I rubbed my belly, which now sported a new layer of fat, feeling doubly sad at the thought of not being able to enjoy Royal Chef's food for a while....The next day.Luke and I went to visit Professor Joseph Mannings, the honorary chairman of the National AI Association and a professor at Brookshire University. He had published numerous academic papers internationally and had been deeply involved in the field of artificial intelligence for many years. Despite being offered high salaries, he had turned down many companies that wanted to hire him as a technical consultant.Many of the notable talents in the AI field were his former students, as he had a knack for spotting gifted individuals and took special care of them. This had earned him an excellent reputation.If we could convince him to mentor Jon, it would greatly benefit Jon's future development.It was the weekend, and Professor Mannings gave lectures to children in an interest class every Saturday. I prepared some materi
Our first attempt was unsuccessful, so Luke and I spent the afternoon trying to track down another expert, Professor Killiney. He was a true authority in the field, well past retirement age, and now living out his golden years in the suburbs.Known for his eccentric personality, he disliked socializing. He often said that businessmen reeked of money and that today's students were too impatient to conduct proper research. Apart from occasional interactions with a few long-time friends, he turned away all visitors.Luke had tried to meet him several times before regarding Hengton matters, but never succeeded."Mr. Walker, couldn't we put him last on the list?" I asked. Compared to Professor Mannings, our chances with him seemed slim."Let's give it a try. Professor Yan has many students. Compared to him, Professor Killiney might be a better fit for Jon.""Jon's situation is unique, and Professor Killiney is eccentric. Who knows what kind of clash might occur if we put them together?
Even if I don't meet someone who matches my personality and can be my lifelong partner, I could always adopt a child.Despite being hurt before, I still look forward to the future with enthusiasm."Have you thought about what your child's father might be like?" Luke asked.I shook my head. "Who can predict the future?""What about you, Mr. Walker? What's your ideal wife like?"I wanted to know how Joey appeared in Luke's mind."Someone like you would be great."Did Luke mean I was similar to Joey in some ways?How annoying!I felt displeased."You're great. Don't doubt yourself," he added."..." I wasn't doubting myself, I was doubting his eyesight!There was a world of difference between Joey and me. Compared to her, my character was far superior!Not wanting to continue this topic, I reminded him of our purpose for being here.As we approached the fisherman, a golden retriever suddenly leaped out from the waist-high grass nearby, barking loudly.Caught off guard, I fli
"I've watched others fish.""..." I had hoped that Luke would demonstrate exceptional fishing skills to impress Professor Killiney. The expectation was lovely, but reality was harsh.Before meeting Professor Killiney, I should have done more research about him. Knowing he had a golden retriever, I could have brought some dog food or treats. Maybe that would have helped us get on the dog's good side.After a while, Luke was still figuring things out. I took out my phone and found the contact information for the salesman who sold us the fishing gear. I asked him about setting up and using the equipment.The salesman was very patient and offered a video call. Luke, gifted in learning, quickly grasped the basics under the salesman's guidance.After thanking the salesman and ending the call, I stood nervously nearby, watching Luke as he finished preparing.He was remarkably calm, casually casting the line. His relaxed demeanor made him look like a seasoned angler, quite convincing.L
The other anglers sought advice. Luke, without a hint of nervousness, calmly shared his "techniques": "Fishing requires patience. Just wait a bit longer, and you'll catch something."Luke had a trustworthy face, making his words easily convincing. The anglers didn't doubt him at all.I glanced at the fish bait by Luke's feet, wondering if that might be the reason for his success.Some anglers had the same thought. As one reached for the bait, a hand beat him to it."I believe you should return my bait now," said Professor Killiney!I looked at him, pleasantly surprised.After speaking, Professor Killiney pocketed the bait, showing no intention of sharing with the other anglers.Sensing his unfriendly demeanor, the anglers wisely left.Once they were gone, Professor Killiney took out the bait and examined the ingredient list on the package. "Has something inappropriate been added to this?""I bought this bait from a professional fishing store. It shouldn't have any issues," I e
Just after returning to the hotel, I received a call from the staff at the interest class center. My heart raced as I silently hoped for good news.As I answered the phone, my heart skipped a beat. "Hello...""The man who came with you today isn't your husband, and you don't have a child! Your only goal was to meet Professor Mannings!"The caller's voice was angry.Their words felt like a bucket of cold water over my head. "I'm sorry, we were just...""Don't bother waiting. Professor Mannings won't see you!"Before I could explain, they hung up.Johnsonville was nearly a thousand kilometers from Brookshire. It was impressive that the staff had managed to discover Luke and I weren't married in such a short time.The path to Professor Mannings was now closed. I reported this to Luke.Luke pondered for a moment. "Where there's a will, there's a way.""I don't think Professor Killiney is completely unreasonable. We should try to meet him again," I said, opening Professor Killiney
He said he would inform me when the student's career reached its lowest point.How considerate of Luke to think about my feelings! I really should thank him!...The next morning, Luke and I were prepared to leave. Just as we left the hotel, we bumped into Joey.Joey called out, "Luke!" and affectionately linked her arm with mine.I wasn't close to Joey and didn't like physical contact with her. I stiffened, resisting the urge to remove her arm from mine."You're going to the AI conference, right? I'm going there for an interview. We're going in the same direction, so we could share a ride."Joey was in Brookshire for the AI conference, and her schedule coincided with ours.Luke was the type to hide his feelings. He liked Joey but had trouble expressing it. Given his usual behavior, he probably hadn't invited Joey to join us on the flight earlier. I must have misunderstood."Jen and I have work to discuss on the way. It wouldn't be convenient," Luke said, outright rejecting he
Couldn't Joey read the room?Luke had already shown a strong aversion to her at the hotel entrance. Her continued attempts to warm up to him were just asking for trouble.In those CEO romance novels I used to read, the seductive female lead would privately sweet-talk the male lead when he was angry. If all else failed, she'd push him down and sleep with him, instantly thawing their relationship.Or she'd act pitiful, waiting somewhere, gazing at the male lead with puppy eyes until he softened and approached her.With Luke being so tight-lipped and Joey so inflexible, if they managed to end up together, Cupid's red thread would have to be as strong as steel wire.Seeing Luke's sour expression, Joey came to my side. "Are you heading back to Johnsonville right after the conference? Besides attending the AI conference, I'm also here to interview Professor Mannings."At the mention of Professor Mannings, my eyes lit up. I was about to speak, but catching sight of Luke's cold face, I q