Chapter 246: A Test and a Surprise Visit

Jonathan didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he looked at the old man, Wayne Wynn, with a faint smile.

“Grandpa, what do you want to say?”

Wayne chuckled. “I just wanted to ask… You’re already thirty, and I’m getting impatient to have a great-grandchild. You don’t care about me at all, do you? Look at my old friends—every single one of them already has great-grandchildren.”

Jonathan replied calmly, “If that’s what you’re thinking, maybe you should take a look at my uncles’ sons.”

He continued, “Jose would do just fine. He’s at the right age.”

Then, without waiting for a response, Jonathan simply said, “It’s late, Grandpa. I’ll be going now.”

With that, he turned and left. The moment he turned away, their expressions both changed.

Wayne had been testing him, trying to gauge how much Sierra meant to him. But Jonathan had easily deflected the topic, giving nothing away. After all that, Wayne still didn’t have a clear answer.

Wayne sighed inwardly. His grandson was slippery as ever. He thought about the information he had gathered on Sierra and decided to observe a little longer. After all, they had only been together for less than six months, and the relationship was still in its honeymoon phase. Besides, Jonathan was only thirty. Wayne figured he had time to wait.

After leaving the old estate, Jonathan headed straight for North Salem University. He had messaged Sierra, but she hadn’t responded, so he went directly to the lab. He was no stranger there. Even though he had already graduated, his presence alone was enough to get him inside.

When he arrived, Sierra was in the middle of an intense debate with Erwin, while a few senior students stood by, watching in amusement.

Finn adjusted his glasses and commented, “Sierra’s got some real skills. This is the first time I’ve seen Erwin so worked up.”

“Finn, whose side are you on?” Autumn asked, clearly enjoying the drama.

Finn thought for a moment before answering, “I’m siding with Erwin. Sierra makes some good points, but theoretically, it doesn’t hold up.”

“I’m with Sierra,” Azure spoke up, rarely one to talk much. “The last research project wasn’t theoretically sound either, but she still made it work.”

Autumn nodded in agreement. “Good point. I’m with Sierra too!”

Just as she finished speaking, a voice chimed in, “Then count me in as well.”

The group turned in surprise, completely caught off guard. Even Erwin, who had been passionately arguing with Sierra, instinctively looked back—and was instantly rendered speechless.

Autumn was the quickest to react. “Mr… Mr. Yeager?”

Jonathan nodded at her. “Just call me Jonathan.”

That simple statement sent the entire group into a frenzy. Even the usually composed Finn looked a little starstruck.

“Jonathan!”

If they were reacting like this, then Erwin—who idolized Jonathan—was even worse. He was so shocked he couldn’t get a single word out.

Sierra, on the other hand, remained unfazed. She simply introduced the group. “These are my seniors.”

She went on to introduce each of them, and by the time she got to Erwin, he had finally snapped out of his daze.

“Hi—hello! Jonathan!” he stammered, looking like he could barely believe his eyes.

Sierra found his reaction amusing. Just moments ago, he had been like a little hedgehog, bristling with energy. Now, he was practically a puppy—timid and obedient.

Jonathan pulled Sierra to his side. “I overheard some of your discussion. I have a few thoughts—want to hear them?”

“Yes! Yes, yes!”

Autumn and the others were visibly excited. This was their first time talking to Jonathan in person. Their professor always spoke about him with admiration, and now, they finally had the chance to hear his insights firsthand.

Jonathan shared his perspective, then concluded, “Even if the theory hasn’t been proven yet, as scientists, we can’t be bound by limitations. Science is about innovation—pushing past barriers and making breakthroughs. If we confine ourselves to rigid frameworks, we’ll only evolve but never truly revolutionize.”

The group listened intently, deep in thought—especially Erwin. Sierra watched Jonathan speak so effortlessly, so confidently, and felt a surge of pride. This incredible man is my boyfriend.

Jonathan checked the time. “It’s getting late. We’ll head out now. When our professor returns next week, I’ll set up a gathering—come join us.”

“Got it, Jonathan!” Finn and the others responded eagerly.

It wasn’t until Jonathan and Sierra left that the group finally snapped out of their daze.

Finn adjusted his glasses again. “I never expected to meet Mr. Yeager today. But I guess with Sierra around, the chances of meeting a genius do increase.”

“Jonathan is different from what I imagined,” Azure remarked.