Chương 57: 57
Chapter 57: Rewards and Tests
"Mr. Culer, can you just take Galleons out of your vault?"
While waiting for Professor Murray in the hall, Wade asked Marchionne softly.
"Don't worry," Marchionne whispered, understanding Wade's concern. "Goblins—they can put Galleons into the vault, but they cannot take them out casually unless authorized by the vault owner. The Ministry of Magic established a very ancient and powerful contract with the goblins long ago. It is precisely because goblins will never steal from others that people are accustomed to storing precious things in Gringotts."
"But I heard that Gringotts was broken into this summer?" Wade recalled a news report he had heard.
"Yes, that's true," said Marchionne.
The goblin Griphook, who had returned with Professor Murray, overheard Wade's comment and emphasized, "But nothing was stolen. Gringotts is still the safest place in the wizarding world."
Professor Murray, who had gone to retrieve something, returned empty-handed, and Marchionne didn't ask any questions. After they exited Gringotts, Marchionne turned to the two of them. "Sorry, Professor, Wade, I need to arrange new products as soon as possible. The school year has just started, and there's a lot of business to coordinate!"
Professor Murray nodded. "Go on, Marchionne."
"See you next time, Mr. Marchionne," Wade also said goodbye.
Marchionne tipped his hat and hurried off. Wade noticed that he seemed to be heading towards the offices of the Daily Prophet. Despite having sighed several times, Wade couldn't help but comment again, "Mr. Marchionne really is a man who counts every second."
"As long as it involves money, he's always more active than anyone else," Professor Murray said, leading Wade down the steps. "But he's a very good businessman—not necessarily more honest than others, but he has a longer-term vision and can spend years, even more than a decade, building a foundation for greater benefits."
He looked at Wade with admiration. "If you were thirty or forty years old and accidentally created the Book of Friends with a flash of inspiration, I'd advise you to be cautious. Marchionne might try to maximize profits from your creation. But you're only eleven years old—"
He paused and smiled enigmatically.
Wade guessed, "If you're younger, wouldn't it be easier to be deceived?"
"No, Wade," Professor Murray said with emotion. "Being young is your current weakness, but it's also your strength. Marchionne, like me, believes in your potential and expects you to shine brightly in the future. Therefore, he will help you now, dedicating time, resources, and energy, and even giving up some additional benefits to support your growth, hoping that you'll bring him greater rewards later."
Wade frowned slightly.
Professor Murray, as if reading his thoughts, smiled and said, "Unhappy? Do you think he's too realistic?"
"Not unhappy," Wade admitted. "I understand that most relationships between people involve being needed and used, but Mr. Marchionne is very enthusiastic... It's hard to accept that his inner considerations are so—"
He hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
Professor Murray smiled. "Cold? Too focused on practical interests?"
Wade nodded silently.
Professor Murray continued, "Wade, the most terrifying thing in this world isn't being used—because 'being used' recognizes your talents and value. People with no use value at all are truly sad, like specks of dust no one cares about. So, don't be afraid or resentful of others trying to use you. Learn to harness your talents, overcome obstacles, and use these relationships to promote your growth. Keep a clear mind and protect your interests. Don't become a tool for others, but be your own master."
He looked down at the boy's serious gray eyes. Although Wade didn't speak, Murray knew the boy would take his words to heart and think and learn attentively.
A complex current surged in his heart.
On the one hand, Terrence Murray felt satisfaction and joy from sharing wisdom and experience, watching students grow from ignorance to knowledge, from immaturity to maturity. On the other hand, he felt he was introducing the cruelty, ruthlessness, and complexity of adult society to innocent children. Worry and guilt crept into his heart.
So Professor Murray changed the topic with a lighter tone. "But these are too far off for you to worry about now. Just remember, don't make promises easily—if you're unsure about anything, come to me."
Professor Murray made a rare promise.
"Thank you, Professor," Wade said, raising his head. "You've given me so much help since we met, and I'm truly grateful. How can I repay you?"
"Then, please continue to maintain your enthusiasm for learning and your unrelenting desire to explore the unknown, Mr. Gray," Professor Murray said with a smile. "For a professor, what better reward is there than seeing your hard work pay off?"
…
Professor Murray used the Floo Network to send Wade home again. However, because their acquaintances at the Floo Network Administration had already left for the day, they couldn't temporarily connect the Gray family's fireplace to the network. They had to fly to a nearby area and then walk home.
"Professor?"
"Hmm?"
"I heard that Apparition can instantly transfer you to another place," Wade asked, patting soot from his hair. "Why didn't we use that?"
"Apparition isn't suitable for traveling with children," Professor Murray explained gently. "It's a profound and dangerous magic. If you're not careful, it can have catastrophic consequences. Children are especially vulnerable. So, when we don't need to escape, we should choose a safer mode of transportation."
It was late when they got home. The Grays were worried, one looking at the door and the other guarding in front of the fireplace. Fiona, who was standing at the window, saw the two of them approaching and rushed out the door, holding up her skirt in excitement.
Professor Murray stopped and smiled at Wade. "You've experienced a lot today, child. You must be very tired. Although as a teacher I shouldn't say this, go home and get a good rest. Don't read tonight, okay?"
"Yes, professor," Wade said respectfully and gratefully.
Seeing that the Grays still had something to say, they waited at the door for them to finish.
"Finally, because your first work satisfied me, I want to give you a small reward." Professor Murray took out a tiny box from his pocket and handed it to Wade.
Wade immediately guessed that this was what Professor Murray had retrieved from Gringotts. How valuable must something be for Professor Murray to store it in the vault? He didn't know but instinctively refused. "No, professor, I—"
"Don't refuse, Wade," Professor Murray insisted, placing the box in his hand. "This isn't just a reward but also a test—use it well, Wade."
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