Chapter 448

The administration of the School and the Institute could no longer remain seated.

The latest JCR global journal impact factor rankings were out.

Nature was ranked tenth.

Its impact factor was substantial.

But Nature Biotechnology had surged to eighth place.

Its impact factor was even higher.

In terms of impact factor alone, the subsidiary journal Nature Biotechnology now held more weight than the main journal.

Sophia Sullivan's team had published two papers in it within a single year.

What kind of pace was that?

The academic world was shaken.

"These kids... truly unexpected," Professor Benjamin Murphy sighed softly. "Originally, these achievements should have belonged to the school. What a pity..."

His words trailed off.

When he first heard that Sophia and the other two had built their own lab, he thought it was absurd.

Later, when the lab was completed, its facilities far exceeded the school's standards, and it had attracted many academic luminaries.

That was when he realized he had misjudged them.

Sophia Sullivan was no ordinary student.

Fortunately, they were his students. Their strength was good for the school.

But Professor Eleanor Watson had publicly declared she was relinquishing her authorship rights.

All achievements would belong to the Boundaryless Lab.

It was a silent, stinging slap to the school's face.

Without authorship, the school had no claim to these accomplishments.

Professor Murphy's expression darkened immediately.

He quickly composed himself. He was, after all, the head of the institute. He couldn't lose his composure.

Afterwards, however, he severely reprimanded the Vice President and the Dean of the School of Life Sciences.

As for Professor Victoria Lowell...

She wasn't important enough for him to deal with personally.

The Dean of the School of Life Sciences knew exactly what to do.

Those in power never dirty their own hands with ants.

But they have plenty of ways to make the ants miserable.

A simple "it was done by subordinates" could absolve them of all blame.

After his outburst, Professor Murphy calmed down.

Since Professor Watson had publicly cut the school out, he would see what results Sophia's team could actually produce.

If they wanted the school to regret it, they needed to have the capability.

For the next few months, the Boundaryless Lab was silent.

Sophia and the other two attended their classes as usual.

It seemed the matter had blown over.

Turns out it hadn't blown over. It was waiting for him right here.

Professor Murphy's straight spine seemed to bend slightly.

A air of dejection settled over him.

After a long while, he looked up and sighed. "I misjudged them... Never underestimate the youth from humble beginnings."

The Vice President tentatively asked, "Should we do something?"

Professor Murphy waved his hand. "No need. We didn't offer help when they were in need. Why add flowers to the brocade now?"

He could lose face, but he couldn't lose his principles.

"But... but..." The Vice President clenched his fist, every movement screaming with frustration. "It's Nature Biotechnology! Two papers! Who knows how many more in the future..."

"Benjamin, I understand you have your pride. The school has its dignity. We can't bow to students..."

This precedent could not be set.

"But the International Academic Exchange is about to begin. Why not have Sophia's team represent the school in the biology unit competition..."

Professor Murphy cut him off. "I admit Sophia's team has ability. But publishing papers and academic competition are two different things. This year's team is already set. They are training intensely. Changing players at the last minute is unwise."

The Vice President insisted urgently, "But we've lost to foreign universities for five years straight! If we lose again this year, it's not just an internal competition. It's an international showdown! Losing to our own isn't shameful, but losing to foreigners..."

On a small scale, it was a lack of skill.

On a larger scale, it concerned national honor and pride.

"Benjamin, we really can't afford to lose this year—"

Professor Murphy frowned deeply. "How can you be sure Sophia's team will win if they compete?"

"...I'm not sure. But it's a chance to win with an unexpected move!"

...

Boundaryless Lab break area.

"Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!"

Hannah Morse sneezed three times in a row.

She rubbed her nose and muttered, "Someone must be talking behind my back..."

Marcus Lawrence glanced at her. "Unlikely—Achoo!"

"See!" Hannah pointed at him. "You too!"

Marcus tossed his tissue into the trash. "I have a cold. If someone really is talking, why hasn't Sophia—"

"Achoo!" Sophia looked slightly embarrassed under their gazes. "I'm not sick..."

Marcus Lawrence: "..." Okay then.

Hannah immediately beamed. "Hehe, I'm such a clever little thing~"

Her happiness was always simple.

The corner of Marcus's mouth twitched upward. "The good news about Nature Biotechnology broke right after the semester started. Probably the whole institute knows by now. It's normal for people to talk."

Hannah: "Wrong! The whole school knows!"

"How do you know?"

Hannah took out her phone, opened a social media app, and shoved it in Marcus's face. "A teacher from the academic affairs office posted it. As soon as the acceptance notice came, the school posted it on their official account and blog. They even put up a red announcement on the bulletin board."

"With that kind of fanfare, it's impossible not to know!"

Marcus looked thoughtful.

Hannah turned to Sophia, who also seemed pensive.

"W-what's wrong?" Hannah blinked. "The school sent congratulations. Isn't that good?"

Marcus: "It's not bad. It's just strange."

"Where's the strange part?"

"The corresponding author on the paper is Sophia. The achievements belong to the lab, not the school."

If they don't belong to the school, why the big celebration?

Sophia nodded. "I thought the school would pretend not to know. Achievements under an off-campus lab are embarrassing for the school. Playing dumb was the best option."

The school's reaction was completely unexpected.

Sophia: "Abnormal events either mean there's a ghost, or they want something."

Marcus Lawrence's expression darkened instantly.