After ending the call with Wu Anmin, everyone started chatting and eating.
However, halfway through the meal, Lu Sheng’s mobile phone on the table rang again.
This time it wasn’t an unfamiliar number; the screen displayed the name - [Old Mr. Ji].
"Old Mr. Ji?" Lu Youye, sitting beside Lu Sheng, caught a glimpse of the screen and looked at Lu Sheng with some confusion, "Shengsheng, who is this?"
"It’s Old Mr. Ji Weiyuan."
Lu Sheng did not expect Ji Weiyuan would also call, and while responding to Lu Youye, she pressed the answer button.
Last time, at Old Mr. Fu’s birthday banquet, Lu Sheng had attended alone; none of the other Lu Family members went.
However, they later heard that at the banquet, Fu Siya boasted about Shen Dai’s counterfeit White Jade Orchid Blossom Vase, only to find the genuine one was in the plain wooden box brought by Lu Sheng.
Moreover, Fu Siya had even claimed confidently that her vase was authenticated by Old Mr. Ji Weiyuan himself. Later, Old Mr. Ji himself questioned this publically at the banquet, leading to a major embarrassment for her.
Old Mr. Ji Weiyuan, his name was indeed well-known throughout China.
He was the head of the China Cultural Heritage Research Institute, the country’s most authoritative archaeologist and appraiser, and a distinguished professor in the archaeology department of Beijing University.
He had appeared several times on CCTV’s prime-time interviews and had often served as a cultural ambassador, representing China in cultural exchanges abroad.
He was a respected and influential figure.
The Lu Family had never heard Lu Sheng mention any interaction with Ji Weiyuan, nor had they expected him to have Lu Sheng’s phone number and call her.
But the earlier call from Wu Anmin had clearly enhanced everyone’s receptiveness.
No one seemed surprised now; they were just curious about why Old Mr. Ji was seeking Lu Sheng.
"Shengsheng, it’s me, have you had dinner yet?"
Old Mr. Ji’s opening words left everyone in disbelief.
Ji Weiyuan, though scholarly in demeanor and never vulgar, always maintained a straight posture and seemed somewhat lofty in public interactions.
Yet, speaking to Lu Sheng over the phone, he suddenly sounded very amiable, like a grandfather talking to his granddaughter, showing a kind of warmth he had never displayed on TV or to others before.
"I have eaten, Old Mr. Ji," Lu Sheng replied very politely, not at all surprised by his manner, "Is there something you need?"
Ji Weiyuan had been thinking of Lu Sheng for quite some time now.
At Old Mr. Fu’s birthday banquet, he sought out Lu Sheng after the party to thank her for her involvement in the boxing contest years ago, where she won back a cultural relic and returned it to the nation.
Lu Sheng had impressed him deeply during their first meeting because instead of self-praise or modesty upon being praised, she talked about her brother Ji Yan’s patriotic zeal and dedication.
Despite her young age, her manner was more modest and composed than her years would suggest, which was quite appealing to Ji Weiyuan.
After all, it’s rare to see such a capable yet unassuming and diligent child at her age.
When he learned that Lu Sheng was in her senior year of high school, he immediately asked about her plans and which university she wanted to attend.
Archaeology at Beijing University was a nationally supported subject, but it was still quite obscure. The entire archaeology department at Beijing University had no more than twenty students, and very few of them were truly devoted to the field.
Ji Weiyuan had always regretted not encountering a calm, diligent youngster to take on as his closed-door disciple, until he met Lu Sheng.
She immediately became the perfect candidate in his heart.
Although he did not know Lu Sheng’s academic performance at that time, just from her demeanor, it was clear that she was virtuous.
Her love for the country and her valuation of cultural relics were important, but even more critical was her indifference to fame and wealth; she remained unmoved even by hundreds of millions.
These are all crucial qualities for someone in the field of archaeology.
Ji Weiyuan had asked Lu Sheng if she was interested in archaeology.
Lu Sheng replied that she had many interests and was still undecided about her major for university.
Nevertheless, Ji Weiyuan had long decided that as soon as this year’s special recruitment work began, he would proactively contact her.
Such a promising young talent was worth the effort to attract her to the archaeology department as his disciple.
"Shengsheng, the special talent recruitment at Beijing University has started; has your school received the notification yet?" Ji Weiyuan spoke over the phone.
Before Lu Sheng could reply, Ji Weiyuan directly stated his intention.
"Shengsheng, from the first time I met you at Old Mr. Fu’s birthday party, I greatly admired you."
"You are young, but you possess many precious qualities, all of which are well suited for archaeological work. That’s why I thought, as soon as Beijing University’s special recruitment began this year, I would contact you."
"I have a special recruitment quota under my name, and I can offer it to you. If you apply for the archaeology department of Beijing University, it would boost your admission score by a hundred points. Even if your current grades are not excellent, you should still have no problem getting admitted."
"As long as you’re willing, and can dedicate yourself to diligent study, you could even pursue a direct Ph.D. with me later, becoming my only closed-door disciple," Ji Weiyuan’s tone was inquiring, "How about it, Shengsheng, would you like to be my student?"
Another influential figure wanted to give his recommendation slot to Shengsheng, to take her as his student!
Even the Lu Family brothers, although exceptionally talented and considered rare among ordinary people, had never encountered such a situation.
Other students prepared various documents for self-recommendation letters, exhausting all means to contact big-names for a chance at a recommendation slot.
Yet, their sister was so outstanding that not just one but multiple influential figures proactively contacted her, eager to offer her recommendations and take her as a student.
However, even in front of such a respectable figure as Ji Weiyuan, who was making such a humble offer, Lu Sheng did not accept his proposal.
"Sorry, Old Mr. Ji," Lu Sheng said, "I deeply appreciate your willingness to offer me such an opportunity, but I still prefer to go through the regular college entrance exam and choose a major I am passionate about."
"You mean, you don’t want my recommendation slot?" Ji Weiyuan paused, probably not expecting the young girl to refuse.
This was Beijing University, after all; a direct deduction of one hundred points in the admission score and an opportunity for a direct Ph.D. were extremely tempting propositions for most people.
The girl’s tone was firm: "Yes, Old Mr. Ji."
"That’s alright, Shengsheng," Ji Weiyuan took a deep breath, speaking after a pause, "While archaeology is a niche and laborious field of study, it’s currently supported by the state, and you would certainly excel following me."
"You are young, and this is a life-altering decision; you can discuss it further with your family. In any case, I will keep this slot for you."
After the call ended, the Lu Family members looked at each other.
There was much to say, yet they appeared unsure where to begin.
Just as Jiang Ting was about to speak, Lu Sheng’s phone rang again.
It was the third time tonight, and the Lu Family members were already calm.
Lu Jingyan looked at the screen of Lu Sheng’s mobile phone, which displayed [Uncle Peng], and asked, "... Shengsheng, could this be another big-shot from some department at Beijing University?"
"Yes," Lu Sheng glanced at the note, nodded and said, "This is Professor Peng Hongyuan, I don’t know if you brothers have heard of him."
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