Mirabe paused for a couple of seconds before replying with a quick, "Okay."


    Mr. Hammond had originally nned to ask Mirabe about her final exam results but reconsidered, knowing her near-obsessive level of expertise. Better save that conversation for Vincent.


    After discussing a few things about Wade, Mr. Hammond hung up and went off to find Vincent.


    Mirabe ended the call and opened Messenger, noticing a friend request.


    Nearby, Delh, who had overheard the mention of Mr. Hammond, turned in curiosity. "Did Mr. Hammond ask you about your exams?"


    "Yeah, he wanted me to connect with a teacher from Prestige College," Mirabe replied, her fingers swiftly epting the request and sending a polite greeting to Wade.


    "Prestige College?" Delh repeated, momentarily taken aback. Then, pride


    spread across her face. Her daughter was something special, getting noticed by a Prestige College faculty member right after her finals-something even her Ivy League-educated brothers couldn''t im.


    Wade exchanged a few messages with Mirabe about her finals, but since the results weren''t out yet, he didn''t dive into department selection. The conversation soon wrapped up.


    Wade ced his phone on the coffee table, took a sip from his coffee mug, and turned to the department head sitting across from him. "I''ll think about taking on a mentee."


    The department head, leaning back with a smile, asked, "Have you found someone already?"


    Wade, looking surprisingly youthful for someone in his forties, shook his head. "Not exactly, I''m not in a rush."


    The department head understood and started thinking about the promising students in the department. "I think Taylor has remarkable talent."


    Pausing, he added with a touch of nostalgia, "Taylor was the national runner-up. Though his major is in Space Engineering, he''s minoring in our Gic Engineering program. I''ve heard he''s doing quite well, matching up with our top talents."


    Wade had heard of Taylor and recalled a chance encounter in theb that showcased the student''s potential. Still, it wasn''t enough to consider mentorship.


    "Let''s see," Wade replied nomittally.


    Seeing Wade''s disinterest, the department head switched topics. "Recruitment season is almost here. I wonder how many will choose our Biology department." Pouring another cup of coffee, Wade remarked, "Quality over quantity."


    The Biology department was niche, attracting only a handful of students genuinely passionate about the field. Wade''s high standards meant only those with a deep love for biology would stay.


    The department head nodded in agreement. "We aim to cultivate elite talents, not just entertain."


    Wade hummed in acknowledgment. "Looks like recruitment will be on you again this year."


    The department head modestly waved it off. "Just doing my job."


    Wade had distanced himself from these tasks for years, leaving the annual


    student assessment and selection in the capable hands of the department head.