Most people within the country did not know who Mr. Hines was.
However, it would be a crime for anyone within Hoofmorn University to not know the man.
Mr. Hines was Hoofmorn University’s founder and its first dean. He was the most highly-ranked figure in Somerland’s cultural field during his time.
All his students were people who were involved in, or even led, the massive spurt of development in Somerland’s early modern history.
Everyone was excited once they heard this, especially Mr. Marshman.
Jasper looked up at the man who spoke and smiled. “You’ve got a great eye for things, Mr…?”
“Professor McDaniel is the department chief of Hoofmorn University’s Early Modern History. He’s one of the top three figures in the field of Early Modern History.”
Patrick introduced the man before he looked at the open scroll again and asked, “Is this the real thing?”
Jasper smiled, “I wouldn’t dare mess with you gentlemen by offering you a counterfeit. This is indeed the genuine article.”
Jasper then praised Sean internally after replying.
Sean, who was thinking of how he could make up for his mistakes, had immediately found this treasure once he learned that Jasper was preparing gifts for Hoofmorn University.
Jasper could only get his hands on this item because Sean’s family was friends with the scroll’s previous owner. Even then, it had cost Jasper an eight-figure sum to buy Mr. Hines’ calligraphed work.
It was an expensive piece, costing tens of millions.
Ten of millions was a suffocating sum in such a setting. However, as far as Jasper was concerned, this gift was a perfect one for Hoofmorn University.
“Mr. Hines is a publicly recognized scholar within the country. While he has already passed, his achievements continue to stand the test of time. Hoofmorn University remains to be a sacred academy that benefits thousands of people.
“It occurred to me how much of a shame it would be to Hoofmorn University if Mr. Hines’ calligraphed work were to disappear in the outside world, so I thought I’d take the responsibility to gift it to Hoofmorn University instead. I hope Hoofmorn University will honor Mr. Hines’ passing wish and continue to produce and nurture scholars and talents for the country and its people.”
If there was anyone good with his words.
It would be Jasper Laine.
Everyone in the room smiled joyfully at Jasper’s words as these titans of their respective academic fields looked at Jasper with great affection.
Even Mr. Marshman peered at Jasper with extreme gentleness.
“Jasper, allow me to refer you by your given name as your elder. On behalf of Hoofmorn University’s staff and student body, I thank you for your present.
“We know that this was an expensive gift, but Hoofmorn University values what the gift symbolizes even more. So, to be frank with you, we cannot nor are we willing to decline the gift. Thank you, we’ll treasure it.”
Patrick suddenly moved to give Jasper a grateful bow.
Jasper could not accept such an action, so he immediately reached out to stop Patrick. Jasper replied awkwardly, “Mr. Marshman, I’m going to have to shamefully leave if you keep being so overly courteous to me.”
Laughter filled the room after Jasper said this, and Patrick no longer insisted. The latter had someone put away the valuable calligraphed treasure before it got sent to Hoofmorn University’s large hall and framed so staff and students could pay their respect.
Jasper smiled softly at the unexpected effect his gift had brought. He was thinking about how he could mention the reason for his visit before Mr. Marshman took the initiative to bring it up.
“Jasper, I know that you came to visit us for the stepper, yes? I’ve already called the relevant academic professors over. How else would you like Hoofmorn University to help you?”
Jasper exhaled softly. ‘This is the difference between bearing and not bearing gifts!’
