Chapter 1279

Lily glanced at her phone; it was Thompson. “What a coincidence!” she murmured, answering the call. “Professor Thompson.”

His voice filled her ear. “Lily, are you busy?”

“No. Is there something I can do for you?” She looked at Olivia, who was eating an apple.

“Well, I need a favor,” he sighed. “Look, we’ve been conducting this experiment for so long, everyone approved it initially, and you’ve invested so much. Don’t you think backing out now is irresponsible?”

“Professor, continuing without knowing the purpose is far more irresponsible,” Lily countered, lowering her gaze. “I’ve made my position clear. If you’re trying to dissuade me, forget it. Besides, I doubt you even have the funding.”

“I…” Thompson paused. “Never mind. Are you free for dinner?”

Lily was surprised; it was the first time Thompson had invited her.

Sensing her hesitation, he hurried on. “We’ve known each other for so long, and I’ve never treated you to a meal. Since you’ve withdrawn so abruptly, we haven’t discussed the handover properly. Let’s talk face-to-face, one last time.”

Thompson, usually the authoritative figure in the lab, spoke with unusual humility. Finding it hard to refuse, Lily remained silent.

“You’ve always wanted to know the experiment’s purpose and how the finished product will be used, haven’t you? I’ll tell you everything over dinner.”

Lily’s hesitation wavered. Even though she’d withdrawn, she remained curious. If it's meant to cure illnesses, why the wilfordi root? It's so poisonous, and its medicinal properties are difficult to control. And I saw in the classified progress schedule that other poisonous herbs are involved. What are they up to?

“I hope you don’t think an old man like me would do anything untoward?”

“I don’t,” Lily said casually. “When and where?”

Thompson, as if fearing she’d change her mind, eagerly replied, “How about today? The experiment’s halted, so I’m free. The seafood restaurant near the lab?”

“Okay.” Lily checked her watch and agreed.

After hanging up, Olivia tossed her apple core in the trash and wiped her mouth. “Going out?”

Lily nodded. “Professor Thompson wants dinner.”

Olivia smiled knowingly. “He probably wants you to stay on the project. There are many perfumers, but few as talented as you. You’ve won so many international awards these past two years. Who else could they get?”

Lily suspected other reasons, however. The research institute kept many secrets.

“Want me to come?” Olivia asked.

Lily shook her head. “It’s about the experiment.”