"I'm done."
Mike and Little Sheldon spoke at the exact same time, less than a minute after Paige had finished.
Sheldon had sped up, spurred on by the pressure from Paige. But he hadn't expected Mike to arrive at the answer so quickly, too. Deep down, Sheldon firmly believed that Mike's intellect wasn't even in the same league as his own.
Seeing that Mike had matched his speed, Sheldon shot him a slightly smug look before proactively shoving his answer sheet into Professor Sturgis's hands.
Professor Sturgis didn't play favorites. He waited until he had both papers in hand before reviewing them carefully. After a moment, he glanced at both Mike and Sheldon, then passed the papers to Dr. Linkletter, who was standing nearby.
Following protocol, Dr. Linkletter reviewed the answers and then spoke up. "Mike, your steps are rigorous. On behalf of the team, I formally invite you to join us."
"Thank you for the opportunity," Mike paused for a moment. "But I'm busy the coming weekends, so I'm afraid I won't be able to participate in the upcoming research."
It was already mid-December, just a few weeks before Christmas.
At a private party last weekend, Mike had accidentally shown off his musical talent in front of the girls. Regina, representing "The Plastics," had immediately asked him to help with their song. The "Queen Bee" planned to make a splash at the school's Christmas pageant with a musical performance.
Mike, whose music skills were nearing Expert Level 4, was certainly capable of helping "The Plastics" pull off such a feat.
So, he didn't refuse and agreed to the girls' request. Mike tended to give special treatment to people he considered "his own."
Besides, in Mike's eyes, this project regarding the new physics formula was basically wrapped up. The remaining second phase was just repetitive verification of the formula's applicability. It wasn't really worth his time to stick around.
On the other hand, Dr. Linkletter had a decent impression of Mike and asked, "Can you tell us why you're quitting?"
Being an official researcher meant getting a credit in the scientific paper once the project concluded—a huge achievement for any scientist. Dr. Linkletter felt it was a pity for Mike to choose to bow out now.
"I have to help a group prepare for their Christmas performance," Mike replied honestly, sensing Linkletter's good intentions and seeing no need to hide it.
"What?" Dr. Linkletter looked shocked, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. In his view, physics research was infinitely more important than some high school variety show.
"Let it go, Grant. Mike is young and has his own priorities. Don't push it..." Professor Sturgis stopped him seeing he was about to lecture Mike.
Because of his relationship with Meemaw, Sturgis knew a bit about Mike's private life. And as someone currently head-over-heels in love with Connie, Sturgis fully supported Mike's choice.
Is love more important than career? That's a matter of opinion.
Mike smiled at Professor Sturgis, thanking him for the save and his open-mindedness.
Meanwhile, Paige and Little Sheldon turned to look at Mike. Paige looked a bit disappointed, simply because she wouldn't see him around for the next few weeks. Sheldon, however, was baffled that Mike would pass up such a golden learning opportunity.
But Sheldon quickly pushed that confusion aside. He turned expectantly to Dr. Linkletter, waiting for his own invitation to join the ranks of the researchers.
"Sheldon..." Dr. Linkletter calmed himself and looked at the boy seriously. "Can you explain why you used a different method for these final steps?"
When Sheldon was just an assistant, he had offered way too many unsolicited opinions on the project. Although his behavior hadn't negatively impacted the results, his ill-timed desire to show off had lowered Linkletter's opinion of him.
Unfortunately, the small issue with his test happened to coincide with Dr. Linkletter being in a bad mood.
"I thought using the existing method for these steps would be simpler..." Sheldon stared at his paper, forcing an explanation.
The truth was, he had felt the pressure from Paige and reverted to familiar steps to save time and get the answer faster.
However, simplifying the steps was the goal of the second phase of research. Sheldon's "old school" approach clearly clashed with the theme of researching a new formula.
"It seems you haven't grasped the purpose of this project," Linkletter announced. "So, I regret to inform you, Sheldon, that you cannot participate in our second phase as a researcher."
"Why? That's not fair!" Sheldon protested loudly upon hearing the verdict.
"There is no 'why'." Dr. Linkletter didn't waste his breath. He turned and walked out, intending to sit in his private office during the break.
"Wait, Grant," Professor Sturgis called out. "Sheldon's logic wasn't wrong. I think he's qualified to join the second phase as a researcher."
Professor Sturgis, still in the honeymoon phase with Connie, wanted to give Sheldon a break.
"Scientific work requires a rigorous attitude," Linkletter stopped out of respect for Sturgis but stood his ground. "Whoever makes a mistake must accept the consequences."
"Who hasn't made a mistake?" Sturgis persisted. "Sheldon is still a child. For Connie's sake, how about giving him another chance?"
Sturgis tried playing the emotional card.
"That is your business." Dr. Linkletter shook his head impatiently and walked quickly out of the lab.
He had gracefully accepted that Connie was taken, but that didn't mean he was going to give her grandson special treatment because of it.
"What a stubborn fellow..." Professor Sturgis grumbled, then turned to a dejected Sheldon. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't help you this time."
"Aren't you the head of this project?" Sheldon asked, clinging to a shred of hope.
"Dr. Linkletter is also in charge. We have equal authority," Sturgis explained. "So, my authority alone isn't enough to make you a researcher directly..."
"I see." Sheldon thought for a moment. "If I can convince Dr. Linkletter, do I still have a chance?"
"Certainly," Sturgis agreed, but added, "However, I advise you not to waste your breath. I know Grant well. Once he makes a decision, he doesn't change it easily."
Clearly, Sturgis realized Sheldon was up to something.
"Not necessarily. Maybe I'll succeed." Determined to become an official researcher, Sheldon decided to give it one more shot. He looked at Professor Sturgis and asked, "Can you tell me about Dr. Linkletter and Meemaw?"
To achieve his goal, Sheldon was likely plotting to use the "sell out Meemaw" tactic again.