"You say you're a guest lecturer?" the security guard eyed him suspiciously. Was there such a young guest lecturer?
This was Jiangcheng University, one of the key universities in the country. Weren't all the lecturers here middle-aged?
"Wait a moment, I'll call the academic affairs office."
"No need for that. Someone will come to pick me up." Li Yang smiled and took out his phone to call Professor Zhuang.
Since he didn't know the way to the lecture hall without Professor Zhuang guiding him, he might as well call.
Professor Zhuang answered the phone and, upon learning that he had arrived at the school gate, immediately rallied several lecturers and professors to come and greet him.
"Lecturer Li, please wait a moment, we'll be right there."
"Alright, I'll wait for you at the east gate." Li Yang said with a smile, then hung up the phone.
The security guard at the gate looked at him with disbelief. "Are you really a guest lecturer?"
"Genuine article," Li Yang smiled.
"Well, I apologize. Campus security is a concern, and it's my first time seeing you, so I had to be cautious."
The security guard thought for a moment, deciding it was best not to offend him. "How about this, it's sunny outside, you can sit inside and rest a bit."
"Thank you, but no need." Li Yang shook his head.
"Then have a cup of tea."
"Thank you."
A moment later, Professor Zhuang arrived with a group of people. Upon seeing Li Yang, he immediately smiled and called out, "Lecturer Li, sorry to have kept you waiting. Please come in quickly."
"Hello, Professor Zhuang. I'm very grateful that you and the others came to welcome me." Li Yang smiled and also expressed his thanks to the people around him.
Everyone immediately waved their hands, saying, "Not at all, Mr. Li is young and exceptionally talented. It's our honor to have you lecture at our university."
"You flatter me," Li Yang said with a smile.
Although these lecturers and professors were surprised by Li Yang's age and held a slight disdain in their hearts, since Professor Zhuang, a tenured honorary professor, had strongly recommended him to lecture, they maintained basic politeness and courtesy on the surface.
Seeing that he was indeed there to lecture, the security guard immediately said, "I apologize, teacher. I was rather rude just now, please don't mind me."
"When did you offend me?" Li Yang smiled and handed back the disposable paper cup. "Thank you for the tea. When I finish my lecture, I'll trouble you to pour me another cup. This tea is truly refreshing."
"This tea is from my hometown. It's not famous, but if you like it and don't mind, I'll give you some when you return later," the security guard said immediately.
Li Yang smiled, "Then I thank you."
"You're welcome, you're welcome." The security guard said happily. For someone of considerable status to like the unremarkable tea from his hometown was a source of joy, even pride.
What was a little bit of tea compared to that?
Li Yang smiled, then looked at Professor Zhuang and said, "It's getting late, can we go to the lecture hall now?"
"Won't you rest for a bit?" Professor Zhuang asked.
Li Yang shook his head, "If I rest any longer, won't I be late? Wouldn't that be wasting the students' time?"
"Lecturer Li, you speak very well. You truly should become a teacher at our university." Professor Zhuang smiled, then led him toward the lecture hall.
Upon arriving, Li Yang was somewhat taken aback.
The lecture hall was truly grand, with thousands of seats, almost all of them filled with people who had come to hear him lecture.
"Does Jiangcheng University's Archaeology Department have this many students?"
"Heh heh, certainly not that many in any single graduating year. These are students from past years of the Archaeology Department, including graduates. I've invited them all. Some couldn't make it, so they aren't here, otherwise, this auditorium wouldn't be able to accommodate them, and I'd have to ask you to lecture under the scorching sun." Professor Zhuang said with a smile, feeling proud as he looked at the gathering of old and new students.
These were all students he had taught.
Some were already married and established, working in archaeology teams, museums, and various universities. Their return to attend a lecture was not just to give face to their alma mater, but to give face to this elder.
Noticing some individuals with extraordinary demeanor and particularly sharp gazes, Li Yang felt a slight pressure. "Professor Zhuang, you really think too highly of me. Among these people, how many are industry experts and masters? It will be rather difficult for me to lecture them."
"Aren't you afraid I'll lose face?"
"Heh heh, don't be so modest. I've already figured out your capabilities. Even if they are masters and experts, you are qualified to lecture them." Professor Zhuang patted his shoulder and said, "Please go on stage, Lecturer Li."
"Alright." Li Yang walked towards the podium with a wry smile.
Those seated below had intended to stand for Professor Zhuang, but seeing him walk up while Li Yang went onto the stage, they were astonished and showed expressions of shock.
"What's going on? Isn't Professor Zhuang giving the lecture?"
"Didn't Professor Zhuang say yesterday that the lecturer was a master he strongly supported? Why is it this young fellow?"
"Hey, kid, don't be disrespectful. Which year are you from? Get down immediately!"
"Ahem." Li Yang picked up the microphone and coughed twice, clearing his throat. "Everyone present, please be quiet."
"As you can see, I am Li Yang, the guest lecturer recommended by Professor Zhuang to lecture here."
"What! It's really him!"
"Li Yang? The young man who defeated the appraisal master Zheng Beixi?"
"It's actually true!"
Many people in the audience had heard of this name. Some looked at him with admiration, but others' eyes flashed with cold light, feeling unconvinced, even wanting to seize this opportunity to make a name for themselves!
Immediately, a graduate who had only finished a few years ago stood up, raised his arm high, and shouted, "Who cares about Li Yang or Zhao Yang, I don't think this kid is qualified to lecture us!"
"My friend, what kind of qualification do you think is sufficient to lecture someone like you?" Li Yang asked the graduate who had raised his arm.
This fellow was ordinary-looking, thin, with a few moles on his face. He sneered at Li Yang and took out an object. "I obtained this item by chance. I originally intended to take this opportunity to consult Professor Zhuang."
"But since you've taken the stage to lecture us, why don't you identify this item first!"
"Alright, no problem." Li Yang nodded and said.