Previous coborations between our department and the tech institute have happened before, but none have ever moved as quickly and decisively as this


    one.


    Hank''s eagerness to sign the partnership agreement can only mean one thing: they''re really impressed with Zane''s system.


    Calvin sipped his water, feeling a bit off. If they seal this deal, the Informatics Division will be back in the spotlight within the Biology Department.


    Dr. King, not expecting to seal the deal today, hadn''t brought the agreement papers with him. Clearing his throat, he said, "I''m all for signing the agreement, but I didn''te prepared. I''ll get it sorted and sent over as soon as I get back." Hank nodded, "That''s cool. Can we wrap it up in the next few days?"


    Dr. King turned to Calvin, "How about you, Mr. Calvin? Any issues?"


    Calvin looked up, "Oh, that should be fine. I''ll report back to Mr. Belcher once I''m back."


    "Great, it''s a deal then." Hank extended his hand to Calvin and Dr. King, "Looking forward to working together."


    Calvin forced a polite smile and shook hands.


    "By the way, you took the proposal earlier, right?" Hank asked, not forgetting the main agenda.


    Calvin nodded, "Yes, it''s with the students."


    After thinking for a moment, Hank added, "Alright, have my colleague review it againter. If there are any additions, let''s stay in touch."


    They discussed the partnership a bit more, finalizing the details. Calvin then left Hank''s office to grab the proposal.


    When he entered the lounge, he found Linden, Jessie, and Kason deep in conversation. They fell silent and their smiles faded as Calvin walked in.


    Calvin paused for a good five seconds before moving further inside. He nced at the students and focused on Zane, "The test results are in. Hank is really happy with your system and wants to sign the partnership agreement ASAP. Congrats, Zane."


    Though his tone was casual, there was a hint of coolness.


    Zane couldn''t hold back his excitement and stood up, "Are we really signing the partnership agreement?"


    "Yep," Calvin replied, trying to avoid Zane''s enthusiasm. "Hand over the proposal you wrote. I''ll take it to Hank now. They''ll reach out if there are any changes."


    Zane didn''t hesitate and had Linden pull out the proposal again.


    As Linden was handing it over, Mirabe looked up at Calvin and asked, "Are you sure we''re signing the partnership agreement?"


    Calvin frowned slightly, a bit irritated, "What do you take me for? Do you think I''d joke about something like this?"


    Even if there had been some friction before, he wouldn''t use such a critical matter for petty revenge unless he''d lost his mind.


    Seeing his reaction, Mirabe nodded, "Alright then."


    She thenzily looked away.


    Calvin sneered inwardly at Mirabe''s arrogant and impolite demeanor. No matter how talented, such a student wasn''t exactly pleasant.


    Soon after, Calvin left with the proposal.


    After he left, Linden hesitantly asked Mirabe, "Do you think there''s something fishy going on? Not quite convinced the tech institute would go for our proposal?"