Chapter 201: Having the Courage to Rush Toward the Future is Already Something Remarkable
A warmth bloomed in Sophia's chest as her her lips broke into a smile. "Alright, thank you."
The atmosphere was exceptionally cozy. everyone was heartened by this small change, sensing that the bonds between family members had deepened.
Seeing Sophia's natural demeanor—no attempt to hide or deflect—Mary felt inspired to speak up. "Sophia, tell me what you like and don't like to eat. That way, I'll know what dishes to make for you in the future."
Previously, no matter what she cooked, Sophia always praised it, giving Mary all the reassurance she could ask for. But Mary never knew if her daughter truly enjoyed the food.
She could only get a sense of Sophia's preferences by how much she ate of each dish.
Now, asking directly felt right. Mothers and daughters should get a feel for each other's tastes and daily habits.
Sophia swallowed the soup in her mouth and thought carefully before responding. "Apart from not liking basil flakes, I'm not particularly picky about ingredients—as long as they're fresh. As for flavor... that's hard to pin down. Mom, your cooking is excellent. I'm very satisfied eating at home."
Her sense of taste was completely subjective. She couldn't articulate her preferences precisely using terms like sour, sweet, bitter, or spicy.
She only knew that Mary's cooking hit the mark most of the time. Apart from that, there was Celestial Peak Hotel—since all the dishes there were designed according to her preferences.
"Good. As long as you genuinely enjoy it." Mary let out a sigh of relief, her face blooming with joy. Knowing that her daughter hadn't been forcing compliments about her cooking these past few years and truly ate with satisfaction made her happy.
"Hey, it's been forever since we've caught up on work!" Lucas suddenly piped up excitedly, somewhat nostalgic for the times when they'd regularly share what everyone was up to.
Now everyone was busy with their own things, hardly aware of what the others were up to.
"I'll go first!" Naturally, the person who'd suggested it was the most enthusiastic. Lucas said, "Final exams are approaching, and Mr. White said he'd introduce me to people from the Arts Association during winter break!"
James smiled and followed suit. "The show I'm filming hasn't finished up yet. Then this week I'm traveling to several cities for promotional tours for the new movie."
Evelyn didn't have anything particularly special to report. "I'm still working at the hospital, but... lately I've been thinking about branching out into interior design."
"Hmm?" Sophia raised an eyebrow and gave Evelyn, who sat beside her, a meaningful look. "I've urged you several times not to let your talent go to waste, but you always refused. What changed?"
Met Bruce, and what brought on this sudden change of heart?
Evelyn's ears turned slightly red. She shot Sophia a warning look and said, "I... just think working at the hospital is too exhausting. if I can get a side business off the ground, I might switch careers."
Besides, she'd originally studied medicine because Grandpa's death had left her feeling helpless. She'd thought that if she learned medicine, perhaps the next time something happened to a family member, she could do her utmost to save them without regrets.
But now she'd discovered that Sophia knew medicine—and her mentor was none other than Brandon from Solstice Haven!
Compared to Brandon, her own medical skills were nothing special.
With Sophia to fall back on through that connection, Evelyn felt that perhaps she really could... pursue what she truly loved.
"That's wonderful!" Mary expressed her support. Even before they'd moved, Sophia had looked at Evelyn's design sketches and mentioned several times that Evelyn had real talent in this area.
Now that Evelyn wanted to pursue something she loved and had talent for, any mother would be supportive?
Ray chimed in with his endorsement. "I agree. Just look at this house—what excellent design work! Evelyn, Dad believes in you. You'll definitely go far!"
"You can't put it that way," Sophia interjected, giving Evelyn a meaningful look. "Whether or not you achieve great success, as long as you're doing what you love, you won't have wasted your life."
Evelyn instantly understood. Sophia wasn't just referring to "doing what you love"—she was alluding to what she'd said that night about "love what you love."
Having the courage to embrace an unknown future was itself something remarkable.
James quietly observed Sophia, not missing the suggestive little glance she'd just given, and remembered how Evelyn and Bruce first met.
He instantly understood something, ducking his head with a smile. "Yes, I support it too."
Exactly which aspect he was supporting remained unclear.
"Then... I'll give it a try." Encouraged by her family, Evelyn felt emboldened.
Sophia was right. Success or failure aside, being able to do what you love meant you wouldn't regret it even if things didn't work out.
"What about you, Mom? Do you intend to keep running the salon?" James asked.
"No."
The unexpected answer all eyes turned to Mary with confusion. She smiled sweetly and said, "I'm planning to hand the salons over to other people to manage, and then... join your father to grow the company."
Instantly, everyone's confused expressions transformed into delight.
"So you're becoming quite the power couple," James teased.
"Anyway, the salons all have managers watching over them now, and I don't have much important business to handle. I might as well work with your dad to grow the company." Mary was quite interested in learning more about corporate management models. Her little businesses didn't earn much money—they were decent side projects.
"Alright, now it's Sophia's turn." Ray looked at Sophia, his anticipation at an all-time high. Of all his children, he understood his youngest daughter the least, which made him want to know her all the more.
Sophia's eyes shifted slightly as if mentally checking her schedule. Finding it rather full, she summarized briefly, "First, the visual effects company just launched, so there are many matters to handle. Then Monday is the Silver Fir Academy alumni meeting—I need to go discuss the school's corporate partnership projects. Next week I'm flying to Eldoria for an art exhibition they've invited me to attend. I'll pick up Michael's sister while I'm there and bring her back. That's about it."
The first two items sounded normal enough, but the last part sounded stranger and stranger. Lucas furrowed his brow in confusion. "Wait... why would you get an invite to an art show?"
It was an exhibition, not an auction. Why would they specifically invite a businesswoman to attend?
Sophia tilted her head, asking in complete confusion, "Didn't Mr. White tell you?"
"Tell me what?" Lucas was completely stumped.
Sophia put down her spoon, took a sip of soy milk, and said casually, "My sculpture work was printed in art textbooks."
"What?!" The whole family was flabbergasted.
Wait, you have those qualifications as well?
Evelyn suddenly recalled the twisted, grotesque sculpture she'd seen with Bruce at the art gallery some time ago. Bruce's attitude toward "Sisyphus in Brooklyn" had been very strange at the time.
Dripping with heavy sarcasm.
Is it possible...
Evelyn stared at Sophia wide-eyed. "You're the artist behind 'Sisyphus in Brooklyn'?"