After two days of rest, Deanna returned to the research institute.
When she arrived, Gunner and Lionel were already in their lab coats, discussing something in the laboratory with smiles on their faces, looking quite pleased.
"Master, Mr. Grant, what are you talking about?"
Deanna walked in and asked.
Hearing her voice, both men turned to look at her and spoke in unison, "You're here, come quickly and see the test results."
"Our research was successful!"
Hearing this, Deanna's face lit up with surprise. "Really?"
She quickly walked over to her master.
Gunner handed her the report. "See for yourself."
Deanna took it and saw that the conclusion section stated the drug had an 80% effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cells.
"That's great, Master, we did it!"
She looked up at Gunner excitedly.
Gunner nodded happily. "Yes, we did it. As long as the subsequent clinical trials go well, we'll have our own special drug and won't need to rely on others anymore."
Lionel, seeing the excited master and apprentice, couldn't contain his emotions either.
The three of them began to dream about a future where their countrymen would no longer worry about drug shortages or unaffordable high-priced medications because they had developed their own special drug that could be sold at a low price to patients.
After a while, they calmed down and announced the good news to the institute.
"This is fantastic! We'll have our own special drug and won't need to rely on Abla anymore."
"Exactly! Over the years, we've given Abla so many preferential policies just to get more quotas!"
"It feels like we can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
The employees were all discussing excitedly.
Someone suggested in the group chat that they should have a celebration party. Gunner saw it and immediately agreed, assigning Deanna to organize it.
Deanna didn't refuse and started making arrangements.
Since they could bring family members, she called Lance after booking the hotel.
"Are you busy?" she asked.
Lance's cheerful voice came through the phone. "I'm reviewing documents, not too busy. Why did you call me?"
Deanna explained her reason for calling. "We have a celebration party tonight and can bring family members. I wonder if you have time to join us, Mr. Mercer?"
Hearing her playful tone, Lance chuckled affectionately. "My future wife invites me; I'll make time even if I don't have any."
"Great, I'll pick you up after work, and we'll go together."
Deanna quickly made arrangements.
Lance agreed.
They chatted for a while longer before hanging up and getting back to their work.
That evening, the celebration party was held at a six-star hotel.
When Deanna and Lance arrived, many people were already there.
Others greeted them warmly as soon as they saw them.
After a while, they made their way through the crowd and saw Lionel and Julia standing not far away.
Deanna led Lance over and called out, "Mr. Grant, Julia."
"Deanna, you're finally here. I was getting so bored."
Julia said as she left Lionel's side and rushed over to Deanna.
Deanna laughed and hugged her friend. "We got stuck in traffic for a bit. But with so many people here and Mr. Grant with you, how could you be bored?"
"There are many people, but I don't know anyone besides you and him."
Julia pouted, looking very aggrieved. "If Lionel hadn't said you were coming back, I wouldn't have wanted to come. Listening to their conversations is like listening to gibberish."
Deanna understood her friend's feelings.
After all, researchers often talk in jargon. Julia wasn't part of this circle and had no research background, so naturally, she had no common topics with them.
"It's okay if you don't understand. I'm here with you."
Deanna comforted her friend.
Julia felt much better hearing this and happily clung to Deanna's arm. "I knew you wouldn't abandon me. Let's go sit over there and let these two men have their fun."
"Alright, but I need to greet my master first."
Deanna agreed indulgently and then looked at Lionel. "Mr. Grant, have you seen my master?"
"Mr. Martinez is stuck in traffic like you were. He'll be here soon."
Lionel said with some helplessness as he looked at his girlfriend. "Do you really not want me to accompany you?"
"No way! You're so boring."
Julia looked disdainful and then pulled Deanna away. "Deanna, since your master isn't here yet, let's go have some fun over there."
Watching them leave, Lance looked at Lionel with displeasure and warned him, "Next time, keep your girlfriend entertained so she doesn't compete with me for company. Otherwise, don't blame me for introducing her to more interesting people."