Chapter 9: Chapter 9
960 words<html><head></head><body><p>Sophia Sullivan walked ahead.</p> <p>The man followed behind her.</p> <p>She felt much more relaxed now compared to last night's nervousness.</p> <p>Alexander Laurent drove the car over.</p> <p>Sophia pulled open the car door and got in.</p> <p>Halfway through the drive, they passed a fruit stand.</p> <p>Sophia suddenly spoke up. "Could you pull over? I'd like to buy some fruit."</p> <p>"Fruit?"</p> <p>"Yes, for the professor."</p> <p>Alexander gripped the steering wheel, slightly puzzled. "Is that necessary?"</p> <p>Sophia was taken aback.</p> <p>She couldn't help but laugh. "You usually show up empty-handed?"</p> <p>Alexander nodded frankly.</p> <p>Sophia silently gave a thumbs up. Impressive.</p> <p>Maybe that was just how important people operated?</p> <p>The man still pulled the car over to the side.</p> <p>…</p> <p>Professor Eleanor Watson lived on Ring Mountain Road near MIT.</p> <p>Small Western-style houses were nestled among green trees.</p> <p>Each had its own private yard, elegant and unique.</p> <p>After passing through a maple grove, they saw the professor's house.</p> <p>Six years…</p> <p>Sophia tightened her grip on the seatbelt, looking at the fruit basket at her feet, suddenly feeling stage fright.</p> <p>Alexander noticed her hesitation. "Not getting out?"</p> <p>She bit her lip. "I want to wait a bit longer."</p> <p>The man looked at her for two seconds, then nodded. "Then I'll go in first."</p> <p>…</p> <p>Sophia was grateful for his thoughtfulness.</p> <p>Watching the man walk away, she took a deep breath and pushed the door open to get out.</p> <p>The flowers in the small yard were in full bloom.</p> <p>A gentle breeze carried a faint floral scent.</p> <p>The vegetables by the railing looked a bit wilted, probably from lack of care.</p> <p>Before even entering, she heard the professor's voice.</p> <p>Sophia's heart tightened, and she quickened her pace to follow.</p> <p>"Professor."</p> <p>Eleanor Watson put down the magazine in her hand and adjusted her reading glasses. "Alexander? What brings you here?"</p> <p>Alexander stepped forward to support her. "Just came to see you. Feeling better?"</p> <p>"Just a minor ailment, and you all keep coming to check on me."</p> <p>She patted his hand. "I'm fine, don't worry!"</p> <p>Alexander paused. "I brought someone with me today."</p> <p>"Who?" Eleanor asked, turning her head in confusion.</p> <p>Sophia stood in the entryway, head bowed, like a child who had done something wrong.</p> <p>Eleanor's pupils constricted slightly. She instinctively took two steps forward but quickly reined in her surprise, replacing it with coolness.</p> <p>"What are you doing here?" she said sternly.</p> <p>"Teacher…"</p> <p>Sophia was at a loss.</p> <p>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?"</p> <p>Sophia pressed her lips together tightly, tears falling. "Teacher… I'm sorry. I let you down."</p> <p>"And?" Eleanor was rarely this serious.</p> <p>Sophia whispered, "And… I was wrong."</p> <p>She added softly, "Is it still too late?"</p> <p>"Finally…" Eleanor sighed, her expression softening. "Do you know how long I've waited?"</p> <p>"Six years. A full six years."</p> <p>Sophia's eyes welled up. "I didn't know…" Had the teacher been waiting for her all this time?</p> <p>"It's good that you've figured it out."</p> <p>A flicker of heartache passed through Eleanor's eyes.</p> <p>Sophia's nose stung, and she threw herself into the older woman's arms. "Teacher…"</p> <p>A dry palm patted her back gently. Eleanor's heart softened.</p> <p>"Alright… Crying like this at your age, aren't you afraid people will laugh?"</p> <p>Alexander stood quietly to the side. Seeing they had reconciled, he silently retreated to the balcony.</p> <p>Reunited, Eleanor asked about Sophia's recent life, carefully avoiding topics of romance.</p> <p>Hearing "I was wrong" today said everything.</p> <p>Why would she need to pick at old scars?</p> <p>Sophia said, "...I rented a place near the school. I'm reviewing my studies, preparing to take the exam for your graduate program…"</p> <p>Eleanor's eyes lit up. "Really? Is that true?"</p> <p>She asked twice.</p> <p>"Yes." Sophia lowered her head, somewhat ashamed.</p> <p>She hadn't taken the path that was laid out for her, and now she wanted to start over…</p> <p>"Good! It's about time! You promised you'd be my graduate student! This year's spot wasn't reserved for nothing after all…"</p> <p>Sophia was stunned.</p> <p>Although she had suspected it, having it confirmed was still hard to believe.</p> <p>Sophia Sullivan, what did you ever do to deserve this…</p> <p>"Teacher, I might not pass the exam. You…" shouldn't get your hopes up.</p> <p>Eleanor said, "If you want it, you will pass! I know your capabilities best. Unless you deliberately do poorly to tease me!"</p> <p>"How could I…" Sophia didn't know whether to laugh or cry.</p> <p>"It's getting late. You and Alexander… Huh? Where's Alexander?"</p> <p>"Teacher." Alexander came in from the balcony.</p> <p>"It's so late already. You and your junior sister must stay for dinner today. I'll cook myself!"</p> <p>Sophia's expression changed. Alexander's face also looked subtle.</p> <p>"Um… You should still rest. I'll cook."</p> <p>It wasn't that Sophia was being disrespectful. It was just… The professor's cooking was truly dangerous.</p> <p>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…"</p> <p>Sophia tied on an apron and walked into the kitchen.</p> <p>Alexander rolled up his sleeves and followed. "I'll help."</p> <p>Eleanor watched the two of them, her smile deepening.</p> <p>The refrigerator was well-stocked with fresh ingredients.</p> <p>The professor had just been discharged from the hospital, so her diet needed to be light.</p> <p>Alexander asked, "What do you need me to do?"</p> <p>Sophia glanced at the vegetable basin. "Can you wash vegetables?"</p> <p>"It shouldn't be too difficult."</p> <p>Sophia moved aside.</p> <p>The man washed the vegetables with clumsy but earnest movements, cleaning each leaf thoroughly.</p> <p>Sophia asked casually, "Any dietary restrictions?"</p> <p>"No."</p> <p>"Preferences?"</p> <p>"Anything is fine."</p> <p>"...You're pretty easy to please," she muttered under her breath.</p> <p>Not like that person, picky and hard to please.</p> </body></html>