Chapter 583
584
He said to one of his subordinates, “What has she been up to lately?”
“Sir,” the subordinate reported, “Ms. Saxon has been conducting research at the university.”
Flynt asked, “What kind of research is she working on?”
The subordinate said, “It’s the smart pharmacy quality control system-a joint project between Heffner Hospital and Mandino University.”
Flynt rubbed the ring on his index finger, his gaze thoughtful. “Heffner Hospital…”
As the lab got busier, Mandy simply had Aria bring some students to lend a hand.
Aria left Helen and the other two students with Mandy for the assignment.
When she arrived at the computer science department, she happened upon Adrian mentoring his students.
Aria waited until they finished talking, then spoke up. “Professor Galan, it’s been a while. You’re looking younger than ever!”
Adrian mused, ‘Wasn’t this girl supposed to be cold on the outside but warm at heart? With flattery that obvious, she doesn’t seem cold at all.’
Adrian glanced up. “Looking for Alan?”
“No,” Aria shook her head. “I’m here to check on the computer science team’s progress.”
Adrian, aware that Peyton was involved in the smart pharmacy quality control system project, looked over with a hint of surprise. “Really? Are you planning to switch fields?” he joked.
Aria chuckled. “No. The pharmacy team has enough people. I’m just here to learn something new.”
Aria scanned the seminar room. “I’m looking for Mr. Maddox’s students,” she said.
“You’re in the wrong place,” Adrian said, gesturing upward. “Mr. Maddox’s group is on the fourth floor.”
“Thank you, Professor Galan,” Aria said, turning to leave.
“Professor,” a student whispered, “is she the career changer Ms. Saxon that Alan mentioned?”
Adrian nodded. “Yeah.”
“She’s so young!” another student exclaimed. “Many of the solutions in the programming problem sets put together by Alan actually came from her…”
Otherwise, they’d have no idea how impressive Aria really was.
Adrian scanned the group and said, “She’s from another field and is already catching up with you all. Step up your game- don’t let an outsider outshine you professionals.”
A student sighed, “Their family’s academic pedigree is incredible. Even Ms. Saxon’s cousin switched fields for grad school-I heard he’s exceptionally gifted, with skills on par with any specialist. We really should’ve tried to recruit him to our research group back then…”
Adrian remarked, “They may not share our research interests. But if you’re impressed by their expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out and exchange ideas.”
584
The students all nodded eagerly in agreement, a new sense of determination lighting up their faces.
Adrian suddenly asked, “Where’s Alan?”
A sudden hush fell over the group.
A student rubbed his nose awkwardly. “Well…” he said hesitantly, “Alan is out doing some research.”
Adrian asked, “What’s he researching?”
The student answered, “He’s been really into the Stars Group’s quantum superbrain project lately.”
An uneasy tension settled over the room.
The students stole nervous glances at Adrian and quickly explained, “Professor, Alan is just curious-he’s not actually getting involved.”
Adrian scanned the group with a deadpan expression. “Do I really seem that old-fashioned?”
The students fell silent, none of them daring to say a word.
“Look how nervous you all are,” Adrian chuckled as he closed the document. “If you’re interested, feel free to look into it yourselves.”
A bold student couldn’t help asking, “Professor, haven’t you always been the most opposed to corporate collaborations?”
“My objections are my own-that doesn’t mean I should dictate your choices. The Stars Group is decent enough. Alright, you can all head back now,” Adrian said.
Adrian owed Owen a life debt. When Owen came to see him, Adrian had already anticipated his purpose-and was prepared
to agree.
But Owen simply wanted him to give the Stars Group a chance-first learn about the project, then decide whether to collaborate.
Adrian wondered, “That girl must not have known about this; otherwise, she wouldn’t have shared the project proposal with Alan and brought it to my attention.”
Adrian decided to observe the situation a while longer.