NovelEnglishThe words didn't just sting Slater; they slapped Edna and the rest of them right across the face.
"So, you're the older graduate student, huh?" Edna finally gave Roseanne a proper look, smirking with disdain.
"Got a sharp tongue, | see. Wonder if your smarts measure up." Slater chimed in: "Seriously! Who gets into grad
school pushing thirty? Either a few screws loose or just not much upstairs. Has the bar really gotten that low for
academia?" Roseanne, unfazed, replied calmly, "Whether my brain's wired right isn't your concern, but you-
you're definitely sick."
Out of nowhere, Scales joined the fray: "Rabies, to be exact. Biting anyone in reach."
Turning to Edna, he added, "If | were the owner, I'd put down a rabid dog like that pronto. Save myself the
trouble of getting bitten later."
A chill ran down Edna's spine.
Slater exploded on the spot-
"Who are you calling a rabid dog?! You're the sick dogs!"
Roseanne retorted, "The one barking is usually the dog. Ms. Payne, let's not waste our twith these
roadblocks."
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Madeleine, who had been fuming, suddenly felt her anger dissipate.
“Alright.”
The group of four made to leave when Edna suddenly piped up: "The department's funding has been officially
approved. You've failed to produce any noteworthy papers for years. If | were you, I'd gracefully step aside for
someone more capable." Madeleine stiffened.
Edna continued, "Resources should go to those who truly need them, not to those resting on their laurels,
wasting away. Right, Ms. Payne?"
Roseanne glanced back, her voice icy, "Whether it's a waste isn't for you to judge. Academic achievements will
prove who truly deserves those resources."
"Well said!" Edna clapped mockingly. "I look forward to seeing what academic marvels you'll bring to the table."
With that, Roseanne and her group left.
Slater sneered, "With Carlson around, you're nothing!"
ork
The next day, at the opening ceremony, students were seated by college.
Naturally, Roseanne, Mamie, and Scales stuck together.
The usual drill unfolded: speeches from university leaders, followed by faculty heads, and then a representative
from the newcomers...
The twas about to doze off when
suddenly a buzz of excitement
stirred from the back of their
college's section, followed by
hushed whispers-
"Was that really Carlson who just walked by?"
"Absolutely sure!"
"But shouldn't he be swamped with work? Why attend the opening ceremony?"
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"Who knows? Maybe just here for the show?"
"And what a show... You think the 'Walking SCI' has tto kill?"
"Walking SCI"?"
"Can't believe you don't know!"
"Uh... know what?"
"Carlson, Professor Edna's star pupil,
aced his way into Kingswell University as a science prodigy.
Started publishing papers in undergrad. Senior year alone, snagged three SCI papers, sailed straight into grad
school, and has been cranking out stellar research yearly."
"Saying he's carrying half our science department's reputation isn't an overstatement. Professor Edna's pride
and joy-heck, even the faculty heads smile a little brighter around him."
This was Roseanne's second thearing "Carlson" in just two days.
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