Chapter 49 Having Talented Students Is Never Too Much for Me!
Mary kept a watchful eye on Sophia's every move, hoping she could feel their genuine care and integrate into this family sooner.
Noticing the emotion in Sophia's eyes, Mary walked over and gently stroked her silky, long hair, smiling warmly. "Sophia, would you like me to do your hair for you?"
Sophia startled slightly. "That's not necessary—I'll just throw it up in a ponytail."
"I used to braid Evelyn's hair every day when she was little. I'd love to style your hair just once."
Meeting the hope in Mary's eyes, Sophia pressed her lips together and finally nodded.
Mary's face lit up with joy as she happily began working on Sophia's hair.
Feeling the gentle tugging sensations on her scalp, like feathers tickling her heart, Sophia realized this was the first time anyone had ever styled her hair.
Did all mothers around the world braid their daughters' hair?
Jane certainly never had; she'd never even picked out hair accessories for Sophia.
The staff at the Smith family estate had always been so respectfully distant, none daring to suggest styling Sophia's hair.
So, from the age of two, when her hair grew long enough, Sophia had always just pulled it back into a simple ponytail herself. She'd never had the pretty, intricate braids other girls wore, never worn delicate, elegant hair accessories.
Her whole focus had been on studying hard to earn first place, hoping to win her parents' approval. She'd never even had time to think about styling herself.
John would occasionally bring her beautiful hair ornaments from somewhere, casually tossing them her way, but she'd never used them once.
"All done." Mary worked quickly, bringing over a mirror for Sophia to see.
The girl in the mirror had luminous skin, with a few wispy strands framing her oval face, making it appear softer. The high ponytail looked youthfully vibrant, yet had more texture than her usual hastily-tied versions, with the crown area looking full and voluminous.
She reached up to touch it, wondering how Mary had managed it. The hair from both sides had been gathered into the ponytail at the very end, and with Sophia's naturally thick hair, it now appeared even fuller.
"You're in high school now, so I won't braid it for you." Mary's eyes were full of maternal love as she stroked Sophia's long hair, sighing wistfully. "You've taken such beautiful care of your hair. If you'd grown up by my side, I would have styled it differently every single day."
Her voice carried a note of sadness, as if regretting having missed Sophia's childhood.
Sophia fell silent for a moment, then smiled gently. "Thank you, Mom. I love it."
Mary's eyes immediately brightened, all sadness vanishing. "I'm so glad you like it! Now hurry up, or you'll be late."
Ray hummed cheerfully as he drove, taking his children to school. Even the scenery along the way seemed more beautiful.
Lucas sat in the back seat with Sophia and suddenly asked, "Sophia, when will I get to see Mr. White again? Did I misbehave last time? Is that why Mr. White doesn't want to hang out with me anymore?"
Sophia chuckled softly. "Of course not. He's just a stubborn old coot. I'll give him a call in a few days and have him come over."
Ray immediately made a shushing sound. Benjamin, the nationally renowned master calligrapher, being called a "stubborn old coot" by Sophia? If anyone heard that, who knew what criticism might follow!
"Sophia, Mr. White is quite famous and highly accomplished in the art world. With a forty-year age gap between you two, don't you think speaking so casually might make him uncomfortable?"
Ray wasn't lecturing—he was just worried that Sophia, being inexperienced with social etiquette, might need a gentle reminder.
Sophia laughed. "Dad, have you ever seen anyone use formal titles and respectful language when chatting with friends?"
That single question left Ray speechless.
Sophia had spent years navigating high society circles, dealing with countless executives and dignitaries. Her ability to read people was sharp, and she knew exactly how to approach different types of people—she was practically socially omniscient.
Benjamin had been widowed for years, childless, and had long wanted to find a student to carry on his legacy while providing companionship in his old age, but he'd never found the right person.
With no close friends or family, what he most wanted was someone who could interact with him regardless of social status or wealth—someone to chat with, tease each other, and genuinely care about one another.
That was exactly the role Sophia played. Every time they met, Benjamin would insist on taking her as his student, while she'd refuse and complain about how boring he was.
Over time, rather than driving them apart, this dynamic had created an unlikely friendship across generations. In Sophia's presence, Benjamin hardly seemed like a sixty-something elder, more like a friend who enjoyed being playfully difficult.
When Sophia reached her classroom, there was already a thermos on her desk with a sticky note attached, [Remember to take your medicine.]
It was signed "Michael."
Sophia smiled softly, tucking the note into her drawer and opening the thermos to sip the warm contents while blowing on the steam.
Taking advantage of this moment, she called Benjamin.
Benjamin was an early riser and was currently exercising in his garden when he answered, his voice filled with excitement. "Sophia! I was just about to contact you! I've made a decision—to see Lucas, I'm moving into the city! You need to find me a place quickly, or I'll have nowhere to stay and will have to crash in your room!"
Before Sophia could even speak, he'd rattled off his entire plan. She laughed and replied, "Alright, alright. Pack your things, I'll send a car for you tomorrow."
"What about Lucas?"
"He has school. Let's wait until the weekend, and I'll bring him over to formally become your student."
"Don't forget the gift! I won't agree without one!"
"I'm already giving you a house, and you still want gifts?"
"That's a separate matter entirely! The gift for accepting him as my student has to be something Lucas picks out himself, or I won't take it!"
Sophia rubbed her temples, feeling quite helpless. "Fine, you're so demanding."
Benjamin laughed heartily with satisfaction, then asked, "Is Michael coming? I'll cook, have him come over for dinner!"
"He's busy. He doesn't have time to deal with you."
"That's going too far! You can't let jealousy over his superior talent stop you from bringing him to see me. Of course, if you want to become my student too, I take it all back."
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I found you one student already, and you're still not satisfied?"
"Having talented disciples is never too much for me!"
Of course, Benjamin wasn't giving up. In all his years in the art world, he'd rarely encountered someone with Sophia's natural talent.
If Lucas was a genius, then Sophia was born to be an artist, possessing an innate, sophisticated aesthetic sense.
If she'd agree to become his student, she'd undoubtedly make a name for herself within ten years, becoming an eternally shining star in the world of calligraphy.
What a shame—he'd been mentioning this for years, but Sophia remained unmoved, constantly focused on her business ventures and growing her assets.
Hmph! Money was just a vulgar, easily obtained commodity. What was there to pursue about that?