"I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Harris, but I'm not seeking a position in the mathematics department," Joseph replied after a brief pause.Confused, Geoffrey Harris asked, "Does that matter?"Joseph explained carefully, "Mr. Harris, as I mentioned, I've lost many memories, and this loss was deliberately induced. If my identity is as you describe, my presence here today is likely due to my master's wish to keep me out of the public eye. Therefore, I'd prefer if you publish this new solution without revealing my name. Perhaps attribute it to an anonymous faculty member."Geoffrey Harris pondered this, realizing the logic in Joseph's words. Someone of Joseph's caliber would typically be hailed as a national treasure; the current circumstances suggested underlying reasons for discretion."Very well, we'll proceed as you suggest, Mr. Wilson. But please, I implore you to consider a position at our university. Your presence would significantly elevate our academic standing," Geoffrey Harris s
"I may not be able to touch Alice, but that doesn't mean I can't get to others," Raymond Kim replied coldly. "Find out everything you can about this Joseph character and his relationship with Alice."Gripping Jonathan's shoulder, he continued, his voice laced with menace, "Meet me at the Triumphant Metropolis tonight at eight. I'll reserve the most expensive booth for you.""Certainly, Mr. Kim," Jonathan nodded hastily, watching as Raymond stalked away before he too departed.Outside Nova University, Geoffrey Harris led Joseph's group into a hotel. As they entered, he paused, taken aback."Mr. Harris, what a pleasant surprise," a tall, impeccably dressed man approached them."Ah, Professor Charles Martin," Geoffrey Harris recovered quickly, offering a smile and a handshake. "My sincerest apologies, but I have some extremely important guests to attend to. I'm afraid I won't be able to personally welcome you as planned."Joseph's expression flickered momentarily at the mention of Charle
Joseph realized then that Alice's actions had been deliberate. Normally, a woman's personal items were private matters, yet she had intentionally placed it in his pocket. The implications were clear.He pondered why Alice seemed so fond of him. Had he done something significant for her in the past? Was it merely because he had been present throughout her upbringing, leading to a strong sense of attachment? It seemed to be developing into something more romantic.But did he truly have feelings for Alice? He wasn't certain if it was love, but he definitely didn't dislike her. After all, who would willingly spend so much time with someone they disliked? Perhaps this was love, even if it wasn't entirely clear in his mind.Suddenly, his phone vibrated. It was Heidi calling."Hello, Heidi. What's the matter?" Joseph answered."Brother-in-law, are you free? I'd like to treat you to dinner! There's this unique new restaurant near the university called 'Private Kitchen' where you can cook your
"Of course, we'll give you time. I'm just gauging your interest. Let me put it this way: do you have feelings for our Alice?" Blake Morgan rephrased."Mr. Morgan, to be blunt, given my current situation and Alice's young age, I fear I might hold her back," Joseph admitted, voicing his genuine concerns."Joseph, you're overthinking this. With your status, how could you possibly hold her back? As long as you two are in love, I can make it happen. Remember, my word is still law in this family," Blake Morgan declared confidently, his face slightly flushed from the wine at lunch."Mr. Morgan, rest assured, regardless of what happens, Alice will always be my closest person. I'll protect her for life," Joseph promised.However, by this time, Blake Morgan had dozed off in the backseat, his steady breathing audible.The drive from Nova University to Morgan Group, usually a 20-minute journey, took nearly an hour due to traffic. Upon arrival, Joseph gently woke Blake Morgan and escorted him to h
"Mr. Anderson, could you come take a look? I've never handled a case like this before," Lorraine called out, feeling out of her depth. The information she had uncovered seemed too surreal."What is it? Let me see!" Mr. Anderson walked over, his brow furrowed as he looked at the computer screen. As he read the information, his frown deepened."24 years old, national-level physician?" Mr. Anderson's voice had changed. He couldn't fathom how the young man before him could be a national-level physician."Is there a problem?" Joseph asked with a smile, his face calm."Of course there's a problem. How is this possible?" Mr. Anderson responded instinctively."But I did pass the exam. I passed it a while ago. I'm just here to get a physical copy of the certificate. Is that so difficult to process?" Joseph said with a wry smile."Young man, are you sure there's no mistake with this information?" Mr. Anderson asked."Whether there's a mistake or not, shouldn't you know? The information is from
"Thank you. I doubt we'll have many opportunities to interact in the future," Joseph replied candidly after expressing his gratitude."But Mr. Wilson, you're a national-level physician, and I'm in the health department. We're both in the medical field, practically family," Richard persisted. "Besides, everyone falls ill at some point, becoming a patient. You're a miracle worker, Mr. Wilson. If I ever need help in the future, I hope I can count on your assistance.""You're certainly thinking ahead," Joseph chuckled, sipping his tea.They continued their casual conversation for about fifteen minutes until a knock on the door interrupted them."Who is it?" Richard called out."Mr. Anderson, I've completed everything and brought Mr. Wilson's documents," Lorraine's voice came from outside."Come in," Richard said, frowning slightly."Mr. Anderson, Mr. Wilson, all the documents are ready, including some that aren't immediately necessary. With these, Mr. Wilson's status as a qualified and li
"Isn't that Jonathan, the one always following Raymond Kim? What's he up to now? Is he planning something nefarious? I can't let him," Alice frowned, irritated by Raymond Kim's persistent harassment.As she moved to get out of the car, Joseph gently held her back. "Let it go. They're probably targeting me. If it's just me, it's fine.""Why would they target you? That's even worse! What if they try to harm you?" Alice protested."Trust me, it's alright. I can handle this," Joseph assured her with a smile.Reluctantly, Alice relented under Joseph's insistence."They've lost their minds. Why target you?" Alice muttered, frustrated."It's probably because a certain silly girl told everyone I'm her boyfriend today. She doesn't realize how beautiful she is or how many admirers she has. I'm in for some trouble now," Joseph sighed, instinctively tapping Alice's nose.This casual, natural gesture suddenly brought tears to Alice's eyes."Hey, don't cry. I'm fine, really. These people can't do a
"Ahem... Richard, calm down. Even if it were a serious illness, you need to listen to me first. Don't jump to conclusions, alright? You're not a young man anymore. How can you be so easily rattled?" Tristan said calmly."Well... alright, Uncle Flores. Go ahead, I'm listening. I'm prepared for anything. I'm old enough now, I can handle it," Richard said, sitting back down, his expression grim. He couldn't help but think bitterly, "Of course you're not worried—you're not the one who's ill. Why is everyone in this hospital so nonchalant?""Your condition could be minor or severe," Tristan Flores remarked, examining the X-ray films.Richard Anderson, his complexion still pallid, replied, "Please, Uncle Flores, tell me what you've found.""We've caught it in its early stages. With prompt treatment, you should make a full recovery. However, if left untreated, it could progress to a more serious condition. You ought to be grateful to that young man. Without his warning, this ailment might ha