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Aria wasn’t just talking about the funding-if Adrian came to the Stars Group, she’d personally clear every single hurdle he faced, no matter how tough the challenge.
Adrian couldn’t help but laugh. “Everyone else just wants me for a project, but you-you want to take my entire team.”
That was exactly Aria’s plan.
“Prof. Galan, this is a win-win,” Aria pressed on. “At the Stars Group, you can focus solely on your research, your students’ futures will be secured, and our doors are always open to you and your team.”
In recent years, Adrian had only taken on a handful of students at Mandino University, none of whom were particularly standout talents.
The number of outstanding students in Adrian’s team was dwindling.
Mandino University was keen to keep him, but there were funding bodies and review committees to consider. Staying at Mandino University was no longer a viable path forward.
Adrian chuckled, “If the leadership at Mandino University found out you were trying to poach my team, they’d probably hit
the roof.”
After all, Aria herself was someone they had poached.
Alan was also stunned. ‘Ms. Saxon’s so bold,’ he thought.
However, Alan found himself genuinely hoping Adrian would bring the whole team along.
Aria said confidently, “Prof. Galan, as long as you come to the Stars Group, nothing will be a problem.”
Adrian grew more serious. “I trust the Stars Group,” he said. “But after so many years at the university, adapting to a new place won’t happen overnight.”
Aria reassured him and said, “Prof. Galan, no need to worry. We definitely won’t ask you to move to the Stars Group right away.”
“Let’s begin with university-enterprise collaboration on the Quantum Superbrain Project first,” Aria proposed. “Prof. Galan, you can remain at Mandino University for now-what matters most is securing your students’ futures.”
That way, Adrian wouldn’t have to take on students anymore.
Aria said, “Once you’ve wrapped things up, you’re welcome to join the Stars Group whenever you’re ready.”
Aria added reassuringly, “Of course, if any of your students aren’t interested in joining the Stars Group, that’s totally fine. We won’t force anyone. Each contract is completely separate, so everyone’s free to make their own choice.”
Even though the Stars Group had gone behind his back to poach Carney, Adrian still maintained a favorable impression of them.
The Stars Group was open and aboveboard-their contracts were straightforward, with no hidden traps. They even stepped in to help Carney out when he was short on cash.
The Stars Group was miles better than that company that had tried to screw Carney over.
Adrian couldn’t give an answer right away. “Let me think about it,” he said.
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“Take your time, Prof. Galan,” Aria said, knowing when to back off.
Adrian then added, “As for that project I haven’t quite finished yet-if you find the time, feel free to come help out.”
Aria flashed a bright smile and said, “I’ve got all the time in the world, Professor.”
Aria sensed that Adrian was warming to the idea and seized the opportunity, making frequent trips to his lab, so often that it caught Fred’s attention.
Fred looked at Aria and said, “Your specialty is pharmaceutical analysis. I know you’re interested in programming, but you really can’t keep running off to the computer science department all the time.”
With more than half the semester gone, Aria still showed no urgency about her research, and Fred was genuinely worried she might up and leave.
Aria understood Fred’s concerns and explained, “Mr. Gardner, I’m studying programming precisely to further my research.
“You know how I am, Mr. Gardner-I’m not the most collaborative and tend to prefer overseeing the big picture myself. I’ve recently explored several fields and have a general direction in mind, which is why I want to learn programming.
“If I master it myself, I’ll feel much more confident and authoritative when delegating tasks to others.”
Fred said, “Ms. Saxon, I sincerely apologize-I completely misjudged you.”
This had never occurred to Fred. He’d always assumed Aria wasn’t serious about research, but now he realized her whole reason for studying was to do research.
The research would, of course, be entirely Aria’s responsibility. If students from other disciplines joined, she wouldn’t be able to maintain proper oversight without mastering those skills herself.
‘She’s thought of everything,’ Fred thought to himself, deeply moved.
Aria averted her gaze, her expression growing complicated. She thought, ‘I just hope they won’t resent me too much when they find out Prof. Galan has gone to the Stars Group.’