He was his star protégé-a PhD candidate at Mandino University.


    Adrian was visibly taken aback when he saw Aria.


    Samuel quickly made the introduction. “Professor Gn, this is Aria Saxon. She’s a faculty member in pharmaceutical analysis and a shareholder of the Stars Group.”


    He added, “She’d like to invite you to join the quantum superbrain project.”


    Adrian’s student greeted Aria politely, “Good afternoon, Ms. Saxon.”


    Aria nodded politely. “Hello, n.”


    She knew his first name without hesitation-clearly, she was already familiar with his full name.


    n Gilbert was taken aback, then it hit him. ‘She must know the professor’s team well because of the Stars Group project- that’s how she recognizes me!


    Adrian immediately understood and frowned. “Ms. Saxon, you should know I never coborate withmercial entities. Don’t waste your time.”


    Samuel shot Aria a nce, raising an eyebrow as if to say, “See? I told you he never works with corporations.”


    Aria didn’t catch Samuel’s look. With a genuine smile, she said, “Professor Gn, your team’s pioneering work in brain- inspiredputing is truly remarkable-you’re among the best in the country. The Stars Group did initially consider extending an invitation.”


    She then said, “But once the Stars Group learned about your principles, they decided not to pursue it any further.”


    Samuel cut in with a mocking smirk, “You gave up so easily? Didn’t even try to persuade him?”


    “The Stars Group values mutualmitment,” Aria said.


    Adrian’s impression of Aria improved slightly at these words.


    After sitting down, Aria spoke up, “Professor Gn, there’s a question about brain-inspiredputing that’s been puzzling me. May I ask for your insight?”


    Adrian frowned. “You’re a professor in pharmacy-how did you get intoputer science research?”


    Aria replied candidly, “Just out of curiosity. I like to dabble in various fields.”


    As a member of the Solemnity Guild, she had to be a jack-of-all-trades-coding was just one of the many skills required.


    Adrian had always disliked people who weren’t single-minded. Hearing this, his frown deepened, but out of courtesy, he still asked, “What’s your question?”


    Aria posed a question about brain-inspiredputing. “How significant do you think this type of hardware optimization is for algorithm design?”


    Adrian initially thought it was a simple question and was about to let n answer. But as he listened, his expression gradually turned serious-clearly, this was more challenging than he had expected.


    n was also deep in thought, but couldn’te up with an immediate answer.


    Adrian pondered for a moment before providing his expert perspective.


    Aria asked a few more questions. Adrian had n answer them, asionally interjecting with additional insights.


    Aria smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Professor Gn, and thank you too, n.”


    Adrian said, “No worries. Did you start researching this area for the Stars Group?”


    Aria said, “I studied it for a few years as a child, though I was never particrly good. Only picked it back up a few months ago.”


    Adrian wondered, ‘She studied it for a few years as a child, though she was never particrly good…


    ‘Aria Saxon is a natural in this field.


    At just twenty-three, her talent is undeniable:


    Adrian studied her with a newfound respect, his gaze lingering thoughtfully.


    n’s expression kept changing. After a moment’s thought, he took out his phone. “Ms. Saxon, shall we exchange contacts? That way, if you have any further questions, we can discuss them together.”


    Aria nodded. “Sure. Thank you, n,”


    Samuel waspletely lost in their technical discussion, but he could tell that Adrian was starting to warm up to Aria.


    Samuel thought to himself, This girl is really something. Pharmacy andputer science have nothing inmon-how on earth did she manage to master both at the same time?’


    As the food arrived, afortable silence settled over the table.


    After finishing his academic discussion with Adrian, Samuel turned to Aria with a smug grin and said, “My gship project just got approved-it’s every bit as impressive as the smart pharmacy quality control system.”


    Aria nodded with a smile. “Congrattions, Mr. Chilton-you’ve always been exceptional,” she said.


    ttered by Aria’s praise, Samuel was in such high spirits that he stopped picking on her for quite some time.