Linley was not only hardworking and persevering; he was also a deeply sentimental person.
When his good friend Yale ran into trouble with the son of a rival family, Linley had spared no effort in helping him, standing up for Yale at the competition.
Even knowing that the forces behind his opponent were formidable, Linley hadn't cared. He'd still done everything he could to help Yale.
Fortunately, Yale knew how to repay a kindness. After speaking with his father for a long time, Yale finally arranged for Linley to receive a scholarship sponsored by his family's company. It also gave Linley a measure of protection.
Linley's diligence, perseverance, and heartfelt loyalty put Doehring at ease.
So one day, after class, Doehring kept Linley behind and asked whether he was willing to join his laboratory and become his disciple.
Linley happily agreed. Doehring had never married and had no children, and Linley was like a younger member of his family.
Linley also liked his kindly, smiling mentor very much. He affectionately called him Grandpa Doehring.
"Linley, I'm afraid it'll be difficult to get results if you keep researching this way!"
Doehring continued, speaking to Linley.
"Squeak! Squeak!"
Beibei began squeaking loudly on Linley's shoulder, as if to say that his boss could definitely do it.
"Alright, Beibei, stop fussing. Grandpa Doehring means well."
Linley stroked Beibei's little head and spoke helplessly.
Beibei didn't think much of Grandpa Doehring. It all went back to their first meeting.
Back then, Doehring had noticed the Shadow Mouse on Linley's shoulder and looked surprised. Then he asked,
"Linley, why did you tame such a weak magical beast?"
"Squeak-squeak! Squeak! (Who are you calling weak? You're the weak one! I'm a God-Eater Rat!)"
Linley felt helpless. Without Lord Beirut's permission, he definitely couldn't reveal Beibei's identity.