Chapter 1859
When Karina arrived at the classroom, the bell rang the moment she stepped in.
Glancing around, she saw that all the seats were neatly filled. Hurriedly, she found a spot in the guest section and sat down.
Her presence naturally drew curious glances from the students. It wasn’t every day a guest showed up in Professor Cruz’s class-something that had likely never happened before.
Professor Cruz, elderly and slow on his feet, arrived late, long after the bell had rung. He walked in leisurely, clutching a thermos, exuding a relaxed air. Dressed in a simple jacket, he looked more like someone out for a stroll than a professor about to deliver a lecture. “Hello, class,” he greeted warmly as he reached the podium, smiling at the students.
A chorus of voices immediately replied, “Hello, Professor.”
Karina joined in, her voice blending with the others.
Expecting the lecture to begin, she took out her laptop, notebook, and pen, ready to take notes.
But then Professor Cruz looked directly at her, still smiling. “Today, we have a new student joining us. I’m delighted to welcome her.”
All eyes turned to Karina, making her feel a little overwhelmed.
It wasn’t that she had social anxiety-just that being the sudden center of attention in a room full of people was slightly unnerving.
Thankfully, the lecture soon started, and the attention shifted back to the professor.
*
The class itself was extraordinary.
If Karina had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be that Professor Cruz truly lived up to his reputation as one of the giants in the medical field. His knowledge was unparalleled.
During the 45-minute session, Karina found herself completely captivated. Countless questions she’d long had were answered, and her eyes practically sparkled with newfound understanding. When the lecture ended, she felt a twinge of regret it was over far too quickly.
Around her, students began packing up and chatting.
“I love his lectures, but honestly, halfway through, I start struggling to keep up. His pace is so fast,” one student complained.
“Really? I think it’s fine. If only he’d teach more often,” another replied.
Karina couldn’t agree more. She already wanted to attend another one.
As she packed her things, most of the students had already left the classroom.
A young woman was waiting for her just outside the door.
“Excuse me, can I help you?” Karina asked, surprised.
The woman, who appeared to be in her twenties, gave her a kind smile. “I’m Professor Cruz’s assistant. Please follow me.” Karina suddenly remembered. Wilfred had mentioned he had arranged a meeting with the professor after the lecture. Impressed by his thoughtfulness, Karina followed the assistant to the professor’s office.
Unlike the shared faculty offices with rows of desks, Professor Cruz had his own private office-a special privilege for someone of his stature.
As soon as she stepped inside, Karina’s attention was drawn to a piece of calligraphy hanging on the wall.
It was, frankly, terrible.
“How should I even describe it? It’s just… bad,” she muttered without thinking.
A voice from inside immediately responded, full of humor, “It is awful, isn’t it? wrote that years ago, full of confidence. I ignored all the warnings and hung it up anyway. Too late to regret it now.”
Karina froze, realizing she had accidentally said her thoughts out loud.
Blushing, she quickly apologized. “I’m so sorry, Professor Cruz, I didn’t mean to—”
But Professor Cruz let out a hearty laugh. “What’s there to apologize for? You, young folks these days are so timid. It’s just a lousy piece of calligraphy. If it’s bad, it’s bad. Why shouldn’t you say so?”