Chapter 478

Sophia Sullivan bent down and picked up a seashell.

It shimmered with a mix of purple and orange hues.

It was particularly dazzling under the sunlight.

She waved excitedly at Alexander Laurent.

"Professor! Look!"

She was like a child who had discovered treasure.

She was eager to share her find.

Alexander quickly walked closer.

She opened her palm.

The shell rested quietly there.

"Beautiful?" Sophia asked.

Alexander gazed at her radiant face.

He smiled and nodded. "Very beautiful."

"Then... do you want to take off your shoes and play together?"

The man cleared his throat softly. "Next time."

Sophia laughed and agreed.

The corners of Alexander's mouth lifted.

She had also tacitly agreed there would be a next time.

The two strolled along the beach.

Waves occasionally washed over Sophia's ankles.

Alexander stood on the shore.

His gaze never left her.

"Professor, where do you think we'd end up if we just kept walking straight ahead?"

She was walking backward.

Her hands were clasped behind her back.

Her posture was relaxed.

Alexander pondered for a moment.

"The shore ends in sand."

"The sand's destiny is the sea."

Sophia was taken aback for a second.

Then she laughed. "I thought you'd explain it with geographical terms."

She mimicked his usual tone perfectly.

Alexander couldn't help but chuckle.

"You've already said it for me."

"Of course, if you want a professional explanation…"

Sophia quickly waved her hands.

The sea breeze tousled her long hair.

"No, no. This is perfect just as it is."

All rivers flow to the sea.

Born from the sea, returning to the sea.

Alexander's fingers twitched slightly.

He wanted to tuck her stray hairs behind her ear several times.

He restrained himself every time.

It wasn't appropriate yet.

He reminded himself.

Waves crashed against the shore.

The tide was coming in.

The man glanced at the sky.

Clouds covered the sun.

The area grew darker.

The May seaside was cool even without wind.

"Sophia, we should head back. The tide is rising."

"Okay." Sophia nodded.

She was always reasonable.

In just this short while, she already felt cold.

They found the rinsing area.

Alexander tested the water temperature. It was warm.

Sophia was about to reach for the hose.

But he had already bent down.

He held the hose and washed the sand from her feet.

After rinsing, Sophia hurried to find her bag for a towel.

Alexander had one ready.

He handed it to her.

"Thank you!"

He was always so thoughtful.

Sophia thought to herself.

They put their shoes on and started walking back.

The meeting time was four-thirty.

They were leaving the island at five. It was four now. The walk back was perfect.

On the way, Sophia suddenly stopped.

She pointed towards the sea.

"A boat! Professor! The fishing boat is back!"

The boat slowly approached the shore.

It was fruitful.

Sophia pulled him forward to look.

Crabs, fish, and shrimp jumped about in the net.

Each one was plump and fresh.

"Setting sail and returning fruitful. It's wonderful."

Alexander nodded.

His gaze fell on her retreating figure with a devout softness.

Yes, it was wonderful.

...

At five, the bus left the island on time.

They returned to the hotel at six.

As Sophia got off the bus, an event staff member handed her a red invitation.

"What's this?" She had a guess but asked anyway.

The staff member smiled. "You were outstanding, Miss Sullivan. We look forward to your presence at the academic banquet tonight."

Then they turned and left.

Sophia held the invitation.

She felt stunned, surprised, and finally, acceptance.

The academic banquet after the interdisciplinary summit traditionally only invited standout researchers.

Authorities like Eleanor Watson and Alexander Laurent had received theirs on the first day.

By past practice, each invitation allowed for one additional guest.

Eleanor had already spoken with Sophia.

"Come with me that night after it ends."

Sophia had naturally agreed.

Who knew Alexander would also ask the next day.

"Would you like to go together?"

Uh!

Sophia had to tell the truth. "Professor Watson already invited me."

"Right," the man nodded. "Professor Watson has an invitation. She would definitely bring you."

Actually, Sophia was puzzled.

Since Alexander had brought Lillian Lopez to the conference, logically, he should take her to the banquet.

Why did he ask me?

If she had really agreed, Lillian…

Just thinking about it made her feel awkward for Lillian.

Now Sophia had received an invitation on her own merit.

How could she not be shocked? How could she not be excited?

The invitation was small, but the recognition was what mattered.

It meant "Sophia Sullivan" was seen by the academic world.

Not just as "Eleanor Watson's student."

...

Lillian Lopez wasn't so fortunate.

She was practically invisible throughout the entire conference.

Naturally, she didn't receive an invitation.

But she knew Alexander had one.

If he was willing, he could take her.

After returning to the hotel, she found Alexander.

She indirectly brought up the banquet.

"I heard Sophia Sullivan is also going?"

"Yes."

A flash of jealousy appeared in Lillian's eyes.

"That's great. She's going with Professor Watson, right?"

"I heard many renowned scholars will be at the banquet. Getting their guidance would be incredibly beneficial... Professor, could I..."

Alexander interrupted her. "Sophia isn't going with Professor Watson."

"...What?" Lillian was stunned.

"Sophia received her own invitation from the organizers."

Lillian was completely speechless.

It took her a moment to recover.

"...I see. Congratulations!"

Her tone was unavoidably bitter.

Her eyes shifted.

"Wasn't the invitation only for specific individuals? A student like Sophia Sullivan attending such a banquet... isn't it against the rules? After all, many people don't even qualify."

She spoke calmly, but inside she was seething with sourness.

A student could go, but she, an associate professor, couldn't? So unfair!

"The organizers decide who to invite. I'm not clear on the specific rules. If you have questions, you can ask them directly. I'm sure they'd be happy to explain."

Alexander was noncommittal. He handled it formally.

Lillian gritted her teeth.

She couldn't actually go ask the organizers. Wouldn't that be even more humiliating?

She forced a smile.

"No need. I think it's fine this way. I won't trouble you further."

Alexander checked the time.

"Since that's all, I'll take my leave."

Any later, and he'd be late for the banquet.