Chapter 1363

Even if the woman hadn't lingered, it was still early for her arrival.

"Hold up, Professor Thompson. I have a quick question."

Austin turned and hurried downstairs. Reaching the first floor, he found Thompson alone; the woman had vanished.

"Austin, what's the matter?" Thompson asked, smiling, seemingly expecting him.

"It's just a small problem I encountered during the experiment." Looking over his shoulder, Austin asked, "Professor Thompson, who was that woman? Is she from our institute? Why is she here so early?"

"Oh, she is, but she's working on a different project," Thompson replied lightly. "That's why you haven't seen her. So, what did you want to ask?"

Ignoring the question, Austin nodded. "Oh, I see. I didn't know we had other projects. I've never heard you mention them. What project is it?"

"Austin, you've been here long enough to know you shouldn't ask so many questions. Honestly, there are things I don't know either. The most important thing for us now is to do our part well, don't you think?" Thompson urged earnestly.

Austin sensed Thompson's reluctance to answer. This puzzled him further, especially as Thompson showed no intention of continuing the discussion. Austin decided to refocus the conversation on his experiments.

"You're right. So, here's the thing. When I was experimenting last night…" A strange feeling welled up within him as he spoke. He looked around, but saw nothing.

Once Thompson finished explaining, he looked up to find Austin spaced out. Displeased, he said, "Austin!"

"Yes, Professor Thompson?"

"Do you understand what I just said?"

"Ah, yes, I do!" Austin snapped back to attention. "I was a little confused, but I understand now."

"Austin, you're considered very accomplished among the younger generation. However, you all share a problem—complacency. Look at Mr. Dominic. He's dedicated his life to medicinal herbs and has never been complacent. He's always been humble. There's no end to learning!"

Thompson's words conveyed that while Austin was smart and successful, his accomplishments shouldn't breed arrogance. There were always new challenges and people to learn from. Even if Austin were Dominic's secret apprentice, he wasn't Dominic himself.

Hearing Thompson's praise for Dominic, Austin's mind conjured images of the older man: his stubbornness, his scorn, his cynical teachings. Austin chuckled. "Professor Thompson, have you met Mr. Dominic? How would you know he's never been complacent?"

"I… haven't, but I've heard a lot about him." Thompson coughed, embarrassed, and glanced at Austin. "Why, can you introduce me to him?"

The question instantly erased the smile from Austin's face. Dominic was his second great-granduncle, and even he found it difficult to see him, let alone introduce someone else. The old man would likely chase them away with a broom.

"Haha. Professor Thompson, you must be joking. Mr. Dominic has isolated himself for years. How could I change that?" Austin replied with a dry laugh.