When fate plays its hand
194

Chapter 0194

+25 BONUS

Christine had just received news that this year, 70% of the graduate funding at the college had been allocated to Sophie’s research team, with the remainder going to hers.

After accounting for various expenses, the portion she could actually use might be less than 20%.

Over the years, due to a lack of progress in her experiments, no new papers had been produced.

Without publications, there were no academic achievements to show. Gradually, their research funding. dwindled further. In addition, her health had declined, and none of her students were capable of taking the lead or upholding the group’s reputation.

Christine couldn’t help but let out a long sigh at the thought.

Just then, Sophie, who lived across the street, walked over with a smile.

“Dr. Young, good afternoon! Just got back from the lab? I heard your research group made some new discoveries recently. Is that true?”

Christine didn’t respond.

“Oh, I guess it’s not true, then. You seem busy running to the lab every day, but why is there no tangible output?

“I heard that your group’s funding got cut again this year… Ah, I’ve been through those lean times before. I used to envy you so much back then.

“Seems like fortune has turned in my favor now!” Sophie smiled slightly. “But that must be tough for you.”

Christine lifted her chin slightly and adjusted her shawl Ten years ago, the research funding was less than a tenth of what it is now, but the output from the entire Faculty of Bioinformatics was double what it is today. Clearly, the amount of resources isn’t directly tied to academic output. However-”

She changed her tone. “Some people directly impact the academic environment, leading to high expenditures on research funding without corresponding academic results.”

Sophie’s face darkened. “Keep making excuses all you want. At this rate, whether your research team can continue to exist is something you should worry about!

“And besides, I haven’t seen you mentor any outstanding students in recent years. As a teacher, you should know better than I do how crucial it is to have a talented, hardworking student willing to commit to academia. They’re the ones who carry on the legacy. I have that. Do you?”

Christine countered, “How do you know I don’t?”

“Oh, really? Where? I don’t see them. All the stubborn talk won’t help.” Sophie sighed softly. “You should retire early, better that than risking your reputation in your later years.”

Christine simply watched her quietly with a hint of pity in her eyes. Though her own research hadn’t made significant progress in recent years, it wasn’t as bleak as Sophie suggested.

When fate sought to bring someone down, it would first make them arrogant,

Unfortunately, some people never understood that.

Chapter 0191

+25 BONUS

In mid–April, the weather gradually warmed up.

Even though Miranda had successfully secured her spot in the graduate program, she didn’t relax. Her routine remained steadfast, the library, home, and the market–these three places became her daily orbit.

Besides working on her thesis, her biggest hobby was cooking herself a good meal. Occasionally, she would run into Paul and invite him to share her food.

However, these opportunities were rare since he was so busy as he was practically living in the lab. The few times they did cross paths were when Paul came home to grab a change of clothes, or when the lab’s rest area was occupied, and he had no choice but to sleep at home.

Time passed day by day. Miranda’s life was monotonous yet fulfilling.

She no longer waited for a man whose eyes no longer held her, she didn’t have to prepare his meals, manage every aspect of his life, or absorb his negative emotions. Not to mention, get caught in a cycle of anxiety and self–doubt.

Having endured those days, Miranda deeply cherished her current life. Video calls with her parents, who lived in a nearby city, became a daily routine.

Ever since moving into their new home, Lionel had fully embraced his freedom. Everything he had ever wanted to plant but couldn’t, didn’t dare to, or hadn’t had the means to–he was now planting with gusto.

Every day after class, the first thing he did was check on his flowers, plants, and the various fruits and vegetables in the garden.

Mindy told her, “Your dad is living the quintessential rural life now; the only thing he hasn’t done is carry manure around to fertilize the plants.”

From a distance, Lionel shouted, “I enjoy it!”

Mindy had also found new inspiration and was currently immersed in her creative work, paying little attention to anything outside her window. All she could see when she looked up was her husband watering the plants.

However, her new ideas were once again rejected by her editor, leading to inevitable arguments between

the two.

Lionel mentioned that Mindy had been caught late at night, secretly wiping tears while holding her previously published suspense novels.

After hearing this, Miranda couldn’t help but frown.