Deanna reviewed the project plan and discovered that the second phase of development was divided into two teams. She and Lionel would each lead a team to match drug properties and develop new formulas.
This arrangement wasn't necessarily bad. Splitting into two teams could foster competition and yield more new formulas. However, Deanna felt a lack of confidence. She was aware of her shortcomings and hadn't yet overcome them. Leading a team to develop new formulas might waste others' time.
Thinking this, Deanna put down the plan and looked at Lionel. "This plan is good; it can greatly stimulate our researchers to study new formulas. But..." She suddenly changed her tone, "I don't think it's appropriate for me to lead the second team. I'm not as professionally competent as others, which might drag down the research group."
Lionel was taken aback. He hadn't expected Deanna to refuse. "I thought you would agree immediately. Is it because you lost our previous argument?" Lionel couldn't help but wonder.
It wasn't surprising he misunderstood. Deanna had always seemed like someone who would practice her ideas to test their validity.
Deanna shook her head. "It's not that. As I said, I'm worried my incomplete knowledge might delay everyone's progress."
"You can learn while researching. Even as a team leader, you can ask me or other research specialists if you encounter problems," Lionel persuaded.
He then raised an eyebrow, "It seems you haven't grasped your master's real intention in having you manage this research institute."
Deanna frowned at this. The real intention? Before she could think of an answer, Lionel spoke again.
"To be blunt, you have high expertise in ancient medical art but lack professional knowledge in modern medicine. Your master wants you to manage the institute and lead projects to learn from others what you're missing."
Lionel paused, and Deanna was about to speak, but he continued, "Are you thinking that you could learn from others even without being a team leader?"
"Exactly, I think I can still learn from others without leading," Deanna nodded.
Lionel shook his head with a smile. "Am I wrong?" Deanna asked, seeing his smile.
Lionel responded indirectly, "Miss Jones, has anyone told you that you're very naive?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Deanna felt puzzled by Lionel's words.
Lionel nodded seriously, "It matters a lot. At my level, specialists have their pride. If you hadn't helped them solve the drug conflict issue in Sealand, no one would respect you as the director, let alone teach you."
Deanna understood his point. She remained silent for a while before looking at him freely, "In that case, I'll be counting on your guidance."
She extended her hand. Lionel smiled and shook it briefly. "The books you asked me to find were sent two days ago and should arrive today. You can study them while experimenting. If you have questions, note them down and ask me or other specialists when we have time."
"I understand," Deanna nodded and thanked him.
They discussed work for a bit longer before getting busy with their tasks.
Around noon, Lionel came to find Deanna again. "Finished with work? Want to have lunch together?" he asked.
Deanna glanced at her documents and replied politely, "I have some files to handle. You go ahead to the restaurant."
"Just a bit left? No problem, I'll wait," Lionel said and sat on the office sofa.
Deanna frowned slightly but said nothing. Since he was already seated, she couldn't ask him to leave.
As she prepared to continue working, her phone rang. It was Shannon calling.
"Missus, the boss asked me to bring you lunch. I'm at the institute but can't get in. Could you inform the guard to let me through?"