When fate plays its hand

Miranda understood what Tina was trying to say. She merely smiled and didn’t try to explain anything.

Tina asked, “If I’m not mistaken, you did your undergraduate studies at Bedford College, right? Which school are you trying to apply for this time?”

Miranda replied, “I’m still opting for Bedford College.”

“Are you going for a research Master’s program or a taught Master’s program?”

“Research.”

“In which major?”

“Biology.”

Tina’s brows arched. Miranda’s choices were the same as hers. “Do you have a lecturer you plan on asking to be your supervisor?”

Miranda didn’t try to hide her plan. She nodded. “Yes. It’s Dr. Young.”

“Who? You mean Christine Young?”

Miranda hummed in assent. Tina recalled the time she’d seen Miranda at Christine’s house and thought she was working part–time as hired. help. She looked a little perplexed.

“You… You’re not under the impression that Dr. Young will agree to your request just because you helped out with her household chores, are you?”

Miranda smiled awkwardly. “There was some misunderstanding at that

time.”

“Misunderstanding? I’ll be frank with you. Dr. Young is the most

Charles Doed

distinguished scholar in the field of biology, and she’s well–known for being strict.

“Also, she’s mostly taken PhD students under her wing for the past few years but not Master’s students. There are very limited spots, so…”

Tina paused briefly. “It’s really difficult to get her to be your supervisor. I’ll be honest. I’m applying to be her postgraduate student, too.

“You may think I’m saying this for my own good, but I still want to share this as advice. You should consider changing to another lecturer while it’s not too late. There’s still time for you to contact other lecturers before the results come out.”

Tina felt like she’d given Miranda the most pragmatic, helpful -suggestion she could think of. That was the most she could do for the

latter.

“Thank you.” Miranda gave Tina a slight nod. “I’ll get going, then.” She walked away right after saying that.

Tina was left dumbfounded by Miranda’s plain response.

Miranda managed to get on the 5:00 pm subway. Her fingers were freezing at that point. Fortunately, the warm air generated by the heater helped her feel much better.

Her phone, which she’d stashed away in her bag, rang just then. Miranda took off her gloves.

The corners of her mouth lifted when she saw the number on the

screen. She said chirpily, “Hello, Dr. Young.”

“So, how did it go?” Christine asked in her usual gentle and cheerful

tone.

She didn’t try to put any pressure on Miranda. It was as though she was

just asking about it in passing.

“Well, I answered everything I knew about,” Miranda replied honestly.

“That’s good enough. I never had to worry about how you performed in tests.” Christine chuckled.

During her years in college, Miranda had scored full marks for most of her major courses and passed the compulsory courses with flying

colors.

“It’s really cold outside. Have you reached home? Be careful not to catch a cold out there.”

“I’m on the subway now. I’ve heard that you’re having leg pain again. I’ve bought some medicine. I’ll bring it to you once the exams are over.”

Christine had hurt her legs when she’d been younger. She’d suffer severe pain in her legs during the winter, especially when it rained.

Her condition had improved after she’d tried acupuncture treatment two years ago. However, she’d recently started to suffer from the symptoms. again.

“Sure. I’m going to be home for the next few days.”

Christine looked at the calendar. The day after tomorrow was a Saturday. She could invite Miranda over for dinner.

Miranda lifted her gaze and noticed that she was almost at her stop.

After she hung up, she squeezed her way through the crowd of people. who’d just gotten off work and headed for the second exit.

A gust of cold wind blew onto Miranda’s face as soon as she got out of the station. She almost slipped as she was caught off guard.

Just then, a hand was placed against Miranda’s back. A shadow

loomed over her.

-

She raised her head and spotted Paul. She beamed. “How come you’re here?”

I’m on my way back to get some materials I need. It’s a little risky to drive in this weather since the roads are slippery. So, I used the subway. *Paul helped her regain her footing.

The two of them walked side by side and chatted.

“How was the exam?”NôvelDrama.Org owns this.

Miranda responded, “I think it went well.”

Paul smiled faintly and said nothing.