Chapter 407
Chapter 407:
Yelena, standing nearby, cut in with a smirk. “Sixteen papers, actually. One was published just yesterday p>
Corbett froze, staring at her in disbelief. He had pegged Yelena as someone who enjoyed bluffing her way into conversations, but it turned out she actually knew a thing or two about Professor Hoffman.
If Yelena hadn’t pointed it out, he might’ve completely forgotten about the recent publication.
“You’re right,” Corbett admitted, quickly recovering. “I almost forgot to count that one p>
Publishing a single paper in a prestigious journal was a milestone for most scholars. Sixteen, however, placed Professor Hoffman in a league of his own.
Top journals were those with exceptional influence in their respective fields, renowned for setting the gold standard in academic research. These top-tier journals were known for their rigorous peer-review process and the groundbreaking quality of their articles.
Academics with multiple publications in such journals weren’t just respected—they were considered trailblazers in their fields. Few knew it, but Yelena had also published several papers of her own under a pseudonym. Apart from a select few, like Hugh, who had cracked the code, her secret remained intact.
As Erica processed the impressive accolades, a question struck her. Her expression grew serious. “If Professor Hoffman is so accomplished, why doesn’t the school’s website list his achievements p>
If they had, she mused, the university would be bursting with applicants, and she wouldn’t have had this opportunity to consider it.
Corbett shrugged. “Professor Hoffman doesn’t care for that kind of thing. He thinks it’s a waste of time—time he’d rather spend in the lab running more experiments. Now that you know, why not join us? I could use the company!” Corbett suggested to Erica.
Erica grinned. “You know what? I’ve made up my mind. I’m in p>
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․cо𝗺, your storytelling home
Corbett’s face lit up with joy, barely containing his excitement. “That’s fantastic—really, really fantastic p>
Erica watched Corbett, slightly puzzled. Was it even a big deal? It almost seemed like he was on the verge of tears.
Inside, though, Corbett felt like a parade was marching through his heart. Finally, someone had the courage to pick Professor Hoffman as their mentor.
Just as Corbett was reveling in the moment, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket.
Snapping out of his excitement, he gestured to Erica and Yelena to hold on before answering the call.
On the other end, Professor Hoffman’s voice, devoid of any warmth, stated, “I’ve sent you a document. Process the data and have it on my desk by tomorrow p>
Corbett winced. “Professor, could I have a few more days?” He felt utterly drained. Yesterday’s work still loomed unfinished, and now an additional task had been piled onto his plate.
“Don’t waste time asking for extensions. Instead, reflect on why your efficiency is so appalling,” Professor Hoffman cut him off, his tone razor-sharp.
Suddenly, a spark of inspiration hit Corbett, and his eyes lit up with newfound energy.
Corbett’s gaze flicked to Yelena and Erica, his lips curling into a sly, enigmatic smile.
Erica’s heart sank like a stone. Something about that smile screamed trap, and worse, she felt like she was already tangled in it.
She reached for Yelena’s sleeve, her grip firm, her body filled with unspoken dread.
Erica’s loyalty was unwavering, albeit reluctant. If Yelena chose to stay, she’d grit her teeth and endure it. But if Yelena so much as hinted at escape, Erica would be out the door in a heartbeat.
Corbett turned to his phone, his tone so casual it bordered on suspicious. “Alright, Professor Hoffman,” he said, his agreement too smooth, too swift.
Roland blinked, caught off guard. Corbett’s immediate compliance left him momentarily stunned.