After dinner, Deanna and Lionel went to their respective laboratories.
They worked until midnight.
Since Deanna had already conducted the experiment once in the afternoon, it went smoothly, and the results were out.
After tidying up the lab, Deanna walked out with her experimental data.
As she stepped out, she saw Lionel coming out of the adjacent lab with a sheet of paper.
Lionel noticed Deanna too.
He glanced at the report in Deanna's hand and chuckled, "Looks like we finished at the same time."
He waved the result sheet in his hand.
Deanna raised an eyebrow and smiled, "In that case, why don't we share our results together?"
"Sure," Lionel agreed with a nod.
After a brief silence, they simultaneously recited a string of numbers.
Deanna was astonished because Lionel's values were closer to the correct answer than hers.
"How could this be?" Deanna couldn't understand where her theory went wrong.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Lionel smiled and said, "It's normal for your theory to be off. Unlike me, you haven't systematically studied pharmaceutical concepts. If you had, you'd know there are three applicable theories for this experiment."
Hearing this, Deanna realized her shortcoming.
She nodded appreciatively, "I see. I oversimplified it."
Lionel, being a professionally trained research master, was undoubtedly more knowledgeable and insightful in professional concepts than she was.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Deanna looked at him, "Mr. Grant, could I ask you for a favor?"
Lionel understood her thoughts immediately.
"You want me to help you compile professional terminology and theoretical books, right?"
"You've seen right through me, Mr. Grant," Deanna admitted.
Lionel laughed, "It's a small favor. I have the books I used to read, with my notes in them. I'll have them sent over so you can learn faster and understand deeper."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Grant," Deanna expressed her gratitude sincerely.
Lionel waved it off casually.
He glanced at his watch; it was almost 2 AM. "It's quite late. Let me drive you home."
"No need. I drove here today," Deanna declined politely.
Though disappointed, Lionel didn't insist. "Then let me walk you to the parking lot. I need to get my car too."
Deanna couldn't refuse this time.
Soon, they were in the underground parking lot.
Lionel looked around the dim surroundings and asked gentlemanly, "Where did you park? I'll walk you to your car and see you off."
"I..." Deanna began but was interrupted by a car horn in the previously silent parking lot.
A light flashed not far away.
As Deanna and Lionel looked over in confusion, they saw Lance stepping out of a car in casual home wear.
"Lance, what are you doing here?" Deanna was surprised to see him and quickly ran over.
She looked up at him and asked again, "When did you get here? Why didn't you message me?"
"I saw your message and knew you were working on an experiment. I didn't want to disturb you and risk any mishaps," Lance said considerately as he tidied her stray hair. "There's some supper I had the kitchen chef prepare in the car. It should still be warm."
"You're the best! I was just getting hungry," Deanna's smile grew even sweeter.
Seeing her smile made Lance's expression soften even more.
He took Deanna's hand and looked over at Lionel, nodding politely, "It's late. We'll head home now. Mr. Grant, take care."
"Goodbye," Lionel bid them farewell without showing his disappointment.
On the way back, Deanna ate the supper Lance had brought and found it delicious.
But after only a few bites, she couldn't help but sigh.
Lance noticed and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just feeling a bit pressured," Deanna said dejectedly.
She looked at Lance and shared some details about the experiment. "I thought I had achieved something when my master entrusted me with managing the research institute and made me the project leader. But today showed me that I still have a lot to learn professionally."
Lance didn't know the specifics but understood her sentiment.
He pondered for a moment and then reassured her, "You don't need to compare yourself to others. Think about it-you've only been studying for less than five years and are just a bit behind those who have studied formally for over twenty years. If you keep learning, you'll surpass them sooner or later."