Chapter 193

Tina was overjoyed. “Really? Will that be possible?”

“Of course,” said Sophie.

“I’d love to! I’ve admired you for a long time, and becoming your graduate student has always been my dream.”

Tina seemed to have completely forgotten her recent visit to Christine’s house.

“Then it’s settled. Your name is?”

Tina quickly responded, “Dr. Xander, my name is Tina Johnson. I’m a bioinformatics student at Bedford College.”

“A student from our college? That’s a solid foundation,” Sophie smiled, nodding with satisfaction. “Oh, and Tina, remember to find me in Celtic Tower on the first day of school. I’ll introduce you to your senior students.”

Introduce her to her senior students?

Tina suddenly recalled Sophie’s ongoing research project. Her heart raced with excitement—if she got the chance, could she join the research team, too? Bedford College’s research teams were renowned for their excellence. Miranda might not even get in, right?

The thought made Tina’s smile even more genuine.

Sophie noticed Tina’s sweetness and tact, which pleased her greatly. She narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced toward Christine’s house, smiling with a hint of meaning. As the saying goes, the town wasn't big enough for both of them.

Sophie never considered herself inferior to Christine; in fact, she believed her network was even stronger. And yet, the college favored Christine in project funding, teaching resources, and even student recruitment. Why? Was it simply because Christine was older and more experienced?

For years, Christine’s projects had been stagnant—three years without a single result, and the graduate students she supervised were mediocre at best. This year’s intake was particularly disappointing. Sophie had already heard that Christine’s three graduate students weren't outstanding, and one was even an older student who had likely taken the entrance exam multiple times. After all, Christine was getting older, and her judgment was slipping. Such an older student clearly lacked talent; she would only be accepted by someone as soft-hearted as Christine. Unlike Sophie, who had carefully screened interview candidates to pick the best.

Sophie knew Tina well; she came from an excellent family background and had considerable financial resources. That would ensure there would be no worries about research funding in the future. This time, Sophie was eager to see how Christine could possibly compete with her!

Chapter 103 (Note: This chapter number is different from the previous one)

Meanwhile, Miranda, the “older student,” had finished tending to the plants and tidying up the garden. She was now saying goodbye to Christine.

“I’ve pulled out the weeds in the garden and pruned the dried branches. I also watered all the green plants. The weather’s a bit cold; you can water them again in a few days when you have time…”

Miranda’s thorough instructions were almost exhausting for Christine to listen to. “Am I the student, or are you? I’m not a child; I know these things.”

Miranda washed her hands, put on her down jacket, and gently took Christine’s arm. She walked slowly with her from the garden to the gate.

“I just can’t help nagging a bit. You always forget to water them. Oh, and I washed the fresh lettuce I picked. It’s in the kitchen, ready for your helper to make a salad when she comes over later.”

Christine looked resigned but didn’t interrupt, patiently listening to her finish.

“Is that all? It’s getting dark, and I swear you’re becoming more and more talkative.”

Miranda pouted, adjusting Christine’s shawl. “Alright, I’ll stop nagging. I really have to go now. I’ll visit you again soon.”

“Alright, off you go. Be careful on the way home, and remember to send me a message when you get there,” Christine said with a smile, watching Miranda disappear into the distance.

Only when Miranda was out of sight did Christine’s straight posture slowly hunch, and the smile on her face fade away.