Chapter 955 Request for Help
As Lyra rushed into the classroom, the bell rang just as she stepped through the door.
Seeing the neatly arranged seats, she quickly found a spot in the back row.
This action naturally drew quite a few surprised glances—Professor Edwards' class had never had an auditor before.
Dash, who had trouble walking, also arrived late. The bell had been ringing for a while when he finally strolled in, carrying a thermos.
His hair was already gray, but he still looked energetic. Dressed in a vintage suit, he seemed more like he was out for a stroll than about to give a lecture.
"Good morning, everyone," Dash greeted the class with a warm smile as he reached the podium.
A chorus of responses erupted from the students.
"Good morning, Professor!"
Lyra joined in.
She thought the lecture was about to start, so she quickly took out her laptop, notebook, and pen.
But then Dash looked over with a smile. "I'm delighted to see we have a new student auditing our class today."
Lyra felt a bit uneasy under the sudden attention.
It wasn't that she was shy; it was just overwhelming to have so many eyes on her at once.
Thankfully, the class soon began, and the attention shifted away from her.
The lecture was eye-opening for Lyra.
If she had to describe it, she'd say Dash was truly a giant in the medical field, with a knowledge base far beyond the average person's.
In the forty-five-minute class, she found herself repeatedly amazed, with many long-standing questions finally answered.
When it ended, she felt a bit disappointed that it was over so quickly.
As the students around her started to leave, she overheard someone complain, "Professor Edwards' classes are great, but I always lose track halfway through. The pace is just too fast."
"Really? I think it's fine. I wish Professor Edwards could teach more often."
Lyra wholeheartedly agreed.
Yes, she definitely wanted to come back.
By the time she packed up her things, half the class had already left.
Someone was waiting for her outside the door.
Lyra was surprised when she saw the person. "Excuse me, who are you?"
A woman in her twenties, looking very professional, smiled warmly at her. "I'm Professor Edwards' assistant. Please follow me."
Lyra remembered that Jeffery had mentioned he had arranged a meeting for her after the class.
Feeling grateful for his reliability, Lyra followed the assistant to the office.
Most faculty offices were shared spaces with several desks, but Dash had a special status, so the school had given him a private office.
As she walked in, Lyra was immediately drawn to a painting on the wall.
"How to describe it—it was ugly."
"Yes, it's quite ugly. I painted it years ago. I was so confident back then that I hung it up without listening to anyone's advice. Now it's too late to regret it," a voice said with a hint of resignation.
Lyra realized she had spoken her thoughts out loud without noticing!
She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Professor Edwards, I didn't mean to..."
Dash laughed heartily, his temper good-natured. "You young folks today, why are you so timid? It's just a painting. If it's ugly, it's ugly. No need to apologize."
"Come, have a seat. I hear you're Jeffery's student. I'm quite familiar with him. His students are like my own."
Lyra had just sat down when she heard this and was immediately surprised. "Professor Edwards, you know Mr. Gray?"
As soon as she said it, she realized it was a silly question.
If they didn't know each other, how could Jeffery have arranged for her to audit Dash's class so easily?
Dash smiled, not minding her mistake. He found the young woman in front of him quite lively. Watching her, he sighed, "It's good. I thought he would... never mind, this is good."
Lyra didn't catch his muttered words.
"Jeffery mentioned you needed my help with your thesis? Did you bring it?" Dash asked.
Lyra quickly said she had.
She carefully took out her thesis and handed it to him.
Dash put on his reading glasses and began to read it word by word, occasionally nodding.
Lyra was so nervous she thought she might faint, worried that her work wasn't good enough. "This is my first thesis. It might have many flaws. I'm sorry if it's not up to standard, Professor Edwards."
Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.
Dash looked up. "Huh? No, I think it's excellent."
Lyra's eyes widened in surprise.
She hadn't expected such high praise from Dash. It felt like an incredible honor.
She was a bit overwhelmed, her words stumbling. "But the association said my thesis wasn't good enough."
The email from the association had criticized her thesis for not aligning with their values and for being off-topic, among other things. They had picked it apart.
She had a good temper, but anyone else might have been furious.
Dash took off his glasses and snorted. "The association is like that. Don't listen to their nonsense. For a first thesis, this is quite good."
Lyra had little hope for her thesis being published, but hearing this, her hopes were rekindled.
"Professor, do you think my thesis can be published?"
"Before that, I want to know what you think," Dash unexpectedly asked her.
Lyra was taken aback.
At that moment, she felt the old man's gaze was piercing, as if he could see right through her.
But she was prepared and wouldn't be intimidated.
Lyra steadied herself and spoke with the same conviction she had when she made her decision. "I believe doctors should focus on their duties, not play politics like politicians."
"If the power to speak is always held by those at the top, won't those below always be displaced?"
As she finished, she saw clear approval in Dash's eyes.
He sighed deeply. "You and Jeffery are just alike. It's good. With young people like you, we old folks can rest easy about the future."
"Don't worry, I'll talk to Orion. It's ridiculous! An old man like him is making things difficult for two young people. It's getting out of hand!"
Hearing Dash's assurance, Lyra felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
For the first time, she felt truly at ease.
It wasn't just because her thesis had a chance, but because her beliefs were validated by this esteemed professor.
That was more precious than anything.
"Thank you, Professor Edwards," Lyra said sincerely, her eyes moist.
Dash waved it off. "No need to thank me. Thank us old folks for still holding on to our principles and not being swayed by nonsense."
He paused and added, "By the way, you can attend my classes anytime. No need to sit in the back row. Just come in."
This was an unexpected delight!
Lyra thanked him repeatedly, feeling lighter than ever.
As she left the office, she suddenly thought of all the effort Jeffery had put into arranging this meeting for her, and a warm feeling filled her heart.
He was always like this, paving the way for her quietly, never seeking credit.
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