Chapter 1518

The laboratories Lily passed were empty, the equipment present but devoid of specimens. Apparently unused for a long time, some areas were even dusty. She stopped before what had been Thompson's room.

When she'd conducted her experiments here, she’d rarely gone home, often staying in the building. Those with higher ranks, like herself and Thompson, had been assigned rooms to rest. Since Thompson's passing, his room stood open and empty, the desk clear of documents.

As she entered, a voice said, "Professor Thompson's room has been cleaned. I doubt you'll find your things here."

Lily turned to see Rhea nearby. Lily, ever alert, hadn't felt followed, implying Rhea hadn't taken the same route. Where had she emerged from? She glanced around, searching for clues, but found no visible trapdoors or secret passages.

"Are you very interested in Professor Thompson's room?" Rhea asked.

Lily turned back to Rhea. "I'm more interested in yours. Do you mind if I take a look?"

Rhea shrugged calmly. "I don't enjoy the perks afforded you and Professor Thompson. I focus on my experiments and practically live in the lab. If you're interested, you can see my lab."

Lily nodded. "Okay!" Since she invited me, how could I refuse? I'd worked here for so long and never heard of Rhea, yet she seemed to be in charge now. And her experiment… I'd love to know more.

Following Rhea, Lily entered an elevator. Rhea pressed the "I" button. Lily was puzzled. The basement contained various items and some low-light herbal plants, but no laboratory that she knew of.

Seeing Lily's bewildered expression, Rhea smiled mysteriously. "Looks like you're not that familiar with the building."

Lily nodded. "I'm not, indeed."

"Your research shows you know a lot about herbal plants. I'm curious where you learned about them," Rhea asked casually.

"I learned something, but not that much." Watching the elevator descend, Lily said blandly, "I remember you studied mainstream medicine overseas. I didn't expect you to know so much about herbal medicine."

Rhea wriggled her fingers, relaxing. "We have to keep learning, don't we? The world is so vast, and we know so little. Only through research and experiments can we progress and learn more, advancing society. Don't you think so?"

"I believe every advancement should benefit humanity. It's only an advancement if it improves the world. Otherwise, I disagree."