The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Mr. Belcher was caught off guard. "An external consultant?"

"Yep, you know him-Ben," Wade said with a grin.

"No way, him?" Mr. Belcher couldn't believe it. "He'd join a student research group?"

At just twenty-five, Ben was already a senior researcher at the National Institute

for Life Sciences. He was incredibly independent and unique, rarely making public appearances unless it was for special research projects.

"Maybe he's just really into this research," Wade shrugged. "His expertise is exactly what those students need."

"Alright then," Mr. Belcher nodded, then glanced at the documents Calvin had just brought over. He looked up at Calvin. "Did you get the research proposal and funding application from the informatics department?"noveldrama

Calvin's heart skipped a beat. "I got it... but I forgot to bring it up.'

Mr. Belcher frowned slightly. "Go and get it."

Calvin wiped the sweat from his forehead, nodding quickly. "I'll get it right now."

With that, he hurried out of the office.

Wade shook his head at the scene. He didn't say much more to Mr. Belcher, just stood up and said, "I need to head back to the institute, Mr. Belcher. You take care."

"Sure, take care," Mr. Belcher replied, standing up to see him off.

A short while later, Calvin returned with the research proposal and funding application Zane had given him. Noticing Wade was gone, he paused for a moment, then carefully handed the documents to Mr. Belcher.

Mr. Belcher took the proposal but didn't look through it right away. His intense gaze settled on Calvin, and after a long pause, he finally spoke. "Do you know why I scolded you just now?"

Calvin hung his head, not daring to meet his eyes. "It was my fault."

Mr. Belcher tapped Calvin's head with the documents. "You're just being foolish. Wade might seem all smiles, but he's the most cunning of all. Do you really think he was just mocking you in front of me?"

Calvin looked up, confused.

Seeing this, Mr. Belcher shook his head, walked over to his desk, pulled out a chair, and sat down with a heavy thud. "I personally promoted you. If he mocks you, isn't he mocking me?"

When Mr. Belcher had reached retirement age, the school had originally wanted to promote Wade to a professorship, but he wasn't interested and declined. Later, Mr. Belcher was rehired, continuing his role.

But Wade's skills were well acknowledged. Even though both were senior national researchers, Wade's abilities were undoubtedly superior.

"Stop with your petty schemes and do something worthwhile for the department."

Mr. Belcher regretted ever seeing potential in someone so unfit. He picked up a pen and signed Zane's funding application without hesitation.

Calvin bit his lip, hesitant to speak. But seeing Mr. Belcher sign the document, he couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to look at the proposal first?"

Mr. Belcher's lips twisted into a sneer. He tossed the pen aside, leaning back in his chair as if exhausted. "Is there a need to look? Wade brought in an external consultant. Do you think I have the luxury to disagree?"