Li Tianming looked at Crawford.
Crawford coughed lightly twice, then flipped through the notes in front of him. He did not raise any objections.
Then he said to Qin Siyang, "I think their attitude in admitting their mistake is acceptable. What do you think?"
Although Florence had not proposed specific compensation, Qin Siyang had full confidence in Li Tianming, this old fox.
When presenting a solution, he would definitely keep a loose end in his grasp, ensuring that Florence couldn't just go back on his word.
"Alright, I'll agree to it. But their paper contradicts my circular armor. How do we resolve this issue?"
Li Tianming said, "Florence, you need to quickly publish another paper. The topic should be research on a new species of Doom Fate Octopus."
"The Doom Fate Octopus we encountered had twenty-two tentacles. It didn't immediately gamble with Sequence ability users; instead, it first played a series of cunning tricks, almost killing me and Qin Siyang. So I believe it cannot be discussed in the same category as regular Doom Fate Octopuses."
"Twenty-two tentacles?"
Everyone gasped.
The fact that these two had survived was truly remarkable.
Florence, however, caught the key point in Li Tianming's words, "Professor Li, are you saying that this Doom Fate Octopus used additional methods while gambling?"
"Yes. The one we encountered was clearly more intelligent than the relatively 'simple' Doom Fate Octopuses that gamble directly. The one who gambled with it was Qin Siyang, you can ask him for details."
"What? The one who gambled with the Doom Fate Octopus wasn't you, but Qin Siyang?"
They had all assumed it was Li Tianming.
Upon learning that it was actually Qin Siyang, their eyes widened in shock.
Qin Siyang was immediately displeased.
"What, looking down on me? If I weren't smart, your Professor Li would be nothing but a puddle of goo right now."
"My apologies, my apologies. That was rude of me…", Florence quickly bowed his head in apology, deeply impressed.
Qin Siyang rolled his eyes at them and continued, "This Doom Fate Octopus didn't play fair from the start. All the options it provided for where its heart was located were wrong. No matter which one I picked, I would have died."
"How is that possible? Isn't the Doom Fate Octopus a cursed gambling god? How could it resort to deceit?"
"Doom Fate Octopuses are known for strictly following the rules—how could it give only wrong choices?"
"Then… how did you survive?"
One shocking revelation after another left everyone completely stunned.
"Alright, if you have more questions, ask Qin Siyang later. Let's focus on solving the issue at hand first," Li Tianming said.
"This Doom Fate Octopus was indeed special, so we can give it a new name, such as 'High-Intelligence Doom Fate Octopus' or 'Deceptive Doom Fate Octopus', whatever you prefer. This way, your three papers remain valid, and you can even establish a new research branch."
Upon hearing this, Florence and his team immediately realized that Li Tianming's suggestion not only resolved their predicament but also allowed them to benefit from it.
The previously downcast group instantly became excited.
"Professor Li, we… we don't even know how to thank you!"
"No need to thank me. Just remember to include Qin Siyang's name when you publish your paper, since his eyewitness testimony on the Doom Fate Octopus will require polygraph verification. Without his cooperation, you won't be able to publish it."
"Yes, yes, absolutely!"
Qin Siyang sighed inwardly.
Li Tianming was truly cunning.
He had turned a mortal enemy into an ally.
Not only had he made friends, but he had also ensured that Qin Siyang's key role in the paper would serve as leverage.
Since they needed his testimony, Florence wouldn't dare offend him, and the compensation mentioned earlier would surely be provided.
'Li Tianming—definitely not an ordinary person.'
'This way of making friends is worth learning.'
Qin Siyang was a quick learner.
Having just grasped the idea, he immediately applied it further.
Since Crawford and Florence had already been won over, there was no need to stay hostile toward Governor Jonathan, who had withdrawn from opposition at the beginning.
Qin Siyang casually added, "Everyone attending this meeting has contributed to the paper. Professor Florence, please include them all when publishing it."
"Alright, no problem. Many researchers focus on Doom Fate Octopuses, these anomalous gods. A paper on a new species will definitely have a significant impact. Having your names included will be a valuable addition to your résumés."
Jonathan was surprised and glanced at Qin Siyang. He hadn't expected him to offer such a favor.
Qin Siyang smiled slightly.
Jonathan understood the gesture and nodded in return.
Everyone was pleased.
Just as the atmosphere was at its warmest, the rapid sound of keyboard typing suddenly rang out.
Everyone turned to look at Chen Zhongming.
Chen Zhongming grinned sheepishly, "This meeting wasn't an inquiry session; it was more like a seminar. I just realized I recorded a lot of things incorrectly and am making corrections."
Everyone laughed, making the mood even livelier.
Florence bowed to Li Tianming again, "Thank you, Professor Li, for your guidance and assistance!"
"No need to thank me. Just make sure to withdraw the report on the [Godslayer Camp] forum post."
"Absolutely! I'll revoke it right away!"
"Also, arrange a time with Qin Siyang to discuss the Doom Fate Octopus. He understands it better than I do."
"Understood."
"And one more thing. Send my regards to Harrison."
"I will definitely convey your greetings to my mentor."
Governor Jonathan said, "It seems today's… seminar has concluded successfully. Thank you all for participating. Shall we celebrate tonight?"
Li Tianming shook his head, "We still have matters to attend to today. We need to head back."
"Alright, then let's meet again next time. I'll arrange a car to take you back."
"Mm, much appreciated."
Qin Siyang didn't ask Li Tianming about their next plans and simply followed him out of the conference room.
As they left, the official who had given up his seat for Qin Siyang was still waiting outside.
Qin Siyang patted his shoulder, "It's all settled. Go in and get ready for tonight's celebration banquet."
"Huh? Celebration banquet?", The man looked puzzled.
When he entered the conference room and saw the cheerful atmosphere, he was even more confused.
Jonathan glanced at Chen Zhongming, who was still typing, and asked, "Mayor Chen, do you know much about this kid, Qin Siyang?"
Everyone paused their conversations and looked at Chen Zhongming.
They were all very curious about Qin Siyang.
Chen Zhongming smiled again in his usual simple manner, "After all, he's the strongest rookie in our 141st City. You could say I know him."
"This kid has a character like a cherry tree. You've done well in nurturing him."
"You flatter me, Governor. I actually haven't known him for very long. The people who first helped him were his colleagues at the Bureau."
Crawford perked up, "Our Bureau's employees?"
"Yes. Do you remember the case of the missing divine remains near the Safe Zone exit? The one currently being investigated by Bureau Section Chief Qian Wenzhao…"
Crawford had originally intended to convict Qin Siyang, but in the end, he owed him a favor and even got his name included in a high-impact paper.
Since he had handled the situation in an unsightly way, he had to return the favor somehow.
Chen Zhongming saw this and brought up Qian Wenzhao. This would give Crawford a chance to repay the favor to Qin Siyang while also allowing himself to settle his own debt of gratitude.
Favors exchanged back and forth, eventually, they had all become friends.
Crawford nodded, "Alright, I'll keep an eye on Chief Qian's progress with this case."
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