Chapter 374

374
Deangelo
Gloria knocked on Deangelo’s office door , carrying a fruit basket .
Lennox , standing beside her , tried to contain his excitement .
Deangelo looked up , surprised to see her . “ Well , what brings you here ? ”
Gloria chuckled and walked in with the basket . “ Guess what brings me here . ”
The two had been old classmates for years and always kept in touch .
“ I had some business in Kanit City , so I thought I’d drop by and see you . By the way , let me introduce you . This is Lennox , my nephew . He’s been passionate about computer science since he was a kid , and he’s quite talented . ”
Lennox’s face lit up with joy as he stepped forward politely . “ Professor Reed , I’ve admired you since I was little . It’s an honor to finally meet you . ”
“ I’ve just been admitted to Kanit University for a master’s degree . ”
The official admission notice from Kanit University hadn’t been issued yet . This kid’s wording was a bit imprecise .
He was definitely not the kind of student Deangelo was looking for .
But Gloria’s visit today was clearly for this purpose .
After so many years of friendship , pulling a few strings wasn’t out of the question .
Deangelo nodded . “ Not bad . ”
He glanced at Gloria and couldn’t help teasing , “ Bringing gifts to win me over ? It’s just taking on a student , not a big deal . ”
Hearing his agreement , Gloria laughed . “ These are freshly picked fruits . I know you’ve got a sweet tooth , so I brought them along for you . ”
Seeing how approachable Deangelo was , Lennox suddenly felt a wave of nerves .
This visit , brought by his aunt , was the best chance he had .
Lennox carefully reached into his pocket and took out a glasses case .
He said earnestly , “ Professor Reed , I’ve always admired you . I heard you have a strong prescription , so I specially prepared this for you . ”
These were custom – made glasses Lennox had commissioned from abroad , worth tens of thousands of dollars .
He wasn’t just hoping to make a good impression , he was also looking for a chance to ask to become Deangelo’s disciple .
There’s a world of difference between being a student and being a disciple .
A student was just an ordinary learner in the classroom , ultimately still an outsider .
But a disciple was like family and the master would teach with wholehearted dedication .
Even Patrick hadn’t been lucky enough to become Deangelo’s disciple .
374
Lennox’s sudden move lett Deangelo staring in disbelief .
Over the years , students had tried to get close to him , but always after building a relationship first . No one had ever asked to become his pers apprentice at their very first meeting .
This was the first time he’d encountered such a direct request .
Gloria’s expression shifted . She looked at Lennox in shock .
She hadn’t expected him to pull something like this out of nowhere .
With a complicated , apologetic look , Gloria glanced at her old classmate , truly regretting bringing Lennox along .
Deangelo’s smile vanished . Without even glancing at the pl
said firmly , “ I don’t take on apprentices , only students . Please take your gift back .
Any further insistence would only invite a scolding .
Lennox hurried to explain , “ Professor Reed , this is just a small token of respect from me as a junior . Even if you don’t accept me , I still want you to have
it . ”
Deangelo’s face darkened . He said sternly , “ University professors cannot be bribed . You must take this back . If word gets out, I could lose my position .
Custom – made glasses require precise measurements . He had no idea where Lennox had gotten the data .
This had crossed Deangelo’s bottom line .
Seeing the professor’s displeasure , Lennox quickly retrieved the glasses case . “ I’m sorry , to a teacher was normal . ”
Deangelo remained expressionless . “ You’re not my student yet . ”
Professor Reed . I didn’t think it through . I thought giving a gift
With such impulsive behavior , he would never accept Lennox as a student . His intentions weren’t right , and he was bound to be nothing but trouble .
“ I’ll have to give it some more thought before agreeing to be your teacher . ”
At these words , Lennox’s expression changed instantly . He was about to speak , but Gloria stopped him and quickly tried to smooth things over . “ Sorry , Deangelo . This kid hasn’t been out in the real world and just got the wrong idea . ”
Gloria added , “ Think it over and do as you wish . ”
AD