When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0624

Joseph only saw a five–story building, seemingly just completed, towering over the empty wastelands and nearby construction sites.

Sophie scoffed. “What kind of lab would be built out here? Honestly, It’s impressive that Miranda found a place like this to fool everyone.”

Joseph, who had been calm up until now, felt even less concerned. Miranda’s lab felt like a gimmick to him, and it struck him as naive for her to belleve it would capture the college’s attention.

Sophie continued, “Let’s go. There’s nothing to see. What a waste of time coming all this way for nothing.”

Just as the group was about to get in their cars and leave, an elderly man smiled and waved at Joseph from a distance. “Huh? Joe?”

Joseph focused his gaze, and his eyes widened in surprise. “Mr. Thornfield? What are you doing here?”

Zachary Thornfield was a leading figure in the Department of Computer Science at Bedford College before he retired long ago.

20 years ago, Joseph attended one of his classes during his undergraduate years. After graduating, he stayed and became a faculty member,

Over time, their relationship evolved from teacher and student to colleagues and eventually good friends. Just last week, he even called to check in on Zachary

“Didn’t you say you were heading to Jonford to escape the winter? But why… Joseph asked.

Zachary smiled. “I’ve spent my entire life in Elgerson, so adjusting to anywhere else feels strange. Everything just seems a little off.”

“What brings you here?” Joseph asked.

“Oh, Matt invited me to come and join in the buzz, so I just decided to tag along with everyone.”

“Buzz? What’s the buzz about?”

Zachary replied, “The lab’s grand opening, of course.”

Joseph’s heart missed a beat. “It was just a joke between students. How did you get roped into this, Mr. Thornfield? These students aren’t sensible at all…”

He had assumed Miranda was the one who invited Zachary, but it turned out he’d underestimated her knack for pulling some serious strings.

“They’re making a huge deal out of this without considering how to follow through later. I suppose it will be up to us to clean up their mess.”

Joseph shook his head as he scanned the anyone else around.

surroundings again. It was indeed desolate, and he didn’t see

-Zachary raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What do you mean, ‘just a joke? This is the first fully automated smart biology lab built by students in the country.

“In all of Bedford College’s history, nothing like this has happened before, and it’s unlikely anyone will do it

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 0624

again. How can you dismiss it as mere joking around?

Joseph scoffed. “You call this a lab? In this dump?”

He thought to himself, “A smart biology lab? They really think highly of themselves. It’s hard to believe they can make such bold claims without batting an eye

“Are you really calling this a dump?” Zachary wondered if Joseph had even bothered to look around.

He gestured toward the building behind him. “That’s a five–story structure, and each floor is meticulously designed for specific functions. The lab environment is exceptional, and the equipment is top–notch- almost everything is imported.”

As he spoke, a twinge of envy crept in. After all, he had never worked in such a high–quality lab before.

Joseph gaped at the small building that appeared out of nowhere. “Are you telling me Miranda built this lab?”

“Of course! It might look a bit desolate around here since we’re at the back. If you want to feel the excitement, just take this road.”

Zachary was so curious about the lab that a quick tour Inside wouldn’t satisfy him. He quietly slipped around to the back and hoped to uncover some surprises. Instead, he stumbled upon Joseph and his

group.

Joseph wandered ahead in a daze. As he got closer, he heard the lively chatter filled with exclamations like “Congratulations!” and “Incredible!”

Sophie was equally stunned, and her mouth was slightly agape in disbelief. It felt like the scene before her was pulled straight from a dream. She blinked hard, trying to shake off the surreal feeling, but everything ‘remained intact, and nothing had disappeared.

This was real. Miranda and the others hadn’t just talked about it, but they had actually built a lab. No, a whole building. How on earth had they pulled that off?

Hank was left speechless. He had come with the sole purpose of teasing Miranda and her friends, armed with clever remarks he had rehearsed. But nobody had mentioned there would actually be a lab here.

“How did this happen?” Usually quick–witted, he found himself at a loss for words as he gawked at the towering building before him.

Tina was equally stunned by the unexpected sight.