Chapter 19

Saya's heart surged with anticipation as she drove to orchestrate a surprise visit to Luca Bronte, her cherished best friend who was now an esteemed professor at the university where they had shared their academic journey. Behind the wheel of her car, she navigated the familiar pathways with a blend of fondness and eagerness. Beside her, Trae, her 5-year-old bundle of curiosity, clutched a carefully arranged bouquet of zinnias—a burst of color against the backdrop of autumnal shades.

The autumn afternoon was bathed in a warm, golden glow, as if the very essence of nostalgia had woven itself into the fabric of her surroundings. The air carried the distinct aroma of fallen leaves, mingling with the faint scent of aged books and the distant echoes of scholarly conversations. The ancient trees, draped in hues of amber and russet, stood as silent witnesses to the passage of countless seasons, their leaves gently rustling in a melancholic symphony.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the cobblestone pathways, it illuminated the weathered facades of the historic buildings. Each brick seemed to hold the whispers of academic discussions, laughter from students long graduated, and the footsteps of intellectuals who once walked these hallowed halls.

Walking through the buildings, the sound of distant laughter and spirited debates wafted through the air, creating a harmonic blend of youthful exuberance and intellectual discourse. It was a tapestry of memories woven of the shared moments when she had strolled beneath the same archways. 

In the courtyard, leaves danced in a slow waltz, reminiscent of the times when she, Luca and Ziye occasionally gathered, sharing silly stories and forging friendships that would last a lifetime. 

The sun slowly dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the quad. The autumn afternoon became a canvas painted with hues of nostalgia. Wandering through the institution, Saya basked in the timeless embrace of cherished memories. Being back on campus after many years seemed like a moment frozen in time, where the past and present coalesced, inviting the memory of the time she met him, Trevor Burton. 

The echo of Professor Dalchio's voice reverberated in the lecture hall, announcing a reminder of a guest speaker at our next class. A rush of excitement filled the room. I felt an eagerness coursing through me. The promise of knowledge hung in the air, also sparking enthusiasm among my fellow classmates.

Professor Dalchio, always the master of suspense, enjoyed keeping us all guessing about these occasional speakers. Every student enrolled in his Business Management 501 class, enthusiastically awaited the surprise guest speakers he would invite during the semester. These guest speakers weren't just anyone. They were known for their significant contributions to Carpon City, which added an extra layer of zest to the course. 

To break from my habitual tardiness, I made a conscious effort to arrive early to that next class. The mystery of my consistent lateness during regular hours remained unsolved, but when it came to guest speakers, something shifted—I effortlessly became one of the first to snag a seat, ready to soak in corporate knowledge.

Going along with the timeless wisdom of "the early bird gets the worm," I found myself among the initial students stepping into the lecture hall. Today, punctuality triumphed over my usual tardiness, and I relished in the rarity of the achievement. The air buzzed with anticipation as I settled in, poised to dive into the educational opportunities that lay ahead with the impending arrival of the distinguished guest speaker. 

"Wow, everyone, look who decided to show up!" One of my classmates exclaimed the moment she spotted me entering the class hall.

"Saya, why can't you be on time during regular class days? You always come early when we have speakers; one would think they were giving out free food," my class buddy and friend Luca replied, eliciting laughter from everyone.

"I set five alarms on those days I'm early," I smirked and took my seat.

"Haha, how interesting... So how many do you have on the regular class days?" Trent, the boy sitting behind me, asked mockingly.

I rolled my eyes, ignored him, and retrieved my book and pen to take notes.

Shortly after, additional students started trickling in, and just in the nick of time, the professor entered the room. Following closely behind, the guest speaker entered the room. His handsome presence commanded attention, and as his eyes scanned the space while walking, a sense of awe washed over me. His sharp gaze traversed the room, eventually landing on my section of the hall. Even though I was certain he hadn't seen me, I couldn't help but wonder about the kind of person he was. Throughout our extensive lectures on sports marketing, his name had frequently surfaced.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as we all settled into our seats. Excited chatter and hushed whispers filled the room. Professor Dalchio, a mischievous glint in his eye, leisurely strolled to the front, hands clasped behind his back. With a theatrical pause, he turned toward the door, acknowledging the presence of the guest speaker, Trevor Burton.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing a distinguished figure in the world of sports marketing, someone whose expertise and insights have left an indelible mark on the industry," Professor Dalchio announced, a sense of pride evident in his voice.

As Trevor Burton stepped forward, the room fell into a hushed anticipation. His confident demeanor and a faint smile hinted at a wealth of experience. The air crackled with curiosity, and I couldn't help but lean forward, eager to absorb the wisdom he was about to share.

Mr. Burton began to speak, his words weaving a narrative that effortlessly captured our attention. He delved into the intricacies of sports marketing, illustrating real-world examples that brought the theories from our lectures to life. The room transformed into a haven of knowledge, with every student hanging onto his every word.

Throughout the lecture, I marveled at how the concepts, once confined to textbooks and presentations, seamlessly intertwined with the stories and experiences shared by Trevor. It was a moment of connection between theory and practice, leaving an indelible impression on all of us.

As the session drew to a close, Professor Dalchio thanked Trevor for gracing us with his presence, and the room erupted into applause. The mischievous glint returned to Professor Dalchio's eyes as he observed the impact of his surprise guest on our eager minds.

Little did I know that this encounter would become a pivotal moment in my academic journey, sparking a newfound appreciation for the dynamic world of marketing and leaving me with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.