"You believe me, and I'm happy about that. But I think it's best if you come and see this research institute yourself."
Lance insisted that Deanna visit the site.
Deanna thought it would be a good idea to take a look, so she agreed.
Ten minutes later, Lance came to pick up Deanna.
On the way, Lance explained, "This research institute belongs to Ollie. Despite his usual idle demeanor, he's always wanted to achieve something significant. However, it seems like he's just not cut out for business. No matter what he does, he loses money. Even when he collaborates with us, we make money, but he still manages to lose some."
By the end of his explanation, Lance couldn't help but laugh.
Deanna was equally astonished.
"Is it really that unfortunate?"
"Yes, Ollie is just that unlucky. Take this research institute for example. Ollie saw others making money and wanted to get involved. But his family had figured out his tendencies and didn't want to invest in another loss-making venture. After much pleading, he came to us. We hoped he could achieve something, so we each contributed some funds and set up the institute in a collaborative manner."
Lance continued explaining the history of the research institute.
Deanna blinked in confusion and asked, "Since the three of you invested, how did the institute still go bankrupt?"
"That's a long story. When the institute was first established, we three managed it to ensure our investment didn't go to waste, with Ollie as an assistant. As the institute gradually got on track and achieved results, gaining long-term partners, we decided to train Ollie by giving him more responsibility. But then..."
Lance didn't finish his sentence, but Deanna understood.
If the outcome had been good, the institute wouldn't have been sold to her.
Deanna smiled and teased, "So after selling the institute, what's his next plan with the money?"
Lance looked at Deanna with a smile in his eyes.
Deanna paused for a moment and tentatively asked, "Is he planning to join my team?"
"That guy indeed had that idea, but I refused. I can't let him drag you down!"
Lance said as he held Deanna's hand tightly.
Deanna gave him a sweet smile.
Soon, the black car stopped in front of an office building on the outskirts.
Lance led Deanna out of the car and saw Ollie standing at the entrance.
"Lance, Deanna, you're here."
Ollie greeted them warmly as he walked down the steps.
Lance nodded at him.
Deanna gave him a slight smile and greeted, "Mr. Houghton."
"Just call me Ollie, Deanna. No need for formalities among friends."
Ollie said as he invited them into the research institute.
Once inside, he asked Deanna, "What did Lance tell you about this research institute?"
"He said you have a research institute I need, it's spacious but focuses on different research areas, and that I'd need to handle the equipment myself."
Deanna summarized what she knew.
Ollie glanced at Lance with something stirring in his eyes.
Lance noticed and quickly said, "Don't even think about it. Deanna's research is in traditional medicine; it's not your field."
"Lance, that's too hasty. Even if my research isn't in the same field as hers, I can still join her team. Deanna, look at this institute. It's only been established for a few years; the equipment is still very new. How about this: I'll provide the institute for free and let you handle the equipment as you see fit. Can you include me in your project? I've heard that the patent medicine market has been doing well in recent years. Can you help me learn from you and redeem myself?"
By the end of his plea, Ollie was visibly excited.
Deanna was taken aback.
She hadn't expected Ollie to propose collaboration again after being rejected by Lance, even offering the institute for free.
Lance frowned but didn't say anything further. He understood Ollie's intentions.
He gave Deanna a look that meant she could decide for herself and could refuse if she wanted to.
Deanna understood and naturally wouldn't agree to the collaboration.
It wasn't that she was scared off by Ollie's past failures; it was because this project wasn't solely hers. It was initiated by her master, who had previously indicated no need for additional partners.
"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I'm actually working for my master on this project and can't make decisions on it."
"I see. Let's not make things difficult then. Let's continue looking around."
Ollie understood and shifted the topic as he led Deanna and Lance around the research institute.