As soon as Cordelia immersed herself in her studies, hours flew by like seconds.
During dinner, she picked at her food absentmindedly, barely eating a slice of pizza and a few fries before rushing back upstairs to tackle a chemistry problem. She had already finished the complex textbook on chemical elements, but a seemingly simple problem was giving her trouble.
The conditions seemed insufficient, and D-acetylneuraminic acid, a term she hadn't encountered in her studies, appeared to be a novel chemical compound. Engrossed in the problem, Cordelia hit a dead end.
In the past, she would have combed through various books to find a solution, but now... Cordelia decided to take a shortcut. She picked up her phone and opened the Pioneers Group app, typing, "Any chemists in here?"
The group, including Cordelia, had 21 members: Mr. All-Round, a few chefs, tailors, and some scientists among others. Unsure of their specific expertise, she asked.
With Mr. All-Round's unspoken endorsement, responses came quickly.
Bland replied, "We had a chemist, but now it's just physicists and mathematicians."
Stanton chimed in, "Lia, got a chemistry problem? I know a few chemists in real life. Just say the word."
Mathster added, "Lia, there are a few chemistry professors at Superiority College. If you need, just ask."
Stanton teased, "Show-off, do you think your professors are better than our former chemist?"
Mathster was puzzled.
Cordelia, curious, asked, "What happened to the former chemist?"
The group went silent, but her private messages lit up with warnings not to discuss it publicly.
Choosing Bland for more information, she learned there used to be 22 members.
Bland shared, "Whenever Mr. All-Round spoke, which was rare, someone would leave the group the next day."
Cordelia was taken aback by the mafia-like undertone.
Bland revealed the missing chemist was a professor named Lacy.
Lacy... her grandfather!
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