be incandescent with rage. However..."
Her tone shifted, and she surveyed the assembled guests before slowly announcing, "I have a piece of joyous news that can dispel your gloom, Esteemed Elder Madam, and bring a smile to Elder Master Su in the afterlife."
"Oh?" Shen Dianlan inquired curiously, "What news?"
Jiang Mengxin declared righteously, "To be perfectly candid, Su Wanran has also developed a new variety of cherry that completely meets all the numerical requirements for Wave-Kissed Cherries. We had initially intended to present it at a more opportune moment, but upon reflection, if we delay any further, it might cause continued sorrow to you and the late Elder Master Su. Therefore, my purpose in speaking is to suggest that Miss Wanran present her research findings to bring you some joy."
This...
Shen Dianlan almost choked!
It was as if one wolf had just been driven away, only for another to appear.
She had just dealt with Su Fei'ang and hadn't had a moment to rejoice before Su Wanran emerged. Now, Shen Dianlan understood why Jiang Mengxin had helped expose Su Fei'ang earlier; she was paving the way for Su Wanran!
Su Fei'ang being ousted benefited not only Shen Dianlan but, most likely, the quietly observant Su Wanran.
Heh, this is interesting.
Shen Dianlan's gums itched with hatred, her fists clenched tightly.
She glared at Su Wanran, unable to even muster a forced smile, and asked fiercely, "Wanran, is what Madam Jiang said true? Have you truly developed Wave-Kissed Cherries?"
The tension reached its peak at this moment.
All the pressure was now focused on Su Wanran. If she didn't step forward now, when would she?
Su Wanran, fearless, declared loudly, "Grandmother, it is indeed true."
"Hahaha, good, very good!" Shen Dianlan continued, "Then, by all means, present your research findings. Let Grandmother see for herself what your Wave-Kissed Cherries are like."
"Mm."
Su Wanran snapped her fingers and said, "Bring them up!"
Moments later, a basket of fresh cherries was brought in. Each one was large and appeared incredibly juicy.
The cherries were placed on the table, their size noticeably larger than Su Fei'ang's.
Su Wanran confidently stated, "These cherries were developed with the assistance of the renowned synthetic gene expert, Mr. Sun Yao. I implore you, Grandmother, to taste them."
Shen Dianlan nodded, picked up a cherry, and placed it in her mouth.
If these cherries were not up to par, Shen Dianlan would unhesitatingly deal with Su Wanran as well!
Eliminating two vice presidents in a single day would completely clear the path for Su Ru's ascension!
Upon tasting the first cherry, the juice was abundant, the flesh plentiful, and the pit small. It possessed a delightful chewiness, and the sweetness was elevated to another level! Eating it felt as though one were melting away.
Sweet, fragrant, and exquisitely delicious.
"Delicious." Even the discerning Shen Dianlan couldn't help but praise it.
As for the others, they were even more effusive, giving Su Wanran a thumbs-up and commending her for developing such high-quality cherries, marveling at her ingenuity.
However.
Han Yun's brows were tightly furrowed. She couldn't believe Su Wanran's cherries were up to standard. The reason was simple: there had been a murder on Su Wanran's land, and the police had forbidden any access. Without premium farmland for research, how could she possibly have obtained qualified Wave-Kissed Cherries?
This was illogical.
Therefore, Han Yun said with a cold expression, "Being delicious is not enough. The researchers who previously conducted the testing and appraisal are present. Esteemed Elder Madam, please have Su Wanran's cherries appraised as well."
Shen Dianlan nodded. "Yes, of course. Come, appraise these cherries. Be thorough and meticulous. If it's acceptable, it's acceptable; if it's not, it's not. Not even the slightest flaw, not a single non-compliant aspect, will be tolerated! Do you understand?!"