Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 427

"Just tweak the data a bit to keep it consistent, no need to waste time verifying."

Even though Carlson had anticipated it, hearing it firsthand was still a shock.

"This is, academic, fraud!" He stressed every word.

Edna's face turned sour: "Carlson, you're a sensible guy. I trust you know what should and shouldn't be said. As your mentor, I'm just offering you a way to solve the problem. What to do with it, is up to you."

Carlson looked up, locking eyes with Edna with an intensity she hadn't seen before.

"Professor, this isn't right."

It just wasn't right...

...

After Carlson left, Edna watched his departing back and snickered.

It's okay if he doesn't get it now. People grow.

Eventually, he'll understand that truth doesn't matter. What matters is how many papers you've published, how much academic output you've produced.

People say research is pure, but Edna scoffed at that.

Wherever there are people, there's a struggle - for resources, funding, status, titles... Aren't all these tied to output?

Only those who reach the summit have the right to talk about "purity". But first, you've got to reach the summit.

Edna took out her phone, "Call Hertha Sherwood over."

It was her time to shine.

"Hertha, school's been in session for almost a month now. How are you adjusting? How are the senior students treating you? No one's giving you a hard time, right?"

Hertha was somewhat flattered: "No, no, everyone's been really kind to me."

"That's good to hear. I called you here because there's something related to the lab I need to discuss with you."

Hertha's eyes sparkled, barely containing her excitement: "Does that mean I can start getting involved in the lab operations?"

"You were recruited by me, of course, there's a spot for you in the research team. It's just that we've run into a bit of a snag... It might require some effort on your part."

"What's going on? Just tell me, and I'll do whatever I can!"

Edna's smile grew warmer: "You might have heard, the group led by Madeleine next door bought the latest model of the CPRT analyzer with their own funds. Our team's budget is tight, so I was wondering if you could... lend a hand?"