Chapter 39
The Saturday sun was bright.
Sophia Sullivan had worked up a sweat during her morning run.
She returned home, took a quick shower, and changed her clothes.
Then she gathered the medicine and headed to Professor Eleanor Watson's house.
"Professor, this medicine needs to be taken three times a day."
"It doesn't require refrigeration in cool weather."
"Remember to heat it up before drinking."
Professor Watson feared nothing in the world.
Except the bitter taste of herbal medicine.
She stared at the bowl of dark brown liquid.
She silently inched backward.
She couldn't help but try to protest one more time.
"Is it absolutely necessary?"
"It is mandatory," Sophia stated firmly.
"I've already instructed the housekeeper."
"She will supervise you to ensure you take it on time."
Professor Watson's face fell immediately.
"Fine."
She couldn't just disregard her student's thoughtful gesture.
Seeing the professor's childlike expression, Sophia's lips curved into a subtle smile.
"The medicine is quite bitter, I know."
"That's why I specially brought Mung Bean Cake from that bakery on Newbury Street."
"Have a piece after you finish the medicine."
"It will help counteract the bitterness."
The previously sullen expression instantly brightened.
"That's more like it."
After some casual conversation, Professor Watson got down to business.
"Next year, MIT's School of Life Sciences plans to form an experimental research team."
"Three spots have already been confirmed."
"Two more are needed."
"The selection criteria are extremely strict."
"Applicants must have excellent grades and a high overall GPA."
"They must also have received an 'A' grade on at least two separate experimental score."
Sophia was surprised.
She hadn't realized the barrier to entry for the team was so high.
Professor Watson noticed her hesitation and patiently explained.
"Being selected for the team offers extra credit at the end of the semester."
"Outstanding members can qualify for direct admission to the Ph.D. program."
"Alternatively, they might receive an offer from Ninhai Biotech's R&D company."
"They could join their laboratories."
Ninhai Biotech was highly prestigious.
Its reputation extended beyond the country, reaching international acclaim.
Their labs boasted the most advanced equipment and top-tier research teams.
They had produced numerous significant research result.
They were revered as a "sanctuary for scientific research."
Sophia recalled Alexander Laurent's previous hints.
So he had known about this opportunity all along.
"I am well aware of your academic record."
"I have never had concerns about your capabilities," Professor Watson said gently, looking at her.
"What you currently lack is hands-on laboratory experience."
Sophia had barely set foot in a lab these past few years.
Her operational proficiency, technical dexterity, and familiarity with new equipment were all potential issues.
Beyond innate talent, extensive practice time was crucial.
There was a reason Alexander spent all his time buried in the lab.
Skill improves with practice.
Experience accumulates over time.
Suddenly, a pair of warm hands grasped hers.
Sophia looked up into the professor's encouraging eyes.
"Starting now is still perfectly manageable."
A wave of warmth spread through Sophia's heart.
She nodded solemnly.
"I'm not worried about your graduate school entrance exams."
"The test is still months away."
"First, focus on thoroughly mastering the materials I've given you."
Professor Watson also had an experiment that had been initiated five years ago.
It had yet to yield any significant results.
She planned to have Sophia join it once the new semester began.
This project had originally been tailor-made for her.
It was just that things had taken an unexpected turn...
Fortunately, everything was finally getting back on track.
Sophia understood the professor's deep care and high expectations.
"Please don't worry."
"I will absolutely not disappoint you."
…
Upon returning home, she immediately began studying the materials she had brought back.
Compared to standard exam preparation textbooks, these materials involved specific operations and research findings.
They demanded a higher level of practical lab experience.
They were also considerably more difficult to comprehend.
Before she knew it, she was reading late into the night.
Sophia rubbed her tired, sore eyes.
She was just about to rest.
She had just lain down when she heard frantic pounding on her door.
"Sophia Sullivan—Open the door! I know you're home!"
Even through the living room and bedroom doors, Ethan Roscente's voice came through clearly.
"Bang—Bang—Bang—"
The knocking grew louder and more insistent.
Remembering how he had almost forced himself on her last time at the Beverly Hills mansion, Sophia's lips turned pale.
She clenched the corner of the quilt tightly.
"Sophia Sullivan—"
"Open the door—"
"Clara—"
She covered her ears, hoping he would leave if he got no response.
But five minutes passed, and Ethan was still pounding on the door.
He made it clear he wouldn't stop until she opened it.
The old apartment building had poor soundproofing.
Causing such a disturbance in the middle of the night was bound to anger the neighbors!
Sure enough—
"Who is it? Making such a racket in the middle of the night! Don't you people need to sleep?!"
"Where did this mad dog come from, barking like this?"
"Get lost now, or we're calling the police!"
Helpless, Sophia threw off the covers and got out of bed.
She dragged her slippers and walked to the door.
"Ethan Roscente, what is wrong with you?!" she hissed through gritted teeth.
"...I knew you were there."
"So what?!"
"Open the door. Let me in."
"On what basis? Who do you think you are? You can't just come in whenever you want!"
Ethan gave a wry smirk.
"Fine. Then I'll just keep knocking."
"You—"
"I'm knocking—"
Left with no choice, Sophia unlocked the door.
Ethan shoved it open violently, afraid she would change her mind a second later.
The man reeked of alcohol.
His cheeks were flushed.
He swayed unsteadily, looking like he might collapse at any moment.
Sophia frowned and took three cautious steps back.
"What do you actually want?"
Ethan stared at her with bleary, drunken eyes, saying nothing.
After what felt like an eternity, he suddenly spoke softly.
"Clara, come back..."
Sophia shook her head, pulling her coat tighter.
"You know that's impossible."
"It's been six months. Isn't that enough?"
"Ethan, I'm not throwing a tantrum. Do you understand that?"
"I don't get it—What do you want? Just tell me! An apology? Atonement? Kneeling on a keyboard? Kneeling on a durian?"
This was the furthest limit of his concession.
It was his greatest act of humility.
In past arguments, he had never softened his stance like this.
Yet Sophia still shook her head.
"Enough! Don't push your luck!"
Ethan roared, then gasped for breath.
"You were willing to open the door. That means there's still a chance for us."
"Tell me, name your conditions! I'll agree to anything!"
Ethan gritted his teeth.
He has already conceded this much.
What more did she want?
Sophia: "I let you in to avoid disturbing the neighbors. That's the only reason."
"You were the one who said breakups should be clean and decisive."
"So what are you doing now?"
Ethan advanced two steps, trying to grab her shoulders.
The woman recoiled in horror, her eyes filled with fear.
"Don't touch me—"