Chapter 69: Villains Need No Reason to Do Evil

Qin Hongfei looked at him with sympathy. Anyone would be furious if the programming they had painstakingly developed, risking baldness in the process, was stolen. Seeing Jiang Wan on the verge of exploding, she understood, “Did you confront him about it?”

Jiang Wan, unable to contain his anger, said he was about to, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, “I came here to thank you first, then I plan to go talk to him and make things clear.” Why would he steal my work and not say a word—not even a hint of apology? On what grounds?

Qin Hongfei resisted the urge to look at him as if he were a fool.

Does a villain need a reason to do bad things? They simply act. Nine out of ten computer science students are fools.

But she glanced at the bag of snacks, filled with all sorts of treats. Regarding the new system, even if Jiang Wan hadn’t come to express his gratitude, Qin Hongfei wouldn’t have minded. Yet he not only managed to complete it but immediately came to thank her and brought gifts. Clearly, he was a kind-hearted person.

Having seen plenty of schemers and few pure souls, Qin Hongfei felt it was worth saving one if she could. “Then let me advise you—abandon that idea.”

Jiang Wan stared, stunned, “I thought you’d support me!”

Qin Hongfei replied calmly, “If you had taken my work, discovered its advantages, and come back with ulterior motives, then yes, I would support you. Not only support you—I’d wave a flag behind you and cheer you on, watching you…” She paused, “...march straight into disaster.”

Before Jiang Wan could ask, Qin Hongfei continued, “You have neither power nor influence. Your professor has at least ten years’ experience and some authority in the university. You work under him and will need his support in the future. If you confront him, remember: you have no published papers or programming credits to your name. If your new system gets public attention and he decides to accuse you of stealing his work, guess what would happen to you?”

It wasn’t that Qin Hongfei saw the worst in people; it was simply that reality proved villains always exceeded your limits.

Jiang Wan’s face was blank.

Was it really possible? He’d considered the professor might dismiss him.

But never imagined such a sneaky move—turning the tables and pinning a crime on him. The professor stealing his work was already enough to shatter his worldview, but thinking back to the shamelessness in that morning’s call, Jiang Wan’s guard shot up. There was definitely a possibility. Unwilling to let it go, he said, “So should I just let it slide? Those things may not seem like much, but they’re still my hard work. Comrade, you’re so smart. Do you have any ideas to help me?”

He paused, then quickly added, “I won’t freeload—ah, damn it.” What am I saying? This kid shouldn’t be corrupted by me. “I mean, I won’t let you teach me for nothing. I’ll pay you back. You said you collect second-hand parts? I have plenty of contacts in the business—lots of stock on hand.” He looked at her, full of hope.

Qin Hongfei fell silent and replied lightly, “There are plenty of ways. Just repay his actions in kind. If he wants to use you as a stepping stone, go along with it. To publish your own work, you usually need authoritative signatures and institutional approval. You could figure out a way, pick the right moment…”

By the end of her explanation, Jiang Wan’s eyes were shining with excitement. He paused, conflicted, “What if he doesn’t react the way I expect?”

Qin Hongfei said, then use a different approach. She offered another idea.

Then, after a moment, she threw in a third.

Three options in total, leaving Jiang Wan free to choose. No matter which path he took—A, B, or C—there was a fallback, and perhaps he could even reclaim what had been stolen from him.

Jiang Wan’s anger and gloom vanished, replaced by exhilaration. “Comrade, you sure have a lot of experience—have you ever run into a sly old fox like my professor?”