Chapter 240

Exquisite dishes covered the table.

Ryan Sullivan's phone kept buzzing.

All business-related messages.

He finally found a moment to look at Sophia. "I was too busy at Grandma's birthday banquet yesterday to talk with you."

"It's fine."

His status as the eldest Sullivan grandson kept him constantly occupied with social engagements.

"I heard you're doing your Master's at MIT? I'm in Kyoto. Call me if you need anything. My number hasn't changed."

"I still have it saved," Sophia nodded. "Thanks, Ryan."

"You've become more formal." He raised an eyebrow.

"More polite," she corrected him.

Ryan chuckled softly.

"What are you doing in Kyoto, Ryan?"

"Started a smart home installation company with some friends," he said, serving himself some food. "Whole-home automation. Robot commands, climate control, automated systems…"

The rise of AI was reshaping the industry.

Traditional interior design still dominated the market.

Smart home integration had low consumer acceptance.

He had studied Computer Science and AI, so this venture aligned with his expertise.

Sophia didn't ask about the technical details. She just wanted to know how the business was doing.

Ryan gave a wry smile. "The renovation industry is fiercely competitive. Smart home integration is still a new concept. The initial phase is tough. We're barely scraping by."

He was being vague.

Sophia assumed it was just the usual startup struggles.

Until—

She was returning from the restroom and passed the small balcony.

Ryan was on a phone call.

"...Mr. Yang, we've worked together many times. You know me. I'd rather not make a profit myself than owe you money!"

"Starting a small company is hard. We haven't received the final payment from our last project. Cash flow is tight. I'll settle it by the day after tomorrow, at the latest."

"Yes, yes. Thank you for understanding…"

His back was slightly hunched.

The youthful straightness of his spine seemed weighed down by hardship, yet he was still forcing himself to stand tall.

Sophia quietly returned to her seat.

She didn't mention what she had just seen.

The meal concluded, and Ryan stood up to pay the bill.

"I'll drive you home."

"Okay. Thanks, Ryan."

…

The car stopped in front of her house.

Ryan drove off in a hurry.

David Sullivan came out upon hearing the engine. "Was that Ryan's car? You ran into him?"

Sophia linked her arm with his and guided him inside. "Yes. We had dinner together."

"Your eldest cousin has been in Kyoto for years. He sends plenty of gifts but rarely comes back. He handled most of the arrangements for the birthday banquet this time… He's becoming more and more like his father…"