Chapter 205
Sophia Sullivan looked up at Marcus Lawrence.
"Let's apply for a lab ourselves."
Hannah Morse's eyes widened.
Marcus paused his movements.
Both were stunned by the suggestion.
"Professor Watson…"
"Don't worry, she won't object." Sophia's tone was calm. "She was the one who suggested it."
Marcus immediately opened the academic system to submit the application.
The page showed the application was sent.
A reply was expected within three days.
Three days later, the result came.
The application was rejected.
The reason given was no available labs.
Sophia frowned. "That lab is clearly empty."
Hannah put down her snack. "Is the administration office blocking us?"
Marcus stood up silently.
He went directly to the administration office.
"The system shows the lab is unused. Why was the application rejected?"
The staff member pulled up the system interface.
"It shows as unavailable here." The teacher scrolled the mouse. "Let me check the records."
The result came a few minutes later.
"It was just assigned to Caleb Watson three days ago. You're in the same department, you know him?"
Marcus's gaze darkened.
Caleb had his own dedicated lab.
He had no need to apply for another one.
"There are other empty labs. You can choose a different one."
Marcus shook his head.
Their experiment required the CPRT Dynamometer.
There were only two in the entire department.
One was permanently occupied by Professor Victoria Lowell's team.
The other was in this specific lab.
"So we have to use this one?" Hannah exclaimed. "And now Caleb took it?"
She threw down her sandwich in anger.
"This is deliberate! I'm going to find the professor!"
Sophia stopped her.
Marcus spoke at the same time. "The professor is at the hospital."
Hannah immediately deflated.
Eleanor Watson's health had always been poor.
They often saw her drinking herbal medicine.
The strong scent of it filled her entire office.
"What do we do now?" Hannah looked at them both.
Sophia's expression was steady. "We can't change the system's approval."
Marcus nodded. "Our only option is through Caleb."
Sophia stood up. "Let's go talk to him."
...
"Caleb, someone's here to see you."
Caleb set down his equipment and removed his gloves.
He saw the three of them outside the lab.
He was slightly taken aback.
Recognizing Professor Watson's new graduate students.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
Marcus spoke first. "Do you conduct all your experiments here, Caleb?"
"Most of them are here," Caleb replied. "Unless I need specialized equipment."
Sophia asked directly. "Did you apply for Lab C122?"
Caleb's expression faltered slightly.
Sophia continued. "Your research doesn't require the CPRT Dynamometer."
Caleb lowered his eyes, silent.
When he looked up, his expression was calm.
"I did apply for it." His tone was even. "I use it occasionally."
Sophia watched him. "But the lab has been empty."
Caleb: "The usage frequency isn't high."
Hannah couldn't help but start to speak.
Sophia stopped her with a look.
"How long do you anticipate needing it?" Sophia asked.
Caleb shook his head. "It's uncertain."
"We understand."
Sophia signaled for the other two to leave.
Caleb watched their retreating backs, his brow furrowed.
He returned to the lab to finish his work.
Then he changed clothes and went to the administration building.
The door to Victoria Lowell's office was slightly ajar.
Voices could be heard inside.
"Why can't I apply for the National Scholarship?" Ashley's voice was dissatisfied.
"The departmental scholarship application is already an exception." Victoria's tone was stern. "The national one is too competitive. It draws unwanted attention."
Ashley complained. "The amount is so much less... And why does Caleb get it?"
"He has published papers, achieved results, and has a top GPA. What do you have?" Victoria's voice turned cold.
Ashley was indignant. "I have papers too!"
Victoria snorted. "Shall I explain how you got them?"
Ashley's tone immediately softened. "Auntie, I just want to make you proud."
Victoria's attitude eased slightly. "You'll be prioritized next year."
"Thank you, Auntie!"
"Watch how you address me."
"I know, no one's around right now..."
A knock sounded on the door.
Victoria gave a look.
Ashley immediately stepped to the side.
"Come in."
Caleb pushed the door open, his expression normal.
He seemed already aware of their relationship.
Victoria smiled warmly. "Caleb, come in. Have a seat."
Ashley pursed her lips and said nothing.
Caleb politely declined the offer of tea.
Victoria asked gently. "What can I do for you?"