?


    Roseanne didn''t beat around the bush. "Carlson, did you check out Lab C122?"


    "C122?" Carlson paused, clearly caught off guard.


    Roseanne continued, "I''ve looked into your current project, and it doesn''t seem like you need the CPRT Analyzer."


    Carlson looked down for a moment, his initial surprise fading, reced by calmness.


    When he looked up again, any sign of confusion had vanished, leaving a serene expression. "Yeah, I checked it out."


    Roseanne exchanged a nce with Scales.


    "I needed it, so I took it. Is there a problem?"


    Roseanne pressed, "Then why have I passed by several times and never seen you using it?"


    Carlson replied, "I don''t use it often, but I do need it asionally."


    This response made Mamie swallow back her ready usation-"You''re hoarding resources maliciously." After all, he was using it, so they couldn''t really use him of anything.


    Resources at the college were meant to be shared, firste-first-served, and they couldn''t fault him on that.


    Roseanne asked, "So, how long do you need it?"


    Carlson answered, "I''m not sure."


    “Alright, we''ll leave it at that for now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him before signaling for Scales and Mamie to follow her out.


    Carlson watched them leave, his expression not one of triumph but rather of concern.


    He went back to theb to finish up his work before changing his clothes and heading to the administration building.


    The door to Edna''s office was ajar, and as he approached, he overheard a conversation:


    "Why not apply for the higher schrship?"


    It was Sybil Moore.


    "Do you think national schrships are just handed out to anyone? You''ve been exceptionally granted a college schrship, which, though not as high as the national one won''t draw much attention. You''re new here and already making waves; better to keep a low profile in other areas."


    Sybil pouted, "But that schrship is leagues below the national one... And why should Carlson get it?"


    "He''s published papers, shown academic achievement, and his grades are top-notch. What about you?" Edna was clearly losing patience. Sybil was defiant, “I have publications too!"


    Edna scoffed, “Do I really need to spell out how you got those papers?"


    Sybil quickly backed down, moving closer in a coaxing manner, "Auntie


    Edna, don''t be mad, okay? I just want to make our family proud, to give


    you bragging rights."


    Edna''s expression softened, "I know you''repetitive and ambitious, but let''s not push it this year. Next year, you''ll be our top priority." "Thank you, Auntie! You''re the best!"This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "Cough! In school, be careful with the auntie talk; it''s not good for your image if people overhear."


    "I know, I know, I only say it when we''re alone..."


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    Edna gave Sybil a look, and she quickly stepped back, “Come in.”


    Carlson entered, his expression unchanged.


    He seemed already aware of their rtionship, and Edna didn''t bother hiding it, weing him with a smile, "Carlson, what brings you here? Have a seat. Want something


    ?????


    to drink? Sybil, get him something."


    Sybil couldn''t help but cringe inside. Why should she wait on a schrship student?


    Fortunately, he declined gracefully -


    "No, thank you."


    Edna didn''t insist, her tone warm, "So, what do you need?"