Chapter 262,Coolest Girl in Town
At once, Addison retorted, “And? We are Mathematics majors.” Upon hearing that, the male classmate was excited. “Holy moly! They’re really in our class! Finally, there are some girls! Otherwise, we’d be a class full of monks.” With her brow raised, she asked, “Are there no other girls in this class?” The boy then shook his head.
“We’ve only met the two of you thus far.” As he said that, he took a glance at Elise. Due to the mask she was wearing, he couldn’t see her face clearly, but he deduced that she’d look fine too seeing that her friend, Addison, was quite the pretty one.
After the brief conversation, the two girls got seated at their respective desks, but the attention from the rest of the class was hard to miss. Elise might have been used to the attention and gazes, but the same didn’t apply to Addison. The latter was obviously uncomfortable. She then nudged Elise before saying sotto voce, “I can’t explain how, but I feel like I’m being watched like prey. If only I knew earlier, I would have chosen to study foreign languages with Ricky.”
Tossing her a consoling look, Elise said, “Don’t worry! I don’t think it will just be the two of us girls in this class. There must be other girls who aren’t here yet.” At once, Addison’s face lit up. “Really?” “I think so.” Just as Elise said that, four girls came through the classroom door. At that moment, the cheer from the class got even louder. Seeing that, Elise raised her brow and said, “See! Aren’t these girls in our class?” Hearing that, Addison seemed to be more at ease.
“That’s great! Really great!” In no time, new students slowly filled the classroom. Addison counted the number of female students in this class and found there were more than 10 of them which took up around 30 percent of the class. It was a typical class where there were more males than females. While Elise was fully concentrating on writing on her old exercise book, the rest of the students were busy chatting away, making her stick out like a sore thumb.
When the homeroom teacher came in, the class quickly quieted down. The teacher was a middle-aged man. After taking a glance at the class, he finally stopped his gaze on Elise. It lasted for 3 seconds before he moved his gaze away. “Students, welcome to Tissote University…” After briefing the students with some precautionary and introductory matters, half an hour had passed. By then, Elise had already solved a page of questions and was about to work on the next page. However, the homeroom teacher who was standing on the stage had suddenly called out to her. “Is Elise Sinclair here?”
The students in the class unanimously gasped after hearing that. Obviously, they were familiar with that name. “The Elise Sinclair who excelled in the college entrance examination?” Some students started whispering among themselves. Another student said, “It should be! Her results must be more than enough to enter Tissote University. Not to mention, the chances of someone having the same name with grades as good must be slim.”
Hearing that the teacher called for her, Elise raised her hand. “Elise, can you please come to my office? Students, please study on your own in the class. You can also choose to read at the library.” After saying that, the homeroom teacher left. Feeling curious, Elise put down the pencil in her hand and closed the exercise book before following suit. In the office, the homeroom teacher no longer wore the strict image that he had back in the classroom. He gave Elise a warm smile. “Elise, I’m happy that you’re in the Mathematics Faculty of Tissote University.
If there’s anything you need, you can always let me know. I will be glad to help out.” “Thank you for the kind offer, sir.” “Don’t mention it. It’s an honor that such a top student is in my class. Aside from that, there’ll be an opening ceremony for the new semester tomorrow. According to the university’s arrangement, you will be giving a speech as the top student representative. Do prepare a speech tonight and take it easy on stage tomorrow.” With a nod, she replied, “Alright.” At this moment, the office’s door was knocked on, and an elderly man who seemed to be in his sixties came in.
Seeing that, the homeroom teacher took the lead to greet him. “Professor Merlin, why have you come?” With a chuckle, the professor said, “I’ve come to see the new blood in our Mathematics Faculty. This must be the legendary Elise Sinclair.” The professor looked at Elise. His hair was half white, but he seemed to be rather energetic. At once, she said, “Nice to meet you, Professor Merlin. I’m Elise Sinclair.” “This young girl is quite impressive. With such a talent in Mathematics at this age, she has great potential in the future!” “You flatter me, Professor Merlin.
I’m just an ordinary student.” Hearing that, the professor was very glad in her response. After all, it was very rare for someone at her level to be so humble. “Elise, I’m here today to discuss something with you.” Professor Merlin took a glance at her homeroom teacher at the side before saying in a serious manner which made her put on a look of curiosity. “The thing is, I’ve been doing scientific research with a team for the past two years.
I was wondering if you’re willing to join us in this research.” After he said that, even the homeroom teacher seemed surprised to hear that. For context, Professor Merlin was a senior teacher at the university. The topics that he conducted research on were mostly hot topics in the country. Even the homeroom teacher himself didn’t get the chance to join. However, Elise, a first-year freshman, had actually been chosen by Professor Merlin.
“Professor Merlin, are you serious? She’s just a first-year freshman after all!” The homeroom teacher couldn’t help but voice out his question. The professor then smiled before saying, “That’s exactly why I chose her. Since she’s young, I have high hopes for her! Our team can’t always be supported by old people like us. We should add some fresh blood, shouldn’t we? What do you think, Elise?” It was only then that she snapped out of her trance.
She knew how important the research topics that the professor mentioned were, and she knew how rare a chance like this to come by was. However… “I’m sorry, Professor Merlin.
I’m afraid that I can’t join your team.” As soon as she finished saying that, the huge office fell silent. Even the smile on Professor Merlin’s face faltered a little. Thinking that she might not understand how big this was, he continued, “If you have any questions or dilemma, you can tell me. Or if you need time, we can understand. I’m willing to give you some time to consider it.
How about you consider this for two days before you give me an answer?” At this moment, she opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but the professor beat her to it. “That’s all for today! I’m in no rush anyway. You can take your time and think about it. When you’ve decided, you can come back to me.”
Needless to say, she understood what he meant. Though she was hesitant, she nodded in the end. “Alright, I’ll think it through.” Seeing that her answer had changed, the professor seemed more satisfied. “Alright!
You can go back now! You still have to give a speech at the opening ceremony for the beginning of the semester. Write the speech well.” Nodding her head, she replied, “I’ll take my leave then, Professor Merlin, sir.” After saying that, she left the teachers’ office.