Chapter 4: Return

"Enough talking, it's time to work," a thin old lady appeared at the laboratory door, holding several documents. "Good morning, Professor Susanna," the students greeted her, then they pushed Viennel forward, meaning for her to interact more with Professor Susanna. Viennel thanked them for their kindness and slowly approached Professor Susanna, saying, "Good morning, Professor Susanna, I'm back." Professor Susanna had a serious look on her face as she carefully observed Viennel, then smiled, "You seem to be in good spirits. I hope you can work with this good spirit." Viennel smiled brightly and nodded, "I will, Professor Susanna." Professor Susanna clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Alright, children, back to your stations. Today is a good day for Viennel's return, let's use perfect experimental results to welcome her back." The students were very happy and returned to their positions. Viennel asked somewhat nervously, "Professor, where should I go?" She was prepared to do odd jobs because it was a process every newcomer in the lab had to go through. When Viennel first entered the lab, she did odd jobs for over a week. "Go back to your original position," Susanna handed her the documents, "these are the enrollment procedures you need. I've already taken care of them for you. Stay in the lab with peace of mind. But I must make it clear to you, now that you're back, don't leave easily. I don't want to hear you finding excuses to leave the lab again. You can do anything, travel, vacation, or even have a baby, but you must not leave the lab." Viennel was touched, "Okay, Professor Susanna, I will work hard and not disappoint your expectations." Professor Susanna smiled again and then hugged her gently, "Welcome back, my child." Viennel returned to her experimental table. Not much had changed; her things were still there, and the table was very clean. "Professor Susanna kept this position for you all this time," Gina leaned over, "your experimental table was organized by Professor Susanna for you. She said you would come back. We all thought you wouldn't, especially after you married into the Augumilans family." Viennel apologized, "I'm sorry, I was too stubborn." Gina shook her head, "No need to apologize, Viennel. I respect your choices. When you left, I wished you well, and now that you're back, I still welcome you, but..." Viennel noticed Gina's serious expression and asked, "What's wrong?" Gina whispered, "Matilda didn't come today. If she had, she would have surely made trouble with Professor Susanna and argued with you." Viennel knew Matilda; she joined the lab after Viennel and was very talented but had a bad temper. She didn't like Viennel and often picked fights with her. Viennel didn't want to argue with her, so she tried to avoid confrontation in the lab as much as possible. Today Matilda wasn't in the lab, and Viennel thought she might have left too. "When will she come?" Viennel asked. "I don't know," Gina shrugged, "she said she was too tired recently and wanted to rest for a few days, so she asked Professor for leave. You know, the professor has always favored you and Matilda, so usually, she approves Matilda's leave requests." Although Professor Susanna liked Viennel very much, Viennel didn't take advantage of it to cause trouble in the lab. Usually, Viennel was the most reliable person in the lab. She was smart, diligent, and willing to help others, so everyone in the lab liked her. But Matilda was different. She came from a wealthy family, was very smart, but had a bad temper and often got into arguments. Her biggest issue was with Viennel. "It's okay, I won't argue with her," Viennel thought if she could get along with Matilda peacefully before, she could do it now too. However, whatever Viennel thought, Matilda didn't think the same. Matilda arrived in the afternoon while Viennel was cleaning her experimental table. She looked up to see Matilda, dressed in designer clothes, standing in front of her table. Wearing sunglasses, Matilda disdainfully said, "Oh, isn't this Lady Augumilans? How come you're in our little lab?" Viennel replied calmly, "I'm here to do experiments." Matilda slammed her hands on the table, very displeased, "Since you've left the lab, you shouldn't come back. You're not welcome here." Viennel liked peace, but it didn't mean she had no temper. "Matilda, I didn't come back to argue with you. If you have something to say to me, wait until break time. Now it's working hours, please go back to your own experimental table." "Traitors shouldn't use good experimental tables," Matilda blocked Viennel, "you shouldn't do experiments here, you should go to the utility room to do odd jobs!" Viennel frowned, "Matilda, please don't waste my time." Matilda sneered, "It's really funny. You've been gone for over three months, why didn't you think you were wasting time then? And for you, coming back to the lab is a waste of time, right? After all, you're a vain woman." Viennel clenched her fists, "Matilda, I'll warn you again, stop it!" Matilda was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, "What, you want to hit me? Professor hates violence in the lab. If you hit me, be prepared to be kicked out of the lab." "My lab also doesn't allow anyone to quarrel or bully other students inside," Professor Susanna appeared beside them at some point, "Matilda, go change your clothes back to the lab coat. This is a place for experiments, not for showing off your new sunglasses and clothes." Matilda bit her lip and said resentfully, "Okay, Professor, I'll change my clothes now." Professor Susanna nodded, then said, "Both of you, focus on your experiments and try to show me successful results as soon as possible. Don't waste precious time on meaningless things." "I understand, Professor," Viennel said. Professor Susanna glanced at them again before going to another experimental table. Matilda glared at Viennel hatefully and threatened, "You wait and see, I'll make you leave the lab sooner or later." Viennel smiled, "Professor Susanna said no bullying in the lab, Matilda. Have you forgotten what the professor said so soon? Or do you want the professor to repeat it?" Matilda snorted and went to the changing room with her bag.