5 Chapter 5: Overflowing Will to Survive

Originally, Oaks intended to take Antonio back to treat his wounds, and at most help him find a place to live, which could be considered assisting this unfortunate boy.

And Goose, being raised at home, not only served as a powerful weapon to guard the house, but also provided cover for Oaks' orange cat form.

Although he now had the strength to deal with the majority of threats and could proceed with his next plan, his carefully cultivated identity was still lacking.

He was still a little way off from being able to expose his abilities.

At this point, he shouldn't be involved with ordinary people, which was a significant reason why Oaks turned down favorable research conditions.

But unexpectedly, with just a little help from Goose...

"The Emerald Dream" plant shop.

The shop door remained closed, with a sign hanging that said "Closed."

Originally, today Oaks planned to relax and have a pleasant birthday. He even intended to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a meal.

But now, as he looked at Antonio lying on the sofa still unconscious, he felt troubled.

What should he do? He couldn't modify memories himself.

Should he eliminate the witness?

When Antonio woke up, he opened his eyes and immediately saw Oaks staring straight at him, with a hint of fierceness in his eyes.

"Ah! Hero... Master... No, sage, spare me!"

The overflowing will to survive instantly woke Antonio up from his drowsiness. He tumbled off the sofa in a prone position, narrowly avoiding falling to the ground.

He didn't dare to scream in agony. Antonio quickly got up and performed a full prostration.

"Sage! Antonio is willing to be guided by the sage, and will absolutely not reveal a word about the existence of the sage... um, and the mystical pet! If I violate this oath, let thunder strike me down!"

"..."

Oaks was completely dumbfounded by Antonio's antics. After a long while, he chuckled helplessly and pinched his forehead.

"Alright, you've read too many fantasy novels, talking about sages and mystical pets... Get up, I don't have any intention of killing you."

No, you definitely thought of it!

Antonio inwardly lamented. What Sage? This was simply a means of survival... It should clearly be a demonic boss and its demonic pet!

"Um... Thank you, sage, for sparing my life!"

This country is so dangerous... but at least my life is saved.

Antonio felt bitter in his heart. First, he got beaten up while trying to watch a spectacle, and then he encountered...

Hmm?

As Antonio rubbed his chin, he pondered and realized that it wasn't actually that difficult to accept.

"Do you have any thoughts?"

Oaks was somewhat surprised. This guy seemed to calm down immediately?

Are young people nowadays so accepting of extraordinary phenomena?

"Ah, Sag... I mean, Mr. Oaks..."

"It's better if you call me Dr. Oaks. After all, I don't need to constantly emphasize my academic degree like a certain arrogant guy."

Oaks looked at Antonio, who had a bewildered expression, and smiled slightly, extending his right hand.

"You're currently in my shop, which is also my home.

Let me reintroduce myself. I am Dr. Oaks Woods. I hold a Ph.D. in Biology from Cornell University and I'm also the owner of this plant shop, 'The Emerald Dream.'"

"Ah... Dr. Woods!"

Antonio was momentarily stunned, then suddenly jumped up from the sofa.

He had already put the earlier incident behind him and was now filled with excitement and respect.

He quickly grasped Oaks's outstretched right hand with both hands, his excitement caused him to speak incoherently:

"I should have recognized you earlier! You're the genius biologist who single-handedly elevated the Cornell University Biology Department to the top three in the United States two years ago—

You're only 23 years old, just three years older than me. I didn't even know if I could graduate smoothly with a master's degree..."

"Uh, am I that famous?"

Oaks scratched his head. He had left school two years ago, and even a non-local international student knew about him?

"Yes!"

"…Well, okay. A 20-year-old international graduate student, and from Columbia University, you're not an ordinary student, are you? Plus, your English is unexpectedly good for an international student."

Shrugging his shoulders, Oaks withdrew his hand from Antonio's grip and cleared his throat.

"So, what about just now? Did you see something special? What are your thoughts?"

Antonio shuddered, and his admiration for his senior was immediately shattered by the cold reality. This Dr. Woods in front of him was more than just a biologist.

Wait, biology...

"I see!"

Antonio widened his eyes, suddenly enlightened.

"That big orange cat, is it your creation? Are you involved in genetic modification research?"

"Well... you could say that."

Oaks raised the corner of his mouth slightly. This was the advantage of his identity.

If mysterious organizations caused unnecessary panic and speculation, things in the realm of science were much easier to accept—especially when the other person was an intellectual.

"Truly... astonishing achievements!"

Antonio became excited.

"Mr. Woods... um, Mr. Oaks, I was sent by my alma mater to study for a master's degree at Columbia University."

As he spoke, Antonio felt somewhat proud. After all, a sponsored international student of this level was not something an ordinary top student could handle.

But as he thought about the identity of the person in front of him, he coughed lightly and calmed down:

"My major is Environmental Science, but I also have a good understanding of veterinary medicine.

Because I really like cats and dogs as pets, but I couldn't have them when I was in school, so..."

He smiled apologetically.

"Mr. Oaks, there are even genetically modified humans like Captain America...

So, when it comes to cat demons... um, genetically modified creatures and such, it's all just a drizzle!"

"..."

Well, at least now this troublesome guy shouldn't have any psychological barriers.

And this guy isn't just a cat lover, he likes dogs too?

But for the sake of safety...

"Well, Antonio, can I call you that?"

Oaks smiled as Antonio nodded repeatedly:

"Goose, that big orange cat, is indeed very important to my research. So, I hope the news doesn't leak from you before I announce it, alright?"

"No problem! That's only natural!" Antonio vowed.

"Very well, then since that's the case, we can consider it fate.

You don't have to go find a house, just stay here with me."

Oaks pointed upstairs:

"There's a separate two-bedroom apartment on the second floor. That's where I lived when I was a child, so you can stay there."

"Ah, Mr. Oaks, that would be too troublesome for you..."

Antonio was about to decline but saw Goose sauntering over, and he discreetly wiped his sweat:

"So, about the rent..."

"When you're not in class, help me with the shop to offset the rent. I'll provide meals, and the salary won't be lower than what you'd earn working outside the school.

Your student visa doesn't allow you to work off-campus, but no one will come to check on you here."

"Deal!"

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