Chapter 1245
"What's the matter with you all? Why aren't you answering me?" Austin demanded upon entering the laboratory. "You're professionals, decades in this industry. Why are you letting yourselves be manipulated by a woman? Are you so easily swayed?"
"Mr. Fike, it's not that we lack confidence," someone replied. "Ms. Christian possesses expertise we don't have in this area. We often don't understand why experiments fail, but Ms. Christian identifies the problem immediately. A simple suggestion from her drastically alters the results."
Everyone admired Lily's skill; her involvement had boosted their confidence. Her withdrawal, therefore, was a significant blow to morale.
"Hmph!" Austin snorted. "You can't find the crux because you're incompetent, not because she's brilliant. If an experiment fails, keep trying! Adjust the process—it's not rocket science! You're simply slacking."
"Mr. Fike, if that's the case, show us these adjustments," another person retorted, hands raised in exasperation. "After all, we're incompetent, and we're out of ideas."
The project leaders had carefully selected their team; accusations of incompetence were understandably upsetting.
"I don't think any adjustments are necessary!" Austin declared, glancing at the test tubes and computer screen. "The unique scent of these medicinal herbs is their defining characteristic. Mixing them with commercial herbs will only adulterate them. We should maintain their purity." His disdain was palpable.
Dismayed, the team exchanged glances.
Professor Thompson, who had been in the lab's inner sanctum, emerged, apparently having overheard Austin's last statement. He looked at Austin and said, "Austin! When did you arrive? Perfect timing. I was just about to find you."
He then put an arm around Austin's shoulders, guided him to the door, paused, and called back, "What are you all standing around for? Get back to work! Even if it fails, record every data point. Remember, failure is the mother of success!"
His intervention restored order, and the team returned to their tasks.
"Professor Thompson," Austin complained, "this experiment feels pointless. We should sell our medicinal herbs authentically, not be pressured into these elaborate and dubious ventures by commercial perfumes!"
"My boy," Thompson replied, patting Austin's shoulder, his graying hair and thick glasses visible, "science knows no limits. How can you call scientific research 'dubious'?" He sighed. "I know you're passionate about these herbs and want the world to know about them. This is how we'll introduce them to the public.
"Few people enjoy taking medicinal herbs. The treatment is lengthy, the effects slow, and the smell off-putting to many. But everyone loves perfumes, essential oils—fragrances. Even men wear cologne. They smell good, and are more palatable.
"We're integrating our herbs into these products, making them more accessible. People will complete their treatment course unknowingly, maintaining their health throughout the day. Wouldn't that be an epoch-making achievement?"
Austin shook his head. "I don't think so, Professor Thompson. There are so many herbs; integrating them all will be a monumental task. And people are fickle. They might like it once, but what about next time? We're wasting resources—human, material, and financial. It's all a colossal waste!"