Chapter 33

Sophie Lucia is very proactive.

She returned to her acting director's office and began to crack Lin Ke's germination method.

The following information is known:

One, the germination method for Silver Star Flower seeds mainly consists of the minor mist rain technique and the growth-inducing technique;

Two, Linke Grand's work log shows that he comes twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening;

Three, on the first day's evening, Linke Grand used the minor mist rain technique twice, but did not use the growth-inducing technique;

Four, it took six days, or more precisely five and a half days, to achieve germination;

Five, the germination success rate is above 70%, indicating that the method is more effective in restoring vitality to problematic seeds, without overusing the growth-inducing technique, and possibly even using it sparingly.

Based on these points, Sophie Lucia adopted an exhaustive approach, listing dozens of combinations of the minor mist rain technique and the growth-inducing technique.

Combining this with relevant knowledge and research on the minor mist rain technique and the growth-inducing technique, Sophie Lucia eliminated some obviously unreasonable combinations, sharply reducing the workload.

Next came the experiments, verifying each one and eliminating each one.

Thus determining whether, in the morning, it should be one or two applications of the minor mist rain technique per day, whether the growth-inducing technique should be applied once daily or every two or three days, and whether it should be applied in the morning or in the evening……

Sophie Lucia is confident that once the experiments are finished, a new germination method for the Silver Star Flower seeds will surely be found.

The time left for Lin Ke is not much.

No more than two weeks.

……

Lin Ke has always been inclined to judge human nature with the worst possible malice.

He instinctively felt he must seize the time, finish the experiment, collect data, write the paper, and apply for a patent.

Otherwise, it is highly likely that someone else will scoop him up.

That someone is not necessarily Sophie Lucia.

With so many people in the world, wizard organizations everywhere, and apprentice wizards everywhere, even if by coincidence another person shares Lin Ke's ideas, methods, and results, that is also possible.

After all, his germination method is neither complicated nor profound; a mere breakthrough of a thin layer of paper is enough to devise it.

However, conducting experiments requires funding.

Lin Ke's pockets are cleaner than his face.

That is, the Revosith Biological and Medical College provides food and lodging; otherwise Lin Ke couldn't focus on his studies, and would have had to find a job to earn a living long ago.

So where would the experimental funding come from?

Lin Ke couldn't help but look up at Mo Li sitting opposite him.

This is a little rich lady, with money in her pockets; perhaps she could be kept?

Thinking this, his gaze unintentionally became unable to move.

「？？？」

Mo Li felt Lin Ke's somewhat scorching gaze and couldn't help but feel doubtful.

How did he suddenly come out with this deep, affectionate stare?

Has this blockhead finally opened his mind?

It doesn't seem like it!

Mo Li blinked and blinked her eyes, unable to resist asking: "Why are you suddenly looking at me like this? Have you finally discovered my beauty and come to appreciate me?"

Lin Ke, upon hearing this, did not give a direct response and also shifted his gaze away.

The thought that had just suddenly arisen in him was actually quite inappropriate, so he promptly discarded it.

"Nothing much, I just happened to recall that you should be about to promote."

Lin Ke changed the subject, casually finding something to talk about.

Mo Li pursed her lips, feeling suspicious.

She did not think that Lin Ke's gaze just now was because he recalled that matter.

Just this morning, she had even described her meditation progress in detail.

So what on earth is Lin Ke doing this for?

Mo Li began to speculate.

It must be something hard to bring up; otherwise, given Lin Ke's personality and style, he wouldn't have retreated so suddenly.

Recalling what Lin Ke had been busy with these past few days, a few words popped into Mo Li's mind: "Silver Star Flower," "germination," "experiment," "data," "paper."

Mo Li's heart suddenly realized, and she understood.

However, she did not make a fuss, but instead lowered her head and continued reading as if nothing had happened.

Time grew late.

It was again time to leave the Library.

Lin Ke saw Mo Li to the entrance of her dormitory building, about to say goodbye.

"Wait for me here a moment."

Mo Li spoke first.

Having said that, without waiting for Lin Ke's reply, Mo Li ran straight upstairs.

Lin Ke, seeing this, turned his thoughts and realized that Mo Li, through her understanding of him, had guessed what he had not said earlier.

This made Lin Ke feel somewhat embarrassed.

But it would also be improper to just leave without a word, for that would show a lack of magnanimity, courage, and responsibility.

"I guess you must have something you want to do, but lack the startup funds."

Not long after, Mo Li returned downstairs, shoved a small box into Lin Ke's hand, and said in a tone that allowed no refusal: "This box contains five standard first‑grade Magic Stones; I count this as my investment in you. If things succeed, you must return my principal plus a bonus. Even if they fail, you must not shortchange me!"

Her words fell, and she had already run off.

A look that wouldn't let Lin Ke refuse.

Lin Ke watched Mo Li's disappearing figure around the corner, squeezed the small box in his hand, and a warm current surged in his heart.

All the effort over the past period was not in vain.

But...

I can't use this many Magic Stones!

"Ah!"

Lin Ke let out a sigh.

Unable to refuse such kindness, he could only accept it with tears.

No delay; prepare early.

Lin Ke headed straight to the Living Services Building, fourth floor.

He entered a shop selling plant seeds, sprouting equipment, nutrient solutions, and plant medicines, browsed a bit, and haggled over the price.

Lin Ke successfully bought the six sets of seeds needed for the experiment at the price of half a standard first-grade Magic Stone.

The shop had a half Magic Stone specifically for making change in transactions.

Then, at the price of two standard first-grade Magic Stones, he snagged a set of eight‑new‑condition second‑hand greenhouse simulation equipment.

With this, Lin Ke could conduct experiments in his dormitory without having to go to the Third Botanical Garden.

It was convenient and safe, with no worry of the experiment being destroyed or data leaked.

Therefore, having a dedicated laboratory, or even an experimental building, or an entire experimental complex, is how important it is for researchers.

Lin Ke tossed the now‑much‑lighter small box; the five Magic Stones he had just received were spent two and a half in no time.

Thinking of his part‑time job, his monthly salary was only two standard first‑grade Magic Stones.

Although the workload isn't heavy and it's not tiring at all, the hiring threshold is not low.

Money is really hard to earn, yet it disappears without a trace!

With the seed bags in his pockets and the equipment on his back, Lin Ke returned to the dormitory and got busy again.

He assembled the equipment, set the parameters, labeled the seeds, and separated them into groups.

Not long after, Lin Ke had completed all preparations for the experiment.

Lin Ke took a brief rest, then checked to see if anything had been missed.

Once he confirmed everything was ready, Lin Ke scattered the six seed groups into their corresponding areas of the greenhouse simulation equipment.

He let it sit like that overnight, and would begin sprouting the next morning.

After finishing everything, he clapped his hands, Lin Ke glanced at his work results, and went off happily to wash up.

(End of chapter)