The news quickly spread throughout the archaeology community, and due to the immense attention on Bai Qi's tomb, it garnered significant interest from outside the circle as well. The story continued to escalate, even making headlines on some online news platforms.
Almost everyone was shocked by this sudden development, which brought with it the age-old topic of academic plagiarism and fabrication. Major media outlets anticipated this would be a hot topic for the next few days and spared no effort in fueling the discussion and maintaining its momentum.
Professor Li, as expected, was cast as the villain, repeatedly subjected to public scorn. His brief moment of resurgence was short-lived, and he soon found himself back in the depths of disgrace. Meanwhile, Liu Bin was hailed as a hero for exposing the darkness, constantly appearing in interviews with various media outlets. His popularity soared, making him the new spokesperson for the archaeology field.
As for Elder Dong, one of the involved parties, he naturally received his share of media attention. However, when reporters approached Elder Dong at his home with the relevant news and requested his comments, he frowned deeply. He questioned the scanned copy of the original manuscript presented by the reporters.
"Are you sure this is my original manuscript from twenty years ago?" he asked. "I don't recall it."
"I cannot give you a definitive answer at this moment. I can only say that I am temporarily reserving my right to speak on this matter. I will agree to an interview after I find the original manuscript."
With that, Elder Dong unceremoniously ushered all the reporters out of his house. The reporters exchanged bewildered glances, having not anticipated such a reaction. They knew that Professor Li and Elder Dong had been at loggerheads, with Elder Dong even issuing a public apology, causing him to lose face. Now, with Professor Li in trouble, they expected Elder Dong to seize the opportunity to strike him down. Instead, Elder Dong chose to reserve his right to speak and insisted on finding the original manuscript before granting an interview.
"Has this old man lost his mind?" the reporters grumbled. "By the time he finds the manuscript, the heat of the incident will have long passed. Who will want to interview him then?"
However, Elder Dong's lack of cooperation did not deter the reporters. Soon, an article was crafted.
"Elder Dong Has No Comment, Claims Right to Speak Reserved!"
"Elder Dong Slams Door in Anger, Refuses to Discuss Professor Li!"
"Elder Dong Firmly Opposes All Academic Misconduct!"
The reporters' skillful use of subtle phrasing was evident. Even Elder Dong himself would find no fault with these headlines, as he indeed had no comment, he did slam the door, and he did oppose academic misconduct. However, the nuance was lost. Elder Dong had no comment because he hadn't found the manuscript. He slammed the door because the reporters had angered him. He opposed misconduct as a basic requirement of a scholar. But in the current climate, these three statements twisted into a narrative that seemed to imply Elder Dong was attacking Professor Li and tacitly admitting to Professor Li's plagiarism. Consequently, Professor Li's reputation plummeted further. The once overwhelming number of students applying to be Professor Li's graduate students suddenly vanished, leaving only Liang Yu, who had steadfastly supported Professor Li during the excavation of Bai Qi's tomb.
"Professor, what are your plans now?" Liang Yu asked, looking at Professor Li's haggard face with concern.
Professor Li gave a bitter smile. "What else can I do? Who would have thought that the ivory tower, which should be the purest place, is actually filled with such darkness. I'd rather not be in such a quagmire!"
Liang Yu was startled. "Professor, what do you intend to do?"
Professor Li did not answer but took out a pre-written document and handed it to Liang Yu. "Please deliver this to them for me. I have other matters to attend to tonight, so I will leave now." With that, Professor Li turned and left, leaving Liang Yu stunned, staring at the document in her hand. It was Professor Li's resignation letter! Professor Li intended to leave the archaeological institute and the dark, muddy, and dirty circle he was in!
Soon, Professor Li's resignation was approved, and it was personally approved by Liu Bin. After approving it, Liu Bin promptly took a photo of the resignation and sent it to a reporter, further escalating the incident's heat. It was as if the bad guy had finally faced his due retribution. Both those within the archaeology community and the outside observers cheered and celebrated. At this point, no one cared about the truth; they only cared about the sensation and the outcome.
At eight o'clock that evening, in a hotel in Yanjing, Professor Li, with deep exhaustion, met with Ying Chen. Upon their meeting, Ying Chen patted Professor Li sympathetically on the shoulder, clearly aware of his predicament. However, for Ying Chen, Professor Li's resignation was a good thing, as it would allow him to fully dedicate himself to Ying Chen's upcoming project.
"Have a seat!" Ying Chen gestured towards the sofa, inviting Professor Li to sit. "The matter I wish to discuss with you still falls within your field. However, compared to the constraints of an institution like the archaeological institute, it will be much simpler and more relaxed. To a certain extent, your word will be law. You will be the head of this project."
Professor Li looked surprised. "A project? Mr. Ying, what exactly do you intend to do? Are you planning to excavate a major tomb?"
Ying Chen smiled, nodding and then shaking his head. "Yes and no. This project will involve excavating some tombs, but it won't be solely about excavation. I will explain it to you in detail later."
Professor Li let out a somewhat understanding "Oh." Just as he was about to await Ying Chen's detailed explanation, his phone rang urgently. Professor Li took out his phone, gave Ying Chen an apologetic smile, and intended to decline the call. However, upon seeing "Liang Yu" on the caller ID, he ultimately answered. This student who had followed him throughout the ordeal was likely feeling confused and lost. If he ignored her, she might completely fall apart.
But when Professor Li answered, Liang Yu's voice on the other end was devoid of confusion or despair. Instead, it was filled with overwhelming excitement. "Professor, Professor, quickly look at the latest news! It's a complete reversal! A shocking reversal! Not only did I not expect it, but you absolutely wouldn't have either! Everyone is dumbfounded! Especially Liu Bin! You wouldn't believe the look on his face, like he'd eaten a fly! It's so satisfying!"
Listening to Liang Yu's rambling words, Professor Li frowned slightly. However, he followed Liang Yu's advice and opened a news app. The first article that caught his eye was the latest news Liang Yu had mentioned. As for the content of the news, it rendered Professor Li stunned and petrified.