Chapter 3

That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Brad's smug "I'm only doing this for your own good" face, the triumphant look in Tessa's eyes after she'd stolen my credit, and Dean's helpless hesitation all spun through my head on an endless loop.

I gave up on sleep, sat down in my study, and opened that email from Nebula Tech.

[Mr. Lowe, we've been following your research for some time. Nebula Tech is building an AI lab, and we urgently need someone of your caliber to set its direction. You're always welcome here. Just say the word, and we'll fast-track everything.]

Back then, I'd gotten too comfortable with my laid-back ways and didn't want to be tied down at a big corporation. On top of that, out of regard for Dean's friendship with my father, I'd never replied.

But now, it suddenly felt like there was nothing left at the institute worth holding on to.

I took a deep breath and typed out my reply: [Ms. Hargrove, my apologies for only replying now. May I ask whether the opportunity mentioned in your earlier email is still available?]

After sending it, my mind started to wander.

It had been so long. Who knew whether they even still needed me?

In less than a minute, the crisp chime of a new email rang out.

I half thought I'd misread it.

I opened the email. It was Bethany's reply, short and decisive: [Yes, our assessment hasn't changed. This position has been reserved for you all along! If it's convenient for you, we can move straight on to the next steps. We look forward to working with you!]

I leaned back in my chair and let out a long breath.

The boulder that had been pressing on my chest seemed to lift away in an instant.

I didn't reply right away, but in my heart, I'd already made my decision.

When I got back to the institute the next day, the atmosphere felt a little off.

Dean ran into me in the hallway, his face full of concern. "Tommy, don't take yesterday to heart. I've talked with Brad. I'll figure something else out."

I gave him a faint smile. "Mr. Perrin, I'm fine."

As I turned and walked away, I could feel Dean's eyes on my back.

I heard later that Dean went to see Brad again that morning, even more forceful than the day before. "Brad, I'm telling you for the last time, stay out of Tommy's business! I'm personally signing off on an exemption for his attendance. If there's any problem, it's on me!"

The result was predictable. Brad slammed his hand on the desk right then and there.

"Dean! You're trading principles for personal favors! If everyone were as undisciplined as Tommy, how would anyone get any work done? Discipline applies to everyone. It's not a green light just for him!"

Once again, the two of them parted on bad terms.

That afternoon, Brad, probably still fuming, deliberately paced back and forth through the office area. As he walked, he raised his voice and spoke with heavy sarcasm.

"Some people, huh? They think they're hot stuff just because they've got a few technical skills. So young, making 100,000 dollars a year, and still not satisfied! Do they really think they can reach the top in one leap?

"Let me tell you all something. If there's one thing this world has no shortage of, it's people who think too highly of themselves!"

My hand paused on the mouse for a split second. Then, as if nothing had happened, I went on scrolling through the code on my screen.

A hundred thousand a year? He probably assumed a scruffy tech nerd like me ought to be grateful for that kind of money.

That night, I called my parents and told them the whole story from beginning to end.

On the other end of the line, my father was silent for a moment. Then he spoke in a deep voice.

"Tommy, when I sent you to the institute, part of the reason was my friendship with Dean, and part of it was that I knew you hate being tied down. But if you feel it's no longer a good place for you to grow, then do what you think is right. I have your back."

My mother chimed in beside him, "Sweetheart, don't put yourself through this. You can shine anywhere you go."

After I hung up, my nose stung, and the last trace of hesitation vanished.

I opened my computer and replied to Bethany's email: [Ms. Hargrove, I accept the offer. Please let me know how to proceed with the next steps.]