Chapter 3

“A physics prodigy?”

Mom and Dad froze.

Professor Thomas nodded.:

“Yes. This one competed in a physics competition too, and took the gold.

“I've talked with him online. I'd say his talent for physics is beyond even mine.”

I went still.

That voice……

Why did it sound exactly like the teacher.

Exactly like the one I'd corresponded with online the day of the physics finals?

“Higher than your own, Professor? You mean……a high school student?”

Professor Thomas nodded.

Dad shifted, uneasy.:

“That kind……that kind of genius usually has a mind of his own. Maybe he wouldn't even want to take on a mentor?”

“Right, exactly.”

Mom jumped in at once.:

“Geniuses always prefer to be alone, don't they?”

“You're right about that.”

Professor Thomas sighed.:

“I sent the boy a message. When he heard that studying under me meant closed-off research, he couldn't bear to leave his family.”

Mom and Dad's eyes lit up.:

“That's it, the boy is devoted to his family, he surely couldn't say yes!”

As she spoke, she nudged Jim forward.

“But I've already made up my mind. The last final protege of my life will either be him.

“Or I won't take one at all.”

The smile froze on Jim's face.

Mom and Dad couldn't help exchanging a glance.

Mom wasn't ready to give up.:

“Could you tell us what exactly makes this boy so good? We could have Jimmy learn it.”

“Yes, yes, our Jimmy is a very fast learner.”

Professor Thomas shook her head with a smile.

“Some talent really can't be learned through effort.

“Look, this is a turbine design he submitted at that final.”

Professor Thomas held up her phone.

From a distance.

The moment I saw the markings on that drawing.

I was certain.

The one I'd corresponded with was Professor Thomas.

Mom and Dad both had some background in design.

Looking at the drawing.

Neither of them could hold back a sharp breath.

Professor Thomas put her phone away.:

“The boy got into MIT this year.”

“As he should.”

Dad nodded despite himself.

Mom nodded too.:

“With that level in high school, MIT might even be beneath him.”

“Such a shame……”

Dad sighed.:

“How did we never raise a child that brilliant……”

“What are you doing here?”

Nadia bumped into me.

The orange juice in my hand almost spilled.

A cry slipped out of me.

Mom and Dad turned around.

Their brows knitted at once.:

“What did you come over for?”

“We're discussing professional matters with Professor Thomas, do you even understand any of it? You just came over to gawk!”

Nadia grabbed my hand.:

“Come on, let's go, you can't follow this anyway, don't get in the way of Jimmy's moment!”

“Wait!”

Professor Thomas adjusted her glasses.:

“This boy……I think I saw him at the finals……”

“Professor Thomas, you must be mistaken.”

Mom's red lips curved.:

“This is our eldest son. A boy who never amounted to anything.

“He didn't even get into a decent college this year.”

“No……that's not right.”

Professor Thomas narrowed her eyes.:

“I definitely saw this boy at the finals, even if it was just a glance.

“But, the two of you……”

Professor Thomas pointed at me.:

“He looks exactly like the boy I'm looking for!”