When fate plays its hand
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Chapter 0212

In the lab, Sandy called out, “Silas, you’re great at quick calculations. Can you figure out this data set for me? I need it urgently!”

Silas was also swamped. “Use the computer; I don’t have time right now.”

“Come on, this is important! Just take a quick look; it won’t take you more than a few minutes!”

Silas casually pointed to the lab bench across from him where Miranda was working. “Ask her.

do it.”

She can

After that error correction incident, everyone had witnessed Miranda’s skills. Only Elizabeth still believed Miranda’s success was just a fluke, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse.

“What’s up, Sandy? Need help?” Miranda offered.

Sandy immediately replied, “Yes, please! Can you take a look at this…”

Two minutes later, Miranda said, “All done. I’ve sent the results to your internal e–mail.”

Sandy was stunned. “Already? That fast?”

Silas paused his work, putting it aside to request the data from Sandy. “Let me see it.”

Sandy rolled her eyes. “When I asked you to do it, you said you were busy, but now that it’s done, you want to calculate it again. What a waste of time!”

Silas ignored her grumbling and got to work, fully focused on the calculations.

Curious, Bryan glanced at his watch to time him.

“Done. How long did it take?” Silas asked.

Bryan checked the time, “Two minutes and five seconds.”

Miranda had also taken just over two minutes. Silas’s eyes lit up as if he had discovered a hidden treasure. He eyed Miranda with interest as he asked, “Did you study speed calculation?”

Miranda replied with a slight smile, “Does mental arithmetic count?”

“When did you learn that?” Silas asked, intrigued.

“When I was five? Or.. six? Sorry, it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten,” Miranda said, slightly embarrassed as she scratched her head.

Silas swallowed hard. “That’s… it?”

“Umm… Is there supposed to be more?” Miranda asked, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Silas sighed. Comparisons could truly be infuriating!

Bryan, who was eager and full of energy, chimed in, “I’ve been learning speed calculation from Dr. Quinton too. Miranda, how about a little competition?”

Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to him. Silas quickly nodded, “Great idea! Bryan has been learning from me for over half a year now. You two can go head–to–head; it’ll be a perfect test of his progress.”

Chapter 0212

+25 BONUS

“I’ll set the questions, and the rules are simple; whoever answers the most questions correctly in ten minutes and takes the least amount of time wins. How does that sound?”

Sandy joined in, excited to stir the pot. “If we’re gonna do this, let’s make it interesting. How about the loser treating everyone to dinner?”

Bryan rolled up his sleeves, ready for action. “Bring it on! I’m not afraid. And if someone else is paying, I’m definitely getting my fill today.”

Miranda was rather fond of such a lively environment. She smiled warmly. “Sure, the loser buys dinner, but it looks like you’ll be the one picking up the tab, Bryan.”

Seeing this side of the usually gentle Miranda sparked excitement among the group. Elizabeth, however, just rolled her eyes.

“Who does she think she is? Acting like she’s some kind of genius… she muttered this under her breath. It was loud enough for only Bryan, who was closest, to hear.

Sandy rubbed her hands together, eagerly waiting. “Silas, hurry up and get those questions ready. I can’t wait to see this!”

Silas swiftly scribbled down five questions in under 30 seconds. “Ready? Then… start the time!”

Miranda glanced at the questions and immediately knew they were straightforward–no need for complex formulas or special thinking, just quick and accurate calculations.

It was a race of speed and precision.

By the third minute, Miranda had completed two questions. Bryan was even faster, already working on the

third.

Sandy and Silas exchanged glances, their anticipation building.

2/2

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0213