“Let’s eat first!” Delilah interrupted him. “We’ll talk later.”

Soon Claire returned and moved the dishes to Jeremy. “Dad, these are all your favorites.”

“I can resolve the funding issue,” Sean said. “Recently, the Reedshaw Group has had several new investment budgets, and I plan to bring them over.”

Jeremy finished eating in just a few bites and said, “Once the funding issue is resolved, the next priorities are the venue and equipment."

“Audrey has just signed up for a new project, another collaboration with David. They intend to utilize the research institute’s latest equipment.”

‘I knew it!’ Josie thought to herself. She frowned and said, “I went to the laboratory today. The data issues in Storage Unit 2 and Storage Unit 3 are due to the outdated equipment at Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital. Recently, I came across a report in a magazine stating that similar experiments abroad are already using equipment of seventh-generation smart storage units, while Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital is still using third-generation. From the perspective of the time cycle, using seventh-generation storage units not only produces more accurate data, but also saves at least two experimental cycles.”

“So, you’re saying that if their research direction aligns with ours, it’s very likely that both their results and the speed at which they publish papers will surpass ours,” Joseph said.

Josie nodded and said, “Don’t forget they lost the Third Prize project to you, not due to the topic, but rather the scope of research. Ultimately, the research directions are aligned. The only difference is that we have incorporated acupuncture intervention and combined it with an acupuncture robotics approach.”

“In that case…” Joseph looked at Jeremy and said, “Our research equipment must not be inferior to Aiden’s. Otherwise, all our research efforts could be a total failure.”

With David’s experience and capabilities, combined with the strength of Aiden and his team, and further supported by the cooperation from the research institute, they wouldn’t have any advantage at all.

Jeremy waved his hand and said, “Don’t worry too much about this. The institute has already taken this into consideration. Besides your team, my entire research group will also be participating in this project. Even with David joining in, Audrey’s team’s research progress may not necessarily surpass ours. However, when it comes to facilities and equipment, Audrey refuses to compromise…”

‘She’s the deputy director of the research institute. If she wants to lead a project, who could compete with her?’ Jeremy thought.

Delilah slammed the table angrily and said, “She can even use a Third Prize project to compete with the Grand Prize project in your hands. What’s your director doing, just letting her mess around like that?”

“Don’t get upset,” Jeremy patted the back of her hand and said. “That’s exactly what we were discussing in the meeting tonight. It’s not about letting her do as she pleases; it’s a problem of the research institute not having enough equipment. All the equipment previously was purchased through sponsorships secured by Audrey. This time, she intends to use that very batch of equipment, which is also the newest in the institute. Speaking of which, our research group is composed of three sub-projects, involving a large number of personnel and substantial equipment. Therefore, it is understandable that the director has reservations.”

Delilah recognized this point too and said, “If the three groups are separated, it is not good for the progress of the research. However, if they are combined, your institute will indeed be a bit crowded.”

“Sean,” Josie tugged at Sean’s sleeve and said, “If I can find a way to purchase the latest research equipment, is Reedshaw Group’s funds sufficient?”

A flicker appeared in Sean’s eyes when he said, “Funding is not an issue.” His hand gently squeezed Josie’s hand underneath the table.

“Jeremy, talk to the director. We can give up the equipment, but the venue must be given to us. Let Audrey handle the venue on her own,” Sean said.

“How do we conduct experiments without equipment?” Jeremy frowned and said. “Are you suggesting…”

Sean nodded. “Hmm, I can find a way to secure the equipment, but the research group must not be divided,” he said.