Chapter 87
The admissions counselors from three prestigious universities sat across from Winnie, their eyes filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern.
“Ms. Bryant, choosing a college is a pivotal decision for your future. You must think this through!” pleaded the Silverpine University representative, his face a portrait of frustration. They were top–tier institutions, and yet, she was considering some obscure school!
Even Emerald University would have been a better choice!
The counselor from Capital University, aware of their own school’s collaboration with the CU Department of Paranormal Studies, didn’t share the same disdain for the department.
In fact, he had an inkling of what the country’s top three Departments of Paranormal Studies represented – places not just anyone could enter.
“Ms. Bryant, are you particularly interested in esoteric studies? At Capital University, we offer specialized courses in religious studies…” he offered, attempting to sway her.
The Emerald University counselor, not to be outdone, chimed in, “We may not have that specific program, but we could certainly create one for you!”
The Bryant family joined in the chorus of persuasion, their faces etched with disapproval.
“Winnie, you really need to consider this more carefully. You can’t rush into a decision.” someone advised.
“A Department of Paranormal Studies? That’s a dead end,” Middleton scoffed.
“Maybe you don’t have to decide today. The counselors surely can give you some time to think
it over.”
Amidst the babble, even Hobson, her rival for valedictorian, felt the urge to step in and reason with her. Winnie, the state’s top scholar, choosing such an offbeat institution was like a slap in the face to everyone who had lost to her, especially him.
However, Winnie remained unfazed by the barrage of well–meaning advice, her gaze clear and resolute.
“I’ve made my choice,” she stated firmly.
Turning to Bacchus and Clifford, she continued earnestly, “I hope you can respect my
decision.”
After a brief pause, she added, “Even if you don’t, it won’t matter.”
She wasn’t going to budge.
Bacchus‘ mouth twitched slightly, catching the subtext in Winnie’s words.
Clifford, though he felt his daughter’s choice was impulsive, wasn’t about to force her to change
Chapter 87
her mind.
“If you’ve made up your mind, then we’ll support your decision,” he said, effectively settling the matter.
The visiting counselors from the three universities looked on, crestfallen.
The representative from the Department of Paranormal Studies, on the other hand, was beaming with satisfaction as he handed Winnie a finely crafted wooden box.
“Ms. Bryant, the EU Department of Paranormal Studies welcomes you. Here is a welcome gift and a personalized invitation to join our institution.”
The other counselors watched with complex emotions. They couldn’t believe this Department of Paranormal Studies counselor had come so prepared, almost as if he was certain of Winnie’s choice.
How could anyone in their right mind turn down their esteemed universities for a Paranormal Studies department? They were baffled by their loss.
Regardless of their confusion, the outcome was set. Though they didn’t secure Winnie as a student, Bacchus graciously handed each a small gift as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
Clifford and Winnie personally saw the counselors out. As they left, Winnie pulled aside Andrea, the Paranormal Studies counselor. “Excuse me, do you have a professor named Master Seven?”
Andrea, still in high spirits, looked puzzled. “I haven’t heard of her. Such a unique name–l’d remember. Is this someone you know?”
“She’s my master,” Winnie explained without hesitation.
That didn’t surprise Andrea; many students had masters before joining their department. “I’ll look into it for you. If such a person exists, we’ll find them.”
“Thank you,” Winnie said, sending the counselor on his way before rejoining Clifford.
As they walked back to walk this path?”
Clifford’s concern was evident. “Winnie, are you absolutely sure you want
He wasn’t like others who might find the notion of his daughter becoming a mystic embarrassing. He was worried about the skepticism and criticism she might face.
Winnie didn’t quite understand his concern. “I’m already on my path,” she replied confidently.
It had been set the moment she began learning the mystical arts from her master, and even more so since the Henderson family had meddled with her destiny.
Her fate was intertwined with supernatural things, and regardless of the university she chose, she would follow the direction her master had pointed her towards.
First and foremost, she needed to find her master, and the EU Department of Paranormal
Studies was her only clue.
Clifford, meeting his daughter’s clear, determined gaze, eventually let the subject drop. After she had helped the Sanchez family with their troubles, he should have understood–his daughter was no ordinary person.
She had her own convictions.
In the Bryant household, there was a strength that rivaled any member of the family. But at the heart of the matter, what truly concerned Clifford was that the path Winnie had chosen was one he couldn’t follow or offer help with. After all, he was just an ordinary rich man.
Mulling it over, Clifford realized the only support he could provide his daughter was financial With that thought, he whipped out his smartphone and transferred a whopping $10,000,000 to her account. Winnie had aced her SATs, clinching the top spot statewide–such an achievement deserved a hefty reward.
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