Chapter 278
When Audrey suggested making Kyle her assistant, Natalie suddenly looked at Kyle. During her time with the team, she had made some inquiries about what Kyle was like. Combined with her later interactions with him, she believed that Kyle was not someone destined for significant achievement. He and Aiden were worlds apart. But now, Kyle was the first in the team to propose a useful research method. Natalie wondered if she had underestimated him.
Upon careful consideration, anyone capable of joining David’s team must possess a comparable level of ability. Although Kyle was previously not as accomplished as Gavin and the others, this did not mean that, through dedicated effort, he could not match them. Natalie accepted the fact that perhaps she had underestimated Kyle. A hint of playfulness flashed in her eyes as she smiled at Kyle. Kyle was instantly elated.
In the afternoon, Josie and Sean left the laboratory. Josie rubbed her stiff neck and said, “Based on the validation results, Joseph’s research findings have proven effective and have significantly advanced our research. The validation experiment we did just now indicates that both research groups have achieved interim success. The paper is now awaiting publication. Hey, Sean, based on the current results, do you think Professor would approve advancing the second phase of our research?”
As soon as the validation results were available, several other professors had already begun to further advance the subsequent research using the experimental data. Interns were not yet eligible to participate in intermediate research and subsequent relevant designated advanced research projects.
Sean reached out and kneaded her neck twice. He said, “If you can finish your thesis quickly, maybe she will agree.”
Josie turned back and fixed her gaze on him. She said, "This experiment was conducted by the two of us, or more precisely, it should include Claire as well. Are you sure that only my name should be listed as the author on the paper?"
Sean nodded and said, "The experimental direction was initially proposed by you, and Claire and I were just helping you. She is now preparing for her doctoral entrance examination, and I am preparing for my graduation defense. Therefore, you’ll need to handle the paper as you see fit. It would not be appropriate for us to be listed as co–authors. Moreover, the follow–up for this research will be supervised by Professor Wilcourt. You’re mainly responsible for monitoring the experiment, and the acupuncture practice also has to be done by you. Honestly, Claire and I can’t really do much."
Josie’s eyes were slightly red. She asked, “Are all of you going to withdraw from the research team after this?”
“Not for now.” Sean raised his hand and ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry, I won’t really leave you alone. Don’t cry!”
“I am not crying!” Josie’s face flushed as she turned to leave the room. “I’m going back to write my thesis!”
Joseph came out after him. He saw her interacting with Sean and felt too embarrassed to interrupt. “Josie, don’t leave just yet. Let’s discuss this further!” Ian Sullivan bypassed Sean, caught up with Josie, and pulled her back.
Sean looked at them, then went with them to the project team’s office. Due to the success of the joint experiment, the paper previously written by Joseph required further revision to incorporate data from Josie’s paper. Their discussion continued until 10:00 p.m., and all participants had takeout for dinner. Fortunately, by the time they left the office, preliminary drafts of both research papers had already taken shape. They now required only further refinement.
As they left the office, Ian reached for Josie’s bag and said, “Josie, I’m heading back to campus. Want to come with me?”
Before Josie could respond, Sean had already picked up her backpack. He said, “No need. She has an experiment at Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital tomorrow and will return there in the evening. It happens to be on my way, so I will take her there.”
Josie happily agreed. She said, “Right, Ian, you can head back on your own. I need to return to Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital. I happen to have a few data points I still need to confirm with my professor.”
Seeing Josie place complete trust in Sean, Ian’s gaze darkened, and Tripp Moody bumped his shoulder. He said, “There is ample time ahead. It is evident that the girl has not yet matured, so there is no need to rush at this moment.”
Ian gave a bitter smile and said, “There’s no use in worrying. How can I possibly compare with Sean?”
Tripp lowered his voice and said, “That’s not the way to put it! I heard that after graduation, Sean will have to go back to take over the family business, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll stay with the project team.”