When fate plays its hand

Hendrix suddenly thought of something. “Go check the number of papers published in ‘ Nature Biotechnology‘ by scholars within the country for last year.”

Beckett immediately opened his laptop. Five minutes later, he reported, “For last year, local scholars published a total of six papers in Nature Biotechnology.”

Miranda’s team had contributed two of them, accounting for one–third of the local output in this particular journal last year.

“No wonder…” Hendrix murmured.

The thought that Beckett had suppressed resurfaced in his mind. “Hendrix, about this year’s International Academic Exchange Conference…”

Hendrix shook his head. “It’s too late now…”

Beckett couldn’t help but sigh. The conference opening was on June 4th, less than ten days away. Changing the delegation at this point wasn’t realistic.

However…

“Next year, then. We’ll send Miranda’s team next year.

Hendrix chuckled bitterly. “Last time, you had the dean’s office post an announcement and had the college website publish a feature about them. But did those kids buy your efforts?”

Beckett rubbed his nose awkwardly and cleared his throat. “I’m just extending an olive branch. I didn’t expect them to buy it…“.

Hendrix let out another chuckle. “Not only do those kids have their pride, but they have a rebellious streak. While the college wasn’t involved in the disputes within their department, not getting involved was equivalent to doing nothing.

“We wouldn’t have been suspected of siding with Sophie if the college administration took proactive measures to intervene after the issue with fire safety inspections. Thus, our relationship with Miranda’s team might have been salvageable, but…

11

But they did nothing back then. Instead, they chose to take the high road and allowed the matter to fizzle out quietly in the end.

However, Hendrix changed his tone. “That said we’re not necessarily doomed in this International Academic Exchange Conference. Let’s be optimistic. We’ve made significant preparations prior to the conference.”

Beckett sighed and said, “Let’s hope so. A win would be the best outcome.”

Madison was most excited when she learned that their laboratory had made the list. “Oh my gosh! We made it. We got on the list! We’re one of the key laboratories in the country! I have to call my dad and tell him that great fortune has come upon our family!”

Sebastian couldn’t help but laugh. He lowered his voice and reminded her, “We should keep a low profile!”

“Oh, right! Class/is about to start. But Seb, how are you so calm?” novelbin

Sebastian’s hands were trembling slightly under the desk. Calm? Did she think that he was calm?

Madison continued, “In my opinion, this is all thanks to Miranda. She was the one who led both of the research projects that we submitted to ‘Nature Biotechnology.‘ When will I ever get to lead my own project, conceptualize the direction, and complete the experimental design on my own…

11. 11.

Sebastian’s eyes lit up with determination. In truth, he was equally as excited. “We definitely will. We’re just moving at a slower pace.”

At least they were on the right track!

That alone put them miles ahead of other graduate students who were still drifting aimlessly without direction.

The class bell rang at that moment, and the both of them quietened down. Suddenly, Madison seemed to remember something. She turned to Sebastian. “Where’s Miranda?”

This class was a core course. The three of them usually attended together. In addition, Miranda hadn’t mentioned she was taking leave.

Sebastian shook his head. “I’m not sure. Why don’t you call and ask?”

“Okay.”

After the dial tone, Madison heard a mechanical voice answer.

“The number you dialed is not available? What’s going on?” she exclaimed.

Just then, the lecturer walked to the podium. “Class, Dr. Jefferson is on leave today, so I will be taking his place. Please turn your attention to the slides…”