Zane nodded, "Got it."


    After skimming through the business n in his hands, Wade handed it back to Zane. Something seemed to click in his mind, and he added, "But we don''t have to stick to just graduate students. If there are others who are capable, we should consider them too."


    Zane chuckled, "Mirabe is quite a standout. I''m thinking of bringing her on board."


    Wade nced at him, finding Zane''s smile a bit annoying, even though he agreed with the idea.


    Clearing his throat, Zane''s eyes briefly lingered on a handsome man sitting nearby. "Well, Wade, I''ll let you get back to work."


    Wade waved him off, watching Zane leave before turning back and sinking into the couch. "Sorry to keep you waiting."


    The man smiled slightly, his fingers no longer fidgeting with the ck ring he wore. "No worries."


    After a brief pause, he added, "I overheard you mention something about Artificial Life?"


    Given how loud Wade and Zane had been talking, it wasn''t surprising he caught that. Wade nodded, "Yeah, artificial life systems are a pretty hot research topic right now. Our department could really use some projects in that area."


    The man nodded thoughtfully, "It does have considerable potential."


    Pouring more coffee into the man''s cup, Wade pondered for a moment. "By the way, you''re pretty good with system bioengineering, right? Would you be interested in joining us to mentor some students?"


    The man''s eyebrows raised slightly, but he didn''t decline. "Would that really be okay?"


    Wadeughed, "Of course! I''m more worried you''d think we''re not up to your standards."


    "Not at all," the man replied, shaking his head with a polite smile.


    Wade, seeing his reaction, joked, "Alright then, it''s a deal. Just don''t be too hard on our students."


    The man nodded, his eyes lowering to hide a glimmer of amusement.


    **


    Mirabe had just two sses in the afternoon. Once they were over, she headed to the school library to gather some materials.


    By the time she left the library, it was already past five. As she walked towards the school entrance, she pulled out her phone to check her messages.


    There was one on Messenger.


    Lately, she hadn''t asked As to pick her up from school, opting instead for a ride share.


    After replying to James, she slipped her phone back into her bag.


    The campus had a dedicatedne for faculty cars. As she walked, a sedan passed by on the right.


    She didn''t pay much attention until the car honked, making her look up slowly.


    The car had stopped not far from her, and the driver''s side window rolled down to reveal Wade''s friendly face. He leaned out slightly, "Mirabe, need a lift?"


    The man in the passenger seat also turned his head slightly, spotting the girl he had fleetingly noticed a few days ago. He unexpectedly smiled.


    Mirabe paused, greeted Wade, and then politely declined, "Thanks, but my friend is already waiting for me at the entrance."


    "Alright," Wade nodded. "But how about I drive you to the gate anyway?"


    It would take her at least five or six minutes to walk there.