When fate plays its hand

Someone chuckled and said, “Not surprising! It’s not surprising at all.”

“You’ve been chatting away, Dr. Young,” another chimed in. “Don’t just stand there. Take a seat. Miranda, you too…”

It was Miranda’s first time attending a private academic gathering, and she was surprised to see that these typically serious professors, scholars, and experts were just like ordinary people.

Among friends, they made light jokes, sometimes spoke out of turn, raised their voices when excited, and laughed heartily when happy

During the meal, Christine, who rarely initiated anything, raised her glass. Everyone knew she was doing it to support Miranda. Miranda understood this, so she responded by drinking a few glasses in return.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

An older professor, Julian Gardner, started a conversation with Miranda. They discussed their field, moved on to personal goals, and then touched on research papers and experiments. As their conversation deepened, his admiration and surprise became more noticeable.

He laughed and said, “Young people’s minds are just wired differently, huh? Of course, the new generation’s brains are sharper. None of my students think like that. Some people really are on another level.”

He laughed again and looked over at Christine. “By the way, Dr. Young, where did you find this student? How come all the good ones seem to end up with you?” He joked about whether she was leaving any good students for the rest of them.

She pondered briefly before replying, “Maybe… because I have a good eye? I saw her potential right away. What can I say? I can’t help it if I’m good at spotting talent.

Julian knew she was joking but couldn’t help but pout. “I’m not trying to steal your student. Who’s saying my eyes aren’t any good?”

“Dr. Gardner, if you’re saying that, I have something to bring up. Who was it that complained about their aging eyes and took the tea I’d been hiding for two years?” Another professor nearby interrupted their conversation.

“Ahem! Weren’t we talking about how impressive her student is? Why bring that up?” Julian said.

As the conversation wandered, Miranda listened with a smile. She was about to take another drink when Paul quickly handed her a glass of juice instead.

“Don’t drink too much. It’s the thought that counts–they won’t mind,” he said.

Miranda, feeling a bit tipsy, lifted her head. For a moment, her gaze lingered on him with a slightly dazed, hazy look.

His breath caught. He wasn’t into gaming, so he didn’t understand “hard control” until Miranda nodded lightly. “Okay.” Under his stunned gaze, she picked up the glass and drank the juice.

By the time the dinner ended, it was already 9:00 pm. The night was dark, and the city lights were shining brightly. No one was drunk, and no one lost their composure.

As they left the venue together, not a single shirt button had been undone. Even though there was a faint smell of alcohol, they still carried themselves with the poise of academics.

Elizabeth heard the noise in the hallway and quickly peeked through the peephole. She saw Christine, Paul, and Miranda returning together. To her surprise, Miranda had gone, too. Elizabeth knew Paul was attending a private gathering with the big names in the academic world. She had tried to hint if she could come along, but Paul hadn’t taken the bait. When that didn’t work out, she outright asked if he could take her along for the experience. And how did Paul respond? “It’s not appropriate.” Then, he walked away.

She wondered, if it wasn’t appropriate for her, why was it acceptable for Miranda to go?

Why did Miranda always seem to get all the good opportunities? Not only did she have Christine backing her, but Paul was also taking care of her every need.

Sabi novelbin

2