Chapter 1248

Lily seemed lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing or problem-solving. Thompson, at her side, was impatient. "How is it? Is it okay?"

He took the test strip, inhaled deeply, and declared, "Smells great. I can't detect the medicinal herbs. Their effect remains, despite the unchanged quantity. We just need to formulate it as a scented candle and observe its inhaled effects. If there's no issue, then…" He paused, his expression shifting. "This…"

Seeing Thompson's change in demeanor, Austin snatched the strip. He waved it before his face, then inhaled deeply, frowning. A smile suddenly spread across his features. "I told you it's impossible! Professor Thompson, look! I was right!"

The other researchers, however, detected nothing unusual. Thompson simply stared at Lily.

"I said it! She's wasting materials! Medicinal herbs have unique properties; their scents can be masked, but not eliminated! We still smell them! It's impossible to fully conceal the scent. What do you say now?"

Austin waited expectantly for Lily's explanation of her supposed failure, but she remained calm and unperturbed. Removing her mask, she asked, "What should I say?"

"Now that you failed, what else do you have to brag about?" Austin challenged.

"When did I brag?" Lily countered, her gaze sharp. "Experiments fail. You've likely failed hundreds, even thousands of times. Did I claim guaranteed success?"

Austin was speechless, unprepared for her retort. A researcher mused, "She never actually bragged. I assumed she'd succeed. But why the continued trust if she failed?"

"If you can't guarantee success, don't act like you're indispensable," another added.

Austin's dissatisfaction stemmed from his perceived status. He was Dominic's secret student, highly regarded, yet here he felt overlooked. He'd joined expecting to be the key member, only to find his opinions ignored. He'd even been tasked with persuading Lily to remain on the team—a clear indication he was merely a substitute. Lily's superior performance puzzled him.

I'm Dominic's disciple, a student of a renowned teacher! How can she, a novice, compare? He fumed. Adding essential oils to medicinal herbs is absurd, yet they let her continue! Are they mad?

Furious, Austin glared. Lily met his gaze unflinchingly, approaching him. He instinctively recoiled, realizing his discomfort as she neared. He stopped, his back straightening. "What are you doing?"

Lily smiled. "Mr. Fike, you seem confident. Why don't you do it, if you're so capable?"

Austin scowled. "What makes you think you can succeed where I can't? The project's direction is flawed. Now isn't the time to adjust ingredients; we need to correct the overall plan."

Thompson rubbed his temples, intervening. "Enough. Pointless arguments are unproductive. Science progresses through diverse perspectives, not petty competition. Lily, we need to accelerate this project. You've already caused delays; we've invested significant resources, and as Austin pointed out, considerable funds."

Before addressing Austin, Lily interjected, "If the cost outweighs the benefit, we can stop now, to prevent further losses."

"That's right! Stop it!" Austin agreed.

Thompson regretted bringing Austin aboard. He'd envisioned a collaborative team, experts in complementary fields. Instead, he had two individuals with strikingly similar viewpoints.

"Enough! We've come too far to stop now! What do you think this institute is? Do you care about the collective effort?" Thompson reprimanded them. "Do your work, reflect on the failures, and stop waiting for others! You're all experts; that's why you're here!"

"Yes, Professor Thompson!" the others chorused. Lily raised an eyebrow; she knew their dedication. Her earlier suggestion to halt the project had been casual.

Thompson turned to Austin. "Austin, you've achieved remarkable success, but experienced researchers deemed this project feasible. I want you to stop doubting it. We need perseverance. Do you understand?"

Austin, lips pursed, glared at Lily. "Yes, Professor Thompson!"