Chapter 348

“I was the first to apply to use this laboratory. Why should I give it to you?” This was Ian’s voice.

“Just because the director has spoken, just because my research is more meaningful than yours and will achieve greater results in the future!” This was the voice of Natalie.

She continued to speak, her voice brimming with smug pride. “Ian, from what I know, the experiment you’re doing has nothing to do with your team’s research. I seriously suspect you’re abusing your position for personal gain.”

“You…” Ian’s face flushed with anger, yet he could not find a way to refute her.

Although the experiment had been reported to the institute, it indeed had nothing to do with their team’s project.

Another voice chimed in. “In that case, Ian, you should yield the lab to Natalie. Her research experiment has already achieved some success. We can’t let your selfishness delay her achievements.”

“Exactly! Move aside quickly! I need to start my experiment now!” It seemed Natalie was about to barge in.

Ian stood guard at the door, furious!

“Wait!” Josie rushed forward and yanked Natalie away.

She ran a bit hurriedly, her small face slightly flushed as she breathed lightly. “Who said Ian’s experiment has nothing to do with our research project? He reported it to Jeremy before starting and got the institute’s approval. What right do you have to kick him out?”

Natalie was pulled off balance by Josie. She turned back and glared at Josie with a face full of resentment.

She said, “It’s you again! Why are you everywhere? Oh, I get it. Is Ian’s research related to you? He’s helping you? Josie, you really have no shame!

“Back when you were in David’s team, you took advantage of several seniors. Now that there’s no one left to use, you start seducing other seniors in the team. You really…”

Before Natalie could finish her sentence, Josie slapped her.

“How dare you spread rumors?” Josie didn’t give her a chance to respond.

She added, “The whole school knows my actions in David’s team. If you want to pretend ignorance, please find a way to erase everyone’s memory first.”

Josie scolded Natalie while rolling up her sleeves, looking as if she would hit Natalie again if Natalie dared to say another word.

This scared Natalie into shrinking back. Having been beaten often since childhood, she had a natural fear of people stronger than her.

Josie glanced at the person following Natalie. She remembered him. He was the one who tried to poach Joseph and the others from Jeremy in the cafeteria before.

She hadn’t expected him to now side with Natalie and them.

Josie looked at the person. “I don’t know what Natalie told you, but the labs at the research institute aren’t allocated based on who has power, but first-come, first-served.

“Ian is currently an intern researcher under Jeremy, and every experiment he conducts is carried out with Jeremy's approval.

“You cannot deprive him of his right to use the laboratory solely based on your claim that he is misusing public resources for personal gain. This right was granted to him by Jeremy. If you have any concerns, you may address them directly with Jeremy.”

Ian stepped forward. “Exactly! If Professor Jeremy gives the order and the institute truly won’t let me use the lab, come back and tell me to leave. I won’t say a word. But for now, get lost! Don’t delay my experiment!”

Natalie covered her face, her heart filled with both resentment and anger. She glared at Josie with a cold, sinister look.

She said, “Who knows if you’re just pretending to follow orders while actually taking care of your personal business? Jeremy is busy with the project and can’t possibly come to check on you himself.”

She gave Ian an indifferent glance, her face set in an expression of absolute certainty. “Fine, if you won’t yield the lab today, just let us in to see for ourselves.

“If you are indeed conducting a project experiment, I will apologize to you and will no longer require you to vacate the laboratory. Otherwise, your apology can’t solve it!”

Natalie was confident Josie couldn’t stop her today. After all, she had brought people for support.