Chapter 9

Sophia Sullivan walked ahead.

The man followed behind her.

She felt much more relaxed now compared to last night's nervousness.

Alexander Laurent drove the car over.

Sophia pulled open the car door and got in.

Halfway through the drive, they passed a fruit stand.

Sophia suddenly spoke up. "Could you pull over? I'd like to buy some fruit."

"Fruit?"

"Yes, for the professor."

Alexander gripped the steering wheel, slightly puzzled. "Is that necessary?"

Sophia was taken aback.

She couldn't help but laugh. "You usually show up empty-handed?"

Alexander nodded frankly.

Sophia silently gave a thumbs up. Impressive.

Maybe that was just how important people operated?

The man still pulled the car over to the side.

…

Professor Eleanor Watson lived on Ring Mountain Road near MIT.

Small Western-style houses were nestled among green trees.

Each had its own private yard, elegant and unique.

After passing through a maple grove, they saw the professor's house.

Six years…

Sophia tightened her grip on the seatbelt, looking at the fruit basket at her feet, suddenly feeling stage fright.

Alexander noticed her hesitation. "Not getting out?"

She bit her lip. "I want to wait a bit longer."

The man looked at her for two seconds, then nodded. "Then I'll go in first."

…

Sophia was grateful for his thoughtfulness.

Watching the man walk away, she took a deep breath and pushed the door open to get out.

The flowers in the small yard were in full bloom.

A gentle breeze carried a faint floral scent.

The vegetables by the railing looked a bit wilted, probably from lack of care.

Before even entering, she heard the professor's voice.

Sophia's heart tightened, and she quickened her pace to follow.

"Professor."

Eleanor Watson put down the magazine in her hand and adjusted her reading glasses. "Alexander? What brings you here?"

Alexander stepped forward to support her. "Just came to see you. Feeling better?"

"Just a minor ailment, and you all keep coming to check on me."

She patted his hand. "I'm fine, don't worry!"

Alexander paused. "I brought someone with me today."

"Who?" Eleanor asked, turning her head in confusion.

Sophia stood in the entryway, head bowed, like a child who had done something wrong.

Eleanor's pupils constricted slightly. She instinctively took two steps forward but quickly reined in her surprise, replacing it with coolness.

"What are you doing here?" she said sternly.

"Teacher…"

Sophia was at a loss.

Eleanor hardened her heart. "Who was it that said they were pursuing love? That they could disregard everything for love? What are you doing here now?"

Sophia pressed her lips together tightly, tears falling. "Teacher… I'm sorry. I let you down."

"And?" Eleanor was rarely this serious.

Sophia whispered, "And… I was wrong."

She added softly, "Is it still too late?"

"Finally…" Eleanor sighed, her expression softening. "Do you know how long I've waited?"

"Six years. A full six years."

Sophia's eyes welled up. "I didn't know…" Had the teacher been waiting for her all this time?

"It's good that you've figured it out."

A flicker of heartache passed through Eleanor's eyes.

Sophia's nose stung, and she threw herself into the older woman's arms. "Teacher…"

A dry palm patted her back gently. Eleanor's heart softened.

"Alright… Crying like this at your age, aren't you afraid people will laugh?"

Alexander stood quietly to the side. Seeing they had reconciled, he silently retreated to the balcony.

Reunited, Eleanor asked about Sophia's recent life, carefully avoiding topics of romance.

Hearing "I was wrong" today said everything.

Why would she need to pick at old scars?

Sophia said, "...I rented a place near the school. I'm reviewing my studies, preparing to take the exam for your graduate program…"

Eleanor's eyes lit up. "Really? Is that true?"

She asked twice.

"Yes." Sophia lowered her head, somewhat ashamed.

She hadn't taken the path that was laid out for her, and now she wanted to start over…

"Good! It's about time! You promised you'd be my graduate student! This year's spot wasn't reserved for nothing after all…"

Sophia was stunned.

Although she had suspected it, having it confirmed was still hard to believe.

Sophia Sullivan, what did you ever do to deserve this…

"Teacher, I might not pass the exam. You…" shouldn't get your hopes up.

Eleanor said, "If you want it, you will pass! I know your capabilities best. Unless you deliberately do poorly to tease me!"

"How could I…" Sophia didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"It's getting late. You and Alexander… Huh? Where's Alexander?"

"Teacher." Alexander came in from the balcony.

"It's so late already. You and your junior sister must stay for dinner today. I'll cook myself!"

Sophia's expression changed. Alexander's face also looked subtle.

"Um… You should still rest. I'll cook."

It wasn't that Sophia was being disrespectful. It was just… The professor's cooking was truly dangerous.

Eleanor coughed awkwardly. She clearly knew her own culinary skills but still wanted to save face. "Ahem… Well, alright. I am recuperating. It's really not suitable for me to cook…"

Sophia tied on an apron and walked into the kitchen.

Alexander rolled up his sleeves and followed. "I'll help."

Eleanor watched the two of them, her smile deepening.

The refrigerator was well-stocked with fresh ingredients.

The professor had just been discharged from the hospital, so her diet needed to be light.

Alexander asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Sophia glanced at the vegetable basin. "Can you wash vegetables?"

"It shouldn't be too difficult."

Sophia moved aside.

The man washed the vegetables with clumsy but earnest movements, cleaning each leaf thoroughly.

Sophia asked casually, "Any dietary restrictions?"

"No."

"Preferences?"

"Anything is fine."

"...You're pretty easy to please," she muttered under her breath.

Not like that person, picky and hard to please.