Chapter 39: Continuing the Experiment
Wyatt had heard similar sentiments about Chloe’s comment many times over the years, but he had never felt that he had made the wrong decision. He loved physics, so he chose to pursue it.
“But that’s not the most important thing.” Chloe continued, focusing back on the paper. “What’s important is that this is an excellent paper. Why didn’t you finish it, and why didn’t you submit it?”
Chloe could tell that the paper was only half–written, and it was too good to be left gathering dust. It deserved to be published.
Wyatt sat next to her, gazing thoughtfully at the paper on the table. “Because I didn’t feel it was perfect. What you’re seeing here is mostly theory, not the final results. I wanted better experimental data to support it, which would make it more complete. But after switching majors, I didn’t have time to continue the experiments.”
There was a sense of regret in Wyatt’s voice. He had loved biology back then and had poured his heart into this paper. But with so many things happening later, he had no time to finish it, which saddened him.
Chloe noticed the regret in his eyes and hesitated for a moment. “Then why did you show it to me if you didn’t finish it?”
“Recently, our professor showed me your undergraduate thesis,” Wyatt explained. “She wanted me to see if I could help guide you toward a new research direction or provide some ideas to make your future studies smoother. While reviewing your work, I realized it had some similarities to this paper, which is why I wanted you to take a look.”
Wyatt gestured to the half–written paper. “So, I’m asking–are you interested in continuing the research?”
For anyone in academia, the opportunity to do research is the ultimate joy. Chloe’s eyes lit up when she heard his offer.
Of course, she wanted to do experiments again. But after being away from the academic world for so long, she feared she might not be up to the task. What if she couldn’t keep up or meet the expectations?
Despite her excitement, she couldn’t help but feel nervous. “Can I really do it?”
She hadn’t set foot in a lab in years, but everything she had learned about experiments still echoed in her mind. This opportunity was too good to pass up, but the fear of failure gnawed at her.
Wyatt saw the mix of eagerness and anxiety in her eyes. It wasn’t surprising. After so many years away from such work, anyone would feel pressured to jump back in.
“If you want to, there’s no reason you can’t,” Wyatt reassured her. “Next October, a research group will be formed, open to master’s and Ph.D. students. The project will focus on topics similar to this one. If you get into graduate school, you’ll have the chance to apply.”
This was valuable insider information, something not yet public, but Wyatt knew it as a professor. Sharing this with Chloe was his way of giving her something to look forward to.
“Think it over carefully. If you’re interested, you can also take this paper and the data for reference,” Wyatt said, handing her a black USB drive containing the experimental data he had gathered years ago. Looking at the paper and the USB drive in front of her Chloe’s heart raced with excitement. Something inside her was ready to burst forth, and she took a deep breath, gazing at Wyatt with gratitude. “Thank you. I’ll think about it.”
As the evening drew to a close, Chloe realized it was time to go home. She stood up to leave, and Wyatt
rose as well, ready to walk her to the door.
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh a little. “We’re neighbors. You don’t have to walk me out.”
Just then, Wyatt noticed the bandage on her hand. He didn’t ask how she got hurt but gently reminded her, “You should let the wound breathe. Too much time with a bandage isn’t good for healing.”
Chloe touched the bandage on her hand and smiled faintly. “Thanks for the reminder.”
Before she left, Wyatt handed her a small potted succulent. “Take this. It was in the lab, but I worry it won’t survive without someone to care for it. I trust it’ll be in good hands with you.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up at the sight of the cute little plant. “Thank you! I’ll take good care of it.”
As Chloe left, her heart was lighter. Wyatt, watching her leave, felt as though a gentle breeze had brushed through his mind.
The next morning, William and Adam visited Julian in the hospital. William, always one for mischief, had brought a container of porridge and placed it in front of Julian with a smirk.
1 heard you’ve been eating a lot of porridge lately, so I brought you some. But don’t eat too much; the doctor said you need to keep things light. I had my chef prepare this just for you. See, I do care about
you
Adam rolled his eyes at William’s antics. If he didn’t know better, he might think William was genuinely concerned for Julian. But he knew William was just looking for some fun at Julian’s expense. Still, the porridge looked delicious–William’s family chef was renowned for his cooking.
