Chapter 711:
âWhat if they pose something absurdly complex? That could get quite embarrassing, couldnât it?â
It wasnât a question of Harleeâs competence.
Fleming had no doubts there.
His concern stemmed from the unrestricted nature of the challenge, which opened up limitless possibilities.
He feared that a failure to answer might corner her into an uncomfortable position.
Before Fleming could wallow in his apprehensions, Harlee interrupted, her voice steady, and a soft smile gracing her features.
âDonât worry, Fleming. Thereâs nothing they can challenge me with that I canât manage.â
Assured by Harleeâs unwavering confidence, Fleming chose to drop his concerns. In the family group chat, Kareem had once remarked that Harleeâs confidence was a sure sign of her impending success, no matter the odds. While it was difficult for Fleming to fathom anyone being so infallibly capable, he was prepared to make an exception for Harlee.
The core department of the National Physics Laboratory, although small with only six members, operated at a level far beyond the ordinary.
Apart from Aurora and Ronald Cruz, the other four members were all in their forties. On this particular day, two seasoned members were absent, attending an academic conference. This left only Aurora, Ronald, and a pair of lifelong friends known for their ongoing rivalry since their high school days.
Upon her arrival, Harlee found the duo embroiled in a spirited debate over a research issue.
Aurora and Ronald, well-accustomed to their comradesâ routine disputes, paid no mind to the commotion, diligently proceeding with their lab work with sharp concentration.
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âMr. Sanderson, perfect timing! Can you resolve this for us?â one of them called out eagerly.
âKieran, have you lost your senses?â the other, Lenny Campbell, countered with a frown.
âMr. Sandersonâs expertise is in pharmaceuticals, not physics.
How could he possibly weigh in on our experiment?â
Kieran Diaz, realizing his oversight, sheepishly scratched his head.
âAh, thatâs right. I momentarily forgot Mr. Sanderson doesnât dabble in our physics endeavors.â
Fleming, visibly annoyed by the argument, massaged his temples in frustration. Kieran and Lenny, the brains behind the labâs innovative energy initiative, were undoubtedly skilled, outshining both Aurora and Ronald in their field.
However, their incessant squabbles mirrored the petty quarrels of schoolchildren more than the professional conduct expected in their prestigious roles.
Fleming interjected, exhaling deeply.
âLet me guess, this is another argument over the experiment, isnât it?â
Lenny launched into a detailed explanation and ended with a composed inquiry.
âMr. Sanderson, is it inappropriate to question something when Iâm genuinely uncertain?â
An hour before this exchange, Kieran had endured three consecutive sleepless nights perfecting the results of a critical experiment. Yet, when Lenny reviewed Kieranâs findings, he claimed they were incorrect and insisted on a recalibration.
Exhausted and on edge from the sleep deprivation, Kieranâs patience snapped under the strain of Lennyâs critiques. Their professional debate quickly spiraled into a heated altercation.
Had Fleming not intervened, their confrontation could have turned physical.
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