"Alright, everyone is here, right?"
The advisor's voice echoed around the room as she watched that it's time to start the monthly meeting at the beginning of the month.
Dr. Nisara, currently as the position of an Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Research in Bioanthropology, take her place in front of the rectangular table of the meeting room. The institute had been founded about a year ago with support from both the public and private sector, as well as collaborations with several universities. It was the first institute of the region focused on concrete research in the area of anthropology and other related disciplines. The institute also offered postgraduate programs for master and doctorate.
The veteran professor in the room swept her look at the researchers present, most of whom had already been her postgraduate students. With a slight smile, she surveyed the twenty -six participants of the meeting, which included both researchers and other team members in various functions.
At the Research Institute, the meeting continued.
"Today, I would like to officially introduce the new Vice-Principal of the institute."
Professor announced before giving a light nod towards to the person who is sitting on her left. Next to Phinya, is Aon, the institute's secretary, and alongside Aon, is Bua.
Phinya, wearing a light collar shirt under a black suit combining with pants of the same color, she get up and make a gesture of greeting with her hands.
"Sawadee Ka, it is a pleasure to meet all."
"Dr. Phinya Thananon will officially start her work here from this week."
Continued The Director of Institute,
"But I believe many of you already know her. In addition to the position of Deputy Director, Dr. Phinya will also be the main researcher and teacher of graduate students. If anyone has not yet chosen a co -advisor, you can talk directly to Phi Phinya."
The meeting participants nodded almost in unison, and soon some begin to exchange looks with each other. Those who had been doctoral students at the same time, or with a difference of up to three years, certainly they knew the complicated past between Phinya and Busaya. All they were aware that there was a tense history between the two and suddenly Bua, who had always been considered the favorite by many, saw her position be taken in front of everyone. No doubt something interesting was coming.
The looks of some colleagues and alumni who knew the story well between the two they turned to Busaya, who was leaning in her chair, looking a little sleeping, as if they expected some kind of dissatisfaction reaction from her. Even Phinya watched her friend and rival carefully.
However ... Bua just remained there, with her head down, ignoring the eyes around her. She focused on keeping her spine straight, holding a cup with her right hand, and keep holding her coffee all the time. After all, what no one knew was that Bua herself had been responsible for putting the position of deputy director in the hands of Phinya.
At least, people would finally stop saying that she was the "favourite" of the professor, which for Bua was extremely annoying.
Phinya was more competent than her, had more experience, was more presentable and better represented the institute. Bua could not deny these truths. In addition, she herself had little experience and would not be able to deal with the workload or such an important position. She had graduated in the doctorate less than a year ago. Although Phinya had just graduated, her field skills were incomparable, they were simply not at the same level. Another important reason was that Bua did not want the responsibility of being a director.
