“It’s almost time for the night self-study session. Let’s go to the classroom. We can meet the new
students in our class too.” As Addison said that, she tugged on Elise and left the hostel together. As
they arrived at their classroom, they were met with a bunch of boys who cheered upon their entrance.
One of the more daring male classmates wasted no time before he asked, “Hey, do you happen to be
in the right classroom? This is the Mathematics Faculty!”
At once, Addison retorted, “And? We are Mathematics majors.” Upon hearing that, the male classmate
was excited. “Holy moly! They’re really in our class! Finally, there are some girls! Otherwise, we’d be a
class full of monks.” With her brow raised, she asked, “Are there no other girls in this class?” The boy
then shook his head.
“We’ve only met the two of you thus far.” As he said that, he took a glance at Elise. Due to the mask
she was wearing, he couldn’t see her face clearly, but he deduced that she’d look fine too seeing that
her friend, Addison, was quite the pretty one.
After the brief conversation, the two girls got seated at their respective desks, but the attention from the
rest of the class was hard to miss. Elise might have been used to the attention and gazes, but the
same didn’t apply to Addison. The latter was obviously uncomfortable. She then nudged Elise before
saying sotto voce, “I can’t explain how, but I feel like I’m being watched like prey. If only I knew earlier, I
would have chosen to study foreign languages with Ricky.”
Tossing her a consoling look, Elise said, “Don’t worry! I don’t think it will just be the two of us girls in this
class. There must be other girls who aren’t here yet.” At once, Addison’s face lit up. “Really?” “I think
so.” Just as Elise said that, four girls came through the classroom door. At that moment, the cheer from
the class got even louder. Seeing that, Elise raised her brow and said, “See! Aren’t these girls in our
class?” Hearing that, Addison seemed to be more at ease.
“That’s great! Really great!” In no time, new students slowly filled the classroom. Addison counted the
number of female students in this class and found there were more than 10 of them which took up
around 30 percent of the class. It was a typical class where there were more males than females. While
Elise was fully concentrating on writing on her old exercise book, the rest of the students were busy
chatting away, making her stick out like a sore thumb.
When the homeroom teacher came in, the class quickly quieted down. The teacher was a middle-aged
man. After taking a glance at the class, he finally stopped his gaze on Elise. It lasted for 3 seconds
before he moved his gaze away. “Students, welcome to Tissote University…” After briefing the students
with some precautionary and introductory matters, half an hour had passed. By then, Elise had already
solved a page of questions and was about to work on the next page. However, the homeroom teacher
who was standing on the stage had suddenly called out to her. “Is Elise Sinclair here?”
The students in the class unanimously gasped after hearing that. Obviously, they were familiar with that
name. “The Elise Sinclair who excelled in the college entrance examination?” Some students started
whispering among themselves. Another student said, “It should be! Her results must be more than
enough to enter Tissote University. Not to mention, the chances of someone having the same name
with grades as good must be slim.”
Hearing that the teacher called for her, Elise raised her hand. “Elise, can you please come to my office?
Students, please study on your own in the class. You can also choose to read at the library.” After
saying that, the homeroom teacher left. Feeling curious, Elise put down the pencil in her hand and
closed the exercise book before following suit. In the office, the homeroom teacher no longer wore the
strict image that he had back in the classroom. He gave Elise a warm smile. “Elise, I’m happy that
you’re in the Mathematics Faculty of Tissote University.
If there’s anything you need, you can always let me know. I will be glad to help out.” “Thank you for the
kind offer, sir.” “Don’t mention it. It’s an honor that such a top student is in my class. Aside from that,
there’ll be an opening ceremony for the new semester tomorrow. According to the university’s
arrangement, you will be giving a speech as the top student representative. Do prepare a speech
tonight and take it easy on stage tomorrow.” With a nod, she replied, “Alright.” At this moment, the
office’s door was knocked on, and an elderly man who seemed to be in his sixties came in.
Seeing that, the homeroom teacher took the lead to greet him. “Professor Merlin, why have you come?”
With a chuckle, the professor said, “I’ve come to see the new blood in our Mathematics Faculty. This
must be the legendary Elise Sinclair.” The professor looked at Elise. His hair was half white, but he
seemed to be rather energetic. At once, she said, “Nice to meet you, Professor Merlin. I’m Elise
Sinclair.” “This young girl is quite impressive. With such a talent in Mathematics at this age, she has
great potential in the future!” “You flatter me, Professor Merlin.
I’m just an ordinary student.” Hearing that, the professor was very glad in her response. After all, it was
very rare for someone at her level to be so humble. “Elise, I’m here today to discuss something with
you.” Professor Merlin took a glance at her homeroom teacher at the side before saying in a serious
manner which made her put on a look of curiosity. “The thing is, I’ve been doing scientific research with
a team for the past two years.
I was wondering if you’re willing to join us in this research.” After he said that, even the homeroom
teacher seemed surprised to hear that. For context, Professor Merlin was a senior teacher at the
university. The topics that he conducted research on were mostly hot topics in the country. Even the
homeroom teacher himself didn’t get the chance to join. However, Elise, a first-year freshman, had
actually been chosen by Professor Merlin.
“Professor Merlin, are you serious? She’s just a first-year freshman after all!” The homeroom teacher
couldn’t help but voice out his question. The professor then smiled before saying, “That’s exactly why I
chose her. Since she’s young, I have high hopes for her! Our team can’t always be supported by old
people like us. We should add some fresh blood, shouldn’t we? What do you think, Elise?” It was only
then that she snapped out of her trance.
She knew how important the research topics that the professor mentioned were, and she knew how
rare a chance like this to come by was. However… “I’m sorry, Professor Merlin.
I’m afraid that I can’t join your team.” As soon as she finished saying that, the huge office fell silent.
Even the smile on Professor Merlin’s face faltered a little. Thinking that she might not understand how
big this was, he continued, “If you have any questions or dilemma, you can tell me. Or if you need time,
we can understand. I’m willing to give you some time to consider it.
How about you consider this for two days before you give me an answer?” At this moment, she opened
her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but the professor beat her to it. “That’s all for today! I’m
in no rush anyway. You can take your time and think about it. When you’ve decided, you can come
back to me.”
Needless to say, she understood what he meant. Though she was hesitant, she nodded in the end.
“Alright, I’ll think it through.” Seeing that her answer had changed, the professor seemed more
satisfied. “Alright!
You can go back now! You still have to give a speech at the opening ceremony for the beginning of the
semester. Write the speech well.” Nodding her head, she replied, “I’ll take my leave then, Professor
Merlin, sir.” After saying that, she left the teachers’ office.
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