Silly Bride

Chapter 296
Over the next few days, Xavier was barely at home, for he had been spending time with his physicist friend.As for Winnie, she
naturally didn’t stay idle. Instead, she got in touch with her friend from the Livingsfill Physics Research Center to get a better
picture of the situation.Unfortunately, her friend was bogged down by recent problems of her own. Therefore, Winnie could barely
get in contact with her, and even when she did, they didn’t get to talk in-depth.Just like that, Xavier finally received some good
news on the fifth day—a member of the Livingsfill Physics Research Center was in the process of resigning. She wasn’t a citizen
of Yartran and had handed in her resignation letter, which was awaiting approval.With her departure, a vacancy was not only
created, but the project she was working on also needed an immediate replacement. The situation consequently created the
perfect opportunity for Andrew’s girlfriend.Nonetheless, replacing the leaving staff was easier said than done. Xavier’s classmate
had mentioned that Andrew’s girlfriend still needed to take a written test, go for an interview, and sit through a final evaluation
before she could be accepted by the research center.To obtain such an opportunity was so difficult that even Wilhelm had failed
to do so previously.Thus, when Xavier and Winnie went to see him to discuss the matter, Wilhelm was naturally surprised by the
development.He hadn’t expected Xavier to move so quickly and to be so lucky as to have one of the researchers at the research
center resign.Still, the matter wasn’t as easy as Xavier imagined it would be.Firstly, they had to inform Andrew’s girlfriend to
make the necessary preparations. Secondly, they had to make an appointment with the research center, which was where the
problem lay.The physicist who had been liaising with Xavier’s classmate passed away all of a sudden.As a result, everything
they had discussed previously was delayed, on top of the fact that they had lost the opportunity to even present their
proposal.Due to that, Xavier fell into a long silence.Not only were all his earlier efforts wasted, but he only had half the amount of
time previously available.At the sight of the gloomy Xavier, Winnie comforted him, “This always happens when we collaborate
with others. Relationships are fraught with uncertainty, and no one can predict when an accident will occur. Therefore, depending
on ourselves is still the most reliable choice.”“I know, but I don’t want to admit defeat just like that.” Xavier’s soul was still
brimming with defiance. “I’m sure there’s another way.”With that, he picked up his jacket and prepared to head out.However,
Winnie held him back. “You should get some rest. Have you forgotten about my friend? I’ll get in touch with her.”Before Xavier
had a chance to protest, Winnie had already given her friend a call.When the call finally connected after ringing a long time,
Winnie got straight to the point.“Lisanne, there’s something important I have to talk to you in person about. Are you free? I would
like to meet you... Yes, the earlier the better... All right, I’ll see you soon.”Upon ending the call, Winnie waved her phone at
Xavier’s face. “Done. I’ve already made an appointment with my friend. Since you must be exhausted after the past few days,
you should rest at home and wait for my updates.”Xavier frowned in response. “Why don’t you let me come with you? To be
honest, this wasn’t your business to begin with.” “What are you talking about? You’re just being foolish. If it wasn’t for me, you
wouldn’t even need to do this. Besides, my friend doesn’t like strangers, so it’s better that I go alone this time. I’ll introduce you at
the next opportunity.Giving Xavier no room to argue, Winnie grabbed her bag and left.Meanwhile, in a café opposite Livingsfill

Physics Research Center, Lisanne had already ordered coffee by the time Winnie arrived.She was Lucas’ fraternal twin and
shared a close relationship with Winnie.After greeting each other, Winnie sat down opposite her.“Lisanne, why did you come so
early?” Winnie glanced at her watch. “I came ten minutes earlier on purpose, and from the looks of it, you have probably been
here longer than that.”“I just came out to get some air.” Beset by problems recently, Lisanne looked visibly haggard. “It’s just too
suffocating inside the research center. Also, the sudden passing of one of the professors has brought a sense of gloom to the
office. By the way, I’ve taken the liberty to order you coffee.”“Thank you.” While stirring her coffee, Winnie explained, “Actually,
I’m aware of the matter, and technically speaking, I’m here somewhat because of it.”“What?” Lisanne was taken aback. “Are you
saying Professor Houlter’s death has something to do with you? You’re scaring me.”“No!” Winnie felt nonplussed. “You’re
overthinking it. Actually...”Winnie related everything about Xavier’s challenge and all the latter’s efforts to Lisanne.Upon hearing
the story, Lisanne’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh my God! Do you know the researcher who has tendered her resignation is
actually me?”“You?” It was Winnie’s turn to be shocked.“That’s right.” Lisanne let out a sigh. “When we were on the phone a few
days ago, didn’t I tell you that I was just swamped with work? My resignation was the real reason I was so busy then.”Winnie
was puzzled by what she heard. “Didn’t you say that you enjoy the working environment at the research center? Why did you
suddenly quit? What happened?”“I do.” Lisanne nodded before elaborating with a frown. “Previously, when my research reached
a crucial stage, I applied for access rights to the main database. However, it wasn’t approved because I’m not a citizen of
Yartran. They subsequently requested that either I change my nationality or my research would be suspended.“This was where I
felt they had gone overboard, as there’s no way I would give up my Chanaean citizenship. After all, when I first chose to come to
Yartran for further studies, my objective back then was to go back and serve my country one day. Sadly, they are now forcing me
to change my citizenship.“In a fit of rage, I handed in my resignation, figuring that it was time I return to my country.
Unfortunately, they refused to release me, causing me to quarrel with them. That’s the reason why I’m not eating or sleeping
properly, as just thinking about the matter alone riles me up. If the woman you’re talking about can take my place, it would be
perfect because I would be able to return to Chanaea.”“So that’s what happened.” Winnie couldn’t help but frown. “Truth be told,
such methods of talent retention are pretty common. However, now that Professor Houlter—who was supposedly responsible for
the matter—has died suddenly, it seems the issue of the replacement has been simply neglected.”Lisanne heaved another sigh.
“That’s right. He truly is gone.”Out of the blue, a thought struck her.“Winnie, there’s actually someone in the research center who
can’t wait for me to leave. Therefore, I can probably work with him this time...”