Chapter 205 The Fight
Camilla said, "Why don't we apply for a lab ourselves?"
Hestia and Royce were both shocked!
"Wouldn't Aurora have an opinion about this?"
"You're underestimating her generosity," Camilla chuckled. "This suggestion was originally hers."
They acted immediately, and Royce submitted the application through the educational system that very day.
The page showed that the application was received and would be responded to within three days.
However, three days later, the result was a rejection.
Reason: All labs are full.
Camilla found it strange. "Yesterday, when I passed by that lab, it was still locked up like before. No research group was using it."
Hestia crunched on her chips and, after hearing this, her eyes darted around. "Could the administration office be deliberately doing this to us?"
Royce remained silent and didn't say anything.
After class, he headed straight to the administration office.
"I checked, and that lab isn't being used. Why does the approval result show that it's full?"
The academic office teacher turned the screen towards him and pointed. "Look here, doesn't it say unavailable? I remember this lab was just lent out recently. Hold on, let me check for you."
Soon enough.
"Found it! It was approved three days ago. The applicant is Ignatius, also from your Life Sciences department. You should know him, right?"
Royce's brow furrowed deeply.
Ignatius had his own lab, with special funding and supplies. There was no reason for him to apply for another lab.
"I see that C112 and B174 are still available. How about you choose one of those?"
Royce didn't agree.
Their experiment required the CPRT measuring instrument, and the entire department only had two. One was long-term occupied by Calliope's team, and the other was in the lab they applied for.
"So, we only have this one lab to choose from, and now it's taken by Ignatius?!" Hestia's eyes widened. "This is clearly outrageous! No way, we have to tell Professor Garcia!"
Hestia put down her food and was about to rush out.
Camilla pulled her back, and Royce also spoke to stop her.
"Calm down, don't be impulsive. Professor Garcia is at the hospital."
Hestia was stunned.
Aurora's health was poor, something she only found out after enrolling. She almost always had medication with her.
When she opened her thermos, a strong medicinal smell would waft out.
Just smelling it made Hestia uncomfortable, and Aurora had to drink it every day. Just thinking about it was unbearable.
"So what do we do now?" Hestia calmed down, looking up at Royce and then at Camilla.
"The administration office follows the system. Ignatius applied before us, so it's rightfully his."
So, they had no way to tackle it from that angle.
The only breakthrough was Ignatius.
Camilla said, "Let's talk to Ignatius privately."
Royce nodded in agreement.
"Ignatius, someone is here to see you!"
"Okay, coming."
Ignatius put down his equipment, took off his disposable gloves, and walked out of the lab.
In the hallway, Camilla, Royce, and Hestia were all there.
Ignatius was slightly surprised, knowing they were Aurora's newly recruited graduate students, but couldn't match each name to a face.
He asked, "Do you need something from me?"
"Ignatius, do you conduct all your research in this lab?" Royce spoke first.
"Yes, mostly in this lab, unless special equipment is needed."
Camilla got straight to the point. "Ignatius, did you borrow the C122 lab?"
"C122?" Ignatius was stunned, then in thought.
Camilla said, "I checked your current research projects, and you don't need the CPRT measuring instrument."
Ignatius lowered his eyes. The surprise passed, and he regained his composure.
When he looked up again, the confusion in his eyes was gone, replaced by calmness. "Yes, I borrowed it."
Camilla and Royce exchanged a glance.
"I needed it, so I borrowed it. Is there a problem?"
Camilla pressed, "Then why have I never seen the lab in use when I passed by several times?"
Ignatius replied, "It's not used often, but occasionally needed."
This answer made Hestia swallow back the accusation, she wanted to say, "You're maliciously occupying resources."
If Ignatius was using it, it wasn't maliciously occupying.
The department's resources were shared, first come, first served. They couldn't fault him for that!
Camilla asked again, "Then how long do you need it for?"
Ignatius replied, "Not sure."
"Alright, we see."
Camilla nodded calmly at him, then signaled Royce and Hestia to leave.
Ignatius watched their backs, not showing any sign of triumph, but rather a deep frown.
He returned to the lab, finished his remaining work, then changed clothes and headed to the administration building.
Calliope's office door was slightly ajar, and as he approached, he heard voices inside.
"This scholarship is clearly higher, why not apply for this one?" It was Bronte.
"Do you think you can just apply for a national scholarship? You've already been exceptionally recommended for a departmental scholarship. Although the amount isn't as high as the national one, it's less likely to attract attention. You're just starting, and your reputation has already proceeded you. It's better to keep a low profile in other areas."
Bronte pouted, "That scholarship is much less than the national one. Besides, why should the national scholarship go to Ignatius?"
"He has published papers, academic achievements, and top grades. What do you have?" Calliope was getting annoyed, her tone turning harsh.
Bronte was still unconvinced. "I have published papers too!"
Calliope sneered. "Do I need to spell out how you got those papers?"
Bronte immediately backed down, sidling up to her and whining, "Aunt Calliope, don't be mad. I want the national scholarship to bring honor to our family and make you proud."
Calliope's expression softened. "I know you're competitive and ambitious, but let's leave it for this year. We'll prioritize you next year."
"Thank you, Aunt Calliope! You're the best!~"
"Be careful at school. Don't call me aunt so openly. It doesn't look good if people hear."
"I know, I know. I only dare to call you that when no one's around."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Calliope gave Bronte a look, and she immediately stepped back. "Come in."
Ignatius pushed the door open, his expression unchanged.
It seemed he already knew about their relationship, and Calliope didn't try to hide it, greeting him with a smile, "Ignatius. Have a seat. Want something to drink? Let Bronte get it for you."
Bronte couldn't help but pout.
Why should she serve a poor student?
Fortunately, Ignatius was sensible. "No need to trouble her."
Calliope didn't insist, her smile warm. "What brings you here?"
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