Liu Peiqing became even more energetic, continuing to boast loudly as if he wanted the entire venue to hear him.

"Sigh, I certainly cannot compare to your noble aloofness, Elder Shen! We ordinary folks can only rely on our students producing more results to keep up appearances."

"I heard that you have been feeling unwell lately, Elder Shen, and returned to Beijing to recuperate? This is truly a great loss to our archaeological community! It seems those major research projects will have to be temporarily put on hold."

"I wonder if there will be anyone to inherit your astounding knowledge in the future? Just thinking about it makes one feel pity!"

These words really hit where it hurt, leaving Shen Yuan speechless. His beard twitched slightly in anger, yet it was inappropriate for him to bicker with a junior in such a setting.

Right at that moment, a clear and composed voice rang out from outside the crowd.

"Professor, I apologize for being late. Director Guo had some last-minute matters to assign, which delayed me for a bit."

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a young woman walking over. She was dressed simply and elegantly, yet it could not conceal her radiant temperament and innate intelligence.

Holding a document folder in her hand, she walked with a steady pace and a perfect smile on her face, heading straight to stand beside Shen Yuan.

It was none other than Shen Nanchu, who was representing the Cultural Heritage Bureau at this academic exchange event.

Director Guo of the Cultural Heritage Bureau was well aware of Shen Nanchu's abilities; naturally, he would send her to such an important academic occasion to learn and gain experience.

Shen Nanchu's appearance instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Her youth, her aura, and the natural, close interaction between her and Shen Yuan made everyone curious.

Seeing Shen Nanchu, Shen Yuan was taken aback for a moment before a barely noticeable hint of relief and gratification flashed through his eyes.

"Mhm, it is good that you are here."

Interrupted in his showing off, Liu Peiqing felt a bit displeased. He looked Shen Nanchu up and down, his tone carrying a scrutinizing edge. "And who might this be?"

Shen Nanchu turned to Liu Peiqing, her attitude neither humble nor arrogant as she gave a slight nod. "Hello, I am Professor Shen Yuan's student, Shen Nanchu. I am currently studying under my professor at Beijing University while interning at the Cultural Heritage Bureau."

"Elder Shen's student?" Liu Peiqing paused, clearly not expecting that Shen Yuan had actually taken on a student, let alone one so young, and a female student at that.

He immediately revealed a somewhat dismissive smile. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Oh? So it is Elder Shen's brilliant disciple! Pardon my disrespect! I did not expect that after being quiet for so many years, Elder Shen would finally take an apprentice."

"I wonder what your main research direction is, Student Shen? Do you have any achievements we could all learn from? Let us see just how breathtakingly talented a student chosen by Elder Shen can be."

His words were clearly provocative, aiming to make Shen Nanchu make a fool of herself in public.

Ma Jiancheng was also standing to the side, looking at Shen Nanchu with a condescending gaze.

Shen Yuan frowned and was just about to speak when Shen Nanchu shook her head at him, signaling him not to worry.

With a faint smile still on her face, she looked at Liu Peiqing and Ma Jiancheng with clear eyes.

"Director Liu flatters me. I started late and my aptitude is dull; I am still laying my foundation with my professor, so I cannot really talk about a research direction."

"As for achievements, they are even fewer. I merely helped my professor organize some excavated materials from the Mount Li Mausoleum and did some preliminary work."

"Additionally, a few days ago, I participated in the rescue excavation of a Han Dynasty tomb cluster. I offered a slightly immature suggestion, but ultimately did not fail the mission, managing to salvage a batch of precious artifacts, including bamboo slips."

"I truly would not dare compare myself to Senior Ma's achievements of excavating royal tombs and publishing books."

Her tone was peaceful, even carrying a hint of modesty, but the content of her words was like a series of silent thunderclaps exploding in everyone's ears!

Organizing the Mount Li Mausoleum materials?

That ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‍was Shen Yuan's core research project! Being able to participate in it and handle core data processing inherently represented Shen Yuan's extreme trust in her abilities!

The rescue excavation of the Han Dynasty tomb cluster in the Northwest?

Many people present had heard about that successful operation. It was said that a young graduate student from Beijing University had made a crucial suggestion that prevented massive losses. So it was her!

The smile on Liu Peiqing's face froze, and Ma Jiancheng's arrogant expression instantly solidified, turning somewhat ugly.

Shen Nanchu acted as if she did not see their expressions, continuing with a smile,

"As for Senior Ma's paper on the Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread, I have had the pleasure of reading it. The data is indeed detailed, and the descriptions are meticulous."

"However, it is a pity. The deduction in the text regarding the jade piece drilling technology seems to have overlooked similar craftsmanship discovered in the Lingnan region during the same period, as well as the possible influence of the metal networks from the northern steppe culture. If it could be compared with archaeological discoveries from more regions, perhaps the conclusion would be more complete."

She paused and looked at Liu Peiqing again, her tone still polite.

"Also, regarding what Director Liu just mentioned about my professor's knowledge having no one to inherit it, this junior cannot agree."

"My professor's knowledge is broad and profound, like a vast ocean. As students, we are already extremely fortunate to be able to absorb even a single drop."

"The word inherit carries the weight of a thousand pounds. It is not the work of a single day, nor can it be represented by one or two papers or a couple of excavations."

"What is important is carrying on the professor's rigorous and realistic spirit of scholarship, and the academic courage to boldly explore the unknown."

"I believe that under the professor's careful guidance, we younger students will strive forward in this direction without daring to slack off in the slightest."

Who does not know how to speak beautifully?

Shen Nanchu spoke absolutely beautifully.

The entire venue was quiet for a moment before low murmurs and gasps of admiration rang out.

The gazes everyone directed at Shen Nanchu were filled with surprise and appreciation.

This new disciple taken in by Elder Shen was extraordinary! Not only were her abilities outstanding, but her eloquence and adaptability were even more superb!

[Disgust Value +20]

[Disgust Value +30]

...

Liu Peiqing was rebuked so thoroughly that his face turned alternately red and pale. He opened his mouth but found himself completely at a loss for words.

Ma Jiancheng was even more flushed with shame, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.

Shen Yuan looked at his calm and composed apprentice beside him, who had resolved the crisis in just a few words and simultaneously won him a great deal of face. The pride and comfort in his heart were simply beyond measure!

He finally could not help but burst into loud laughter.

"Alright, Nanchu, young people should be modest."

"Professor Liu and Student Ma also mean well. Let us go, the meeting is about to start. Let us head inside."

Leading Shen Nanchu, he strode proudly toward the center of the venue amidst a crowd of admiring, envious, and complex gazes.

After this confrontation, who would dare say that Shen Yuan had no successors?

His final disciple was more than just a little bit better than Liu Peiqing's precious student!

Shen Nanchu followed by Shen Yuan's side, the corners of her lips curving up slightly.

When it came to being fiercely protective of her own, she was a professional.

If anyone wanted to bully her old rascal of a professor, they had to ask if she agreed first.

...