Back on campus, I smoothly transitioned into graduate studies.Within two years, I had written two research papers that, under the guidance of my advisor, were published in a respected academic journal.A company, impressed by my work, invited me to consult on a research project and offered a consulting fee of 100,000 dollars per month—my first real windfall.That summer, while home on break, I attended a class reunion with Simon.It had been years since I'd last seen Ella.To my shock, she looked far older than I remembered.Her hair was unkempt, her once-smooth skin had dulled, and her face was lined by the struggles in her life.Anyone unfamiliar with her might have guessed she was in her mid-thirties.Even more startling was her limp, which drew stares as she walked. One classmate, clearly looking for a reaction, called out mockingly, "Hey, Miss Genius! What happened to your leg?"Laughter erupted.Judging from their expressions, it wasn’t simple curiosity but a cruel j
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