Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Bob: "...Alright, has every group presented their updates? Any other announcements to be made?"

Following tradition, after each group had shared their updates, there was a moment allocated for making official announcements.

These weren't for trivial matters but were reserved for significant issues like staff changes or serious complaints that could lead to dismissals. The representative from the oversight committee would stand up and read these announcements aloud, ensuring transparency and fairness. Usually, this part of the meeting was quickly glossed over since there were rarely any announcements to make.

Everyone had assumed today would be no different, but then-

The committee representative stood up: "There is one matter."

The room burst into murmurs of surprise.

Even Bob raised an eyebrow, taken aback.

"The matter concerns the Roseanne research group's notification about establishing an off-campus laboratory. We have received their notification and are currently reviewing the necessary paperwork. We will keep the faculty and university informed of any developments."

This announcement struck like a bolt of lightning.

"A private lab? What does that mean?"

"Did I hear that right?"

"Who's setting up a lab? Is this another university-corporate partnership research facility? But that wouldn't be called a lab, right?"

"The key point here is 'notification,' not 'application,' meaning the Roseanne group has already taken action and is merely fulfilling the procedural obligation to inform!"

"Wow-lately, I've been hearing things that seem straight out of a fantasy. Someone spent a fortune on a CPRT machine, and now someone's building their own lab? Do they think labs are as common as cabbages, just build one whenever?"

"Could it be the same people who bought the CPRT machine are the ones setting up the lab?" "What?!"

"

The room was abuzz with conversation.

Meanwhile, Edna's team was utterly dumbfounded.novelbin

Slater, completely lost, muttered, "What... what are they talking about up there?"

Sybil whispered in disbelief, "How is this possible..."

Even Hertha was staring wide-eyed in shock, "Roseanne is... setting up a lab?"

Compared to their dramatic reactions, Carlson was only momentarily stunned before it clicked.

What a masterstroke!

Something many dared not even dream of, they were actually doing.

In that moment, he felt a deep sense of self-loathing—

Loathing for being content in his cage, not even having the courage to flap his wings.

Compared to Roseanne, he felt like an utter failure.

Arkle was shocked too, but quickly recovered, "Roseanne and her team are amazing Setting up their own lab?! Is that even possible? I heard setting up a lab requires time, money, and going through heaps of red tape, especially for a bio fab. The authorities are usually super strict. How could they..."

It seemed as simple as having lunch to them?

et

"But, having a lab dedicated to our team sounds awesome! No more walking on eggshells around the faculty, no worries about being reported or sabotaged..."

Arkle felt a pang of envy.

"Country bumpkins will be country bumpkins! Never seen the wider world!"

Slater snapped back harshly.

Arkle frowned, "Have you ever seen anyone set up their own lab? Then tell me, who else has?" Slater: "..."

"Can't

either, which means you've the country

Sen you don't know

bumpkin too? Content

wider world? Ar never et

belongs to

"You-"

"What about me? It's true, isn't it!"

Slater: "?" Even the quiet ones are talking back now?