Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Check this out, did I nail it?"NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

Jen scrutinized the figures once more, nodding, "Looks like we're all set."

But it was Stoddard, with his seasoned eye, who caught the discrepancy: "These two spots, they don't match up."

"-The figures in line 7, both are off. It's not 50 and 71, it should be 50.2 and...70.88."

Roseanne, walking by, caught sight of the long string of data and immediately noticed the error at the seventh node, where two numbers were off.

Normally, these people kept their distance from Roseanne in the lab. It wasn't exactly standoffish, but it definitely wasn't friendly either.

Even with Jen's warmth and Stoddard's inclusiveness, the natural gap between them and Roseanne couldn't be bridged with more conversations or shared meals.

It was a gap formed by differences in education, status, age, and the time spent together.

Their dynamics with Sammy and Liz were certainly not the same as with Roseanne.

Hearing her, the four exchanged doubtful glances, skepticism evident in their eyes.

Liz even scoffed dismissively.

Stoddard, the most experienced and quickest among them at calculations, had missed it. Could Roseanne have caught a genuine error at first glance? Really?

Jen, worried Roseanne was seeking attention, offered her an out. "Roseanne, these sets of data have been Sammy's baby, and we've all double-checked the first draft. You're saying there's an issue with the original figures at this node... it's highly unlikely." Stoddard nodded, "Owen and I have both checked, it's solid."

"Pfft-" Liz let out a derisive laugh, "Some people just can't help but show off, huh? If you don't know, then don't speak. Just because you can talk doesn't mean you should, ridiculous!" Roseanne frowned, "If you don't believe me, you can check-"

"Check what?" Liz cut her off sharply, "We're not even on the same research topic. Biology and physics are worlds apart. Maybe you've heard the saying, 'To each their own expertise?"

"Mr. Reynolds letting you use the lab for your biology project was already an exception. Now we're discussing physies, and you're butting in? Trying to show off how capable and impressive you are, right?"

"Winning gold medals in four different high school Olympiads doesn't mean you're now an expert in those fields. Each subject has its specializations. Do you think you can chime in on everything?!"

"This isn't high school or a competition. Solving problems and conducting research are on completely different levels! You have to be accountable for every word you say in research. If you don't know, you can remain silent, but please, don't spout nonsense."

Liz's tirade left no room for Roseanne to reply.

Jen tried to step in, hoping to soften the blow and save face for the newcomer, but she couldn't find the right words.

Liz's fierce onslaught was undeniable.

Though her words were harsh, she wasn't wrong.

Especially for a researcher, these were fundamental principles-

If you don't know, don't speak. Once you do, you're accountable for your data.

Research isn't a platform for seeking attention.

Jen glanced at Roseanne, thinking, "Maybe it's a good lesson for her..."