Chapter 57: Rewards and Trials

While waiting in the hall for Professor Mo Rui, Wade softly asked Macchioni.

"Don't worry," Macchioni, knowing what he was thinking, whispered back, "Goblins—they can put Galleons into the vault, but they can't take them out at will—unless authorized by the vault owner. The Ministry of Magic established a contract with the Goblins a long time ago—a very ancient and powerful one. It's because Goblins would never steal that people trust Gringotts with their precious things."

"But I heard—Gringotts was broken into this summer?" Wade recalled hearing about it in the news.

"Yes, that did happen."

The Goblin accompanying Professor Mo Rui, who was coming over, heard Wade's words and emphasized, "But nothing was stolen, and Gringotts is still the safest place in the wizarding world."

Still empty-handed, Professor Mo Rui didn't mention it, and upon leaving Gringotts, Macchioni said to the two, "Sorry, Professor, Wade, I must quickly arrange the new products for sale. There's not long before school starts, and there's a lot to coordinate!"

Professor Mo Rui nodded, "Go ahead, Macchioni."

"See you next time, Mr. Macchioni," Wade also said goodbye.

Holding his hat with one hand, Macchioni politely bowed and hurried off. Wade observed him heading towards the Daily Prophet office—though he'd marveled at it several times already, he couldn't help but remark again, "Mr. Macchioni really is a man who makes every second count."

"As long as it involves money, he is always more enthusiastic than anyone else," Professor Mo Rui said as he led Wade down the stairs, "However, he is an excellent businessman—I'm not saying he's more honest than others, but he has a longer vision. To acquire more benefits, he can lay the groundwork over several years, even decades."

He looked at Wade with appreciation, "If you were thirty or forty years old and only then came up with the Friend Ledger, I'd advise you to be cautious—Macchioni might find ways to extract more profits from you. But you're just eleven—"

He paused, inexplicably smiling.

Wei De guessed, "Being younger wouldn't that make one easier to deceive?"

"No, Wade," Professor Mo Rui reflected, "Youth is your current weakness, but it's also your strength—Macchioni, like me, believes in your potential and looks forward to you shining in the future. Therefore, he will try his best to assist you now, offering time, resources, and energy, even ceding some extra benefits to support your growth, hoping you'll bring him greater returns in the future."

Wei De frowned slightly.

Professor Mo Rui, without looking down at him, seemed to know what he was thinking, and smiled, "Not happy? Do you find him too realistic?"

"—Not exactly unhappy," Wade did not admit it, but said, "I understand that most relationships come from being needed and utilized, but Mr. Macchioni is so warm-hearted... it's hard to accept that his thoughts are so—"

He hesitated, unsure how to gently describe the contrast.

Professor Mo Rui smiled, "—Cold? Too focused on practical interests?"

Wei De nodded silently.

Professor Mo Rui said, "Wade, in this world, the most frightening thing isn't being used—for being 'used' acknowledges your talent and value. It's the utterly worthless who are truly pitiable, like a speck of dust, unnoticed in presence or absence. So don't fear or resent others wanting to use you. Learn to showcase your talents amidst this demand for mutual benefit, overcome obstacles, and use these resources to promote your own growth. But remain clear-headed and protect your interests, becoming your own master rather than someone else's tool."

He looked down to see the boy's gray eyes watching him seriously. Though Wade didn't speak, Mo Rui knew he'd remember these words and ponder them earnestly and wisely.

On one hand, Terence Mo Rui felt satisfied and gratified, sharing wisdom and experience, witnessing a student's growth from ignorance to knowledge, and from youthful naïveté to maturity. On the other, he was also concerned he was imparting the adult world's cruelty, heartlessness, and complexity to an innocent child, worried that such negative influences might lead the child astray, and felt a sudden sense of regret and guilt.

Therefore, Professor Mo Rui changed his tone to a lighter one, saying, "However—these matters are quite distant for you, no need to consider them yet. Just remember not to easily commit to anything—and if you don't know what to do, come see me."

Professor Mo Rui made a promise he usually would never voice.

"Thank you, Professor," Wade looked up, asking, "Since we met, you've helped me so much. I'm truly grateful—how can I repay you?"

"Then please continue to maintain a passion for learning and an insatiable curiosity about the unknown, Mr. Gray," Professor Mo Rui said with a gentle smile, "What could be better as a reward for a professor than seeing the fruits of their diligent labor?"

Professor Mo Rui once again used the Floo Network to send Wade home. Because his acquaintance at the Floo Network Authority had already gone home for the day, ther fireplace could not be temporarily connected, so they could only Floo near home and walk the rest.

"Professor?"

"Hmm?"

"I heard Apparition can instantly transport someone to another place?" Wade asked as he dusted soot from his hair, "Why are we using the Floo Network?"

"Because Apparition is not a suitable mode of travel for carrying children," Professor Mo Rui patiently explained, "It's an advanced and dangerous magic, with the potential for catastrophic results if not done carefully. Children are particularly vulnerable to harm. In non-life-threatening circumstances, we should opt for safer means of transportation."

By the time they returned home, it was already late. The Gray couple were worried, one peering from the doorway and the other keeping watch by the fireplace. Fiona, standing by the window, joyfully cried out upon seeing the pair approaching, lifting her skirt and rushing out the door.

Professor Mo Rui halted, smiling at Wade, "Child, you've been through a lot today and must be very tired. Although, as your teacher, I shouldn't say this—get a good rest when you get home and skip reading tonight, alright?"

"Yes, Professor," Wade replied respectfully and gratefully.

Seeing they still had more to say, the Grays waited at the door.

"As a final note, since your first creation pleased me greatly, I have a small reward for you," Professor Mo Rui reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box and handing it to Wade.

Wei De immediately guessed it was what the professor had specifically retrieved from Gringotts—how valuable could something kept in a vault be? He didn't know, but instinctively refused, "No, Professor, I—"

"Don't refuse, Wade," Professor Mo Rui insisted, placing the box in the boy's hand, "This isn't merely a reward; it's also a test—use it well, Wade."