In the spacious laboratory, Deanna and Lionel were engaged in a lively discussion. At some point, both of them began to insist that the other's theory was flawed.
"Artemisia annua does indeed have properties that boost vitality in traditional medicine, but that doesn't mean it can merge with a drug that enhances cell activity without causing mutations. One is based on traditional medicine, the other is based on Western medicine, so it's no wonder their properties clash," Deanna couldn't help but criticize.
In truth, she wanted to say that Lionel's research was simply whimsical. However, she only thought this and didn't dare to say it out loud.
After all, Lionel had mentioned that he was inspired by her master to undertake this research.
If she dismissed his work, it would be like denying some of her master's ideas. If her master found out, she would be in trouble.
Lionel was unaware of Deanna's thoughts. But when he heard her skepticism about his research, his expression darkened for a moment before he quickly composed himself and chuckled. "Maybe you won't believe this, but before I met your master, I had the same thoughts as you. I believed that traditional medicine and Western medicine were two entirely different fields and combining them would be a monumental challenge. But after meeting your master and hearing what she had to say, I realized how narrow-minded my previous thoughts were."
Deanna was surprised and curious. "Mr. Grant, could you tell me what my master said that changed your perspective?"
"Of course," Lionel replied without hesitation and repeated everything he had heard.
Deanna had to admit that the words were enlightening. She even felt that her earlier thoughts were narrow-minded. She fell into deep thought.
Seeing this, Lionel didn't disturb her and went to the side to calculate formulas with a pen. After a while, Deanna snapped out of her thoughts and said to Lionel, "I have a rough idea now, but I'll need to verify it tomorrow. It's too late today."
"It is indeed late. Let me take you back," Lionel agreed.
Deanna didn't refuse since she didn't know where her hotel was located. About ten minutes later, they stood in front of a high-end hotel in the city center.
Lionel took a room card from his suit pocket and handed it to her. "This is your room key card. It's on the seventeenth floor. Get some rest, and I'll pick you up at eight tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Mr. Grant, but if you're busy, I can take a cab myself," Deanna politely declined, not wanting to cause any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Lionel understood her intentions but pretended not to notice and joked, "As long as the problem isn't solved, I don't think I'll be too busy."
"In that case, I should speed up my research," Deanna laughed.
Lionel nodded, "Exactly. I'm looking forward to good news from Miss Jones."
Deanna smiled and nodded, "I won't keep you waiting long." With that, she bid him farewell.
Lionel didn't stop her and watched her enter the hotel before leaving.
Once in her room, Deanna quickly washed up and lay on the bed, calling Lance on a video call. The call was answered almost immediately, showing that Lance had been waiting for it.
"Why are you calling so late?" he asked, noticing the fatigue on Deanna's face. "You didn't work overtime until now, did you?"
Deanna didn't deny it and smiled sheepishly. "I lost track of time discussing academic theories with Mr. Grant. I'll be more careful next time. Don't worry. By the way, are Gregory and Chloe asleep?"
To avoid Lance lecturing her, she abruptly changed the subject.
Lance saw through her tactic but chose not to scold her further. "They are already asleep."
Deanna nodded but couldn't suppress a yawn. "I'm so tired. I need to sleep now. You should rest early too; you have to take the kids to school tomorrow."
"Alright, sleep well. Put the phone beside you; I'll watch over you," Lance said gently.
Deanna nodded and placed the phone next to her before lying down and quickly falling asleep.
Listening to her steady breathing through the phone, Lance smiled and continued working on company documents.
He missed Deanna terribly after just one day apart and couldn't bear the thought of being separated for several more days. He planned to finish his work early and join her as a surprise.
Of course, he wouldn't tell Deanna about this plan; he wanted it to be a surprise.
Thus, one person worked diligently in front of the video while the other rested peacefully on the other end, creating an unexpectedly warm scene.