At that moment, Professor Lionel Waters was packing up his laptop and notes while chatting with Dr. Eric Holden, the Dean of the School of Biotech and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Jinridge University.
Though their research interests weren't identical, there was significant overlap—enough to make the conversation flow easily.
As Dr. Holden chatted with Professor Waters, he noticed Tony Snow and Clara Quinn approaching. He gave Tony a meaningful glance. After all, Tony was no longer just a student under his wing—he was now also his business partner, and in some ways, even his employer.
"Hello, Professor Holden, hello, Professor Waters," Tony greeted politely once he reached them.
"Ah, hello, Mr. Snow," Professor Waters responded warmly. He had lectured at many universities over the years, but it was rare to meet an undergrad who came over so proactively to chat after a seminar.
"This is Tony Snow, the student I told you about earlier," Dr. Holden added, turning to Professor Waters with a small nod. "I mentioned him to you yesterday."
"Oh! So you're the Tony Snow who submitted to Cell? The one who just launched a startup, published in Mathematical Advances, and had that AI paper in Journal of Intelligent Systems that's been making waves?" Professor Waters looked at Tony with an astonished expression, rattling off Tony's string of accomplishments with admiration.
"I'm surprised you're that up to date with things outside of botany, Professor," Tony chuckled. But after glancing at Dr. Holden, he quickly realized where Waters had likely gotten the information. "Though I imagine Dr. Holden might've given you a little background."
"Professor Waters, I actually came over to ask you a few questions about the topics in your presentation," Tony explained.
While Tony hadn't deeply studied botany, he did know of many important future research breakthroughs. He saw this as a perfect opportunity to test one or two ideas.
"You're into botany too?" Professor Waters blinked. He hadn't heard Dr. Holden mention that Tony had interest in plant science—especially not on top of all his work in math, computer science, and biomedicine.
Most students in their early twenties barely had a grasp on one domain. But Tony? He seemed to dabble in them all.
Tony smiled modestly and launched into his question: "You mentioned earlier that harpins can activate at least three signal pathways. So I was wondering—"
As Tony elaborated, Professor Waters stood with one hand stroking his chin, the elbow resting on the opposite arm. His brow furrowed in deep thought.
After a long silence, Waters finally responded, looking at Tony with surprising seriousness: "I have to admit, Mr. Snow… I hadn't considered those questions before. And to be honest, I don't currently have the answers."
There was a trace of embarrassment in his voice. As a seasoned academic being stumped by a student's question—especially on the topic of his own lecture—it was a rare and humbling moment.
Tony had expected as much. These ideas came from research findings that wouldn't emerge for another decade. How could Professor Waters possibly know about them now?
Still, Tony put on a slightly disappointed face and said, "So even you aren't sure yet… I guess we'll have to wait until future research uncovers more."
Professor Waters laughed softly, but then turned serious again.
"Well then, if you're this interested in plant biology, why don't you consider joining my graduate program at Haidale University? You'd be a valuable addition to the lab," he offered directly.
Tony politely declined. He'd already made up his mind on where he'd study and whom he would study under.
Professor Waters wasn't offended. Instead, he smiled and continued talking with Tony—clearly impressed by the conversation. The two of them spoke at length about signaling pathways, resistance gene interactions, and emerging technologies in agricultural biotech.
Though Tony's expertise in botany wasn't deep, his perspective was sharp, and his questions consistently hit on key issues in the field.
In fact, Waters was so engrossed in the discussion that he decided to join Tony and the others for lunch at the campus cafeteria, continuing the debate as they walked. Clara Quinn and Dr. Holden accompanied them but mostly listened in silence.
Dr. Holden could follow most of the exchange, though some parts were outside his expertise. Clara, however, was completely lost. From the moment the conversation started, she barely understood a word.
Later, when they finally parted ways, Professor Waters handed Tony his card.
"Mr. Snow, here's my contact information. If I ever stumble across answers to the questions you raised today, I promise I'll get in touch. I honestly didn't expect Jinridge University to produce someone with your kind of cross-disciplinary mind. Give it ten years—I'm sure you'll surpass even me," he said with conviction.
It was a bold statement—but as it would turn out, Professor Waters was still underestimating Tony Snow.
Dr. Holden saw Waters off, while Tony and Clara walked back toward their dorms.
As they strolled along the campus path, Clara gave Tony a curious glance.
"When did you start researching Molecular Plant Pathology? We haven't even taken that course yet. I've never seen you reading books on it either."
Tony shrugged. "I read a few papers here and there in my free time. Besides, when you're buried in your own books at the library, it's not like you notice what I'm reading anyway."
"No way! I always notice the books on your desk," Clara insisted. "And I've never seen anything on plant pathology."
"So you really do pay attention to what I'm reading, huh?" Tony grinned, shifting the subject. "I thought you didn't notice me at all."
Clara's face flushed. "I—what? No! I mean—ugh, stop teasing me!"
Though they'd been dating for a while now, they hadn't progressed far physically. Clara still got flustered easily, and Tony loved teasing her just enough to bring out that shy smile.
"You're blushing again. Your face is as red as a cherry. Or maybe a ripe apple," Tony said with a mischievous chuckle.
"Hmph. I'm not talking to you anymore," Clara huffed, turning her head away as her ponytail bounced dramatically behind her.
She picked up her pace, attempting to walk off and leave Tony behind.
Tony laughed and jogged to catch up.
The two returned to their respective dorms, smiling and bickering like the young couple they were.