Chapter 2

I had the highest score on the SAT and specialized in quantum technology. I pursued the field I enjoyed and completed a combined undergraduate and graduate program all the way through to my PhD. I started conducting research as a student and possessed numerous invention patents.

After graduating, I accepted Dr. Lane's invitation to join his lab, where I devoted myself to research with the goal of creating a groundbreaking invention that would advance technology. I chose the most difficult research track because of this, didn't take a single day off for three years, and spent all my time in the lab.

I had received job offers from labs abroad during that period, but I turned them all down solely because I wanted to stay and serve my country. I never imagined that the fruits of my relentless effort would be branded as plagiarism.

I was walking home under the starry, moonlit sky. The more I reflected on the situation, the more suspicious it seemed. Amid my chaotic thoughts, a sudden spark of inspiration flashed through my mind.

I figured that since my current project was no longer viable, I could simply switch my focus to the research of the accessory module. After all, quantum technology was a broad field, and technological innovation wasn't limited to one area.

When I arrived home, I went straight to work. I turned on my computer to begin calculations and simulations immediately. After hours of intense thinking, the problems that had once seemed insurmountable became easier to understand, and a new model emerged in my mind.

I would no longer be accused of plagiarism with this approach, and more importantly, this new invention could offer quantum technology a fresh perspective. I grew more excited as I worked through the numbers, quickly organizing and perfecting the new model.

I kept going until I heard Mom's anxious voice from behind me. "I know you want to do something for the country, but staying up all night is not good for your health, Callum. I won't ask for much. I just want you to be safe and healthy."

I looked at my phone with a hint of confusion, only to realize that it was already 5:30 am.

Mom draped a blanket over my shoulders and said reassuringly, "You still have a month to file for the patent, so there's no need to rush right now, Callum."

I was overwhelmed with guilt when I looked into Mom's aged, clouded eyes. I had devoted all my time to my career and had rarely been there for my parents. In the end, the plagiarism accusation had even caused them to die tragically in my past life.

I let out a long sigh at that thought. I quickly reassured Mom and then kept working through the night to finish designing Invention 2.0.

I finally breathed a sigh of relief as I looked at the completed blueprints. At last, I had completed my own invention. I would never be accused of plagiarism again, nor would I let my parents be put in harm's way.

I remembered that in my past life, Kennedy had not only reported me for plagiarism but had also slandered me online, claiming that I was trying to seize the Quinlan family's assets through Maisie. He spoke with absolute conviction before the camera, causing his countless mindless fans to attack me on his behalf online.

"How can this leech be so shameless? He plagiarized the younger brother's work and now intends to harm the older sister!"

"The Quinlans are so unfortunate to cross paths with someone like you! Do everyone a favor and die already!"

"We're the only ones who can protect Kennedy! Who's going to dig up this bastard's phone number and dox the shit out of him?"

In my past life, I couldn't understand why Kennedy would falsely accuse me. I had scrambled to find a lawyer to clear my name, which only worsened the cyberbullying.

But no matter how out of the loop Mom and Dad were, they eventually learned about what happened. They had agreed to be interviewed by a reporter to defend me, but the moment they stepped out the door, a few extremist fans pushed them off a high-rise building.

I clenched both fists tightly as I thought about this, my fingernails digging deep into my palms. I knew that if I didn't find out the root cause of everything that had happened, it would be hard to guarantee that the events of my past life would not repeat themselves in this life.

I was thinking about how to begin my investigation when the junior researcher next to me exclaimed, "Did you guys see the video Kennedy posted? Someone actually plagiarized his invention! He loves posting videos to show off, so it's no surprise that someone plagiarized his work.

"I just can't believe someone actually had the nerve to do it! I mean, plagiarism is so disgraceful! Who on earth could be this shameless to do it?"

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine as soon as I heard what they said. I immediately took out my phone and tapped into Kennedy's social media profile.