Chapter 66 - An unforeseen answer, but a correct one (2/2)

”What about the soil?” She asked.

”We did similar testing with the soil. Negative too.” Sam responded.

Lena pondered a bit about the situation and what she researched on. The disease can spread by water, air, carriers or hosts.

”Is it possible that the point of infection is not the root?” Lena asked.

”What do you mean?” A different scientist spoke.

”I am not an expert. I am only looking at this situation from attack and infiltration type of strategy, so I am not sure what I am saying is even plausible. But, what if the infection's first contact is the top of the plant. And as it travels down, it only becomes lethal due to something from the roots or soil?”

”That's impossible…” The scientist spoke but then paused and thought more about it. ”Or maybe it is.”

The 5 scientists looked at each other. They looked back at the data to see if it was a plausible situation.

”There is a bacteria in the roots that help the growth of the grape vines. It is possible that another bacteria is infecting the microbiome of the roots. We will have to look into this more.” Sam spoke.

”We are thankful to have Miss. Shen here with us today!” Several other scientists complimented Lena.

”No, my family and I are thankful for each of you for your hard work and positive performances.”

Lena and Henry continued to stay and observe their continued change of research. Everyone took a short food breaks but diligently came back to work. By their happy cheer and snarky comments, Lena could tell that they were getting more positive results.

Lena sat down to relax her legs since she had been standing for most of the day.

”You have been yawning for a while now, we should leave soon.” Henry told Lena.

”The lab has bedrooms, don't they? We can just stay here.” Lena replied.

Henry was pulled back a bit from her response. Did she know that the beds here are not as comfortable? Lena yawned again and blinked her eyes a few times.

”I know what you are thinking.” Lena stared at Henry sleepily. ”I won't break my back from one night. I am sleepy to wait for us to go to the house.”

The house Lena was talking about was a Bed and Breakfast Mansion in the town near the farm here. Their family did not have their own house far out here and spend most of their time at the Bed and Breakfast Stay instead.

This option provides business to the local town and a sense of community that the Shen Family cherished.

”Alright then.” Henry accepted her choice. He just hoped she doesn't regret it the next morning.

He led Lena to her private bed quarters in the area while James went back to the car to get her stuff.

”The bathroom is down the hallway.” Henry told her. The bathroom was not connected to the bedroom like a master bedroom.

Lena's room had a larger bed than the others she saw as they passed down the hallway. The mattress or comforter was about 10-13cm. At this point though, Lena was so tired, she plopped herself onto the bed and dozed off. She didn't even bother for a shower.