Lilian receives a proposal meeting invitation from her professor after submitting a research draft. Despite mockery and warnings from a rival accusing her of paving the way for them, Lilian remains determined. The professor praises her innovative data model and offers her a chance to compete in a national contest, promising a graduate school spot if she wins. After the meeting, Lilian dismisses the rival’s taunts and asserts her independence. However, underlying rivalry remains unresolved, as Lilian suspects her ideas might still be stolen, setting up tension for what’s next.