Chapter 299

The School of Bioinformatics holds a mixer for new students every year before Christmas.

All unmarried graduate students are eligible to attend.

Its purpose is to help newcomers expand their social circles.

After years of this tradition,

the event has gradually evolved into an official matchmaking session.

In plain terms, it's a setup for single men and women.

Those in relationships can also bring their partners.

But none of this concerned Sophia Sullivan.

She spent her days shuttling between MIT lectures and her Stanford lab.

Even her meals were consumed while pondering experimental data.

Where would she find time for a mixer?

So receiving the invitation came as a complete surprise.

Especially since her name was printed right on it.

That made it even stranger.

Attendance required prior registration.

She had never signed up.

How did she get a formal invitation?

A sudden realization struck Sophia.

She turned toward the lab bench.

Hannah Morse was tiptoeing away, attempting a stealthy exit.

"Stop right there!"

Hannah's back stiffened.

Two seconds later, she turned with a forced smile. "Yes, Sophia?"

"Where are you going?"

"The cafeteria."

"Didn't we just eat?"

Hannah swallowed hard. "I'm hungry again. Just grabbing a snack."

Yes, a snack!

Absolutely not fleeing the scene!

Sophia waved the invitation. "Explain this first."

Hannah avoided her gaze. "Sophia~"

Sophia crossed her arms. "Out with it."

"I meant to tell you sooner..."

"Yes?"

"I signed us both up for the mixer." Hannah blurted it out in one go. "Think of it as fun. It won't interfere with work."

Sophia was torn between laughter and exasperation. "If you wanted to go, why drag me into it?"

Hannah looked down, fidgeting. "I was too nervous to go alone."

"These things are better with more people."

She had wanted to participate in school events for a while.

But going solo felt too awkward.

So she conveniently registered Sophia as well.

Sophia sighed internally. Thanks a lot!

Hannah clung to her arm, pleading. "Come with me? I'll treat you to steak!"

Sophia shook her head. "It's not about the steak."

"Two steak dinners plus hot pot?"

Sophia gave her a look. You're the one who wants to eat, aren't you?

"You're the best, Sophia! Please come with me~"

"Fine. Just this once."

Hannah nodded eagerly. "Next time, I'll ask first!"

...

The mixer was scheduled for Friday evening.

Rumors said even some administrators would attend.

It was, after all, an official function.

The venue was booked at the sports center.

Decorations began two days in advance.

Balloons, flowers, a red carpet, long tables, desserts, and drinks—everything was provided.

By the time Sophia and Hannah arrived, many had already gathered.

Hannah looked around excitedly.

Even the usually disheveled boys had cleaned up nicely.

This trip was definitely worth it.

Sophia was MIT's campus belle.

Though she never acknowledged it.

And she rarely attended such events.

But that didn't stop people from noticing her.

Today, she arrived without makeup.

Dressed in a simple down jacket.

Yet she still turned heads.

"Hello, I'm Easton Shaw from the Biology Department. May I have the honor of the opening dance with you?"