Founding the Royal Academy of Mathematics
Everything was going according to Lily Evans's plan. The recruitment of humanities professors was a complete success—within just three days, many candidates applied, including renowned scholars of the era and some very famous literati.
Lily Evans carefully screened the applicants and ultimately selected ten humanities professors.
Most of these professors brought their own students, who became the first official cohort at the Royal Academy of Mathematics. At last, Leonard Yuan was able to enroll at the Royal Academy of Mathematics.
When Leonard Yuan heard the good news of his admission to the Royal Academy of Mathematics, he leapt three feet into the air with joy. "Dad, Mom, Sister Lily, this is fantastic! I checked out the humanities professors at the Royal Academy of Mathematics—they're all renowned scholars! And our professor is Professor Jade Evans! Back at Phoenix Academy, Professor Jade Evans was my mathematics teacher. I really admire him, and now I get to study at his academy—it's just perfect! Hehe, Professor Jade Evans is nothing like the Gu family bunch. His character is noble and he truly cares for his students. His academy must be a place of both virtue and talent!"
Leonard Yuan proudly shared the story of how Professor Jade Evans once tested students' character by making them plant flowers to select personal disciples.
Mrs. Charlotte Yuan listened and smiled warmly. "Oh my, this Professor Jade Evans really is clever! Even his methods for selecting students are so unique. Leonard, you must study hard under Professor Jade Evans—don't let him down."
"Mom, don't worry! I'll definitely work hard and live up to everyone's expectations!" Leonard exclaimed, bouncing up. "I'm going to review my lessons right now so I won't embarrass myself if the professors quiz me tomorrow. It's the first day—I want to make a good impression!"
With that, Leonard dashed off to study, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Yuan smiling with pride and satisfaction.
The Yuan family had now moved into a spacious three-courtyard residence, having left Evans Manor. Today was Lily Evans's first visit to Uncle Arthur's new home. After dinner, Arthur Yuan personally saw Lily off at the door, patting her shoulder with admiration. "Lily, you're truly capable—I can't believe you've established your own academy now. With your talent, I bet in a few years, your Royal Academy of Mathematics will be famous, every bit as prestigious as the Royal Academy or Phoenix Academy."
"Haha, thank you for your kind words, Uncle Arthur! I hope so too!" Lily Evans laughed heartily.
"By the way, Leonard Yuan still doesn’t know you’re Professor Jade Evans. I think we should keep it from him for now—if he finds out he’s related to the Dean, he might slack off and stop studying so hard. Right now, he worships Professor Jade Evans and listens to everything you say. It’s best to let him keep admiring you like this for now," Arthur Yuan said.
Lily Evans nodded in agreement. "I feel the same—let’s keep it from Leonard for now and let him study in peace. Uncle Arthur, now that Leonard is learning at my academy, you can rest easy about his education."
Arthur Yuan broke into a wide, proud grin. "If that rascal knew his sister went so far as to start an academy just so he could study, he’d be absolutely stunned! With Leonard in your hands, I’m really at ease! Oh, by the way, Leonard said he wants to invite Professor Jade Evans to Eight Flavors Treasure Pavilion for a meal, to show his gratitude and respect for his teacher."
Lily Evans burst out laughing. "That kid really does know how to honor his teacher! Alright, after the academy holiday the day after tomorrow, let’s all go to Eight Flavors Treasure Pavilion and have a good meal together."