Chapter 55
In just half an hour, the group had settled into an easy dynamic.
“You’ve probably got a solid understanding of the project by now,” Simon said, his tone calm and authoritative, carrying the natural leadership of a senior team member.
“The first set of data needs to be processed soon. Let’s head to the lab and get started.”
Everyone stood up in agreement.
“Let’s go.”
Stellar followed them toward the lab.
But as soon as they reached the entrance, they ran into a familiar face.
“Well, well, Stellar. Looks like you really did step in some luck. You actually made it into the institute,” Alex sneered, though his eyes flashed with frustration.
He had been waiting for the moment Stellar would be kicked out of school, hoping to pressure her into giving up her dignity and submitting to him.
But now, that plan completely fell apart.
Before Stellar could respond, Lilian shot back without hesitation.
“Sounds like you’re the one who got lucky. I still can’t figure out how you got chosen to stay at the university. Your professor must have really low standards.”
Alex’s face darkened at the insult.
“My professor obviously selected me because of my capability! I was here first, so you lot need to step aside.”
“Why should we? We got here first!” Lilian huffed, puffing up her cheeks in frustration.
Simon’s expression also turned sour, clearly displeased with Alex’s arrogance.
But Alex just crossed his arms, tilting his chin up smugly.
“Because I’m part of Professor Xander’s research team.”
Stellar’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Professor Xander?
Harold Xander?
She remembered now–Harold was around the same age as Victor.
He wasn’t just a competitor, he was Victor’s lifelong rival.
And Alex was his student?
That could be a problem..
“You all know that Professor Xander is the hottest name on campus right now. He doesn’t act aloof or put on airs, and he’s secured so many benefits for the university!”
As Alex praised Harold, he also took the opportunity to take a jab at Victor.
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The expressions on Stellar’s team darkened instantly.
“Do you even realize how impressive Professor Xander’s academic achievements are? Do you know how many of his papers get published in top–tier journals every year? Do you even understand that level of prestige?”
Alex sneered, growing bolder.
“Oh, right, I almost forgot. Your dear Professor Stone hasn made a breakthrough in years. Still living off past glory, huh? Pathetic.”
“You-!” Lilian’s face flushed red with anger at the insult to her mentor.
She was about to snap back when Stellar tugged lightly at her sleeve, stopping her.
Then, she took a step forward, her tone relaxed but laced with an unmistakable edge.
“If your professor is that incredible, then as his student, you must be pretty impressive yourself, right?”
“Of course!” Alex said smugly, his expression brimming with arrogance.
“Great.”
Stellar’s tone shifted in an instant, sharp and cutting.
She locked eyes with him, giving him no chance to back out
“Then let me ask you a few questions.”
Alex stiffened.
“What’s the fundamental difference between CM and HY materials?”
Caught off guard, Alex hesitated, swallowing hard before muttering, “That’s… a pretty advanced question. How would I know that?”
Stellar didn’t miss a beat.
“Alright, I’ll simplify it. Name some key components used in mechanical manufacturing.”
Alex was speechless.
A bead of sweat formed on his forehead.
He still couldn’t answer.
However, Stellar didn’t let up.
“In mechanical manufacturing, if a component gets damaged during production, what’s the proper approach to resolving it?”
She fired off three academic questions in a row.
Alex stood there, struggling for an answer, yet not a single word came out.
Not one
A tense silence stretched between them.
Then
Chapter 55
Stellar let out a light laugh.
“So, this is the extent of your knowledge? And you actually had the nerve to stand here and brag?”
