Chapter 24 For some reason , Lucian thought again of that night , when she looked at him with tears in her eyes , begging him not to shatter her dreams . ... This class was International Economic Trade . Nelson Trevino was a sixty - year - old man , very tall and thin , with a pair of wide - rimmed glasses perched on his nose , dressed in an old - fashioned coat , and full of energy . He had once written a book called " The Ten Currency Wars in History , " which caused a sensation around the world . As an authoritative scholar in the field of international economics , Nelson had a particular fondness for outstanding students . Whether the privileged students below were sleeping or daydreaming during his lectures , he couldn't be bothered to care . Throughout the class , he focused on Darlene , calling on her to answer questions . Darlene responded cooperatively , every answer hitting the mark . Occasionally , she would debate a few points with Nelson , but never strayed from the topic . After class , Nelson called Darlene aside , his face beaming with kindness . " Some of the views you discussed just now sounded familiar to me . Have you read my books ? " Darlene nodded . " I've read all your works , Professor . You analyze the most suitable systems for the UK economy from the perspective of its situation and current affairs . You believe that large - scale aristocratic monopolies hinder economic development . " These words struck a chord with Nelson , for he himself was of noble birth and was all too familiar with the economic operations under the aristocratic system . He opposed monopolies , but his voice was weak , so he could only write his thoughts in books . At Wintervale Academy , all the students were children of the elite . Even if they understood his ideas , they would never agree with his views , let alone discuss them with him . ' You are different from them , " Nelson said with satisfaction . Darlene met the professor's loving gaze and smiled . " Your writing is excellent , Professor . It has greatly inspired me . " No , the truth was that she had been both at the top and the bottom , and simply understood the difference between the two . " What do you think are the main viewpoints of international economics ? " Nelson asked . Darlene thought for a moment . " The theory of labor - capital relations , the theory of surplus value , the circulation of capital and the field of means of production . However , the UK's laws are not suitable for the new trade protectionism . " Upon hearing this , Nelson was silent for a few seconds , and his tone changed slightly . " There are no views on economic law in my books . " Darlene pressed her lips together . " That's my own conclusion . Under the premise of large - scale monopoly of assets , any trade economic protectionism is not suitable for the national situation . " Alaric was sitting nearby , listening for a long time without understanding what they were talking about . He happened to glance up and saw the girl smiling , her posture humble , her eyes bright as the moon . Pure and charming , she really had the feeling of a first love . " Mr. Alaric . " Suddenly , someone approached mysteriously . " If you like her , just go for it . At most , you'll just have to pay a little money . " Alaric turned to look at him . Byron sneered , " Isn't she just a penniless , backgroundless brat ? The ones I played with before all pretended to be so pure . At first , they resisted desperately , but in the end , didn't they all become obedient ? " " If you force her , do you think she can get away ? " " I heard her mother is mute , no money , no background , no connections , To put it bluntly , even if she called the police , no one would help her . " Alaric's eyes darkened slightly , but his smile grew even brighter . " I never bully girls . " Byron said , " That kind of bullying isn't bullying . That's called fun . " 1629