In the dean’s office in Hoofmorn University’s administrative building, Jasper saw one of the most important figures of the country’s academic field, Patrick Marshmeet.
This old man looked lively and vigorous despite being in his late sixties.
This was the second time Jasper had seen such an energetic man of such age.
The first time was with Old Master Law.
“Hello, Mr. Marshman. I’m Jasper Laine, I hope you’re doing well.”
Jasper was extremely courteous and sincere upon entering the room.
This was not just because of Patrick’s identity and status, but also because the man was a true academic senior that devoted his life to the country and its people.
Patrick took a good look at Jasper before replying cheerfully, “Hello. To see you achieve such great success at such a young age, Mr. Laine, makes old men like us embarrassed. Seeing as how we’ve lived our whole lives for nothing.”
Jasper replied, “You’re too kind, Mr. Marshman. I just happened to be born in a better era. Youths like us would never have had such a great environment to flourish in without the countless effort and hard work seniors like you have put in for the country, Mr. Marshman.”
“Very good,” Patrick shook Jasper’s hand and praised, “Here I was worried that I’d be meeting a money-minded businessman when Tom called me before this. Looks like I was worried for nothing.”
Jasper smiled and turned around to take a long box from Julian’s hands. Then, he turned back to tell Patrick, “I come bearing gifts this time, Mr. Marshman.”
Patrick frowned at Jasper’s actions and words. The man answered unhappily, “What for? I never accept gifts, so please put it away.”
At this moment, Patrick’s previously good impression of Jasper from earlier also turned sour.
Dorian began to feel nervous as he watched the scene play out by the side. He felt that Jasper was still rather young and untamed, as he incorporated the societal practice of gifting over here.
Mr. Marshman was one of the top leading figures in the academic field. He did not accept gifts.
Jasper smiled in the face of Mr. Marshman’s displeasure and replied, “Don’t be in such a rush to reject me, Mr. Marshman. I’m sure you’ll like this gift.
“Not to mention that I’m not only gifting it to you, Mr. Marshman. This gift is for everyone in Hoofmorn University; staff, faculty, and student body.”
“Oh?” Patrick was intrigued now. “Now I’ve got to see what grand gift you’ve gotten us.
“Let it be known that if this is any secular gift, I will still reject it. After all, this is a campus, and the harmony of the atmosphere is important.”
Jasper chuckled. He did not rush to explain as he opened the box instead.
Within the long box was a carefully packaged scroll. The scroll itself was around a meter and a half in length and seemed rather aged. There was a layer of wax over the exterior of the scroll to prevent it from oxidizing.”
“If you could lend me a hand, Mr. Clem.”
Dorian immediately agreed and walked over. Standing opposite Jasper, they carefully took out the scroll and unfurled it.
Mr. Marshman stared at the slowly unfurled scroll as he instinctively pulled out his reading glasses to put them on. He could tell that this scroll was a valuable antique.
At the same time, the other department chiefs and president that had come to accompany the dean also walked over. Everyone looked at the scroll with curiosity.
After the scroll was opened, a single sentence caused gasps of disbelief to ripple through the crowd.
“This… this is Mr. Hines’ calligraphed Exchange of Ancient Somer Scholars!”
With that, the crowd was immediately in an uproar.
