Chapter 333: Elias Mercer Immediately Recognized the Middle-aged Couple

Elias Mercer immediately recognized the middle-aged couple.

He strode forward with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Elias Mercer. I live next door to Clara."

Clara Whitmore snapped out of her daze and quickly made introductions.

"Mom, Dad, this is Professor Mercer who lent me his lab."

Daniel Whitmore studied the young man with surprise. "I didn't expect the professor to be so young. The younger generation surpasses the old."

Helen Whitmore also looked astonished. "Thank you for looking after our Clara."

"Please, just call me Elias."

Elias?

Daniel and his wife exchanged glances.

"What's this..." Daniel noticed the distinctive notebook in Elias's hands.

Elias explained, "These are the Calendar Notes I borrowed from Professor Calvin Vale in Ashford University's physics department."

Seeing Daniel's confusion, he continued, "It's an Ashford University physics tradition. Each year's top student records research notes on trending topics with their own analyses and predictions."

"These notes get updated annually like a calendar, passed down through generations of outstanding graduates. Professor Vale bound all his students' notes into volumes."

Though Elias simplified his explanation, Daniel still looked bewildered.

"Did I make it too complicated?" Elias asked apologetically.

Helen suddenly remembered something. "Daniel, wasn't your mentor also surnamed Vale?"

"Calvin Vale?" Elias blurted out.

"Yes! Exactly!" Daniel grew excited.

Elias looked surprised. "You studied physics at Ashford University?"

Daniel scratched his head sheepishly. "I'm the least accomplished among Professor Vale' students now..."

He'd given up his direct PhD admission offer to return home and care for his parents.

"How is Professor Vale' health?"

"Still sharp as ever," Elias smiled.

Daniel nodded in relief. "That's good. Elias, are you also from Ashford University physics?"

"I'm from Calder Institute of Technology's physics department."

Daniel's eyes lit up. "Physics is wonderful! What's your research focus—"

Helen quickly interrupted. "The professor surely has things to attend to. Stop pestering him."

Only then did Daniel notice Elias's briefcase. "My apologies. Don't let me keep you."

"No trouble at all. You've just arrived—I won't intrude. We'll catch up another time."

After seeing Elias out, Clara busied herself unpacking.

Helen and Daniel wandered through their daughter's cozy two-bedroom apartment, taking in every homely detail.