Dragon Slayer:The King’s Return

"This is my student, Mandy. I believe you've already met, so I won't go into more detail," Professor Manshtein said as he sat next to Mandy. Lin Nian and Lin Xian sat opposite them. On the table were silver utensils, covered ceramic plates with food ready underneath.

"I heard that Professor Manshtein has considerable influence at the academy. To be honest, I'm flattered that you've personally come to recruit students in our small city," Lin Nian said.

"I am the chairperson of the Discipline Committee at Cassell Academy, responsible for student conduct and occasionally involved in financial expenditures. Many students at our school are misbehaving and damaging property, and someone has to keep them in check, or the board of trustees will get louder," Professor Manshtein nodded. "As for why I came personally, our principal follows an absolute education system, and all troubles must make way for education. So, as the chair of the Discipline Committee, it's only natural for me to come and meet our exceptional students."

"Exceptional, I wouldn't say so," Lin Nian humbly replied.

"Humility is also a form of excellence," Professor Manshtein praised.

Lin Nian had a feeling that Professor Manshtein was somewhat like his class teacher back at Shi Lan's school, especially when he would always try to push the class's average grades higher. The teacher had the same attitude.

"If you don't mind, Professor, maybe we should discuss the admission matters," Lin Xian, who had been quiet up until now, spoke first.

"Of course, that's the reason we're here today," Professor Manshtein replied, lifting the lid from the plate in front of him. Inside was coffee, whole grain bread, and steamed kale. Mandy's plate had yellow peach cream sandwiches.

Lin Nian was curious about what his breakfast would be, and when he opened his plate, he found fresh salmon rolls with grapefruit tea. Lin Xian's breakfast was the same.

Mandy, sitting beside Professor Manshtein, explained, "The campus doctor advised the professor to eat lightly, as his blood pressure has been rising lately."

Lin Nian and Lin Xian exchanged glances but didn't refuse the meal. It seemed that Professor Manshtein and Mandy had done their homework. At least they knew that Chinese people often prefer discussing things over meals. Fortunately, they hadn't dug deeper into "banquet culture," or the grapefruit tea would have been replaced by Moutai or Red Star Erguotou.

"Regarding admission, if you're still unfamiliar with our academy, we've brought more materials to help you make a more informed decision," Professor Manshtein said as he pulled out a stack of documents from the side, placing it on the table. Lin Nian and Lin Xian each took half, discovering that the files were filled with official documents and more photos of the academy. There were even certificates from team awards in windsurfing, ballet, and international chess competitions.

From every angle, Cassell Academy seemed like a prestigious institution on par with Harvard or Cambridge, evoking the illusion that once you entered the academy, you would immediately belong to the elite—like a formal invitation to the upper class, not just an admission letter.

It was a blatant temptation, but neither Lin Nian nor Lin Xian were moved. They silently looked at the documents while listening to Professor Manshtein's passionate explanation about the academy's long history and cultural values. He even mentioned that the principal was a descendant of a Cambridge family who later devoted himself to education and became a strict yet great educator.

He also spoke about the cultural diversity of the students, such as the student-led Student Council and the Lionheart Society, which was known for its rigorous rules. These groups were entirely run by students, with the academy not interfering in their internal matters. In some significant events, these organizations had an immense influence.

Finally, Professor Manshtein naturally mentioned the scholarship, explaining that the funds came from the board of trustees and that the principal personally set up this scholarship program. It was not the usual competitive scholarship with uncertain outcomes. He had already informed the principal about Lin Nian's special case, and the principal had given a reply via an overseas phone call yesterday, promising that if Lin Nian agreed to enroll, the first semester's scholarship would be provided immediately.

"Does the principal know about me?" Lin Nian could clearly hear the admiration in Professor Manshtein's tone when talking about the principal and became curious.

"Of course, in a sense, it was the principal who personally noticed you and appointed me as your advisor. That's why I traveled all the way here," Professor Manshtein replied.

"How did he notice me? I'm just a nobody," Lin Nian said.

"No, to the principal, you are a somebody. Our principal has always been very good at judging people. In fact, I was also discovered by the principal," Professor Manshtein gently placed his right hand over his chest to show respect for the principal, who was far across the ocean.

