Chapter 397: Getting Closer
Although Lance's words were humble, Audrey knew the elderly man in front of her held significant power. Lance had served as the principal of City First High School for a decade, nurturing thousands of college students, including many top talents from prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Peking University. Many of them returned to work in Starfall Town, with dozens holding positions at the department level or higher. When Lance spoke, no one dared to disrespect him. Even someone as astute as Vanessa wouldn't go to such lengths to get close to Lance if she didn't value his influence in the education and political circles of Starfall Town.
Lance made it clear that he would help Audrey, solidifying her senior title. This was a tremendous opportunity for Audrey, and she was taken aback by how highly Lance regarded her. Suppressing her excitement, she nervously said, "Thank you for your concern, Professor. I really don't know how to thank you."
As she rose and bowed deeply towards Lance, her body lowered, inadvertently giving Trevor a peek down Audrey's dress. He caught a glimpse of a light pink bra, even seeing the snowy white flesh and deep cleavage. Instantly feeling a dry mouth, he swallowed subconsciously, thinking about how large Audrey's breasts were and how satisfying it would be to touch them, strengthening his resolve to pursue Audrey.
"No need to thank me, it was just a small gesture," Lance said with a smile, waving his hand. He genuinely admired young teachers like Audrey who were ambitious. He understood how challenging it was for grassroots teachers like Audrey to attain a senior title, so he broke tradition by suggesting, "But, Miss Johnson, I think you're still young. You should take this opportunity to further your education at a university, pursue a postgraduate degree. That way, you'll have more opportunities for future development."
"Further my education?" Upon hearing Lance's words, Audrey couldn't help but ponder. Back when she graduated from college, she had the opportunity to pursue further studies, but she gave it up because she was already in a relationship with Jason at the time. Now, several years had passed, and she wondered if she could pick up those long-forgotten textbooks.
However, Audrey was intrigued. The city school was indeed too small, and even as an elite university graduate, she could only slowly build her qualifications. Unless she agreed to Oliver's terms to be his mistress, it would be challenging to have opportunities for promotion. Moreover, her husband was working in the South, and she didn't know when he would return. Perhaps taking this opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree would secure a good job if her husband decided to stay in the South for career prospects.
But Audrey's mind quickly flashed to a familiar face, Kevin. Their relationship had entered a somewhat delicate stage, and under her careful guidance, Kevin seemed to be getting back on track. However, if she left, what would happen to Kevin? Would he regress and get involved with women like Vanessa again, despite Alissa's watchful eye? How could Alissa alone keep Kevin in line?
Audrey had grown accustomed to the environment at the city school. If she pursued postgraduate studies, she would face a new and unfamiliar environment. Besides, her husband might not agree to her pursuing a postgraduate degree.
"Thank you for the reminder, Professor. I will consider it seriously," Audrey said thoughtfully. Regardless, Lance's suggestion was well-intentioned, and she couldn't refuse.
"It's okay. After the training is over, you can consider returning to this city. If you decide, you can contact me, and I can introduce you to some mentors," Lance said with a smile.
Grateful once again, Audrey hesitated for a moment before turning to Lance. "Professor, I have a colleague who admires you a lot and would like to visit you at home. Are you available to meet her?"
Under Vanessa's threat the previous night, Audrey had no choice but to agree to speak a few words in favor of Vanessa in front of Lance. Although Audrey was well aware of Vanessa's intentions to leverage her relationship with Lance, she reluctantly spoke up to prevent Kevin from being entangled by Vanessa.
"You mean that teacher named Vanessa, right?" Lance's expression soured slightly as he smiled and shook his head. "I remember you both are from this city. She asked you for help, didn't she?"
Blushing, Audrey felt embarrassed, nodding slightly as she couldn't hide her thoughts from Lance.
Sighing, Lance said, "Forget about her. I could tell from the first day of training that she wasn't here for the training at all. She didn't pay attention to my lectures at all, dressed provocatively, showing off her arms and legs. She doesn't look like a teacher at all. Can a teacher like that educate children well? It's like playing the piano in the dark."
Audrey was surprised by Lance's negative impression of Vanessa, feeling awkward. Blushing, she didn't know what to say. Seeing this, Trevor quickly interjected, "Mrs. Johnson, don't worry. My dad isn't blaming you. I also think that Vanessa isn't a good person. She's too scheming. You share a dorm with her and are colleagues, so be careful with such people. Don't let her take advantage of you."
"Professor, Vanessa isn't as bad as you think," Audrey, despite her poor relationship with Vanessa, didn't want to speak ill of her behind her back. She tried to change Lance's attitude, "Her class's English scores are quite good, and the English class representative is the top scorer in the whole grade. Maybe she just pursues progress too eagerly."
"Oh, I see." Lance's attitude softened slightly upon hearing Audrey's words. Seeing Audrey still speaking up for Vanessa in this situation, he appreciated her even more. He smiled and said, "Well, I can meet her if there's an opportunity in the future. If she is indeed a good teacher, I'm not that stubborn."
"Thank you, Professor."
Relieved to see Lance's change of heart, Audrey relaxed. Although she didn't get Lance to agree to meet Vanessa, at least she had eased the tension. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to explain to Vanessa.
At that moment, Trevor glanced at the time and suggested with a smile, "Mrs. Johnson, it's getting late. How about we go out for a meal together? You can discuss furthering your education with my dad, and I can offer some advice too."
Audrey hesitated. She knew Trevor wanted to get to know her better, but since he was using Lance's name, she couldn't refuse. Seeing Lance smiling at her, she nodded in agreement.
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