Chapter 3

"A physics genius?"

Mom and Dad froze.

Professor Dickerson nodded.

"That's right. This kid competed in the physics olympiad too, and took the gold medal.

"I've spoken with her online. When it comes to raw talent in physics, she's beyond me."

I went still.

That voice...

Why did it sound exactly like the day I sat the physics olympiad finals?

Exactly like the instructor who'd coordinated with me online?

"More talented than you, Professor? You mean... a high schooler?"

Professor Dickerson nodded.

Dad shifted, awkward.

"This... a genius like that usually has a mind of their own. What if they don't want to take on a mentor?"

"Exactly, exactly."

Mom jumped in at once.

"Geniuses always love their solitude, don't they?"

"You're right about that."

Professor Dickerson sighed.

"I did message her. When she heard the work with me would be closed-off research, she couldn't bear to leave her family."

Mom and Dad's eyes lit up.

"Yes, this child is devoted to family. Of course she couldn't agree to it!"

As they said it, they nudged Marcy forward.

"But I've already made up my mind. My last protégé of this life will either be her.

"Or I won't take one at all."

The smile froze on Marcy's face.

Mom and Dad couldn't help exchanging a glance.

Mom wasn't ready to give up.

"Could you tell us what makes this child so special? We could have Marcy learn it."

"Yes, yes, our Marcy is a very quick learner."

Professor Dickerson smiled and shook his head.

"Some gifts really can't be learned through hard work.

"Look, this is a turbine engine blueprint she submitted at that final."

Professor Dickerson held up his phone.

From a distance.

I saw the markings on the diagram.

And I was certain.

The one who'd coordinated with me was Professor Dickerson.

Mom and Dad both had some background in design.

Looking at the blueprint.

The two of them drew a sharp breath.

Professor Dickerson put the phone away.

"This kid got into a top university this year."

"As she should."

Dad nodded despite himself.

Mom nodded too.

"For a high schooler to be at this level, even that school might be beneath him."

"Such a shame..."

Dad sighed.

"How is it we never raised a child that brilliant..."

"What are you doing here?"

Ethan knocked into me.

The orange juice in my hand nearly spilled.

I couldn't help letting out a small cry.

Mom and Dad turned around.

Their brows knit together in an instant.

"What did you come over here for?"

"We're discussing something professional with Professor Dickerson. Would you even understand it? You just came to gawk!"

Ethan grabbed my hand.

"Come on, come on, you can't follow this anyway. Stop getting in Marcy's way!"

"Wait!"

Professor Dickerson adjusted his glasses.

"This young lady... I think I've seen her at the finals..."

"Professor Dickerson, you must be mistaken."

Mom's red lips curved.

"This is our eldest daughter, a child who never amounted to anything.

"This year she didn't even get into a decent college."

"No... no, she isn't."

Professor Dickerson narrowed his eyes.

"I definitely saw this girl at the finals, even if it was only a glance.

"But the two of you..."

Professor Dickerson pointed at me.

"She's exactly the girl I've been looking for!"