A white limousine waited outside the condominium building. Although it was a wealthy area with most of the residents owning luxury cars, passersby still couldn't help but gawk at the vehicle because some of them recognized that it was custom-made from a limited edition series.
Iris, together with her instructors Professor Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa, walked out of the lobby to the limo. It was a bright sunny day and there were plenty of people walking about on the streets. Iris made sure to wear big sunglasses and face mask to avoid being recognized.
A chauffeur greeted them and opened the limo door. Professor Schwarz climbed in first, then Iris, and finally Professor Hisakawa.
They were on their way to meet the business mentor Professor Erwan Dupont personally assigned for Iris. The mentor was supposed to arrive weeks ago but for some reason, he or she kept on being delayed.
Based on her instructors' barely controlled excitement, Iris figured that the mentor was someone they greatly respected. She could sense that they even regarded the mentor on the same level as Professor Dupont.
Who was this person that he or she would be on the same level as the Headmaster of Cross Academy?
The mysterious mentor sent the chauffeured limousine to pick them up. She was very curious about what kind of person her mentor would be.
She had no idea where they were going, but she was not alone. It seemed that her instructors also didn't know. All they knew was that they were going to one of the mentor's residences in the country.
About an hour later, the car entered a suburban area. It looked like a peaceful neighbourhood with big quaint houses. The residences looked well-to-do but still relatively humble compared to the ostentatious mansions in many exclusive villages.
Iris initially thought that their destination was one of the quaint houses, but she was wrong. They passed through the lovely neighbourhood to drive along a cemented road within a forest.
Professor Hisakawa confirmed their identities to the guards before the massive gilded gate was opened.
They drove for another twenty minutes before finally seeing a huge sprawling Mediterranean-style mansion. Tall palm trees lined the long cobblestone driveway leading to the mansion's main entrance.
The limo parked at the end of the driveway. The chauffeur opened the door for them and they disembarked.
Iris looked around, wondering if they were still in China. It felt like they were transported to another country. She inhaled deeply. Even the air felt fresher here.
"Ahaha! You're finally here! I almost fell asleep waiting for all of you! What took you so long? I want to know!" An elderly man's voice speaking in English boomed from within the entranceway.
They all watched as a tall sprightly elderly man walked towards them. He had a head full of grey hair styled in the classic side part. His neatly groomed grey mustache couldn't hide the big smile on his still handsome face. Obviously, he had wrinkles due to his advanced age, but compared to other elderly men, he looked decades younger. He brimmed with energy.
Professor Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa stepped forward and respectfully greeted him.
"Professor Lu, what an honour to finally meet you again after so long."
"Greetings, Professor Lu. Thank you for inviting us here today."
The two professors laughed awkwardly. They shook the elderly man's hand. Both of them tried hard not to wince by his tight grip and energetic handshake.
"Still beautiful, Kalisha."
"Thank you, Sir Lu."
"And you, Akio. I know you're a writer but don't spend all your time holed up indoors. You look so sallow! Spend more time outside and soak in some sunlight!"
Professor Hisakawa coughed in embarrassment. "I understand, Sir Lu."
"And you little girl, don't just stand there. Come and let me see you."
Iris smiled and stepped forward. "Hello, sir. My name is Long Xiulan. I've been looking forward to meeting you, sir. Thank you for having us today."
"Good. Very good." The elderly man nodded as he examined Iris from head to toe and back up again. He looked pleased at what he was seeing. "You look even prettier than the photo that Dupont bastard sent me."
Iris didn't know how to respond so she just smiled respectfully.
She blinked a few times. Eh? They just met and he already wanted her to call him Grandpa? Wasn't he supposed to be her business mentor? Shouldn't she call him Sir Lu like the others or perhaps even Teacher?
"Where's your tongue, girl?" He asked in an impatient tone. "Hurry up and call me Grandpa!"
"Uh…" Iris hesitated. "I look forward to learning from you, Grandpa Lu…"
"Ahaha! Very good! Come, Xiulan my girl. You too Kalisha and Akio. Let me show you inside my humble home!"
Iris looked around. Humble? This massive mansion?
They followed Grandpa Lu as he showed them around while chatting.
Suddenly, he turned to Iris and asked, "Your father is the head of Long Industries, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"What sir? I told you to call me Grandpa!"
He nodded, satisfied with her response. Then he continued, "So how is your relationship with the Longs? Are they supportive of you being admitted to Cross Academy?"
"They don't know. I didn't tell them."
"What?! Why not? Are you on bad terms with your family?"
"I was but recently my relationship with my father has improved. As for the others…" She shrugged.
"Ahahaha! I'm not the least bit surprised. The Longs are a bunch of snobs since long ago! I was worried that you'll be stuck-up like them. I'm glad that you seem like a nice girl." Grandpa looked very pleased.
Then he asked, "So Xiulan my girl, tell Grandpa, are you single?"
