Chapter 105: Professor’s Reconciliation
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Professor Lei’s office was not lavishly decorated. Only a desk and a bookcase called the room its home.
Qu Xiao surveyed the room, searching for an ancient book she had hoped to find. Unfortunately, the book in question was nowhere in sight. Taking the seat opposite Lei Qiming, she awaited his answer.
An old man and a young woman were locked in a staring contest, neither willing to admit defeat.
A bitter look flashed in Lei Qiming’s eyes. Perhaps it was old age, but he was first to avert his eyes, rubbing them tiredly.
With impatience tinging his words, he broke the silence and said, “I don’t like utilitarian students.”
“Although I came up with the questions for the knowledge competition, it’s impossible for a high school student to get full marks.”
“I’m not interested in finding out how you managed to buy the answers and get into the Department of Chinese Medicine at ‘A’ university, but that doesn’t mean I approve of you.”
Lei Qiming spoke out about his prejudice, stunning Qu Xiao for a moment.
“Professor, the examination hall blocks all signals; there wouldn’t have been any chance for me to communicate with someone outside for the answers. Still, if you I have cheated, allow me to prove my innocence. Test me on anything from the basic theory of Chinese medicine to the adjustments needed in formulating prescriptions. If I fail to answer a single question, I’ll voluntarily drop out of university. You need not see me ever again!” Qu Xiao replied with a chuckle.
Qu Xiao’s entire body exuded confidence, and Lei Qiming found himself doubting his previous assumptions.
He rolled his eyes and pulled out a pair of sheets he had prepared for the class, motioning for her to attempt them. Not even the two top students answered the question correctly.
Yet… Qu Xiao’s answer was crisp and straightforward; a textbook answer. It was one he could not find faults.
Lei Qiming frowned, and a look of surprise flashed across his eyes as he asked, “You are very young. How do you have such a deep understanding of Chinese medicine?”
“I have been interested in Chinese medicine since a young age, and I would like to think I have some talent in the field,” Qu Xiao replied indifferently.
Lei Qiming put away his textbook, and his attitude softened a little.
“Is that so? I find it hard to believe that you would enrol as a student in the Department of Chinese Medicine just for your studies. What is it you are hoping to achieve?”
Lei Qiming had lived a long life and seen all sorts of people. He was not an academician who spent his whole life conducting research and could often discern a party’s personality and intentions with a glance.
His experience led him to become a professor at ‘A’ university instead of some private hire for the various medical companies offering him jobs left and right. Rather than making academic and financial pursuits his primary interests, Lei Qiming felt he would rather reach and raise successive generations of outstanding doctors.
When he saw Qu Xiao, Lei Qiming knew at once that she was not interested in studying for the sake of studying but out of a strong sense of purpose. As a teacher, he wanted to know what it was.
Qu Xiao nodded, smiling freely. “My husband cannot stand because of a rare condition in his legs. I want to cure him, but I can’t do it with my current ability and the medical equipment that I can come into contact with. So I want to join your research group. This way, I can use your laboratory and help you with your current research project…”
Qu Xiao heard the news through Shang Xinchen. Lei Qiming studied the human body’s nervous system and how it could be directed artificially.
Lei Qiming did not expect Qu Xiao to be so honest. He subconsciously shifted his gaze elsewhere, clenching his hands into a fist as he coughed.
“What makes you think I’ll agree to it?”
“My project team needs to go through several rounds of assessments. It’s unfair to the other students if I allow you to join at the drop of a hat,” Lei Qiming refused, but Qu Xiao was not ready to give up.
A calm smile hung on her face the whole time, “Professor, I have a lot of time. I will follow you wherever you go if you don’t agree. No matter where you go, I will be there. I hope you’ll get used to my presence…”
“You! How can a young girl be so shameless?” Lei Qiming pointed at Qu Xiao angrily. He was so mad his white hair almost stood on end.
Qu Xiao shrugged her shoulders and touched the ring on her finger, speaking softly, “This is my conviction. If you had someone you loved and watched them struggle through life as I have, would you be willing to let them suffer when you could do something about it? I wouldn’t! I would even take on the curse of his illness if I could, but I can’t, so I can only do what I can to help him… even if it costs me everything… even if it costs me every shred of my dignity…” Qu Xiao’s words flowed naturally, reflecting the deep love she bore in her heart.
Lei Qiming was touched when he heard her words. It reminded him of his wife, who had stayed at home for half her life.
He stared at Qu Xiao’s clear black and white eyes and sighed helplessly. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance.”
“After school tomorrow, follow me to the laboratory. As long as you meet my requirements, I’ll let you join the project team.”
After Lei Qiming said that, Qu Xiao stood up abruptly and bowed deeply to him.
Qu Xiao did it two times in a row. When she bent down to bow for the third time, Lei Qiming hurriedly stood up and used his hand to stop her. With bad luck, he spat on the wood, “Are you trying to curse me? Hurry up and leave. I feel annoyed just looking at you.”
“See you tomorrow, Professor!”
“No matter what kind of test you give me, I will persevere!”
Qu Xiao could not control the smile on her face. She pushed the door open and walked out, humming a merry tune.
Lei Qiming sat in his office chair and picked up Qu Xiao’s exam paper from the knowledge competition again. Could it be that she was a genius?
Her elegant handwriting, clear answers, and precise understanding of medicinal herbs… she was very good.
Lei Qiming did not realise that his impression of Qu Xiao was slowly changing.
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