Chapter 412 Creativity
"Rafael spends his whole day goofing off. What honor could he possibly bring me?" Professor Evans always had that look of disdain whenever he talked about Rafael.
But those who really knew them understood that Rafael was the real deal. He didn't just inherit Professor Evans' artistic skills; he was also super smart, brave, and decisive—a rare combo.
Every time Professor Evans scolded Rafael, he'd tear him down with words, but his eyes were practically screaming, "Go ahead, praise my son, praise him!"
"Professor Evans, stop showing off. Rafael is awesome; you should be proud."
My words hit home, and Professor Evans left the yard with a smile.
During lunch, Brad's New Feed finally had an update.
He only posted a picture, showing a hand with the index and middle fingers extended, the other three fingers curled in.
Looking at the bulging blue veins on the back of his hand, I could almost see Brad's angry, jealous face.
Comments quickly popped up below.
Everyone was teasing Brad, trying to guess what his hand gesture meant.
Only I knew he was warning me in his own way. This was the second time I got caught interacting with the opposite sex, and he was keeping tabs.
Seeing Brad's response made my whole afternoon super joyful. I grabbed a small cloth and started cleaning the lab, humming every tune I knew.
Then it hit me—if I could see Brad's updates, he could see mine too. So, we could post updates visible to just one person.
Though my idea wasn't entirely aboveboard, Jenny was even less so.
I took out my phone and walked around the lab, explaining and briefly recounting the whole process of my project, ending with a goofy selfie.
The video was less than two minutes long but packed with content. I thought Brad would definitely like it. Especially the selfie at the end—Brad had never seen me make such a goofy face before, and even I was doing it for the first time. He would surely love it.
Since we couldn't meet in person, we could meet this way.
Jane: [Brad, I miss you.]
After sending the video, I replayed it for fun. By the third time, I suddenly noticed Elliot had arrived and was leaning against the doorframe, watching me with a bemused smile while I grinned at my phone.
I must have looked like a fool just now, and Elliot saw it all. How embarrassing.
"Why are you here?" I put away my phone, pretending nothing had happened to cover up my silly expression while watching the video.
Elliot's smile deepened, "I came in while you were filming."
Elliot meant he had seen my silly antics.
I pretended not to understand, taking the cloth to wipe the spotless window.
Elliot put down what he was holding, taking only a rectangular wooden plaque with him as he left.
When I finished tidying up and went to find him, he was standing with a small hammer, admiring his handiwork.
I went over to check it out. In the spot Professor Evans had designated, a plaque had been installed that read: [Singularity Exploration Center.]
After a draw, Elliot was in charge of all the procurement. We decided that both of us would initially put up $500,000 each, which Elliot would manage, to cover any necessary purchases. If the money ran out, we'd chip in more.
Elliot was super efficient. By the next afternoon, all the office equipment had arrived: two big desks and chairs, computers, a multifunction printer, filing cabinets, and various office supplies, including a safe.
I understood the purpose of everything except the safe, which had me puzzled.
Seeing my confusion, Elliot kindly explained, "The experiments involve a lot of data, and many people will try to steal it. So, each set of experimental data must be properly secured. Here's the key—we each have one, and only together can we unlock the safe."
I nodded, "You really thought this through. With the safe, our hard work won't be stolen by those who want something for nothing."
I walked around and noticed two strange ornaments, long and thin with a base.
I asked, "What are these for?"
Elliot took one, pulled a pen from his jacket pocket, and wrote: [Diligence and Effort.]
After finishing, he handed me the pen and the other ornament.
I took the pen, thought for a moment, and wrote: [Learning Never Ends.]
The next two days, we needed to procure experimental apparatus, which was way more complex than office furniture. Not knowing much about chemistry, I left it entirely to Elliot.
Watching Elliot get overwhelmed, I felt it was absolutely right for him to handle the procurement.
The supplies were quickly gathered, and the $1 million was exhausted. Elliot and I looked at the ledger, noting each expense. Individually, they seemed insignificant, but collectively, they added up to a substantial amount.
In just a few days, we had spent $1 million. With a year and a half remaining, how much more would we need?
Although Elliot said he had money, the project was a collaboration, and I couldn't let him fund it alone.
I took a photo of an unimportant area and posted an update: [Expensive!]
Shortly after, several people asked what was wrong, even my family, offering to send me money. I declined, saying I was just casually lamenting and that I had enough money.
The most exaggerated was Daniel. Knowing I didn't want to see him, he entrusted Rachel to bring me a bank card with $600,000, saying it was his savings over the years and that I could use it freely without repayment.
I hadn't taken money from my family, so I certainly wouldn't take Daniel's. I asked Rachel to return the card. Rachel pouted, complaining that Daniel and I were making her run back and forth.
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