Chapter 249

The Science and Technology Academic Exchange Conference, jointly hosted by the Science and Technology Association and other institutions, officially began two days prior. This month-long conference included nearly two hundred exchange activities, involving many academicians and experts from the fields of science, technology, and industry. Cole, who was invited to attend, was also present.

This afternoon, Freya and Johnny were particularly interested in the “Advanced Materials” session. After returning from the hospital, Freya, along with Johnny and several technical staff members from Cole, went to the conference venue. Johnny represented Cole at the event and had a reserved seat in the front row. Freya, on the other hand, sat in the back row with several of Cole’s staff, as per their arrangement.

They arrived early and, after sitting down, Freya noticed Matteo, Raven, and Levi entering. They also saw her. Raven and Levi weren't surprised to see her; however, Levi thought she was merely there to join the crowd. Raven, on the other hand, didn't care much. She glanced at Freya before quickly turning her attention elsewhere. Matteo gave her a quick look and then took a seat in the front row. Johnny noticed Matteo, sneered, and ignored him. Matteo, however, was quite proactive and smiled, greeting, “Mr. Gray.”

Johnny: “…” They had already agreed they weren’t familiar with each other, so there was no need to greet each other every time they met. Why couldn’t some people understand that?

Around ten minutes later, the conference officially started. An academician from the Academy of Engineering took the stage to discuss the field of advanced materials, explaining the topic while engaging in discussions with the audience. Freya and Johnny had studied and worked with countless advanced materials. Many of the materials mentioned during the conference were already familiar to them by name. They could immediately recognize the characteristics, raw materials, and production conditions, etc. Their knowledge base was extensive, and they understood many advanced technologies more deeply than others. But the world was vast, and they couldn’t know everything. Thus, they listened carefully, as collective wisdom was more likely to inspire new ideas.

Raven also paid close attention. The rapid development of science and technology made the field of advanced materials vast, and many of the materials and knowledge were things she had never heard of, let alone come into contact with. As she listened to the exchanges between the speakers and the audience, she realized just how much she still didn’t understand. She made note of the key points she needed to study and planned to find time to learn more about them later. Matteo sat silently in his seat, seemingly deep in thought, but still appeared to be paying close attention.

After Academician Holden Dunn finished his presentation, many scientists eagerly approached him to ask questions. He patiently answered each one. Johnny got up from his seat and came over to exchange ideas with Freya.

In the vast conference hall with over two hundred people, there were several who didn’t recognize Freya or Johnny. However, as they overheard their conversation, many of them were intrigued and moved closer. Soon, a crowd gathered around them. Someone recognized Johnny and said, “That’s Johnny Gray! He’s Mr. Nolan’s student, no wonder he knows so much!” Upon hearing this, more and more people started approaching, eager to ask questions. After all, it was an academic exchange conference, and as long as the topics weren’t confidential, Johnny would readily provide answers. However, there were so many people that he couldn’t answer them all. He pointed to Freya and said, “She has a broad knowledge base as well. You can ask her.” So, some people turned their attention to Freya, asking her questions. In just ten to twenty minutes, the crowd around them had grown larger and larger.

Matteo knew Academician Holden. He and Raven walked over to greet Academician Holden. Raven took the opportunity to ask Academician Holden a few questions. Academician Holden listened and smiled, saying to Matteo, “Miss Brown is so young, yet her knowledge base is already so impressive. Matteo, you really have a good eye.”

“That’s nothing. Miss Brown graduated with a PhD from a top-tier university. Being excellent comes naturally.” The person speaking was Professor Zane. Raven had attended several exchange sessions recently. With her exceptional skills, coupled with the fact that Professor Liam, who had a great admiration for her, introduced her to several people, she had made quite a few acquaintances. Professor Zane was one of them.

After speaking, Professor Zane turned to Raven and Matteo, laughing, “Oh, Miss Brown, I didn’t realize you were President Wilson’s girlfriend. We had such a great conversation yesterday, but you never mentioned it. You’re so low-key for someone so young. That’s impressive.” Raven smiled and replied, “You flatter me.” They had quite a few people join their conversation, and they ended up chatting for a while.

Meanwhile, someone nearby commented, “Johnny is really impressive. He’s Mr. Nolan’s student, and he knows everything. Whatever you ask him, he can answer!” “Yeah, but what’s more amazing is that Miss Miller, who’s next to him, is not only beautiful but also so talented! I was listening to them, and it felt almost like listening to an ancient book!”

Hearing this, Raven furrowed her brows. Academician Holden, on the other hand, became interested. He was naturally aware of Johnny. Upon hearing this, he smiled at Matteo and Professor Zane and said, “I’m going over to check it out.” Professor Zane was also curious, and Raven paused for a moment before suggesting, “Shall we go over and take a look?” Matteo smiled, “Sure.” Levi wasn’t interested in any of this but still followed them over.

Chapter 250