( that's the one, and it seems it came through loud and clear. without a clipboard and notebook to note his findings down, Maruki takes to the phone he's been given, quickly typing down what he did and the success of it.

... some academic habits never really die, okay? )

Hm? Not exactly. It's a line from a movie. It means that it's easier to swallow something unpleasant, like medicine can be, if it's wrapped in something sweet.