Xiao Ying said mysteriously, “You’ll understand in the future.”
The two of them chatted and laughed as they walked towards the principal’s office. On the way, they encountered many students. They all greeted Xiao Ying excitedly, but they were very polite and did not go forward.
Xiao Ying smiled in response.
Upon arriving at the principal’s office, she saw a little boy. He had a neat crew cut and was wearing a school uniform. He was sitting on the couch with his back straight. Even the angle of his posture seemed to have been measured with a protractor. She could tell at a glance that he was a boy with a good upbringing.
Qiao Na smiled and introduced them to each other. “This is my son, Qiao Zihao.”
“Zihao, this is your Auntie Xiao Ying. Quickly greet her.”
Qiao Zihao stood up and nodded politely. “Auntie Xiao.”
Xiao Ying greeted him with a smile and couldn’t help but look at him a few more times. This was the first time she had seen such a polite child.
Qiao Zihao asked, “Auntie, what are you looking at?”
Xiao Ying smiled awkwardly and said, “Nothing, I just think that you’re very obedient.”
He nodded and sat back on the couch, still behaving himself.
Qiao Na sighed and said, “This child has been like an old man since he was young. He’s not fun at all.”
Hearing his mother’s complaints, a hint of helplessness flashed across his eyes. He said, “Mommy.”
Qiao Na immediately begged for mercy.
Xiao Ying smiled and felt that this mother-and-son pair was very interesting.
Qiao Na started talking business. “What kind of lab do you need?”
Xiao Ying took out a document from her backpack and handed it to Qiao Na. “This is the instrument I need. Of course, if the school doesn’t have it, I can pay for it myself.”
Qiao Na pretended to be angry, “Do you think I’d let you spend money when you’re in my territory?”
Xiao Ying smiled and said nothing more. She’d just return the favor another time.
Just as Qiao Na was making a call to arrange the laboratory, Xiao Ying felt someone tugging at her sleeve. She looked down and saw that it was Qiao Zihao.
Xiao Ying smiled and asked, “Zihao, what’s wrong?”
With sparkling eyes, Qiao Zihao said, “I know you.”
Xiao Ying raised her eyebrows and said, “How do you know me?”
Qiao Zihao said, “You’re Academician Xiao Ying. I saw you on the internet.”
Xiao Ying had not expected such a young child to know her. She smiled and said, “Yes, what’s the matter?”
Qiao Zihao glanced at the busy Qiao Na and said, “Can I live with you?”
Xiao Ying was stunned.
Qiao Na, who had just hung up the phone, heard this.
She said angrily, “You brat, do I usually abuse you?”
Upon hearing this, Qiao Zihao knew that his mother had misunderstood again. He could only explain, “I just want to learn from Auntie Xiao.”
Qiao Na’s expression instantly changed as she chuckled. “I see. As expected of my son.”
Xiao Ying also understood. Although he was a little young, she did not reject him. She still smiled and said, “You can come to my laboratory.”
A rare smile appeared on Qiao Zihao’s serious face.
Qiao Na looked at their interaction, a flash of thoughtfulness appearing in her eyes.
The laboratory matters were quickly arranged. Xiao Ying brought Qiao Zihao to the laboratory.
There were also a few students standing at the door. There were three men and one woman. They had excited expressions on their faces. When they saw Xiao Ying, they quickly greeted her. “Hi, Dr. Xiao Ying.”
Xiao Ying smiled and nodded. “From now on, I’ll be relying on your assistance.”
They all smiled and said, “We’re the ones benefiting from it.”
“That’s right. We did everything we could to get this spot,” the only girl amongst the group said exaggeratedly.
They looked at each other and smiled. Xiao Ying took the initiative to go around with introductions. “Although you all know each other, I still have to introduce myself. I am Xiao Ying. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
The young man who looked like the captain of this small team said, “My name is Yan Kun. I am a Ph.D. student.”