When fate plays its hand
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Chapter 0193

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.”

It seemed Tina had completely forgotten that she had just come from 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 replace me in Celtic Tower on the first day of school. I’ll introduce you to your seniors.

Introduce her to her seniors?

Tina suddenly recalled that Sophie had an ongoing research project. Her heart raced with excitement–if she got the chance, could she join the research team too?

It was well known that Bedford College’s research teams were among the best. 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 was just not big enough for the two 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?

Just because Christine was older? 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 the three graduate students Christine kept this time weren’t outstanding. and one was even an older student who had likely taken the entrance exam multiple times before passing. After all, Christine was getting old, and her judgment was slipping.

An older student like that was clearly lacking in talent. She would only be accepted by someone as soft- hearted as Christine. Unlike Sophie, who had carefully screened the interview candidates early on to pick

the best ones.

Sophie knew Tina well; she came from an excellent fartily background and had considerable financial

Chapter 0103

resources. That would ensure there would be no worries about research funding in the future.

This time, Sophie was eager to see what Christine could possibly compete with her on!

+25 BONUS

Meanwhile, the “older student“, Miranda, 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 was thorough in her instructions, and Christine found it almost exhausting to listen to. “Am I the student, or are you? I’m not a child, you know, 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 that had come loose. “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’s figure disappear into the distance.

Only when she could no longer see her did Christine’s once straight posture slowly hunch, and the smile on her face faded away.