Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 515: Chapter 515

Mike hadn't expected his request to change advisors would escalate like this. Even Aria was here.
Still, he didn't feel too ashamed. After all, people strive for better opportunities, and he was taking responsibility for his future.
Looking at Samuel, Mike gave a polite smile. "Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Samuel, but I've decided not to switch advisors."
Samuel had only come here to gloat, thinking the matter was settled. After all, Mike's father had personally talked to him. He even planned to take this promising student away from Martin.
He hadn't expected Mike to refuse. His expression stiffened slightly. "Your dad already spoke with me. Wasn't it agreed that you'd join my team?"
Everyone knew Samuel and Martin didn't get along. For Mike's father to approach Samuel was essentially a slap in Martin's face.
Besides, even if Mike did plan to switch advisors, he never intended to choose Samuel.
"Mr. Schmidt, I didn't know my father went to talk to Mr. Chilton," Mike quickly explained.
Now that the situation was clear, Samuel turned his fire toward Martin.
Samuel said, "What's wrong with the kid wanting a better advisor? Mr. Schmidt, you're already sixty. Don't drag others down."
Martin sometimes envied Samuel's confidence. Wherever he went, he acted like he was the best.
And to be fair, Samuel did have the skill. He just never focused on the right things, always causing trouble at regular intervals.
Martin couldn't be bothered to argue. He took a slow sip of coffee and said nothing. Being ignored made Samuel look even worse.
Mike spoke again. "Mr. Chilton, I originally came for Mr. Schmidt. I only considered changing because I thought Ms. Saxon would be solely responsible for guiding me. But now that we've talked, I'm confident that Mr. Schmidt can offer me better support."
Samuel said, "But he's retiring soon, Mike. Think it over. Your field is my specialty. I can get you funding. If you stay with Mr. Schmidt, priority will go to Aria's projects."
Mike instinctively glanced at Aria, hesitation flashing across his face. Still, he said firmly, "I've made up my mind. I'll stay with Mr. Schmidt."
He said he would stay with Martin, and no Aria. That distinction meant a lot.
Aria wasn't bothered that Mike didn't want her as his advisor. One less student meant less hassle. As long as she did her job, it didn't matter.
She lazily gazed out the window. She thought it was a nice day, which was perfect for a nap.
Aria was getting hungry and wondered what Pearl would be eating for lunch.
Ever since Ella moved in, she'd been handling their lunches too. They always made an extra portion for the hospital.
Ella was a great cook. It was only the first day, and Aria already missed her food.
Having a student wanting to switch advisors was a hassle. Sophie turned to comfort Aria, only to find Aria leaning casually against a cabinet, staring blankly ahead.
Sophie thought, 'Never mind. She's clearly spacing out. No comfort needed.'
Seeing Mike's firm stance, Samuel was fuming but couldn't show it outright. His eyes shifted to Aria, and he scoffed. "I don't get it. Why is everyone so impressed by you? As if all those research results were your solo effort. You've only got your looks going for you."
Aria turned to Sophie. "Ms. Morgan, was that a compliment about my appearance?"
Sophie, who'd been expecting a war of words, was stunned. She gave an awkward smile."Uh… I guess… it was?"
Aria looked at Samuel and smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Chilton. I think I'm pretty good-looking too."
Samuel choked, wanting to say more, but Aria cut him off. "If you have an issue with me, feel free to file a complaint. I welcome it. But please stop bothering everyone. We're trying to eat."
Samuel was a senior faculty member. Newcomers usually greeted him with deference. He never imagined Aria would mock him outright.
He said, "I thought your character was questionable, but I figured at least you'd show some respect to your elders. No wonder the Saxon family looks down on you."
Aria gave a mocking smile. "I heard you haven't published in a top journal in three years, Mr. Chilton..."
She added, "Maybe if you spent less time stalking others and more time thinking, you'd have some results by now, don't you think?"
That hit like a blade to the gut, silencing the room.
Samuel's face went red in anger. He didn't expect Aria to know that.
He glared at Martin like he'd been betrayed. Martin shrugged. "Don't look at me. I didn't know you hadn't published in three years either."
Even angrier now, Samuel snapped, "My research is difficult! It takes time!"
Aria replied flatly, "Of course, Mr. Chilton. You're right. You should focus more on your work and less on getting mad. You shouldn't get too restless at your age. I'm not taking the blame."
Samuel replied, "I'll be watching. You better have some major research results in the next three years!"
With that, he stormed out, fuming.
Martin was genuinely surprised. He hadn't known Aria had such a sharp tongue.
Still, that wasn't a bad thing. At least he didn't have to worry about her getting bullied.
No one was more shocked than Mike. He'd looked into Aria beforehand since she was technically his advisor.
Everyone said she didn't talk much, seemed distant, and was easy to get along with.
But now that he'd seen her in action, she didn't seem easy to deal with at all.
Once the office settled down, Sophie chuckled to break the silence."Shall we go eat?"
Martin said, "Mike, you come too."
Mike thought for a moment and suggested, "How about we call Helen and Larry too? Everyone can eat together."
Martin nodded. "Sure. I've reserved a private room at Stardew Cafeteria. Let's all go."
Lu messaged the group chat: [Stardew Cafeteria, come quickly.]
Helen replied instantly: [I just started eating.]
Larry: [I'm eating out with my roommate.]
Mike: [All three advisors are here. You sure you're not coming?]
Larry: [On my way!]
Helen: [Gave my meal to my roommate. Waiting for you all!]
Having them join eased Mike's nerves.
He'd always been used to formal situations, even facing several professors alone didn't scare him. But after what just happened, the pressure had been building.
Mike apologized, "Mr. Schmidt, Ms. Saxon, I'm really sorry for the trouble I caused."
If he hadn't brought up switching advisors, Samuel wouldn't have barged in.
Martin smiled. "It's not a big deal. Samuel's petty. I'm used to it."
Then he gave Aria a look, nudging her to say something too.
Catching his signal, Aria said, "No big deal. Watching Mr. Chilton get so mad his hair stood up was actually pretty entertaining."
Martin was speechless.
Sophie couldn't help but laugh. "Aria, you're hilarious."
Thanks to Aria clapping back at Samuel, Sophie liked her even more. She appreciated people who didn't hesitate to fight back.
There were six of them in total. Sophie took the lead and ordered dishes. Since no one had dietary restrictions, they each chose a dish, plus one vegetarian plate and a soup.
Martin footed the bill.
As they walked out of the cafeteria, they ran into a few young men heading their way.