Miranda got straight to the point. โJoli, did you apply to use the C122 lab room?โ
โC122?โ Joli was momentarily taken aback. He couldnโt fully process the question.
Miranda continued, โIโve checked the details of your current research project, and it doesnโt require the use of the CPRT measurement device.โ
Joli lowered his gaze. The initial surprise had disappeared from his face. At that moment, Joli regained his composure. By the time he looked up again, the confusion in his eyes was replaced by a calm, steady gaze. โYes, I applied for the lab.โ
Miranda and Sebastian exchanged a glance.
โI needed the room, so I applied for it. Is there an issue?โ he asked.
Miranda questioned, โThen why was the lab not in use after I passed by several times?โ
โI donโt use that lab frequently, but I need it on occasion.โ
Joliโs answer stopped Madison from saying what was on the tip of her tongue. She had intended to accuse him of deliberately hogging resources, but she swallowed her words before they left her mouth.
He was using the lab, so it wasnโt exactly resource hoarding. Everyone shared the faculty resources on a first-come, first-served basis. There was no way to fault him for that!
Miranda asked, โSo how long will you need it for?โ
โIโm not sure,โ Joli said.
โAlright, we understand.โ Miranda nodded toward him calmly and gestured for Sebastian and Madison to leave.
Joli watched them walk away, but there was no smug look of victory on his face. Instead, his brow was furrowed. He returned to the lab and finished up his remaining tasks. After changing his clothes, he headed toward the administrative building.
Sophieโs office door wasnโt fully closed. As Joli approached the door, he overheard a voice coming from inside. โThis scholarship is clearly better. Why canโt I apply for this?โ
It was Yasmineโs.
Sophie replied, โDo you think just anyone can apply for the national scholarship? Weโve already bent the rules to get you the faculty scholarship. While the amount isnโt as high as the national level one, it wouldnโt draw too much attention to you. Youโve just started school, and your name is already out there. Itโs better to keep a low profile in other areas.โ
Yasmine pouted, โThat scholarship is worlds apart from the national scholarship. Besides, why should Joli get the national scholarship?โ
Sophie sounded a little impatient, and her tone was sharp.
Yasmine was still unconvinced. โBut Iโve published papers too!โ
Sophie scoffed, โDo I need to spell out how you got those papers?โ
That shut Yasmine up completely. She immediately cozied up to Sophie. โAunt Sophie, donโt be angry! The reason I wanted the national scholarship was to bring honor to the Xander family and make you feel good!โ
Sophieโs expression softened a little. โI know youโre ambitious and competitive, but this year is not the right time. Iโll prioritize you next year."
โThank you, Aunt Sophie! Youโre the best!โ
Sophie cleared her throat. โRemember to be more discreet on campus. Donโt call me by name so openly. It wouldnโt look good if people overheard.โ
โI know that, of course! I only dared to call you that because thereโs no one aroundโฆโ
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Sophie shot Yasmine a meaningful look, and Yasmine quickly took a step back. โCome in.โ
Joli opened the door and walked in, his expression stoic. He seemed to already know of their relationship, and Sophie had no intention of hiding it.
She greeted him with a smile, โJoli, youโre here? Come and have a seat. What do you want to drink? Yasmine can get it for you.โ
Yasmine couldnโt help but purse her lips at the suggestion. Why should she serve a poor student like him?
Fortunately, Joli had the tact to decline politely, โThereโs no need to trouble her.โ
Sophie didnโt insist and continued with a friendly smile, โSo, why did you come to look for me?โ