Chapter 89
The out-of-print original edition books arrived the day before her birthday.
Isabella Sullivan held the books with delighted surprise. "How did you know I was looking for these?"
"You've mentioned them many times." Sophia Sullivan raised an eyebrow. "It was hard to forget."
Isabella humphed lightly. "You're the one who stayed away for so long... but thank you, my dear."
She reached out to embrace Sophia, her fingers gently brushing through her short hair. "Didn't you used to have long hair?"
Sophia leaned against her shoulder. "Does short hair not look good?"
"It looks wonderful! My daughter always looks beautiful!" Isabella's tone was full of pride.
Sophia pressed her lips together in a slight smile, nestling closer.
"You passed the written exam, so you should prepare for the interview now, right?" Isabella asked softly. "Do you need to return to Kyoto?"
Sophia gave a slight nod.
Isabella smiled. "I always knew this city couldn't keep you. Go, do what you want to do."
Sophia's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "I won't let you down this time."
The sound of a spatula came from the kitchen. David Sullivan poked his head out and called, "What are you whispering about? Come wash your hands for dinner!"
"Coming!"
Early the next morning, Sophia boarded the high-speed train back to Kyoto.
After half a month away, a thin layer of dust covered the apartment.
She first checked the fish tank. Little Red and Little Black were swimming actively. She sprinkled fish food and smiled with relief.
The succulents on the balcony were still thriving, as if they had never lacked water.
She turned on the floor heating and began a deep clean. She put on fresh bedsheets and a fluffy pink sofa cover.
The soft texture lifted her spirits.
By the time she finished cleaning, it was already evening.
Too lazy to buy groceries, she ordered fresh produce delivery. Under the warm light, she leisurely prepared dinner.
Night deepened, and streetlights gradually lit up.
Alexander Laurent returned to the apartment building after finishing his experiments. His steps suddenly paused.
The window on the seventh floor, which had been dark for so long, was now emitting a warm glow.
He quickened his pace upstairs.
Light panting echoed in the stairwell when the door across from his suddenly opened.
Light spilled out, illuminating Sophia's surprised face.
Her eyes lit up, curving into crescents. "Good evening, Professor Laurent."
The corners of Alexander's lips lifted slightly. "Good evening. When did you return?"
"Today." Sophia looked slightly curious. "How did you know I was away?"
Alexander said, "Olivia mentioned you went back to your hometown. I haven't congratulated you yet on your excellent written exam results."
"Thank you." Sophia naturally invited, "I made dinner. Would you like to join me?"
The man waved his hand. "I've already eaten. Next time. We'll celebrate after you pass the interview."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "So sure I'll pass? What if I fail?"
She wasn't even completely confident herself.
Amusement sparkled in Alexander's eyes. "You said 'what if.' I believe in probability."
Sophia's lips curved upward. "I'll take that as a good omen."
...
MIT's interview was scheduled for early March.
Sophia chose a formal suit with black low-heeled shoes.
Conservative and safe.
Before leaving, she selected an orange and green patterned silk scarf to wear.
The dull suit instantly gained a highlight.
It had rained the previous night. The ground was damp, and the air felt stifling.
The waiting room was crowded. Some people sighed nervously, while others fidgeted restlessly.
Sophia remained calm.
A girl behind her tapped her shoulder. "Classmate, aren't you nervous?"
Sophia replied calmly, "Not really."
She never crammed at the last minute. She had prepared for this day for too long. Now, she only felt the excitement of heading to the battlefield.
"Number 45, Sophia Sullivan—"
"Here."
She adjusted her collar and followed the staff to the interview classroom.
The moment she pushed the door open, she froze.
Alexander Laurent was sitting among the interview panel!
The man wore a gray suit. His gaze behind gold-rimmed glasses was sharp, appearing more serious than usual.
But when he looked up at her, his eyes remained gentle.
Sophia immediately felt reassured.
The interview began formally.
The examiners tossed out several professional questions, all of which she handled with ease.
Seeing her fluent responses, the examiners intentionally raised questions beyond the standard scope.
Sophia still performed excellently.
"Professor Laurent, it's your turn."
"Alright." Alexander looked up, a sudden sharpness in his gaze. "The bioinformatics you applied for is an interdisciplinary field. It involves biology, mathematics, and information science, requiring extremely high comprehensive ability from researchers. It will touch upon physics, chemistry, computer science, and other areas. Understood?"
"Understood." Sophia nodded.
"My next questions won't be limited to biology. They may require on-the-spot calculations. Can you accept that?"
Sophia said calmly, "I can try."
"Explain the physics of quasi-crystals with data support."
He actually asked in English.
This version of Alexander Laurent was full of academic aggression.
Sophia fell into deep thought—
Explain the physics of quasi-crystals with data support.
No context, no parameters. This wasn't even a biology question!
It seemed like he wanted a popular science essay.
The question not only stumped Sophia but also made the other interviewers exchange glances—
"Is this considered a biology question?"