A hint of embarrassment colored Long Su's cheeks as he gestured to the humble furnishings of his home.
"As you can see, my family's circumstances are quite modest," he confessed, his voice tinged with a blend of humility and resignation.
Drawing a deep breath, he steeled himself for the task at hand—a delicate negotiation that held the potential to forever alter the trajectory of his life.
"In truth, I have been courted by several top-ranking universities," he admitted, the weight of the looming decision resting heavily upon his shoulders.
"Each has offered enticing benefits in an effort to secure my enrollment."
Qiao Feng's gaze intensified, his curiosity piqued by the revelation.
" what conditions have these institutions proposed?" He inquired, his tone betraying a hint of urgency.
Long Su's mind raced as he carefully crafted his response, weaving a delicate tapestry of truth and embellishment.
"Wu University, currently ranked twelfth, has offered a substantial sum of one hundred credits," he revealed, his voice steady despite the gravity of the discussion.
"Furthermore, they have extended an invitation to reside within the urban confines of their esteemed campus."
As the words left his lips, Long Su's gaze flitted between Professor Hu and Qiao Feng, the subtlest hint of a satisfied smile ghosting across his features.
Their pursuit of him, all the way to his humble abode, revealed the depth of their interest in securing his matriculation at Sederth University.
Seizing the opportunity, Long Su channeled the spirit of a lion—bold, confident, and unafraid to vocalize his desires.
Professor Hu and Qiao Feng exchanged a knowing glance, the air between them crackling with anticipation.
With a warm smile, Professor Hu made his offer:
"I implore you to choose Sederth University as the institution that will nurture your potential and guide you on the path to success."
As Long Su listened intently, the professor outlined the terms of their proposal.
"Upon acceptance into our esteemed establishment, you will receive one hundred credits to aid in your academic pursuits."
" Additionally, you will be granted the privilege of freely redeeming five first-level of spells, combat techniques, or ready-made buildings."
Intrigued by the proposition, Long Su sought clarification on the enigmatic redemption coupons.
"Forgive my ignorance, Professor Hu, but could you expound upon the nature of these coupons?"
Nodding in understanding, Professor Hu proceeded to elucidate the intricacies of the university's credit system.
"Within the hallowed halls of our institution, the acquisition of higher learning, be it spells, combat techniques, or building credits, necessitates the expenditure of credits. "
"For example, a level one spell demands a minimum of ten credits, while more potent incantations may require upwards
of twenty. "
"Similarly, a level one building necessitates a substantial investment of one hundred credits, and combat techniques command a fee exceeding two hundred credits."
As Qiao Feng interjected to emphasize the extraordinary value of the five first-level exchange coupons, Long Su's mind began to whirl with calculations.
After a thorough comparison of the offers laid before him, it became abundantly clear that Sederth University provided the most advantageous benefits—a generous financial incentive,
proximity to his home, and the promise of unparalleled academic opportunities.
With the prospect of attending a university a mere ten hours north of his hometown, Long Su found himself drawn to the allure of Sederth University, its halls of knowledge now tantalizingly within reach.
An air of anticipation hung heavy in the room as Long Su grappled with the weight of the decision before him.
Sensing his indecision, Professor Hu swiftly cleared his throat, seizing the opportunity to sweeten the deal.
"Long Su, as a token of our burgeoning camaraderie, should you choose to sign the application agreement today, I will personally introduce you to one of our esteemed elder professors,"
he proposed, his voice ringing with conviction. "Bear in mind that even at a first-class university, securing a mentor of such stature is a rare privilege, for elder professors are not only the backbone of our institution but also key decision-makers."
The revelation elicited a chorus of astonishment from both Long Su and Qiao Feng, their eyes widening in disbelief.
Undeterred, Professor Hu pressed on, his voice tinged with a hint of pride.
"Consider this: despite my Level 6 standing, I am regarded as a teacher of standard caliber within our university. "
"Were I to transition to a less prestigious institution, however, I would easily assume the mantle of an elder professor. Such is the caliber of our esteemed faculty."
