Mirabe noticed Zane''s suddenly serious face and quickly put on a small smile. "What''s the good news, Professor? I''m all ears."


    Zane''s lips twitched, and nearby, Linden, Jessie, and a few others almost burst outughing at her sudden change in demeanor.


    "A couple of days ago, I submitted the first phase of our artificial intelligence system program to the National Institute of Science and Technology. They''ve shown a lot of interest in our project and even asked us for a more detailed proposal," Zane said, trying to keep his excitement in check.


    This artificial life system was already a significant project at the institute, with manybs across the country researching it. When Wade initially brought this project to Zane, it was more of a shot in the dark, hoping he might give it a go. Even Zane had his doubts about standing out among the manybs in the country.


    After all, their experimental program was crafted entirely by these young, lesser- known talents, far removed from the experienced researchers in the field.


    When Zane got the call from the institute that afternoon, he was stunned and took a while to wrap his head around the fact that ''their proposal was selected.'' He couldn''t wait to share the news with his students.


    Mirabe just nodded at Zane''s words. Unlike the joy on everyone''s faces, she remained calm. "Guess the institute knows talent when they see it."


    If their proposal hadn''t been chosen, it would''ve meant the institute was missing the mark on future tech breakthroughs.


    Zane''s lips twitched again, wondering where this kid got her confidence, as if being chosen was just another day for her. Looking at Mirabe, Zane''s bubbling excitement suddenly mellowed. He cleared his throat and said, "Since you handled the coreputation, it makes sense for you to draft the detailed experimental proposal."


    As soon as Mirabe settled in front of theputer, she looked up, clearly reluctant about the task. "I''m not cut out for this. I just know my way aroundputers. This detailed work should go to the seniors."


    Her words hung in the air, leaving everyone a bit stunned.


    Being the lead on an experimental proposal can be a big boost to one''s career. Many research teams have fallen apart over credit disputes, with arguments sometimes even leading to the disbandment of teams.


    Before Mirabe arrived, Zane had asked Linden, Jessie, and the others, who all agreed without hesitation that Mirabe should take the lead. She was the brain behind the coreputation, after all.


    But her refusal caught everyone off guard.


    "You might not realize how much being the lead on this proposal could help your career," Linden started, trying to exin the importance to Mirabe.


    Mirabe sighed, cutting him off, "Please, let me chase my dream of staying indifferent to fame and fortune!"


    Linden was left speechless, not knowing how to respond.


    "Yeah, you''re really indifferent to fame and fortune," Zane chuckled dryly, thinking of how she always asked about bonuses.


    Mirabe coughed softly, turning her attention back to theputer and opening up a program.


    Zane shook his head and, after checking with Linden and the others, decided that Linden would take on the task of writing the experimental proposal.