Chapter 68

Miranda understood Tina's meaning. She smiled and said nothing.

Tina asked, "If I'm not mistaken, you did your undergraduate studies at Bedford College, right? Which school are you applying to this time?"

Miranda replied, "I'm still applying to Bedford College."

"Are you applying for a research Master's program or a taught Master's program?"

"Research."

"In what major?"

"Biology."

Tina's brows arched. Miranda's choices mirrored her own. "Do you have a lecturer you plan to ask to supervise you?"

Miranda didn't hide her plan. She nodded. "Yes, Dr. Young."

"Who? Christine Young?"

Miranda hummed in agreement. Tina remembered seeing Miranda at Christine's house and assumed she was working part-time as a housekeeper. She looked perplexed.

"You… you're not under the impression that Dr. Young will agree to supervise you simply because you helped with her household chores, are you?"

Miranda smiled awkwardly. "There was a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding? To be frank, Dr. Young is a distinguished scholar in biology, and she's known for being strict. Also, she's primarily taken PhD students as supervisees for the past few years, not Master's students. There are very few spots, so…"

Tina paused. "It's very difficult to get her to supervise you. Honestly, I'm applying to be her postgraduate student, too.

"You might think I'm saying this for my own benefit, but I want to offer this advice: consider choosing a different lecturer while you still can. You still have time to contact others before the results are released."

Tina felt she'd given Miranda the best advice she could. That was all she could do.

"Thank you," Miranda replied, giving Tina a slight nod. "I should go." She left immediately.

Tina was dumbfounded by Miranda's brief response.

Miranda managed to catch the 5:00 p.m. subway. Her fingers were freezing. Fortunately, the heater warmed her up.

Her phone, in her bag, rang. Miranda removed her gloves.

The corners of her mouth turned up when she saw the number. She said brightly, "Hello, Dr. Young."

"So, how did it go?" Christine asked in her usual gentle and cheerful tone. She didn't pressure Miranda; it was a casual inquiry.

"Well, I answered everything I knew," Miranda replied honestly.

"That's good enough. I never worried about your test performance." Christine chuckled. Miranda had scored top marks in most of her major courses and passed her compulsory courses with distinction during college.

"It's very cold outside. Are you home yet? Be careful not to catch a cold."

"I'm on the subway now. I heard you're having leg pain again. I bought some medicine. I'll bring it to you after the exams."

Christine had injured her legs when she was younger. She experienced severe pain in the winter, especially when it rained. Her condition had improved after acupuncture two years ago, but the symptoms had recently returned.

"Thanks. I'll be home for the next few days."

Christine checked her calendar. The day after tomorrow was Saturday. She could invite Miranda to dinner.

Miranda looked up and saw her stop approaching.

After hanging up, she pushed through the post-work crowd and headed for the second exit.

A gust of cold wind hit Miranda's face as she exited the station. She almost slipped, caught off guard. Just then, a hand steadied her. A shadow loomed.

She looked up and saw Paul. She beamed. "How are you here?"

"I'm retrieving some materials. Driving's risky in this weather; the roads are slippery, so I took the subway." Paul helped her regain her balance.

They walked and talked.

"How was the exam?"

Miranda replied, "I think it went well."

Paul smiled faintly and said nothing.

(The "Today's Bonus Offer" appears to be unrelated and should be removed.)