Elliot chuckled and shook his head, his attention drifting from his students to the papers on the coffee table. He was about to say something when Mirabe jumped in.


    "Professor, let''s not even discuss my participation in this project. I''m not qualified, nor am I a researcher," she said.


    Elliot gave her a sideways nce. "You seem to have done your homework."


    Mirabe let out an awkwardugh and switched topics. "But if there are other research projects with good funding, do let me know."


    "Good funding?" Elliot raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is money more important than gaining experiences?"


    Mirabe crossed her legs, speaking softly, "You can always add to your experiences, but if you miss a grant, it''s gone for good."


    Elliot was puzzled. "What kind of reasoning is that? Are you strapped for cash?"


    Such a bright student, yet caught up in worldly concerns?


    "Yeah, I am, actually," Mirabe admitted frankly.


    Hearing this, Elliot, unable to stand by and watch his student struggle, pulled out his phone. As he opened Messenger to transfer some money, he said, "Let me help you out a bit, just to tide you over."


    When Messenger dinged, Mirabe looked confused. She had mentioned needing money, not beingpletely broke.


    After sending the money, Elliot had another thought. He shared Mirabe''s Messenger contact with a few of his other students: [Meet your junior. Send her a little something and don''t be stingy; she might need some support.]


    Once done, Elliot put his phone away and turned to Mirabe. "I''ve shared your contact with some of your seniors. They''ll add you soon, so make sure to ept."


    Mirabe felt her cheeks flush, sensing things were going in an unexpected direction.


    Elliot gathered the documents from the coffee table and headed to his desk, waving her off. "You can head back now. And don''t forget to read those books I lent you."


    Mirabe just stood there, speechless.


    Shortly after, she left Elliot''s office and made her way to the elevator. Finally pulling out her phone, she saw Dr. Elliot''s transfer of ten grand, pressing a hand to her forehead with a bit of disbelief.


    As the elevator dinged open, she sighed about her financial woes, slipped her


    phone back into her pocket without epting the money, and stepped in.


    *


    At the school gate, Mirabe bumped into Yara, who was on her phone. It felt familiar, like déjà vu, reminding her of their brief encounter at a restaurant''s restroom.


    Yara hung up the call and noticed Mirabe, nodding politely. "Hey there."


    "Hi," Mirabe replied.


    Putting her phone away, Yara scanned the curb and asked warmly, "Where are you headed? Need a lift?"


    The ke family''s driver was already waiting by the curb.


    "Thanks, but I''ve got a ride," Mirabe said, gesturing to a car nearby.


    Yara nodded, mentioning she had to get to the hospital, and didn''t press further. "Alright then, see you around."


    Mirabe nodded back.


    She walked over to the sedan parked at the curb, where As had been picking her uptely, driving a regr Volkswagen.


    Meanwhile, Yara got into her car and waited a moment. Noticing Jules, the driver, hadn''t started moving, she nced at him curiously. "Uncle Jules, what''s caught your eye?"