Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Arkle had yet to dive deep into the research project and had no idea what made this particular piece of equipment stand out. However, seeing the look of awe on Carlson's face made him take a few extra glances.

"...Dude, is it expensive?"

Carlson nodded, "Yeah, super expensive."

"How much are we talking?"

"Around a million or so."

"Whoa!"

It wasn't just the price tag that was shocking.

It was the fact that Roseanne and her crew could just decide to make such a pricey purchase.

Three people, a million bucks...

Arkle thought of his own parents, hardworking farmers, who, in their best year, could barely save up a few thousand dollars.

And here they were, talking about a piece of equipment worth millions...

Arkle was stunned.

Just then, Mamie's voice echoed down the hallway, signaling their return!

Carlson and Arkle slipped out the back door.

Before leaving, Carlson couldn't help but look back. In the sunlight, Roseanne, Mamie, and Scales were walking in, laughing and chatting. Roseanne was holding a bottle of Voss water, pricey stuff.

Mamie had her arms full of snacks, mostly with packaging in English - imported and definitely not cheap.

Scales was sipping on a sports drink in packaging Carlson had never seen before, let alone tasted.

"Dude, what's on your mind?"

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Arkle nudged Carlson, noticing his silence.

Carlson let out a sigh, "...It's just nice."

Arkle was reflective, "Yeah, the new equipment is cool, right?"

Carlson just smiled.

He wasn't just talking about the equipment.

He was thinking about their spirit to challenge, to argue, and the financial means to back it all up.

It was really something.

Meanwhile, back in the lab-

Roseanne said, "Here, have some water, folks."

Mamie added, "And I've got snacks!"

...

It was three days after the arrival of the new CPRT machine that Madeleine found out.

As expected, the old lady was shaking with anger-

"That Edna! How could she spend so much?!"

"And you all, something this big

me, and nobody bothers to tell grees, I'm old, and my h

isn't

, but I'm not dead yet t

Roseanne quickly interrupted, "Dead? Don't even say that! Knock on wood-"

Madeleine: "You could've just told me, instead of getting so worked up and spending your own money on a new machine!"

Roseanne It wasn't just out of spite,

you know. We tested the new

machine, and it's way better than the old ones the academy used to have. It's way more efficient."

"Yep!" Mamie nodded in agreement, "The money was well spent! Totally worth it!"

Scales also added, "The new equipment really is more effective."

Madeleine was at a loss for words.

"What can I say? You have an answer for everything!"

And with that, the matter was considered resolved.

Edna was in a foul mood these past few days.

First, Carlson got reprimanded, casting a shadow over her as his advisor.

Then, the dean and secretary summoned her for a chat.

Not one of the deputy deans in charge of miscellaneous affairs, but the head honcho of the Life Sciences department.

The message was clear, both openly and behind closed doors: no academic divisions, no cliques.

Exiting the dean's office, Edna's back was covered in cold sweat.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, storming into Babur's office to confront him, accusing him of being the snitch.

Babur was just as baffled. "Why

would do that? Going to the dean just makes me look bad. I'd rather keep this quiet than get blamed for poor management!"

Edna paused, frowning, "Then who was it?"

A name popped into Babur's head.

Corley could only throw his weight around in front of him, he wouldn't have access to the dean.

The only person who could get the dean on their side and do it cheerfully...

Was that one person.