Kayden couldn’t refuse Professor Flores’ request, especially since he needed some help from this eccentric professor. Only when Professor Flores felt satisfied would he be willing to share his knowledge without reservation. Thus, Kayden agreed to his request.
Professor Flores was elated by Kayden’s agreement. He expressed his gratitude, “Thank you so much! I believe with your help I can definitely solve the issues that have been troubling me.”
Then Professor Flores started pouring out his doubts, all of which related to traditional medicine. It’s exactly Kayden’s area of expertise, so Kayden answered each question with seriousness and precision.
As their talk went on, Professor Flores felt himself got more and more insight into traditional medicine. His eyes sparkled with delight. It felt as if the knots in his heart had suddenly unraveled.
Yet their conversations totally bewildered other teachers in the office. Their limited understanding of traditional medicine made it difficult for them to follow Kayden’s reasoning.
While Professor Flores could grasp most of the content, he still needed to write down some details for further study later on.
The discussion lasted for half an hour. This was likely the day Kayden spoke the most.
Finally they finished the last question. Professor Flores made no attempt to disguise his admiration for Kayden. He praised, “What a genius you are! I’ve discussed these issues with many experts in traditional medicine but never found the answers. Yet now I received such quick solutions from you. May I ask which college you graduated from? I’d love to know who your mentor is.”
Kayden froze for a moment. Actually he had no idea who his mentor was. He had met an old man in Battlefield who asked him for money to buy liquor every day. Out of kindness, Kayden had never refused and always gave him money. One day, the old man invited Kayden to join for a drink, and Kayden got so drunk after just one sip that he passed out. When him woke up again, he felt an inexplicably powerful strength inside his body.
He didn’t know what happened after he passed out, but he awoke with this strength.
Clearly Kayden had no intention of answering this question, so Professor Flores kindly said, “I get it, sir.”
His address to Kayden had shifted from “young man” to “sir.” It reflected the respect he now held for Kayden. It was clear that Kayden had earned his admiration.
“But,” Professor Flores continued, “At least you can share your educational background, right? I’d like to know which college you graduated from. I genuinely can’t imagine what kind of school could produce such a talent like you.”
Kayden gave him a nod and gently replied, “Strictly speaking, I didn’t even graduate from high school.”
As soon as these words left his mouth, all other teachers in the office exchanged skeptical glances. “How is that possible? How could someone who didn’t even graduate from high school answer these questions?”
“It’s truly hard to believe.”
Professor Flores’ forehead was bunched in a frown, but then he gave a thumb-up. “True talent isn’t determined by academic credentials but by actual ability. All theory is built on practice. Your skills certainly qualify you to be my mentor. I’ve said before, whoever can answer my questions is my mentor. I wonder if I have the honor to be your student.”
The word “mentor” left all other teachers stunned. They could hardly believe that a young man in his mid-twenties was honored as “mentor” by a highly respected senior professor. Professor Flores had been a prominent figure at many conferences and teacher training sessions, but now he chose a young man to be his “mentor.”
They thought in heart that Professor Flores must have lost his mind!
Kayden carefully observed Professor Flores, and he found this professor was distinctly different from the others. Typically, someone of Professor Flores’ stature at this age would rarely seek guidance from others, even in the area they were not familiar with. Sometimes even when others offered them the answers, they would likely feel dissatisfied. But Professor Flores was quite the opposite.
Kayden very appreciated his attitude.
At the thought, he sized up Professor Flores again and pondered for a moment. “You may be somewhat lacking in natural talent, but given your sincerity, I’ll go along with your wishes.”
Instantly everyone in the office was pop-eyed with disbelief. Did he just question Professor Flores’ talent?!
They thought Kayden must be out of his mind.
Many people aspired to be Professor Flores’ student but lacked even the qualifications, while this guy…
They couldn’t comprehend it. Anyway, their limited thinking constrained their imagination.
“You’re right, sir. I do lack in natural talent,” Professor Flores answered with great humility.
Then he asked, “By the way, sir, would you be interested in becoming a teacher at our school? No, I mean a professor. Would you be interested in a professorship? If you agree, I’ll arrange everything for you immediately. I’ll advocate for the best benefits and special privileges on your behalf. If you become a professor at our school, I believe your influence will be felt worldwide. By then people will be attracted by not only your achievements in traditional medicine, but your unique educational philosophy and methods.”
Professor Flores was so excited that he could hardly contain himself, as if he could already envision Kayden reaching the pinnacle of his career.
All other teachers’ eyes were so wide open as if they’re bursting from sockets. Such words might sound like jokes coming from someone else, but they were absolutely credible when coming from Professor Flores. No one could doubt his influence. He had the power to make this young man a professor.
A professor at such a young age was truly enviable. It’s a height many had no way to achieve even if they might have spent their lives striving for it. For a split second, all envious glances directed at Kayden.
“I’m sorry, but I have no interest.” Kayden rejected firmly and decisively.
A wave of whispers swept through the room.
“He actually rejected the offer! Is he out of his mind?”
“Crazy, he must have rocks in his head!”
In the Southwest, there had never been a professor as young as twenty-five or so. As long as Kayden accepted the offer, he would become the youngest professor in the area. With just a little effort, he could easily achieve both fame and fortune.
This was a life everyone wished for, but he refused!
What a waste!
If it weren’t for the fact that they had just met today, some teachers would have already stepped forward to persuade Kayden.
However, Professor Flores didn’t seem disappointed by Kayden’s rejection; instead, he appeared to have anticipated this outcome. He let out a sigh and said, “I understand that, sir. Given your ability, you can reach higher position than this one.”
“Alright, let’s drop this topic. Professor Flores, I have something important to discuss with you. Could we find a quiet place to talk in detail?” Kayden asked politely.