Zane froze for a moment. "If not Linden, then who do you want, Mr. Calvin?"


    Linden was one of the top students in the Information Technology field, a senior already gearing up for grad school.


    Calvin looked directly at Zane, not mincing words. "Perhaps Mr. Zane, you could personally assist my student with some data analysis experiments?"


    Normally, student projects were handled by the students themselves, with mentors offering asional advice. Suggesting that a mentor should step in for experiments was clearly out of line.


    Realizing what was being asked, Zane''s expression soured. He was usually patient and friendly, especially since his department wasn''t very popr. He always feared his students might get unfair treatment from other departments.


    But now, he had offered his best student to help, and they were still not satisfied. Asking him to step in personally felt like a p in the face.


    He was a mentor, not part of a student team!


    With a stern face, Zane directly refused Calvin''s request. "No way."


    Calvin frowned but kept hisposure. "It''s just a few minor experiments. It won''t take up much of your time, Mr. Zane."


    Zane smirked. "As you said, Mr. Calvin, they''re just minor experiments. Why isn''t it okay for my top student to help?"


    Calvin''s expression darkened. "I mentioned this experiment is very important. Your help would ensure it''s done right."


    "If everything has to be done by the teacher, then what''s the point of having students?" Zane shot back coldly.


    He might be easygoing usually, but he wouldn''t stand for being insulted.


    Calvin sighed, massaging his forehead. "Aren''t you being a bit unreasonable?"


    Is data analysis really that difficult?


    No wonder he''s been looked down upon for years, Calvin thought.


    Feeling his anger rise and not wanting to argue further, Zane stood up, fists clenched, trying to keep his cool. "If Mr. Calvin came here just to discuss this, then my answer is simple. Either Linden or another student from my department, you decide."


    With that, he turned to leave.


    Calvin, frustrated by Zane''s uncooperative attitude, also stood up and called out coldly, "Hold on a minute."


    Zane stopped and turned back. "Is there anything else, Mr. Calvin?"


    Calvin walked to his desk, pulled out a sheet of paper from a drawer, and handed it to Zane. "The government''s subsidy funds for this year have already been allocated."


    Zane frowned, nced at Calvin, and then took the paper to read. A minuteter, his grip on the paper tightened. "Mr. Calvin, what is this supposed to mean?"


    The paper detailed the funding n for the quarter, showing allocations for six major departments in the biology faculty, with only his


    department''s subsidy still pending.


    IMS


    Pending meant it was neither confirmed nor denied.


    Especially since some time ago, Mr. Belcher had already redirected the scant funds from their department''s ounts, which hadn''t been replenished yet. And now, they were nning to swallow up the second half of the year''s subsidy funds as well?


    Zane''s hands were shaking with anger. How could he not understand the


    implication of Calvin showing him this paper now?