Miranda’s words insulted not only Hank but also Sophie and the rest of her group.
“So, you’re that older graduate student?” Sophie finally gave Miranda a glance, her eyes filled with disdain as she sneered, “You certainly have a sharp tongue. I wonder if your abilities match your words.”
Hank chimed in, “Exactly! What kind of normal student waits until they’re nearly 30 to get in?”
“Either your brain’s messed up, or you’re just not that talented. Has the bar for academia dropped this low?”
Miranda remained calm, her expression unchanged. “Whether there’s something wrong with my brain isn’t for you to judge, but as for you–there’s definitely something wrong up there.”
Sebastian, who had been silent until now, added, “It’s probably rabies–biting everyone he comes across.” He then turned his gaze to Sophie. “If I were the owner, I’d put down a disobedient dog like this before it bites back.”
A chill ran down Sophie’s spine.
Hank yelled at the top of his lungs, “Who are you calling a dog? You’re the ones who are dogs! You’re all sick!”
Miranda replied coolly, “Whoever’s barking, that’s who. Dr. Young, let’s go. There’s no need to waste our time with these strays.”
Christine, who had been fuming, suddenly felt a sense of calm wash over her. “Alright,” she agreed.
The group of four started to walk away.
Just then, Sophie called out, “The departmental research funds have been officially approved. You’ve gone years without producing a decent paper. If I were you, I’d step down and make room for someone more capable.”
Christine froze momentarily.
“Resources should go to those who can actually make use of them,” Sophie continued. “Not to those who just coast along, resting on their laurels. Don’t you agree, Dr. Young?”
Miranda turned back and responded icily, “Whether it’s wasted or not isn’t up to you to decide. Academic achievements will ultimately prove who truly deserves those resources.”
“Well said!” Sophie applauded sarcastically. “Then I’ll eagerly await seeing what kind of academic results you and your team produce.”
As Miranda’s group left, Hank sneered, “With Joll on our side, you guys are nothing!”
The next day was the opening ceremony.
Everyone was seated according to their department. Naturally, Miranda, Madison, and Sebastian ended up next to each other.
Following tradition, the school leaders gave their speeches first, followed by the departmental leaders, and then the student representatives.
The trio was almost dozing off from boredom when a commotion broke out at the back of the academy’s section. They heard whispers spreading rapidly.
“Did I just see Joli walk by?”
“That’s definitely him!”
“But isn’t he supposed to be incredibly busy? Why would he attend the opening ceremony?”
“Who knows? Maybe he’s here just to check things out?”
“Just to check things out… You think the walking SCI paper has that much free time?”
“The walking SCI paper? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You seriously don’t know?”
“Uh… Know what?”
“That’s Joli Clifford, Dr. Xander’s protégé. He got into Bedford College as the top science student of his year. He started publishing papers during his undergrad. In his final year, he managed to get three SCI papers published in one go, which led to his direct admission to grad school. Every year since, he’s produced outstanding academic work.”
“Honestly, you could say he carries half the academic reputation of our Faculty of Bioinformatics. Dr. Xander values him highly, and even the department heads treat him with warmth and respect.”
This was the second time in just two days that Miranda had heard the name “Joll”.