Joli asked, “Did you use my name to apply for the lab access at the dean’s office?”

Sophie replied, “Ah! Yes.”

He asked again, “Then, who is using that lab? I need to contact that person.”

“No one is using it.”

“Nobody?” Although he expected that answer, Joli still felt uneasy about it.

Sophie answered, “Yeah, nobody.”

He knew he should stop probing and accept her reply, as he had done many times before. But when he recalled Miranda’s questioning gaze, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you apply when no one was going to use the lab?”

She raised an eyebrow and was surprised by his sudden boldness. She smiled warmly and said, “Just because no one’s using it now doesn’t mean it won’t be needed in the future. Access to academic resources has always been about seizing the opportunity. Do you need me to spell that out for you?”

Joli asked, “What is in that lab?”

Sophie replied impatiently, “The CPRT measurement device, of course.”

He reminded her, “But we already have one in our research group.”

“Having two is not a bad thing,” she retorted.

“We don’t need two devices, but other groups might find it—”

“Joli!” Sophie interrupted him. “Do you have nothing to do today? Have you finished your work in the lab?”

Joli was taken aback and replied, “Not yet.”

Her expression turned serious. “Since you haven’t, get back to what you’re supposed to do. You don’t need to worry about anything else. You might be a genius with an impressive academic record, but don’t forget who’s giving you these resources and opportunities.”

Joli pursed his lips, and his expression stiffened.

Sophie eyed him coldly until he lowered his gaze and returned to his usual obedient self. “Dr. Xander, I’m sorry.”

A warm smile returned to her face again. “Relax. I might seem strict, but don’t let that get to you. Just focus on your research and studies, and you’ll see the results in time.”

Joli had heard this countless times before. Throughout his three years in graduate school, he had never slacked off.

Sophie added, “We’ll keep the lab under your name for now, and talk about it later when we want to use it. Anything else you want to discuss?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“Okay. You can head back now.”

“Sure, Dr. Xander.”

“Hey, wait.” Sophie suddenly stopped Joli. “I get that you’re busy in the lab, but you need to focus on Yasmine’s thesis and try to finish it by this month.”

He frowned. “Didn’t I give it to you six months ago?”

Yasmine heard that and said, “You’re aware that was six months ago, huh? By now, I should have a new output result. Otherwise, what will others think of me?”

Joli stayed silent.

Sophie shot Yasmine a look to keep quiet. Then, she stood and walked toward him.

She patted his shoulder and smiled. “I know you’ve got your own research to focus on, plus you’re juggling Yasmine’s thesis. I know I’m asking too much of you, and I feel bad about it.

"I talked to your parents yesterday. I heard about the recent heavy rains, and the orchard your father manages was affected. Just when they were expecting to make a profit, the weather ruined everything and all their months of hard work went down the drain."

She sighed as if she genuinely felt their pain. "I wish I could do more to help, but being so far away doesn’t make it easy. I secretly transferred fifty thousand dollars to your parents’ account. While it’s not a lot, it should help them get through this tough time.”