Deanna was both surprised and delighted after hearing Lionel's story.
Years ago, her master had taught her to identify herbs and practice medicine but never acknowledged her as a disciple.
She had to use a bit of cunning and enlist the help of two little ones to get her master to accept her as a disciple. Unexpectedly, her master referred to her as his disciple outside.
"So that's how it is. Do you have any research data with you now? Or can you explain it to me verbally?" Deanna steered the conversation back on track.
Lionel's expression turned serious as he said, "Research data cannot be taken out of the institute, so I'll explain the current situation verbally."
"That works too," Deanna nodded, signaling Lionel to continue.
Lionel then began to describe his difficulties. "As I mentioned before, I met your master during my university days. I was already researching this topic back then. After listening to some of your master's suggestions, I had new ideas, but they weren't fully developed. It wasn't until I graduated and set up the research institute that I revisited these ideas. According to my hypothesis, it could inhibit liver cancer progression and even potentially kill cancer cells. However, I've encountered issues with drug incompatibility. I've tried many methods but couldn't neutralize the conflicting properties of the two drugs. In the end, I had no choice but to seek your master's help. Unfortunately, he couldn't come and recommended you instead."
Seeing the hopeful look in Lionel's eyes, Deanna felt immense pressure. She could sense that he had placed great hope in her.
"Mr. Grant, I didn't study under my master for long. At most, I have some talent in pharmaceuticals. I can't guarantee I can help you."
"No worries. Take a look first. If you can't solve it, you can always consult your master later," Lionel replied nonchalantly, as if he had anticipated Deanna's response.
Deanna couldn't help but laugh but didn't refuse. This way, she had an excuse to contact her master.
The two then delved into a discussion about medical techniques in the car. Despite his young age and years of research, Lionel was very talkative, especially when it came to pharmacology, where he had unique insights.
Deanna felt she benefited greatly from their conversation and admired Lionel's expertise, thinking he was indeed someone worthy of her master's acquaintance.
Soon, the car stopped in front of a standalone villa in the suburbs.
"Mr. Grant, we have arrived," the driver interrupted their lively conversation.
Lionel looked at the familiar gate outside and invited Deanna, "Miss Jones, we've reached the institute. Let's get off."
"Alright," Deanna nodded and followed him out of the car.
At this moment, Lionel's deep voice sounded in her ear, "I'll first take you to get a temporary work permit so you can move around freely here."
"I'll follow your lead. Arrange it however it's convenient," Deanna agreed cooperatively.
Shortly after, they obtained temporary passes and entered the research institute. It was Deanna's first time in such a place, and she found it similar to what she had seen on TV-black and white decor, cold instruments, exuding an aura of coolness and silence.
Noticing Deanna's curious glances around, Lionel smiled and asked, "How do you find my institute?"
Deanna smiled sheepishly. "To be honest, Mr. Grant, this is actually my first time in a research institute."
"You've never been to your master's institute?" Lionel was surprised by Deanna's words.
Deanna smiled awkwardly. "No, I haven't. By the time I finished my studies, my master had already gone traveling."
As they spoke, a group of people approached from the opposite direction. Leading them was a young woman around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, dressed in a white lab coat with long black hair neatly tied into a ponytail. Though not stunningly beautiful, her features were pleasant to look at.
Seeing Deanna and Lionel walking side by side from a distance, she frowned slightly. Then she directed her gaze at Deanna and spoke with a hint of hostility, "Mr. Grant, is this the expert you mentioned? Isn't she a bit too young? Can she solve our problem?"
Whether it was due to a woman's intuition or not, Deanna felt that this woman seemed somewhat hostile towards her. Yet this should be their first meeting.
As Deanna pondered this, Lionel's indifferent voice broke her thoughts.
"This is my concern, Miss Woodard. No need for you to worry."
"Lionel, I meant no offense. I'm just concerned about your work. You've been stuck on this issue for quite some time," Aniyah Woodard, the woman from earlier, softened her tone and looked at Lionel with gentle eyes.
At that moment, Deanna finally understood why this woman was hostile towards her.