This whole series of promises and assurances reminded Lin Nian of a book he had read once called The Harvard Girl Liu Yiting. In the book, the protagonist, Ting'er, struggled with the cost of tuition and even considered going to an American school while working part-time. But her parents worried that she wouldn't be able to balance work and study and went to great lengths to raise the money. They even considered letting her go to a second-tier school instead.

But in Lin Nian's case, foreign prestigious universities didn't seem to have such high barriers. It felt almost like they were treating him as royalty, inviting him to study. Even the $36,000 scholarship could be issued in advance. This killed his idea of writing a Cassell Academy Lin Nian version of a book—without hardship and choices that lead to ideological elevation, a literary work would be imperfect.

"So, what are your thoughts?" Professor Manshtein asked. After talking for so long, he took a sip of coffee and, realizing the bitterness, reached for the sweetener, but Mandy stopped him by grabbing his wrist. He could only reluctantly take a sip of water to clear his mouth.

"I think there's no problem," Lin Xian, who had been silent for a long time, finally looked up and said, "Since your academy is so sincere, I'm at ease sending my younger brother to your care."

"No, I've already made a request to the principal. As Lin Nian's relative, you can also join our academy for administrative work. Our psychology professor, Dr. Yashi Fujiyama, happens to need a student," Professor Manshtein turned toward Lin Xian and said warmly. "We understand your background—at 17, you entered medical school, majoring in psychology and biology. You've done research on human physiology and even published papers that were included in academic forums. Although you dropped out at 18 to become Lin Nian's guardian, you are still a rare talent, and our academy is in need of someone like you."

Lin Nian turned his head slightly. Before today, he hadn't known that his sister had such accomplishments in medical school.

"How's the compensation?" Lin Nian asked bluntly.

"The salary is paid weekly, and the details will be discussed with Dr. Fujiyama when you arrive at the academy. The round-trip airfare will be covered by the academy. There is just one condition: you will need to sign a confidentiality agreement," Professor Manshtein explained.

"A confidentiality agreement? Can I take a look?" Lin Xian asked after a pause.

"Of course, but I need an initial response from you regarding admission," Professor Manshtein nodded and sat up straight, looking at Lin Nian. "Now, I'm representing Cassell Academy and extending an invitation for you to join. Lin Nian, will you accept?"

At the same time, Mandy took out her iPhone 3, and the screen displayed an ongoing call. The contact name was "Norma," and the phone was on speaker.

Lin Xian looked at Lin Nian. Lin Nian didn't speak. Professor Manshtein also didn't hurry; he just sat quietly, watching him.

"Think carefully," Lin Xian suddenly said.

"Yes, think carefully," Mandy added, "Although I'm from the admissions office, I still want to remind you: after you make your decision, you may have to say goodbye to your old life forever."

Professor Manshtein shot a glare at Mandy, as if signaling her to stop talking. Mandy stuck out her tongue and hid behind her tea cup, pretending to be innocent.

Lin Nian thought for a moment, turned to look at Lin Xian, then smiled and said, "If I take half a day off from the coffee shop today, will they deduct my salary?"

Lin Xian stared for a moment before nodding, "Being late means half a day's deduction. Taking a full day off means a full day's deduction. If you take half a day off, it's still considered a full day."

Lin Nian fell silent for a while before suddenly laughing and looking at Professor Manshtein. "I think I'll accept."

"Voiceprint verification passed, authorization granted, process starting. Lin Nian, ID A.l.052044, accessing Cassell Academy. I am Norma, pleased to serve you. Your flight ticket, passport, and visa will be delivered within three weeks. Cassell Academy welcomes you," a clear, mechanical voice, identified as Norma, came from the phone. Hearing this, both Professor Manshtein and Mandy showed a look of relief.

"Welcome to Cassell Academy. From here on, we just need to go through some standard procedures," Professor Manshtein stood up and shook hands with both Lin Nian and Lin Xian.

"Please take good care of him, Professor," Lin Nian said, nodding.

The elderly professor and the younger student shook hands with smiles, but Lin Nian felt like this scene resembled one of selling oneself. However, if he could find a place that would pay $36,000 a year, he might be willing to submit.

For a moment, the atmosphere was one of mutual satisfaction.

(End of this chapter)