Learning should have been a tedious grind, but Jason Carter felt unexpectedly happy.
First, ever since his abilities had skyrocketed across the board, everything he learned came shockingly fast. Every new skill gave him a surge of accomplishment.
Second, Ava Summers—beautiful, gentle, and impossibly patient—was guiding him hand-in-hand. Having her lean in close to correct his posture felt like being wrapped in a warm, fragrant breeze.
Third, Ava's growing astonishment at his progress was steadily increasing her goodwill toward him. He was leveling up socially and academically at the same time.
Before he knew it, more than an hour had passed. As Jason practiced a piece on his own, he vaguely heard Ava talking quietly with Lily, and another girl he hadn't met.
The girl in white—wavy light-brown hair, elegant in a clean, summer-dress kind of way—was Grace.
Grace whispered,"Ava, that's Professor Walter White—the director of the HarmonyKeys Private Piano Studio, Downtown Houston Branch and also the President of the Houston Piano Association. How about I introduce you? If he sees your talent, he might help you secure a competition spot."
Ava hesitated, biting her lip."Grace… I heard Professor White is extremely strict. Even his own students don't get guaranteed recommendations. Why would he listen to an outsider like me? I don't want to trouble you."
Grace pouted."Look, it's not to be mean, but the students he normally mentors? They're good, sure—but nowhere near national-level. Send them to an international competition and they'll be cannon fodder.You, on the other hand, genuinely have a chance."
She lowered her voice."Yes, Professor White looks like a stone statue and barely smiles. Yes, he'll probably scold us for even approaching him. But Ava, this is your future we're talking about. It's worth trying."
Ava shrank slightly, even more timid."No, no… I'd feel horrible if you got scolded because of me."
Lily crossed her arms, frustrated."Honestly, things shouldn't even be like this. Our university professors should be the ones recommending their students. But they only give spots to their favorites—the ones with connections, gifts, or family influence. Actual talent gets ignored."
She exhaled sharply."If the system wasn't so dirty, Ava would already have a guaranteed place. With how good she is, she might even go international someday. And me—maybe I wouldn't reach her level, but at least I'd get a shot. Instead, we're stuck teaching privately here."
Grace sighed helplessly."Tell me about it. I know I'm not competition-tier, but if the world were fair, I'd at least make it farther. Instead, I'm doing part-time tutoring."
Just then, the piano music stopped.
All three girls froze and turned toward Jason.
Jason glanced at them, then said casually,"If your university professors are corrupt, why not talk to Professor White? Honestly… he doesn't look that unapproachable."
He had noticed Professor Walter White at the Houston Arts University Talent Showcase last month. The man sat in the VIP section—stern, yes, but not unfriendly.
Grace nearly choked."Jason, which eye of yours sees him as approachable? The man's a walking poker face. Brilliant pianist, sure, but friendly? No way. Shh—he's coming! Pretend you're practicing, or he'll chew us out."
Grace rushed forward, pretending to guide Jason's hands. Jason, however, didn't budge. He simply kept looking calmly at Professor White.
Grace nudged him sharply with her elbow."Oh my god—Jason! Make yourself look busy! Once a teacher sees your eyes, you're done for! I can leave, but I'll be the one getting yelled at!"
But before she could push him again, Professor Walter White had already spotted them.
His expression darkened immediately—stern brows tightening, lips flattening. Grace felt her stomach drop.
We're dead. I'm absolutely getting scolded.
But then—something unexpected happened.
Professor White's gaze landed on Jason.
For a moment, he froze.
Then his expression transformed—like a stone statue cracking open to reveal light—into pure, unrestrained ecstasy.
Professor Walter White strode toward them with surprising speed, his expression transforming completely."Mr. Carter," he greeted warmly, voice filled with delight, "what a pleasure to finally meet you. I was wondering why the entire studio felt… brighter today. Turns out you were here."
Grace froze.
She had known Professor White for years. She had seen him cold, strict, distant, intimidating—but never like this. Never smiling. Never excited. Never respectful to this degree.
Ava Summers and Lily were equally stunned.Professor White's expression changed faster than a broken LED screen. Jason had joked earlier that the professor "looked approachable"—but this expression? This was beyond approachable. This was borderline reverent.
Jason responded politely,"Professor White, you flatter me. I've barely scratched the surface of piano. Being able to practice here in such a respected Houston studio is already an honor."
Professor White chuckled, waving his hand."What respected studio? It's just a private place for learning. Mr. Carter, if you'd like to come often, our doors are always open. Any instructor here is at your disposal. And if you don't mind my old face—I'd be happy to personally tutor you."
Jason smiled."My level doesn't require instruction from someone of your stature. Being taught by these seniors is already perfect for me."
Professor White laughed again."Well, compared to sitting across from an old man like me, I suppose it's much easier to learn when a beautiful young woman is teaching you."
Ava, Lily, and Grace silently screamed inside.
Who… is this? Where did the ice-cold Professor White go?
The stern, unsmiling man who normally terrified every student was completely gone. In his place stood someone who looked like he might polish Jason's shoes if asked.
Professor White spoke with Jason a bit more, his tone growing almost… fawning."Mr. Carter, you performed at the University Talent Showcase recently, didn't you? And now you're studying piano. I must say—you have quite an artistic spirit.Tell me… are you perhaps interested in investing in or collaborating with the music education industry?"
There it was.
The real reason.
In terms of musical prestige and academic standing, Walter White towered far above Jason Carter.
But when it came to wealth?
Jason was on a completely different planet.
Professor White's mind raced—his failing private studio, shrinking income, rising costs… the giant mortgage on the big house he had foolishly bought… the second wife whose spending habits could drain a small country… and children who relied entirely on him.
If this continues, he might have to sell Meath.
Money wasn't just important—it was oxygen.
And if Jason Carter, the rising star of Carter Innovations and the young heir behind multiple tech investments, were to invest…
Everything would change.
His studio would revive instantly.His association clout would skyrocket.Sponsors would line up.Parents would fight to enroll their children.
Even a small partnership with Jason's media company could flood the studio with attention overnight.
Jason glanced at Ava—who had been teaching him gently, patiently, and wholeheartedly all this time.
For her sake, he nodded."I'm somewhat interested. We can talk about it."
Professor White's eyes lit up like a man who just won the lottery.
He bowed slightly—yes, bowed—and said respectfully,"Mr. Carter, let's discuss it in the conference room."
As the two walked away, Grace, Ava, and Lily exchanged looks.
Only now did everything make sense.
This wasn't about approachability.This wasn't about personality.
This was the power of money—raw, unmistakable, world-bending money—reshaping a strict professor into the kindest man alive.
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