Chapter 1340

In an instant, Thompson's attention snapped to the computer. He released Austin's shoulders and stepped forward.

"How is it?" he asked.

Lily didn't answer, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she watched the data stream across the screen. After a time, the integration was complete.

"It's a success!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

Though a simple medicinal herb fusion, this experiment represented a giant leap forward. Successful precedents would pave the way for easier subsequent trials, as commonalities would inevitably emerge.

"Amazing!" Thompson declared, pumping his fists. "This is terrific! I knew I was right about you, Lily! You're amazing! You're still our savior! I thought you wouldn't return. I'm so glad you're back! Now that you're back, I'm sure the experiment will succeed! Austin, don't you think so?"

Receiving no response, he turned to Austin, who stood motionless and expressionless.

"Austin?" Thompson asked, finding this peculiar. Could he be overwhelmed with emotion?

At that moment, Lily, snapping back to reality, remembered Austin's presence. She quickly straightened and, approaching him, patted his back.

"He must be so happy he's speechless!" she said.

Her seemingly simple gesture released a wave of tension from Austin. He could suddenly move his limbs, though they felt numb.

"Really?" he murmured.

Thompson was bewildered. If Austin was thrilled, why the lack of emotion or response?

"Austin?" he repeated.

Austin, regaining his composure, shot a conflicted look at Lily before hastily replying, "Yes, Professor Thompson!"

His throat felt dry, and he cleared it, attempting to mask his embarrassment. The shock of the past ten minutes was indescribable. While he still doubted Lily's acupressure skills, there was no other explanation. A simple pat on the back had returned him to normal. Could it be magic? No matter how shocked, terrified, or troubled he felt, he wouldn't tell anyone, especially not Thompson, who already held an inexplicable faith in Lily. With her successful experiment, revealing her acupressure knowledge would elevate her to god-like status in Thompson's eyes. He would remain silent.

Thompson noticed Austin's distraction and frowned. How could he be distracted at such a crucial moment? However, given the experiment's success and Austin's usually dependable nature, Thompson let it pass, clapping him on the shoulder.

"This success is tremendous progress for the entire investigation. This is good news! It shows we're heading in the right direction, and this is feasible. Next, I will need the two of you to continue working hard. This is all dependent on your efforts!"

"Got it, Professor Thompson," Austin replied, his mind still elsewhere.