As the depth of Sederth University's academic prowess began to crystallize in Long Su's mind, Professor Hu continued his impassioned discourse.
"It is worth noting that only those of Level 5 standing are granted the distinction of 'teacher' at our university, offering you an unparalleled educational experience from the moment you set foot on campus. "
"Should a normal professor—or even an elder professor—elect to take you under their wing, you would receive their invaluable mentorship from the outset."
Long Su's breathing grew labored as the gravity of Professor Hu's words settled upon him.
Indeed, the guidance of a seasoned mentor would not only accelerate his academic progress but also provide access to a vast network of professional connections.
Moreover, having an elder professor in his corner could open doors that would otherwise remain firmly shut, elevating his standing among his peers.
The allure of Sederth University intensified as visions of unparalleled opportunity danced before Long Su's eyes.
With each passing moment, the corridors of this esteemed institution seemed to transform into a gateway to a brighter, more promising future.
As the trio continued their discourse, the dimly lit room gradually grew alive with possibility.
Long Su found himself increasingly drawn to the potential that awaited him at Sederth University—a world of knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity that now seemed tantalizingly within reach.
In the face of such a life-altering decision, Long Su drew upon every ounce of his resolve, weighing the promises and prospects against the path that had brought him to this moment.
he didn't speak because all of this is just words from mouth without a officially offering
"If the elder professor didn't accept you, then now I am officially offering to accept you as my personal student, just like Qiao Feng."
"Really!?" Thinking of this, long su breathing became heavy.
A cloud of confusion descended upon Qiao Feng's brow as he observed the exchange between his mentor and Long Su.
Their once formal interaction had given way to an unexpected rapport, their words laced with an unmistakable warmth.
Qiao Feng parted his lips to interject, yet no sound escaped him, the peculiar shift in dynamics leaving him at a loss for words.
The air crackled with anticipation as Long Su, undeterred by the sudden intimacy, announced his decision.
"I am honored to accept your invitation and apply to Sederth University!" His declaration rang with conviction,
a testament to the allure of the institution's unparalleled benefits—benefits that far outweighed the hollow promises of other universities.
A grin spread across Professor Hu's face, his delight at Long Su's choice evident in the crinkles around his eyes.
"Excellent! Little Green, kindly fetch the contract," he exclaimed, beckoning Qiao Feng with a jovial nickname that seemed at odds with the formality of the occasion.
Still grappling with the unexpected turn of events, Qiao Feng shot a questioning glance at his mentor before producing two copies of the agreement, which he promptly handed to Huo Ling.
Long Su, oblivious to the undercurrent of confusion, scanned the terms of the contract with an attentive eye.
Finding no cause for concern, he affixed his signature, sealing his commitment to Sederth University.
"Splendid, Long Su! I eagerly anticipate our reunion at Sederth University in a fortnight," Professor Hu declared, his voice ringing with infectious enthusiasm.
"As for the university fair tomorrow, rest assured that your attendance is no longer necessary. "
" By signing this contract, you have effectively secured your place among our esteemed student body and are no longer subject to the enticements of rival institutions."
With their business concluded, Long Su and Professor Hu exchanged contact information, a gesture that seemed to solidify the bond that had blossomed between them.
As Professor Hu and Qiao Feng prepared to take their leave, the atmosphere was charged with an air of excitement and possibility.
Once they had ventured beyond the confines of Long Su's residence, Qiao Feng seized the opportunity to address the elephant in the room.
"Teacher," he whispered, his voice tinged with a hint of confusion, "why did you offer to mentor Long Su personally? You've always been more interested in research than teaching."
A hint of exasperation crept into Professor Hu's features as he playfully cuffed Qiao Feng on the back of his green-haired head.
"Ah, my dear Little Green," he sighed, "you'll come to understand that once Long Su grasps the importance of research, his dedication to the field will rival our own. In time, all other considerations will fall by the wayside."
As the pair made their way back to Sederth University, their conversation drifted towards the potential they had seen in Long Su and the bright future that awaited him—a future in which research