Chapter 524: A Shocking Twist of Trust and Fraud

Hmm?

He raised an eyebrow.

Yenir instinctively glanced at the staff member who had brought him along, his eyes filled with questions.

Before coming over, he had indeed notified the Research Institute, but it was merely a routine report.

Apparently, the information had already spread.

Noticing Yenir’s slight displeasure, the staff member awkwardly smiled and, as if struck by a thought, leaned in to explain quietly.

“Commissioner Yenir, we’ve been wanting to discuss something with you for a long time.”

“The person you brought might very well be a fraud.”

“You see, with so many talents at our Research Institute, if you’re planning to do something, why not leave it to us…”

“It’s all… for your own good…”

Their words dripped with advice and a feigned concern for Yenir’s welfare.

Meanwhile, before Yenir could dismiss the meddling group and consult Sun Li Cheng about the progress, the young man Zhao Yu rushed forward with a self-assured air.

“Commissioner Yenir! Give me a moment! I have something very important to tell you!”

“You might not be aware, but there’s a strong chance you’ve been deceived!”

These same words were repeated, but this time Zhao Yu unapologetically pointed at Sun Li Cheng, his eyes brimming with disdain.

“I heard you personally approved millions in funding and material access just to have this guy research some bizarre stuff!”

“Do you realize that in just two weeks, he burned through a staggering 9 million?! Not to mention the equipment he ruined—it probably adds up to tens of millions!”

“Our Teacher said that if it weren’t for saving your face, this swindler would have been kicked out long ago!”

“He’s not even doing research; he’s just finding new ways to waste Spirit Crystals!”

“If we hadn’t saved you money by turning down his later material requests, your losses would have been even greater!”

After a volley of accusations, Zhao Yu finished and beamed at Yenir as if claiming credit.

His eyes burned with a mix of excitement, fervor, and greed as he stared at Yenir.

There was no hidden agenda—only the sight of Yenir shamelessly approving millions for what appeared to be a fraud stirred deep resentment in Zhao Yu, a proud Senior Researcher.

If Sun Li Cheng, an amateur scientist, could swindle money, why shouldn’t a Senior Researcher like me be able to do the same!?

Millions in Credit Points! That’s an astronomical research fund!

Frankly, even our Teacher couldn’t pull together that kind of cash for a new project!

A million-dollar project needs the Committee and the Research Institute’s blessing—let alone a project worth tens of millions!

And most importantly, Yenir hardly keeps track of how those funds are spent!

To these researchers, Yenir was nothing short of the legendary rich fool—loaded with cash and power yet completely out of touch!

If only Yenir would casually endorse a few of our projects, it would be absolutely fantastic!

Caught up in his excitement, Zhao Yu failed to notice the sudden flash of cold determination in Yenir’s eyes as he mentioned cutting off Sun Li Cheng’s material requests.

“Saving money for me?”

“When was it cut off?”

“Two—no, three days ago!”

“That guy came to us asking for materials on credit, even claiming they’d be deducted from your quota!”

“How could we possibly agree to such an outrageous act!”

Almost before Zhao Yu could claim all the credit, a middle-aged man from the Administrative Department interjected with a self-satisfied smile as he looked at Yenir.

“The person you brought claims he always fails because he hasn’t collected enough data—what a joke! He’s wasted so many Spirit Crystals that they could fill an entire Warehouse!”

“What is research? It’s an incredibly meticulous intellectual pursuit! True scientific inquiry isn’t about mindlessly piling up materials or burning money to achieve results!”

“Science is an art! It’s the most precise and rigorous art form!”

Mid-sentence, the middle-aged man sneered at Sun Li Cheng as if he were a con man and declared:

“Commissioner Yenir, you’ve definitely been duped!”

“We’ve dug into his background! He used to be nothing more than a worthless janitor at a Trash Research Institute!”

“Ask him—has he ever received proper training? Published any papers? Who did he study under? How many conferences has he presented at?!”

“I even suspect that the Spirit Energy he claims to have ‘blasted’ was actually something he embezzled!”

Under these grave accusations, Sun Li Cheng—who had been cowering in the corner—suddenly lifted his head, visibly humiliated, and shouted:

“No!!!”

“Lord Yenir! I didn’t steal anything!”

“I absolutely didn’t do it! It’s just—it’s just…”

“I don’t know! I just couldn’t quite make it—ahhh!!”

His voice trembled, tinged with a hint of weeping.

Ever since Yenir had recruited him, granting him his very own Laboratory with full support, he felt as if he had been blessed with a piece of heaven.

Coming from humble beginnings, he knew well the terrifying extent of funding Yenir casually provided, and the fear kept him awake night after night.

Determined not to let Yenir down, he spent nearly 23 hours daily in the Laboratory, repeatedly testing high-quality extraction techniques for Spirit Crystals.

Yet, as if fate were playing a cruel trick, every final attempt to burn through Yenir’s remaining Credit Points ended just short.

At that point, he no longer dared to speak up.

Overwhelmed by the feeling that success was always just out of reach, he almost lost his mind and secretly approached the Research Institute, hoping to secure credit for a new batch of materials.

He was completely prepared.

If that final batch of materials failed as well, he would willingly hand over his life to Yenir.

Though, it probably wouldn’t even compare to the smallest fraction of what Yenir had provided him.

Driven by desperation, his endless pleas for material approval eventually caught the eye of the Administrative Department, and he was quickly surrounded as if he were a scammer.

They began investigating, and what they found was astonishing.

When they discovered that Sun Li Cheng—nearly illiterate—had swindled millions from Yenir, everyone at the Research Institute was stunned!

And that, ultimately, led to today’s dramatic scene.

“It’s okay, take your time.”

“Come over here first.”

In a gentle tone that seemed unfazed, Yenir waved off the huddled researchers and beckoned Sun Li Cheng closer.

Burned through all the Credit Points he had left before? No wonder Wang Tian almost spoke up that day but didn’t dare.

Yet for Yenir, he had long foreseen this outcome.

Compared to the Supernatural Plan, a mere few million was nothing. In his previous life, although Yenir wasn’t fully aware of the details of the Supernatural Plan, he knew that in times of scarcity the Military had to venture out to gather supplies to provide Sun Li Cheng with enough materials.

During that period, even reaching Peak Third-Stage claimed a life.

Strict calculations revealed that the investment neared a ten-billion level; it was truly boundless and priceless!

“Com-Commissioner Yenir… I truly didn’t deceive you…”

“Waaah, believe me… just give me another chance… I promise—I will…”

Sun Li Cheng, practically crawling and trembling, sobbed uncontrollably while the accusing stares from everyone left him knowing that his only hope was Yenir’s trust.

Though he was much older than Yenir, the crushing pressure made him break down in tears.

He cursed his own stupidity for wasting so many resources.

He despised his own incompetence that had tarnished Yenir’s reputation.

He resented fate for giving him hope only for success to always slip just out of reach!!

In utter despair, he felt that after today, all his dreams and ideals would vanish like bubbles…

Yet, amidst the condemnations, a calm and unruffled Yenir extended his right hand, firmly grasped his arm, and hauled him up.

“Stand up!”

“I believe in you!”

At his words, everyone fell silent in astonishment.

Under the noon sun, Sun Li Cheng squinted with effort as he awkwardly pulled himself up,

while Yenir stood with his back turned to the sunlight.

It was dazzling.