Chapter 194

Christine had just learned that 70% of the college's graduate funding had been allocated to Sophie's research team, leaving less than 30% for hers. After accounting for expenses, her usable portion might be less than 20%. Years of stalled experiments had resulted in a lack of publications and academic achievements, causing her research funding to dwindle. Her health had also declined, and none of her students were capable of leadership or maintaining the group's reputation. A long sigh escaped Christine.

Just then, Sophie, her neighbor, approached with a smile. "Dr. Young, good afternoon! Just back from the lab? I heard your research group made some new discoveries recently. Is that true?"

Christine remained silent.

Sophie continued, "Oh, I guess it's not true, then. You seem busy running to the lab every day, but why is there no tangible output? I heard your group's funding was cut again this year… Ah, I've been through those lean times before. I used to envy you so much. Seems like fortune has turned in my favor now!" Sophie smiled slightly. "But that must be tough for you."

Christine lifted her chin and adjusted her shawl. "Ten years ago, research funding was less than a tenth of what it is now, but the output from the entire Faculty of Bioinformatics was double what it is today. Clearly, the amount of resources isn't directly tied to academic output. However," she changed her tone, "some people directly impact the academic environment, leading to high expenditures on research funding without corresponding academic results."

Sophie's face darkened. "Keep making excuses. At this rate, your research team's continued existence is questionable! And besides, I haven't seen you mentor any outstanding students in recent years. As a teacher, you should know how crucial talented, hardworking students committed to academia are. They're the ones who carry on the legacy. I have that. Do you?"

"How do you know I don't?" Christine countered.

"Oh, really? Where? I don't see them. All this stubborn talk won't help," Sophie sighed. "You should retire early, better than risking your reputation in your later years."

Christine watched her with a hint of pity. Though her own research hadn't progressed significantly, it wasn't as bleak as Sophie suggested. When fate seeks to bring someone down, it first makes them arrogant. Unfortunately, some people never understand that.

Chapter 191

In mid-April, the weather gradually warmed. Although Miranda had secured her place in the graduate program, she didn't relax. Her routine remained consistent: the library, home, and the market formed her daily orbit. Besides her thesis, her biggest hobby was cooking. Occasionally, she invited Paul to share her meals. However, these occasions were rare due to his busy schedule; he practically lived in the lab. Their few encounters involved him grabbing clothes at home or sleeping there when the lab's rest area was full.

Time passed monotonously yet fulfillingly. Miranda no longer waited for a man whose love had faded. She didn't prepare his meals, manage his life, or absorb his negativity—or endure the anxiety and self-doubt. Having survived those days, she cherished her current life. Daily video calls with her parents in a nearby city became routine.

Since moving, Lionel had embraced his freedom. He planted everything he'd ever wanted to but couldn't, hadn't dared to, or lacked the means to. Every day after class, he first checked his flowers, plants, and vegetables.

Mindy said, "Your dad's living the quintessential rural life; the only thing he hasn't done is carry manure."

From a distance, Lionel shouted, "I enjoy it!"

Mindy, immersed in her creative work, paid little attention to anything outside her window except her husband watering the plants. However, her new ideas were again rejected by her editor, leading to arguments.

Lionel mentioned that Mindy had been secretly wiping tears while holding her published suspense novels late at night. Miranda frowned upon hearing this.