Chapter 1860

“Come, sit down. I hear you’re one of Wilfred’s students? I know him well. His students are practically my own,” Professor Cruz said with a warm smile the moment Karina sat down, catching her off guard. “You know Dr. Wilfred?” she blurted out, then immediately realized how silly the question sounded. Of course, they knew each other. How else could Wilfred have arranged for her to attend the lecture? Professor Cruz chuckled, unbothered by her slip. Instead, he found her straightforwardness rather refreshing.
As he looked at her, he let out a sigh, seemingly lost in thought. “Good, good… I had thought that kid might…” He trailed off, speaking more to himself than to Karina.
Karina didn’t catch his last comment.
“I hear from Wilfred that you’re here to discuss your paper?” Professor Cruz asked, steering the conversation back. “Did you bring it with you?”
“Yes, I did,” Karina said quickly, pulling out her paper with care and handing it over.
Professor Cruz slipped on a pair of reading glasses and began reviewing it meticulously, making thoughtful “hmm” sounds as he read.
Karina, nervous, felt her palms grow damp. Unable to bear the silence, she said shyly, “It’s my first paper, so it’s probably full of mistakes. I hope you won’t find it too laughable, Professor.”
Hearing that, Professor Cruz glanced up, surprised. “What? Not at all. I think it’s very well done.”
Karina’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn’t expected such high praise from someone of his stature. It felt like a monumental compliment.
She stammered, “But… the Association said my paper wasn’t good enough.”
The rejection email from the Tree of Life Association had been filled with criticisms her topic didn’t align with their values, her arguments were off-track, and so on. The nitpicking had been endless. Karina had kept her composure, but anyone else might have been furious
Professor Cruz removed his glasses with a scoff. “That’s just how they are. Don’t take their nonsense too seriously. For a first attempt, this is excellent.” Hearing those words, Karina felt a flicker of hope reignite.
“Do you think it can be published, Professor?” she asked eagerly.
“Before answering that, let me ask you what do you want to achieve with this paper?” he replied, catching her off guard.
For a moment, Karina hesitated under his sharp gaze. It was as if he were peering straight into her soul.
But she quickly steadied herself,
ready for this question. Her voice
was as firm as it had been when she first made her decision. “I believe doctors should focus on their responsibilities, not play political games like bureaucrats.
“If the power to make decisions always rests in the hands of the elite, then those beneath them will remain voiceless and displaced.”
When she finished, she saw a glimmer of approval in Professor Cruz’s eyes.
He sighed deeply. “You and Wilfred really are two peas in a pod. That’s a good thing. With people like you both, we old-timers can feel reassured about the future of this field.”
“Don’t worry,” he continued. “I’ll talk
to Professor Zeller about this.Ä“
Honestly, that old man-he’s far too old to be giving two young people such a hard time. Ridiculous
With his promise, Karina finally felt the weight lift from her shoulders. For the first time, she could truly relax.