Chapter 101
A glimmer of delight flashed in Amelia's eyes. "Really? Is that possible?"
"Of course."
"I'd love to! I've always hoped to be your student."
She seemed to have completely forgotten what just happened at Professor Eleanor Watson's house.
"Then it's settled. You are..."
"Professor Lowell, my name is Amelia Roscente," she immediately supplied. "I'm a biology major at MIT."
"A current student? Your foundation should be solid." A satisfied smile appeared on Professor Victoria Lowell's face. "Remember to come find me in Zone C when the semester starts for registration. I'll introduce you to the senior lab members."
Introducing the senior lab members?
Amelia recalled the important experimental project Professor Lowell was leading.
Her heart began to race.
If she could join that research team...
The research groups at MIT were all top-tier. Even Sophia Sullivan might not be able to get in, right?
Thinking of this, her smile widened.
Professor Lowell was pleased with her reaction.
She narrowed her eyes, gazing in the direction of Professor Eleanor Watson's house. A meaningful smile played on her lips.
Two tigers cannot share one mountain.
She considered herself no less capable than Eleanor Watson. Her connections and resources were even superior.
Yet, the institute always funneled funding and resources toward Eleanor.
Why?
Just because she had more seniority?
Eleanor's research project had shown no progress for three years. The graduate students she mentored were all decidedly average.
This year's admissions situation was especially dismal.
Rumor had it that among the three graduate students who stayed, there was even an older, mature-age candidate.
Who knows how many times they had to take the exam just to get in.
It was true. When people got old, their judgment declined.
What kind of innate talent could a mature-age student possibly have?
Only someone as soft-hearted as Eleanor would take them in.
Unlike herself. She had already pre-screened the interview candidates.
She knew Amelia Roscente inside and out.
Excellent family background. Substantial financial resources. Future research funding wouldn't be a worry at all.
Let's see what Eleanor Watson could use to compete with her this time!
...
Meanwhile, the so-called "mature-age student," Sophia Sullivan, had finished tending to the plants.
She tidied up the yard and prepared to say goodbye to her professor.
"The weeds are all pulled. The yellowed leaves and branches have been pruned. All the greenery has been watered." She explained everything in meticulous detail. "It's cool now. You can water them again in a few days."
Professor Eleanor Watson found it headache-inducing. "Who's the professor here, you or me? I remember all this."
Sophia washed her hands and put on her down jacket.
She linked arms with Professor Watson, slowly walking with her from the yard toward the front door.
"I just can't help reminding you. You always forget to water them. The baby bok choy I just picked is washed and in the kitchen. The housekeeper can stir-fry it directly when she arrives later."
Professor Watson shook her head helplessly but listened patiently until she finished.
"Nothing else, right? It's almost dark. You're becoming quite the chatterbox."
Sophia pouted slightly, rearranging the professor's shawl which had come loose.
"Alright, no more chattering. I'm really leaving this time. I'll visit again another day."
"Go on. Be careful on your way. Remember to message me when you get home."
She watched the young woman leave with a warm smile.
Only when that figure had completely disappeared did Professor Eleanor Watson's straight posture gradually slump.
The smile slowly faded from her face.