?Chapter 984:


    Right then, as if on cue, a voice called out behind them, clear and polite. “Professor. What a coincidence running into you here.”


    Ste turned around and saw a young man walking up. He was tall and slim, wearing neatly pressed khakis and a crisp white shirt. His face was framed by a pair of thin sses, and behind them were bright, observant eyes—kind, with just a hint of shyness.


    Professor Taylor chuckled and gestured toward him.


    “Speak of the devil! Jeff,e meet the student I never stop bragging about—Ste Russell.”


    Jeff’s eyesnded on her face, and his expression lit up just a little. A light flush crept into his cheeks as he pushed his sses up and offered a hand.


    “It’s really an honor to meet you, Ste. Professor Taylor’s told me a lot about your research. I actually went through your old patents a while back—they’re incredible.”


    His voice was steady and sincere, not over-the-top or fake—just genuine admiration.


    Even so, Ste felt her ears warm a little at thepliment. “You’re being generous,” she said with a small smile. “Those projects feel like a lifetime ago… and honestly, they had their fair share of ws.”


    Jeff shook his head, serious. “Not at all. They were what first got me hooked. Without those papers, I probably wouldn’t have gotten half as far as I have.”


    There was no doubt about it—this guy was passionate about the field. As soon as the conversation shifted to research, his whole face lit up. His excitement was contagious.


    Ste wasn’t in a rush today, so when he brought up a technical question, she chatted with him about it for a bit.


    As they talked, she noticed he wasn’t just enthusiastic—he was sharp. Quick thinker, fresh ideas. Now she understood why Professor Taylor had handpicked him.


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    Watching the two of them fall into an easy back-and-forth, Professor Taylor looked pleased. He chuckled quietly. “The anniversary celebration’s starting soon. You two should definitely keep in touch. Ste, if you’ve got time, I’d be d if you could help guide this young one a bit.”


    Ste gave a small, knowing smile and nodded. She didn’t mind the idea at all. Like most people, she appreciated real talent when she saw it—and Professor Taylor had a good eye. It had been a while since she’d met someone so promising.


    Plus, Jeff wasn’t just smart—he was polite, with an easy charm.


    Honestly, there wasn’t a reason in the world to turn the professor down.


    After they said their goodbyes to Professor Taylor, Jeff politely requested to apany her to the celebration. Ste gently declined with a shake of her head.


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