In the teaching building of the Medical Department at the University of Maple Grove.
"Where's Flora?" Eilies asked Cynthia, her voice tinged with worry.
Class was about to start in ten minutes, and Flora was nowhere to be seen.
Cynthia, pinching the bridge of her nose, showed Eilies the picture Flora had sent her.
Eilies glanced at it and let out a sigh. "Unbelievable." Jules, a visiting professor at the University of Maple Grove's School of Medicine, rarely taught classes. Today was a special occasion with one of his rare public lectures, and almost every medical student had shown up.
Although the class wasn't set to begin until 8:30 am, by 8:10, the large classroom was already packed to the brim, even the aisles were crammed with students.
At exactly 8:30, Jules walked into the classroom.
Cynthia and Eilies held their breath, silently praying that Jules wouldn't take attendance, and if he did, that he wouldn't call out Flora's name.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtFortunately, Jules seemed uninterested in roll call and dove straight into his lecture. His teaching was clear, concise, and highly practical-nothing like the dry textbook material.
No one dared to lose focus, fearful of missing something important.
About thirty minutes into the lecture, a cool female voice cfrom the doorway, "Excuse me." Everyone instinctively turned toward the door.
There stood Flora.
The room's atmosphere turned from curiosity to a mix of sympathy and amusement.
Being late to Dr. Jules's lecture was a bold move.
Flora was in for it now.
Cynthia and Eilies mentally lit a candle for Flora.
Dr. Jules put down his chalk and turned to look at Flora. Just when everyone expected him to explode in anger, he surprised them with a smile, "Well, look who decided to show up. Thought you were going to skip the whole morning." "I wouldn't dare," Flora replied with a grin.
The crowd was stunned.
What was happening? Flora was half an hour late, yet Dr. Jules wasn't angry. In fact, he seemed almost fond of her.
Was this what being a top achiever got you? "Find a seat," Jules said.
He had something important to discuss with Flora, but the lecture took precedence for now.
But where was she supposed to sit? Every spot was taken, even the aisles.
Jules simply handed his chair from the podium to Flora.
Flora took it without hesitation and settled in a corner.
Once again, the crowd was amazed. Being a top achiever certainly had its perks.
If it were anyone else, Dr. Jules would have thrown them out for being this late. They might have even failed the course.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter the lecture ended, the students were reluctant to leave. Thad flown by, and they wished Dr. Jules could teach for days on end.
As they slowly filed out, Cynthia and Eilies pulled Flora along with them.
"Flora, stay behind," Jules called out.
Cynthia's face filled with concern. Why was Jules keeping Flora back? Was it because she was late?
"Let's go," Eilies said, wrapping an arm around Cynthia's shoulder and steering her out. She understood that Jules and Flora had a unique relationship. Soon, the classroom was empty, except for Flora and Jules.
"Flora," Jules began, rubbing his hands together with a smile.
"What do you want?" Flora asked, her tone cautious.
Didn't I give you the money yesterday? "I have something serious to discuss. Do you know about the University of Maple Grove's medical research laboratory?" Jules's tone turned serious.
Flora nodded. "I've heard of it."
Only the top talents from the University of Maple Grove's Medical Department could get into the lab. They reputed in November, usually just one or two master's or doctoral students, requiring stellar grades and a recommendation letter from the dean. "You wantto join the laboratory?" Flora raised an eyebrow.
Jules nodded. "Freshman year is Fabinininich would mostly basic courses, which would be a waste of your abilities. Spending half a year in the lab, you'd learn more than in five years of college." X