Chapter 244 - 243: Return to Loster

「Country M.」

With so many people coming along this time, Yvonne Lowell decided to take a private jet, applying for the flight route without telling anyone first.

It was already afternoon by the time the private jet touched down on the landing strip of Yvonne Lowell’s manor in Country M.

As soon as the group deplaned, they saw a short-haired woman in business attire standing by a shuttle cart.

Yvonne Lowell raised an eyebrow. ’This woman is always calling me a hands-off boss, yet here she is, skipping work to come see me.’

When Iris Chase saw Yvonne Lowell, her eyes instantly lit up. She hurried forward, "Boss!"

Then, she greeted the others.

"This is Iris Chase, the manager of Pluto headquarters. She’s also a friend of mine," Yvonne Lowell said, tilting her chin toward Iris.

Everyone nodded at her in greeting.

Caleb Lowell’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked away.

The group boarded the shuttle cart and headed back to the main house.

Wendy Sutton linked her arm through Yvonne Lowell’s. "Nola, this manor...?"

"It’s mine. I bought it for the land it’s on," Yvonne Lowell said, resting her head on her mother’s shoulder with a smug tone.

"Its value has multiplied several times over the years. Your daughter has a good eye, wouldn’t you say?"

"Yes, yes, you have the best eye," Wendy Sutton said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. But beneath her pride, she felt a pang of heartache.

’Even a housewife like me knows that for a foreigner, a teenager at that, to acquire permanent rights to such a huge plot of land... it takes more than just having deep pockets.’

’My dear daughter... just how much did you have to suffer to build the life you have today?’

"Heh heh, I’ve already had rooms prepared for everyone. If you don’t want to rest, I can have the butler show you around the grounds."

Yvonne Lowell shot the nearby butler a meaningful look as she spoke.

"Don’t worry about us. Aren’t you supposed to be doing a mock interview with your third brother? Go ahead."

It was as if a switch had been flipped for Yancy Lowell. His face full of anticipation, he turned to look at Yvonne Lowell as well.

Yvonne Lowell raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, let’s go."

At that moment, Leo Grant, who had been quiet for the entire trip, finally spoke up.

"The interview isn’t one-on-one, is it? I heard it’s with several professors at once. Since this is a mock interview, how about Caleb and I join in to make up the numbers?"

"Sure. That’s actually how it is," Yvonne Lowell said nonchalantly.

Charles Lowell and his wife: ’Well, if you put it that way, we’re wide awake now!’

And so, it ended up being a 1-on-5 situation, with all of them conducting the mock interview for Yancy Lowell.

「In the conference room.」

The group sat across from Yancy Lowell. Yvonne Lowell’s entire demeanor shifted, and she spoke in a detached tone.

"Start by introducing yourself."

"Good morning, esteemed professors. My name is Yancy Lowell..."

"Could you explain some of the key concepts and methodologies in your field of research?"

"..."

"What are your career plans after completing your Ph.D.?"

"..."

"What makes you a more competitive candidate than other applicants?"

"..."

The other four "NPCs" watched the seamless back-and-forth between the siblings. It was in this moment that they finally saw in Yvonne Lowell the bearing of a tenured honorary professor from a top-tier university.

In her field of expertise, she was undoubtedly at the very top.

Yvonne Lowell: ’You’re exaggerating. Let’s be humble, let’s be humble. Math isn’t my area of expertise, you know. I’ve merely dabbled in it.’

Yancy ’The Professional’ Lockwood: ’...No dissing the competition!’

Yvonne Lowell looked up, her gaze instantly turning sharp as she faced him.

"Last question. As the youngest-ever full-score IMO champion and the sole recipient of its special award in the last decade, why didn’t you apply to our university for your undergraduate degree? Did you feel our undergraduate program was beneath your accomplishments?"

The air was suddenly, terrifyingly still...

The four "NPCs" shot her a sidelong glance. ’He’s your own brother, for crying out loud! That was a low blow!’

In truth, Yvonne Lowell wasn’t worried he would fail to answer the previous questions. She was just going through the motions with him.

This was the question she was most worried about, because that old codger Spencer was exactly the type to ask such a dramatic, baiting question.

Yancy Lowell was stunned for a second, but he quickly composed himself.

"For one, I was young and wasn’t ready to leave home by myself.

Furthermore, I hold the academic standards of your esteemed university in the highest regard.

My dream has always been to study under Professor Spencer. However, my accomplishments at the time were not yet impressive enough, and I feared I would not be able to earn his favor.

Therefore, I chose to pursue further studies back home, hoping to wait until I had a more distinguished record before presenting myself to my idol.

I wanted to ensure that when I finally met him, I would be able to make a lasting impression."

Yvonne Lowell’s lips twitched. ’That’s our Yancy, alright,’ she thought. ’Yancy ’The Sophist’ Lowell.’

’That little speech would probably have Spencer weeping uncontrollably.’

"Thank you for your time. We will inform you of our decision via email."

The four people on the sidelines breathed a sigh of relief before Yancy Lowell even could. ’Good grief, it’s finally over.’

After a moment’s thought, Yvonne Lowell added a reminder. "By the way, Third Brother, Spencer himself will likely be at your interview. So whatever you do, don’t get nervous. Don’t get so star-struck by your idol that you lose your head."

"Don’t worry. I wouldn’t have it any other way," Yancy Lowell said, his eyes glinting with determination.

...

「The next day, at Loster Academy.」

Since she was bringing her parents and family for a tour, Yvonne Lowell had given the principal a heads-up in advance.

But as they pulled up to the entrance, she was suddenly struck by the urge to stay in the car.

On the large LED screen by the main gate was a giant, years-old sticker photo of her, surrounded by a dense wall of text listing all her research achievements and honors from her time here.

And at the very top, a banner read: "This is great! Professor Lowell finally remembered our school!"

And who should be standing at the gate but the principal and the same old professors she used to bicker with constantly?

Inside the car, her dear family was looking at her with teasing smirks.

Yvonne Lowell pinched the bridge of her nose. ’Might as well get it over with. It’s happening whether I like it or not.’

She squeezed her eyes shut, flung open the door, and got out.

"Hey! My dear Lowell, over here! Do you see us?"

The principal was waving enthusiastically, and the other old men and women were no better, gawking as if she were a monkey at the zoo.

’Every last one of them is a regular fixture in academic journals and on the news, but right now, I doubt their combined mental age even reaches eight...’

Yvonne Lowell strode forward with a smile. "It’s been a while, Principal Patrick."

She then greeted the other professors one by one.

"Oh, yes, it has been a very long time. This lot is always complaining to me that they have no one to discuss their academic work with. A bunch of stubborn old fools. They clearly just miss you, but they have to make up excuses like that," Principal Patrick said.

"Hmph, and you’re any different? Why single us out?!"

Professor Vivian sidestepped the principal, came forward, and gave Yvonne a hug.

"My dear, you must introduce us to your family! They’re absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to meet them!"