Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1547: Chapter 1542: Welcome

"Good evening, Professor Fu. How have you been resting?"

The pursuit of knowledge always makes one lose track of time.

After clocking out for the day, despite being busy for half the day, Professor Fu chose not to adjust the misaligned evening light, but rather took a brief nap in the darkness.

When he reopened his eyes, the laboratory’s reliable employee was already in place, smiling warmly while showing concern for the leader.

"Time waits for no one, the future ultimately belongs to you young people."

Fu Qian sighed deeply in response, stretched his body with an air of proud labor and achievement, then looked up and down Ji Liushuang.

The Grand Fate Ming Emperor never speaks falsehoods, this young man, despite dragging his weary body, still went to the academy to report in. At the end of the day, not only did he remain unexhausted, but his eyes had regained some of their spark.

"Today there were fewer things to do, so I found a chance to slack off for a bit."

Ji Liushuang seemed to clearly understand the implication, immediately covering her mouth and chuckling, admitting to the rare act of slacking.

"Later on, time grew a bit late and I thought about coming back mostly to see if Professor Fu was interested in grabbing a bite together?"

"Oh, and what’s the main reason?"

Of course, Miss Liushuang’s response was perfectly reasonable, but skilled in the art of language, Fu Qian heard more out of it, blinked and asked.

"... Director Li somehow heard you had returned and asked me to extend his regards when we met in the academy today. Additionally, he wanted to see if you had any free time to represent the Academy and assist the Night Watchman?"

...

As it turns out, the judgment was correct, if there’s a primary reason, then there’s also a secondary one for Miss Liushuang’s return, not merely public expense dining.

Even more, how one viewed this latter matter seemed of higher importance.

Li Weixuan knows that I have returned? That’s not surprising.

At least as a deputy director, he’s always well-informed about the academy’s movements, which is quite normal, especially when an academic giant like me returns from a scientific expedition.

Expressing concern immediately, there is no need to doubt the sincerity behind it.

As for this opportunity to help the Academy, Fu Qian didn’t think it was deliberate waiting for him, the coincidence probability might be higher.

"Why is this secondary?"

Without a definitive answer, the next moment Fu Qian probed the laboratory assistant.

"Because Director Li specifically emphasized ’by the way’, asking you next time he sees you would suffice."

Miss Liushuang showed no stage fright and even answered with an undiminished smile.

Indeed.

Let’s not even mention my close relationship with Director Li, I am familiar with his character. If it was a deliberate scheme, this invitation would be too tactful.

Although everyone knows Miss Liushuang holds a position in my department, asking a student for such a favor, by the way, is itself an implicit message—no need for psychological burden.

If I have no interest, I can completely not respond at all.

After all, Ji Liushuang, the future star of the Swordsmanship Department, has long been known for being seduced by deceitful individuals.

The feedback then would most likely be that the leader is overwhelmed with work, always having no opportunity to meet again, without showing any of his own negative stance.

"Next time you see Director Li, just tell him I’m available."

Fu Qian did not hesitate much, casually accepting this voluntary task.

Furthermore, he didn’t forget to align with the overall atmosphere, showing a relaxed and leisurely attitude.

After passing the personal test from Old Master Xiumeng last time, Fu, the professor from Heaven’s Commencement Institute, had been brushing up his merit points to the highest identity.

Theoretically uprightness surged in his chest, why would he mind teaming up with the Night Watchman to uphold justice.

Furthermore, it’s related to the Academy’s image.

How did that saying go, today the Academy is proud of me, tomorrow I am proud of the Academy.

The realization of a lifetime professorship, how can it be comparable to a certain professor who intends to avoid even the arrangements from a spokesman.

"And then for important matters like team building, bring it up alone next time."

As Miss Liushuang quietly agreed, Fu Qian continued to add.

...

It’s clear the sudden greeting from Li Weixuan greatly surprised Miss Liushuang, which is why she hurriedly came back.

Stating primary and secondary reasons was to convey Li Weixuan’s attitude at that time as much as possible.

Besides that, it was clearly also a good chance to involve the leader who rarely returns in a public expense dining, too precious not to utilize.

And Fu Qian’s final message was simple—such things don’t need too much consideration, can be brought up anytime.

"Understood, so should we set off now?"

Clearly, Miss Liushuang grasped this point, nodded with a smile, and directly made a gesture to invite.

"Alright, where to?"

Fu Qian readily agreed.

"The place we drank last time? I remember you said the fish was quite good."

Ji Liushuang obviously had already thought it through.

"The hostess there can also provide receipts."

"That wouldn’t be right, the Academy’s money, every bit should be saved."

To his surprise, this time Professor Fu expressed a contrary opinion, looking earnest.

"I recently just prepared to apply for funding to further enhance the laboratory’s hardware setup."

"... Okay."

"We can stay there longer, and then have Professor Lanaya process it through the Punishment Department’s account."

While Miss Liushuang humbly accepted the criticism, Professor Fu had already stood up, walking ahead.

As a qualified leader, how could he simply point out problems without offering guidance.

...

"I came here once more later, it feels more lively."

The outside sky had long dimmed, although it wasn’t quite time for the midnight canteen, it already brought a sense of leisure.

Having been busy all day, the two were in no rush, smoothly blending into this atmosphere.

Even so, when they reached the destination, the small shop’s business for the day had just opened not long ago.

Indeed, to wait for Professor Lanaya to pay the bill, as Fu Qian suggested, they would need to stay a while longer.

And it has indeed become busier.

In Ji Liushuang’s introductions, as Fu Qian sat with her, he scanned the surroundings, agreeing with her statement.

"Welcome, what would you like?"

Within this somewhat cooperative review, a figure dressed in serving attire earnestly approached with warm inquiries, the voice carried a familiar resonance.

Certainly not the hostess, the couple was still busy with ingredients behind the counter.

Where did that sense of familiarity come from?

Fu Qian turned his head, his gaze landing on the striking golden hair.

A young woman with delicate features, slender figure, holding the menu, exuded professionalism with enthusiasm without being overly solicitous, carrying the poise of a long-term restaurant professional—or perhaps she was indeed a long-term professional.

In that moment, Fu Qian quickly engaged his memory, recalling the name of the wine-selling hostess from the Wasteland Dragon Summit Inn.

Seemed to be called Sunny?