Of course, Tom introduced her to the people they had just met, explaining who they were, their relationships with him-whether colleagues, teachers, friends, or partners-and their achievements in their respective research fields. Each one was quite impressive and very young.
Agnes was filled with admiration for them. It was as if she had opened the door to a new world, realizing how exceptional people in this circle were.
Finally, Tom managed to bring Agnes into his office, away from the crowd. Before he could start introducing the office to her, two tall traditional young men joyfully knocked on the open door.
Tom and Agnes turned their heads simultaneously. The two boys entered on their own, both looking at Agnes with delight. One of them asked, “Professor, is this your girlfriend?”
These two young men were Tom’s students.
“Yes, this is my fiancee,” Tom answered confidently, a proud smile on his face.
Agnes felt as if he wanted to announce it to the whole world. She felt a bit shy but politely smiled at the boys. “Hello.”
“Hello! Nice to meet you!”
The two boys were particularly happy and seemed very lively. Their faces were full of smiles. “When did you start dating? How come we never knew?”
“Professor, you’ve kept this relationship quite secret! And now she’s already your fiancee!”
“Do you have anything else?” Tom needed to prepare for a meeting and didn’t want them gossiping.
“Professor, are you going back to Arkpool City after finishing this project because you’re getting married?”
“Professor, the power of love is truly great!”
The two boys had really good personalities. They teased while sincerely wishing them well.
Agnes felt particularly shy but also sweet inside, always smiling. Although she wasn’t very old herself, she felt that these two boys were like children-youthful and beautiful.
Tom’s expression remained gentle and not as serious as when he was working, perhaps because Agnes was by his side.
“Didn’t you understand what I said?” Tom asked again. “Do you have any other business?”
“No, no.” One boy cheerfully pulled the other away. “We won’t disturb your romance then. Let’s go!”
“Goodbye!”
Soon, the two of them ran off like a gust of wind.
Tom told Agnes, “They are my students and also my partners. Their hometown is Arkpool City, but they have settled here.”
“Mm-hmm, they’re quite cute.”
Tom turned to look at her and finally let go of her hand. “This is my office; have a seat.”
He then glanced at his watch and looked through the clean glass wall at the large meeting room next door where people were gradually taking their seats around the long conference table.
“I need to attend a meeting; it will take about half an hour and it’s just next door.”
As he said this, he made her a cup of tea with his mug. “This tea is from Arkpool City; try it-it has a taste of home.”
“Okay, thank you.” Agnes quickly walked over to him and took the cup from his hand softly saying, “Go ahead; everyone is almost here. Don’t keep them waiting.”
Agnes didn’t want to be the reason that affected his work. It would make her feel particularly embarrassed and guilty.
Tom looked at the situation over there; more people were coming in one after another. However, he didn’t seem in a hurry but instead opened a drawer and took out two small packs of snacks. “This beef jerky is delicious; you should try it. It might not have much taste at first bite but gets better as you chew.”