Huo Yao did not continue thinking about Yuan Xi after hanging up the phone and headed straight to the canteen for lunch.
After lunch, she planned on going to the library to do some reading but Zhao Lian texted her, asking to see her in his office.
Huo Yao was on her way to the library, but she went to Zhao Lian’s office instead.
Other than Prof Zhao, there was a new face in the office.
“Prof Zhao, did you want to see me?” Huo Yao took a quick glance before veering her eyes and nodding to Zhao Lian.
Zhao Lian acknowledged her before pointing at the person in the office. “This is Prof Liu. He’s a fellow of the department. I don’t think you’ve met yet.”
Most of the fellows and important professors did not have to give lessons, so the students rarely had the opportunity to interact with them up close during all the years they spent at their university.
Huo Yao looked at the man and greeted him politely.
Prof Liu waved his hand. He was a serious man, so he rarely smiled. The moment he saw Huo Yao, the sternness on his face dissipated slightly. “I hear that the research project by the Bioinformatics division was very well received.”
Huo Yao replied with composure. “Our teacher did a good job leading us.”
“Your teacher’s Liu Qian, right?” Prof Liu nodded as he pondered. “He was a diamond in the rough.”
Huo Yao smiled without answering.
“The institute is very happy with your work. Mr. Wei even called to commend you for your work. Keep it up. Try to finish it as soon as possible,” said Prof Liu as he put down the teacup.
……
Zhao Lian looked at Prof Liu. “Is this project very urgent?”
“Perhaps.” Prof Liu paused before he looked at Huo Yao and asked. “How many people do you have on the team?”
Huo Yao frowned slightly upon hearing this before she answered Prof Liu.
“Even if we include your teacher, it is just a six-man team. I agree that you are understaffed.” Prof Liu shook his head. It was no wonder they were progressing slowly. “How about this? Why don’t we pick more people from other divisions in the department to help?”
“I doubt it would work. Those people don’t even know how to run the computer software,” said Zhao Lian.
“The core part of the system can be done by students from the Bioinformatics division while the other students help with managing the data. If we split up the work, the end product will be even better. This way, we can finish the project as soon as possible,” replied Prof Liu mildly.
“I think it’s unnecessary. After all, the database…” Before Zhao Lian was able to finish his sentence, Prof Liu interrupted him.
“The institute wants our project. Don’t you see what a rare opportunity it is? We have to take it seriously and do our best to complete it. What’s wrong with adding a few more to the headcount?” Prof Liu spoke firmly.
He clearly did this intentionally.
Zhao Lian frowned.
“I have an appointment with the university director, so I have to go now.” Prof Liu stood up before Zhao Lian could say his piece. He strode out of the office without so much as looking at Huo Yao.
After he had left, Zhao Lian continued frowning. He finally realized why Prof Liu wanted to see Huo Yao. He had already made up his mind to add people to the research team before he came over.
Zhao Lian pressed his brow. He told Huo Yao to take a seat first. He paused and said, “Don’t worry. I will speak to Prof Liu about this. I won’t let him add people to the team.”
Huo Yao looked at him. She felt that he would probably be able to handle this problem well, so she was unworried. “Thanks, Prof Zhao.”
Zhao Lian shook his head. “After all, it is the fruit of your division’s labor.”
