Chapter 73
The campus was empty during winter break.
The wind blew through bare branches.
A security guard looked her over.
"Here to see a teacher?"
Seniors still had remedial classes.
He waved her in without waiting for an answer.
"Go ahead. Don't disturb the classes."
Sophia Sullivan nodded silently.
She didn't go to the academic building.
The sports field was deserted.
The honor display case was polished to a shine.
She stopped.
The girl in the photo had bright, intelligent eyes.
"Top Science Student" was written below.
The wind suddenly picked up.
The sky darkened quickly.
She raised a hand to shield her face from the wind.
She heard someone call "Mr. Sullivan."
David Sullivan walked toward her, carrying a stack of test papers.
He ran into Professor Zhu.
"Coming to school on New Year's Day?"
David smiled and nodded.
"Just dropping these off for the seniors."
"Is Sophia not coming home again this year?"
Professor Zhu's tone was concerned.
David opened his mouth to speak.
"She became a different person after going to Kyoto."
Professor Zhu shook his head with a sigh.
"Doesn't even focus on her studies anymore."
David's smile faded.
"Sophia is doing very well."
"Taking shortcuts is never good."
Professor Zhu lowered his voice.
"I heard she's with some wealthy man now?"
David's face darkened.
"Please don't spread rumors."
He turned and walked away.
Professor Zhu rolled his eyes.
"If she did it, why be afraid of people talking?"
Sophia hid behind the display case.
Her nails dug into her palms.
She had heard every word.
She couldn't imagine how her father felt.
David came out after handing in the papers.
He saw his daughter at the school gate.
"What are you doing here?"
"Just taking a walk."
The sky grew even darker.
"It's about to rain. Let's go home."
The bicycle pedals were stiff.
"I'm sorry," Sophia said softly.
"For not visiting in years."
David chuckled.
"Just coming back is enough."
Raindrops began to fall.
Mixed with snow crystals.
David was half-soaked by the time they got home.
Sophia went to get a towel.
She heard a sharp voice.
"Isn't that your Sophia?"
"Didn't she latch onto some rich guy?"
Sophia took a deep breath.
She put on a brilliant smile.
"Auntie White, what kind of bullshit are you spewing?"