Chapter 70
The weather was pleasant on Saturday. Shafts of bright sunlight filtered through the layers of cloud. Miranda, slightly sweaty from her morning run, showered and changed after returning home. She then bought some medicine and took a cab to Christine’s place.
“Dr. Young, you need to take this medicine three times a day. You don’t need to refrigerate it; it’s cold enough these days. Just remember to warm it slightly before drinking it.”
Christine wasn’t picky or faint-hearted, but she intensely disliked the taste and smell of herbal medicine. She stared at the dark liquid, silently inching backward. “Must I drink that?” she pleaded.
“Of course,” Miranda replied. “I’ve also told the helper, and she’ll ensure you take it three times a day.”
Christine looked dejected. “Alright…” She couldn’t refuse; Miranda had obtained the medicine out of concern for her health.
Miranda chuckled silently at Christine’s childlike nose-wrinkle. “The medicine is quite bitter, so I bought you some castella from the shop on Chernock Road. Have some after the medicine; it’ll help with the aftertaste.”
Christine’s face immediately brightened. “That’s more like it.”
After chatting for a while, Christine brought up an important matter. “Next year, Bedford College’s Faculty of Biological Sciences plans to establish a research team. The candidate requirements are strict: firstly, a good GPA and academic performance; secondly, at least five A’s in experiments.”
Miranda was surprised by the stringent conditions. Christine understood her confusion. “Members of the research team will receive extra credit at the end of the year. What’s more, high-performing members may receive an offer for a direct PhD program or an offer from Barsson Biotech Corporation to join their research lab.”
Barsson Biotech Corporation was a top-ranked company internationally. Its labs possessed the most advanced equipment, collaborating with leading research partners. They produced many innovative findings in biotechnology in Hebrana, earning the company the nickname “a scientist’s paradise.”
Miranda recalled that Barsson Biotech Corporation belonged to the Jefferson family. Paul might have mentioned this deliberately.
Christine gazed at Miranda gently. “I know how well you perform academically, so I’m not worried about your capabilities in that regard. What you lack is experimental experience.”
Miranda hadn’t worked in a lab for years. She might be rusty with the tools or unfamiliar with the latest equipment—all issues she needed to overcome. She needed not only talent but also honed skills. Otherwise, why would Paul spend so much time in the lab? Consistent practice is essential for improvement.
A pair of warm, wrinkled hands clasped hers. Miranda looked up at Christine’s smile. “I believe in your capabilities. It’s not too late to start now.”
A warm feeling spread through Miranda. She nodded. “I’m not worried about the admissions exam. There are still a few months until the next one. During this time, you need to memorize and process the contents of the books and materials I’ve given you.”
Christine had overseen a project for five years, but the experiments had yielded no results. She planned for Miranda to join the project after college enrollment, having designed it with Miranda in mind from the start. Things had taken an unexpected turn, but now they were back on track. There was no point dwelling on the past.