Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The moment Liu Qian came back, Dai Jie and the others nervously looked at him in unison.
Liu Qian did not seem happy, but he was not in a completely bad mood. He had come back with his hands empty.
Liu Qian raised his head and glanced at the students while they stared at him intently. He naturally knew why they were looking at him, so he pursed his lips and said, “I have submitted my funding request. Mr. Qi said he will submit it to Prof Liu in the afternoon.”
Everyone felt slightly relieved to hear this. For what it was worth, Mr. Qi did not reject their funding request outright.
“Does this mean we will know the answer in the afternoon?” Light glinted in Dai Jie’s eyes and his voice sounded hopeful.
Liu Qian thought about Qi Hui’s earlier attitude and wasn’t so sure about the funding. He could not bear disappointing everyone, so he smiled and said, “We ought to hear back from him in a day or two. Don’t worry. I don’t think funding for this research project will get rejected.”
If funding was not approved, he could always cut through the red tape and ask Prof Liu directly.
Dai Jie, Tang Jun, and Wang Jing smiled even more happily the moment they heard what he said.
Everyone hoped that the research project could proceed without any hitches.
Only Huo Yao glanced at Liu Qian in deep thought.
Liu Qian did not go on with the subject. He simply waved his hand. “Enough. Why don’t you go back and prepare? This research project requires an immense amount of data, so this project is going to take a long time. You are about to get busy.”
Liu Qian paused before he recalled something and said to Huo Yao, “Hang on. You stay behind.”
Dai Jie, Tang Jun, and Wang Jing nodded courteously and quickly left the office.
Liu Qian leaned against the table and looked at Huo Yao. “Even though Dai Jie and the others are a few years your senior, no pressure. Considering your computing skills, I am sure you will be fine.”
After witnessing her skills while helping out with Jiang Mingyue’s thesis, Liu Qian had a feeling that Huo Yao’s computing skills were probably on par with the others.
Huo Yao went quiet for a couple of seconds. “Mr. Liu, you didn’t tell me about joining the research team.”
Liu Qian cleared his throat. “…I think you are a perfect fit.”
Complicated emotions surged through Huo Yao’s heart. Was that reason enough to create more work for her?
“AL is a part of the Science and Technology department. If our research turns out well, we will receive cash awards. More importantly, Bioinformatics will stand to gain a lot of resources in the future.”
Liu Qian went on to say more. Even though Huo Yao was no longer paying any attention, she politely waited for him to finish before she asked. “A cash award?”
Liu Qian was briefly stunned. He looked at Huo Yao quizzically. “Huh?”
“Got it.” Huo Yao nodded.
She waved the research proposal in her hand and said solemnly, “It is everyone’s social responsibility to contribute to technology. Don’t worry. I promise not to be a burden to the team.”
Liu Qian felt bewildered.
Why was there such a huge change in her attitude suddenly?
“In that case, may I leave?” Huo Yao brimmed with motivation.
“Oh… Sure thing…” Liu Qian nodded automatically. After she had finally disappeared through the office door, he finally snapped out of his thoughts.
He remained completely puzzled though.
**
Qi Hui had to send some things to Prof Liu in the afternoon. As he sorted out the documents, he narrowed his eyes while he glanced at Liu Qian’s funding request.
Qi Hui paused briefly before a cold smile swept across his face.. He removed the form and locked it inside his drawer.
