Chapter 399
Posted on July 26, 2025 ยท 0 mins read
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Miranda got straight to the point. โ€œJoli, did you apply to use the C122 lab room?โ€

โ€œC122?โ€ Joli was momentarily taken aback. He couldnโ€™t fully process the question.

Miranda continued, โ€œIโ€™ve checked the details of your current research project, and it doesnโ€™t 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. โ€œYes, I applied for the lab.โ€

Miranda and Sebastian exchanged a glance.

โ€œI needed the room, so I applied for it. Is there an issue?โ€ he asked.

Miranda questioned, โ€œThen why was the lab not in use after I passed by several times?โ€

โ€œI donโ€™t use that lab frequently, but I need it on occasion.โ€

Joliโ€™s 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 wasnโ€™t 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, โ€œSo how long will you need it for?โ€

โ€œIโ€™m not sure,โ€ Joli said.

โ€œAlright, 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.

Sophieโ€™s office door wasnโ€™t fully closed. As Joli approached the door, he overheard a voice coming from inside. โ€œThis scholarship is clearly better. Why canโ€™t I apply for this?โ€

It was Yasmineโ€™s.

Sophie replied, โ€œDo you think just anyone can apply for the national scholarship? Weโ€™ve already bent the rules to get you the faculty scholarship. While the amount isnโ€™t as high as the national level one, it wouldnโ€™t draw too much attention to you. Youโ€™ve just started school, and your name is already out there. Itโ€™s better to keep a low profile in other areas.โ€

Yasmine pouted, โ€œThat 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. โ€œBut Iโ€™ve published papers too!โ€

Sophie scoffed, โ€œDo I need to spell out how you got those papers?โ€

That shut Yasmine up completely. She immediately cozied up to Sophie. โ€œAunt Sophie, donโ€™t be angry! The reason I wanted the national scholarship was to bring honor to the Xander family and make you feel good!โ€

Sophieโ€™s expression softened a little. โ€œI know youโ€™re ambitious and competitive, but this year is not the right time. Iโ€™ll prioritize you next year."

โ€œThank you, Aunt Sophie! Youโ€™re the best!โ€

Sophie cleared her throat. โ€œRemember to be more discreet on campus. Donโ€™t call me by name so openly. It wouldnโ€™t look good if people overheard.โ€

โ€œI know that, of course! I only dared to call you that because thereโ€™s no one aroundโ€ฆโ€

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Sophie shot Yasmine a meaningful look, and Yasmine quickly took a step back. โ€œCome 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, โ€œJoli, youโ€™re here? Come and have a seat. What do you want to drink? Yasmine can get it for you.โ€

Yasmine couldnโ€™t 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, โ€œThereโ€™s no need to trouble her.โ€

Sophie didnโ€™t insist and continued with a friendly smile, โ€œSo, why did you come to look for me?โ€


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