"Master, I have encountered some problems and can't figure them out. I wanted to discuss them with you."
Deanna didn't waste any time and got straight to the point.
The master listened silently for a moment before saying, "I don't have much time. Briefly tell me the issues you're facing."
"Alright."
Deanna nodded and explained the problems she encountered during her experiments.
Frowning, she continued, "I actually considered that using liquorice might be a wrong assumption and tried substituting it with other ingredients, but the results were not as good as with liquorice."
"Liquorice can neutralize the medicinal properties, but it also has its own properties. If you want to use liquorice to neutralize, you must find a way to control its properties without eliminating its functions."
The master clarified for Deanna. Without waiting for her to ask further questions, he continued, "I remember there is information on upgrading liquorice in the notes I gave you. You can refer to that. I have to go now; I'm hanging up."
With that, she ended the call.
Deanna put down her phone, feeling a bit speechless. However, remembering her master's advice, she couldn't help but smile.
Fortunately, she had brought her master's notes with her, fearing she might encounter unsolvable problems.
For the next half-day, Deanna was in the laboratory studying her master's notes and doing unit conversions.
If Lionel hadn't come looking for her in the evening, she might not have realized how much time had passed.
"I didn't realize it was so late."
Deanna put down the notes and looked at Lionel with some embarrassment.
She had done a bit of work in the morning but spent the entire afternoon reading.
It felt like a boss asking an employee about their work progress.
Lionel had no idea what Deanna was thinking.
His gaze fell on the drafts filled with formulas on the table. "How's the research going?"
"I have a new idea, but it's too late now. I'll have to wait until tomorrow to test it."
Deanna honestly reported her progress.
Lionel was pleasantly surprised by her quick progress. "Your master was right; you are naturally suited to work with medicinal herbs!"
Hearing his exaggerated praise, Deanna didn't know how to respond.
Just as the atmosphere grew awkward and tense, Aniyah walked in after knocking on the door.
Seeing Lionel standing in front of Deanna, she wasn't surprised. She smiled at Deanna and said, "Are you done? Want to grab dinner and maybe take a walk nearby?"
"Sure." Deanna didn't refuse and began tidying up her desk.
Seeing this, Lionel offered, "I'll join you and drive you there."
"No need. It's just us women shopping. What would you do? Besides, I can drive," Aniyah declined without hesitation.
Lionel could only watch them drive away.
Later, the two women arrived at a high-end Western restaurant.
They planned to eat first and then go shopping.
During the meal, Deanna noticed Aniyah's gloomy mood and asked curiously, "Although I don't know what's going on between you and Mr. Grant, I think maybe it's not the right time for you to be in a love relationship. When the time comes, destiny will tie you and your lover."
"Miss Jones, are you suggesting I give up?"
Aniyah looked up, her voice soft.
Without waiting for Deanna to respond, she continued, "But I've known him for almost ten years and liked him for nearly as long. Giving up now feels unfair. I've given up my dreams for him and spent half my youth chasing him."
Hearing this, Deanna pursed her lips, unsure how to comfort this lovelorn woman.
Aniyah didn't seem to need comforting. After a few minutes of melancholy, she suddenly perked up and said with a smile, "Why am I telling you this? Let's eat and then go shopping. We shouldn't let these mundane matters affect our mood."
Unbeknownst to her, Deanna felt a pang of sympathy seeing Aniyah's forced smile.
"Miss Woodard, have you ever considered that maybe you're too focused on Mr. Grant? By centering your life around him and abandoning your own life, he might not see your brilliance. Just a thought for your reference."
"I understand." Aniyah nodded but didn't seem to take Deanna's words to heart.
Seeing this, Deanna said nothing more and focused on enjoying her meal.
The food at this Western restaurant was truly excellent with a distinct Sealand flavor. She thought about bringing Gregory, Chloe, and Lance here next time.