Chapter 317
Professor Victoria Lowell's face instantly darkened.
The words "self-funded laboratory" struck her eardrums.
Her pupils constricted sharply.
Her fingernails dug into her palms.
Absurd.
Ridiculous.
How could Sophia Sullivan possibly do this?
Back when she was at her lowest point.
All the institute's resources were towards Professor Eleanor Watson.
She had no funding.
She had no personnel.
She couldn't even secure the most basic lab equipment.
She had also considered building her own lab back then.
But it remained just a thought.
The approval process was as complex as a maze.
Land selection criteria were extremely strict.
Construction standards were stringent down to the millimeter.
Without substantial financial backing.
Without powerful connections to pave the way.
It was pure fantasy.
A sarcastic smirk twisted Victoria's lips.
"Professor Lowell?" Ashley Lowell leaned in and whispered.
"Some people are delusional," Victoria scoffed coldly. "It's just an application. Completion is still a long way off."
Ashley's eyes lit up. "You mean they can't possibly build it?"
"A pipe dream," Victoria said, lifting her chin. "When they wake up, we'll see how they handle the fallout."
Ashley snickered. "Should we do something about it?"
"Unnecessary." Victoria's gaze was dismissive. "They boasted themselves. Let them fall on their own faces."
"You always see things so clearly," Ashley flattered.
"Mind the occasion," Victoria glanced at her briefly.
"Yes, Professor Lowell~"
The monthly research symposium adjourned.
But the discussion only grew louder.
It was all doubts and sarcasm.
Blake Cunningham returned to his office and immediately summoned the oversight committee.
"Who submitted the application? Was it Professor Watson's idea or did the students act on their own?"
The head of the oversight committee remained expressionless.
"No comment."
Blake frowned. "Lao Zheng, after over a decade of friendship, can't you share even a little information?"
Mr. Zheng looked serious. "This time is different."
"How is it different?"
"A self-funded lab is a first for the institute. The higher-ups are watching. Would I dare speak carelessly?"
Blake's heart tightened.
It had actually reached the upper management.
He softened his tone. "Just a hint. Who proposed the application?"
Mr. Zheng was silent for a moment.
"Sophia Sullivan's team themselves."
Blake immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Professor Watson wasn't involved.
Three students couldn't possibly make waves.
He hummed a tune as he sat back in his office chair.
The entire institute was waiting to see them become a laughingstock.
However—
Early January.
The winter wind was bitingly cold.
Sophia Sullivan's laboratory was quietly completed.