Chapter 872
The live stream was recorded using a high-resolution camera, so when the cameraman zoomed in, everyone could see the questions on the paper clearly. One of the doctorate students, Conrad Cabrera, sucked a breath of cold air when he saw the exam paper.
“What’s the matter?” his junior asked at the sight.
“Even I would have trouble answering those questions if I were doing the assessment. I’m pretty sure the professors racked their brains coming up with those questions,” Conrad admitted, feeling somewhat defeated.
“Really?”
The sophomores and juniors beside him were shocked to hear that. They didn’t even understand the questions.
“Actually, they might be doing this on purpose. Maybe they didn’t want Sophie to skip a grade.”
Conrad’s conjecture was justifiable since academic acceleration was rare in medical schools and was unprecedented.
Although Sophie was incredibly talented, so it wasn’t surprising for her to skip a grade, the professors were still out of line for purposely making things difficult for her by picking questions even doctorate students could not answer.
“But it doesn’t mean she can’t do it,” Simon argued coldly, confident that Sophie was way better than the doctorate student.
Conrad nodded and agreed sarcastically, “You’re right. Those questions might be too hard for me, but not for Sophie. She’s a genius. I suppose her brain works differently from ours.”
Conrad had always had a sense of superiority because he had been the big shot at the University of Medicine—until Sophie came and became the center of attention, leaving him out in the cold.
It seemed like everyone had forgotten that he had always been the most popular person before Sophie came, so when he heard about the evaluation, he took time from his busy schedule to watch the live stream.
Deep down, he knew he had come not to witness her success but her failure, for that was the only way he could get everyone to notice him again.
“Do you think you’re oh-so-good just because you’re a doctorate?” Simon challenged, glaring at Conrad. Sophie is the person in charge of the medical association—Barney Smith’s mentee! You don’t know sh*t. That’s why you think you’re so great.
“Hey, Simon. What do you mean by that? I never once said I was good,” Conrad sneered before continuing, “We’re all here today to see for ourselves what Sophie’s got, but remember: there’s always someone better out there. There’s no end to learning, so don’t get too arrogant.”
Sandra, who had been listening to the conversation all this while, was uncomfortable when she heard those words, for it was apparent that everyone present was waiting to see Sophie make a fool of herself.
“That’s unnecessary, Conrad. Sophie just wanted to skip a grade. She’s got what it takes to do that, so what’s wrong with it?” she finally snapped. Sandra usually kept to herself, but after becoming friends with Sophie, she learned to stand up for herself and for the people around her.
“Well, well. It seems like you guys are confident that she will pass this assessment. Let’s see what happens then.”
Simon was vexed beyond measure by Conrad’s attitude, but Sandra held him back, reminding him, “It’s okay, Simon. There’s no point in arguing with them. The result will speak for itself. They will know how good Sophie is by then.”
Her words spoke sense to Simon, and he relented.
She’s right. There’s no need to create a ruckus here. I don’t think that’s what Sophie will want to see either.
Meanwhile, when Sophie had finished attempting the last question, a smile curved on her lips as she imagined the effort those professors had put in to make things difficult for her.
“I’m sorry I might have to disappoint you all,” she remarked as she handed the paper to one of them and walked away.
Behind her, the professor who took her exam sheet looked annoyed.
What an arrogant fool! Who does she think she is? Yet, his expression changed the moment he saw the writings on the answer sheet.
“What’s wrong?” another professor asked.
“She…”
“What did she do?” Too impatient to wait for a reply, the other professor snatched the paper away and took a look himself. His face fell the next second.
All of the audience watching the live stream were confused as they tried to guess what the professors’ expressions meant.
“So how did she do?” a student asked.
“I don’t know. I think it’s either superb or terrible.”
“Duh! You’re just stating the obvious.”
While everyone was guessing the result, Sophie stepped out of the studio and met with Simon and Sandra, who had been waiting for her outside. Sandra immediately approached and passed her a cup of milkshake.
Hmm. Why do I feel like I’ve been having a lot of milkshakes lately?
“Are you under the impression that I love milkshakes?” Sophie asked.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Sandra was confused, for she had not bought the drink for any particular reason.
“Nothing.”
Sophie poked the straw through the lid and took a few sips. Well, I don’t really like it anymore.
“So, Sophie, what do you think about the evaluation? Did it go well?” Sandra asked anxiously.
As Sophie’s best friend, she did not want Sophie to end up becoming a laughing stock since there were so many people watching the live stream.
“It went well.”
“I knew it,” Simon exclaimed before turning to Sandra. “I told you you have nothing to worry about. Sophie can totally put the professors in their places if she sets her heart on it.”
“Hold on,” Sophie interrupted. “I’m not doing this on purpose. I wouldn’t have to do that if they’d been fair.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I have misspoken,” Simon corrected himself as he gazed at Sophie, his heart brimming with happiness.
At that moment, he felt satisfied, although his love for Sophie was unreciprocated.
Meanwhile, Tristan, who was supposed to be at a meeting, had taken time during his meeting break to watch the live stream, leaving everything to the general manager.
When the evaluation ended, he called Sophie immediately.
“You must be tired after all the writing,” he said.
That was the first time he saw Sophie spending that much time on an exam, so he figured the professors must have deliberately chosen some of the most challenging questions.
“I’m good. Why did you call? I thought you were supposed to be at a meeting.” Sophie felt Tristan had not been paying attention to his work lately. Although he was the CEO, she still thought he should be more attentive to his work.
“It’s not an important meeting. They can handle it on their own. They’ll have to solve my problems since I spent so much money to hire them.” Tristan was right, for there was no way he could keep an eye on every single subsidiary under Lombard Group.
“That makes sense. I’m sure you know best. You’re the best, anyway,” Sophie complimented.
Tristan was so delighted to hear her praise that he smiled from ear to ear. Even his secretary who had just entered the office could tell that the CEO was in a phenomenal mood.
