Independence

Miranda felt a lump in her throat but understood Christine’s words.

For Christine, research always came first. She didn’t care about the length of her life but rather the depth of the sea of research.

Perhaps she would never reach the bottom or might tire out on her path, but that didn’t matter. She was willing to die in the sea of research to become nourishment for future generations and light their way

forward.

“Why are you crying again?” Christine sighed. She hated seeing scenes like this.

Miranda sniffed. “Who’s crying? Not me.”

“Yes, you’re right. You’re not crying.” Christine chuckled.

“I’ll give you a massage,” Miranda offered.

She understood Christine’s stubbornness and resolve, so she didn’t try to persuade her further. Instead, she sat down and gently massaged Christine’s calves.

After a short while, Christine felt much better.

Miranda said, “Your arthritis is probably acting up because of the unpredictable weather lately. I’ve ordered herbal foot soak packets. They should arrive in a couple of days. Remember to soak your feet every night. It will help.”

“Got it.” Christine smiled and pointed to the table. “Take that phone number.”

Miranda looked puzzled.

“Do you remember Mr. Sanchez?”

“Mr. Sanchez?” Miranda repeated.

Christine replied, “Yeah, him. He knew you had returned and was sulking because I didn’t call him immediately.

“He even secretly looked at my postgraduate admission exam. I can’t deal with him, so you call and smooth things over. He’ll listen to you.”

Miranda was taken aback. Given Matthew’s temperament, she wondered if she was up to the task.

Bioinformatics relied on computer science to analyze large sets of biological data, so a solid understanding of bioinformatics was essential. It even involved programming.

Despite Hansel being kicked out and living in a cramped basement apartment, Miranda was able to help him secure their initial startup funds with the small programs she developed.

This

possible because Christine had set her up with an expert computer science mentor, Matthew Sanchez, back in college.

After helping Christine with her foot soak and medication and preparing a meal, Miranda finally went home. Once there, she took out the paper with the number and dialed it.

Chapter: 0756

☐ RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

The first call was hung up right away. The second one ended the same way. But on the third try, the call was finally answered.

“Hmph! Who’s calling?” A gruff voice came through..

Miranda was tom between laughter and exasperation. That harrumphed revealed too much. She decided to play it differently. “Sorry, I think I dialed the wrong number, Goodbye.”

“Miranda Sutton?” As expected, the facade on the other end crumbled immediately.

“Mr. Sanchez, try hanging up again.”

Matthew hesitated and said, “I don’t dare anymore. Trust me.

“Why did you only contact Christine when you returned? Am I not your mentor anymore? And why didn’t you apply for my postgraduate admission exam?”

“Mr. Sanchez, I majored in bioinformatics.

“So what? You still have a talent for computer science, even if you switched fields. Is there a problem?”

She hesitated before replying, “No.”

“Hmph!”

After coaxing him, Miranda breathed a sigh of relief.

Then Matthew suddenly asked, “Have you forgotten what I taught you over the years?”

“No,” she replied..

“Talking isn’t enough. You need to practice.

Miranda was puzzled but soon found herself coding programs with Matthew all night.

As dawn approached; he said, “Alright, that’s enough for today. I’ve got the exam questions and answers for this semester. Not bad.”

P