Chapter 171
“These companies all belong to the Brown family,” Josie said frankly, wishing to avoid any future concerns. “After Aiden graduates, he might also intern at one of the companies.”
Allison gasped, “Wow! I didn’t expect the Brown family to be so wealthy. Do they actually own so many companies?”
The Brown family has always been wealthy. In Josie’s previous life, they successively acquired several pharmaceutical companies under the Reedshaw family in just a few years and quickly rose to become the leading pharmaceutical group in Aloville.
Aiden’s status as an heir also rose significantly, and he enjoyed unprecedented prominence.
Those were also the years when Natalie was at the height of her success. Until Josie’s passing, Natalie’s luxurious lifestyle remained largely unchanged.
Josie had no understanding of business matters, but she was aware that the rise of the Brown family’s company was linked to several significant research breakthroughs at the Central Research Institute.
“Josie, Josie, what are you thinking about?” Zoey tugged at Josie’s sleeve.
Josie came back to her senses. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking that once Allison’s internship ends, maybe we could get together. I’ll treat, and it just so happens that my paper will be published in the campus journal!”
“Yes, absolutely, we should get together, and Josie should be the one to treat us.” Allison nodded and said, “Having your paper published in the university journal is a significant achievement. It’s not only an honor but also comes with a financial reward. It’s only reasonable for you to treat us to a meal.”
Josie, with an amused expression, said, “Of course. Not just one meal. You may have as many as you wish.”
“Hehe, then I’ll take you up on it. How about one paper for one meal?” Allison blinked, her face wearing a mischievous look.
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Zoey grabbed Allison by the ear and dragged her aside as she said, “That’s enough. Josie’s money doesn’t grow on trees. She can’t handle you mooching off her like this.”
“Ouch, this hurts! Zoey, please be more gentle. Zoey!” Allison protested.
Laughter and playful chatter quickly rang out in the dormitory.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, yet Josie’s paper had still not appeared in the campus journal.
Just as she thought this matter was merely a joke played on her by Hadley, Josie received a call from the Director of the Department of Student Affairs.
She was informed over the phone that someone had reported her, alleging that she engaged in inappropriate relationships, used improper means to entice professors in order to obtain various resources, and that photographs had even been taken.
Josie entered the Department of Student Affairs with a serious expression. She didn’t expect Hadley from the Academic Affairs Office to also be present.
“Hadley?” Josie greeted hesitantly.
“You’re here. Come in quickly.” Hadley gestured for her to take a seat.
Hadley shared, “We have already evaluated your papers objectively, and the original plan was for them to be published gradually in the school journal this month. Who would have thought that at this critical moment, someone would report you now? Here, take a look at these letters.”
Hadley took the envelope from the Director of the Department of Student Affairs and handed it to her. He said, “Strictly speaking, this isn’t really my responsibility, but since I promised to help you with your thesis, I’m butting in.”
“If you are unable to provide a clear explanation for this matter, I’m afraid we won’t be able to publish your paper. As you know, in addition to strong academic ability, personal integrity and conduct are equally important for students. Moreover, this matter also involves the professor who collaborates with you, so we must take it seriously,” Hadley explained.
Josie nodded and said, “I understand. I will cooperate with the school’s investigation and will do my best to clarify the issue as soon as possible.”
As she spoke, she opened the envelope and took out the whistleblowing materials along with a stack of photographs.
The moment she saw the photograph, she paused in surprise. “Is this Professor Jeremy?”
Although the background of the photo is blurred, Josie can still tell that it was taken at the entrance of Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital. The two individuals are standing face to face, and their faces are captured quite clearly.
One photo after another, culminating in the final image, which shows the backs of two individuals as they enter the main gate of Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital.
Although Josie was aware that they were at the entrance of Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital, she knew that others viewing the photograph were unlikely to interpret it that way.