Chapter 106: Ivy League

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Ivy League

Afterward, Irene shared her recent life as well. Only then did Mark realize that the woman sitting across from him was actually a Hollywood director who had already released two films with North American box office totals exceeding one hundred million dollars.

Despite being close in age, she already had such a successful career, which made him—someone always hailed as a genius—begin to doubt himself slightly.

Irene unknowingly shifted the conversation to their college, USC. Seeing that Mark hadn’t joined in, she took the initiative to ask,

"Mark, since you can create such impressive software, your school grades must be quite good. Which university do you plan to attend in the future?"

Mentioning this, Mark seemed to regain some confidence, his voice unconsciously rising a couple of notches.

"Both of my parents graduated from Ivy League schools, so I’ll only choose from among them."

Vivian nodded repeatedly as she listened. "Wow, your whole family is amazing. My parents wanted me to go to Columbia University back then, but they didn’t think much of me."

The sudden mention of her parents made Vivian feel dejected again.

Mark clearly didn’t notice her loss of spirit, his tone revealing his aspiration. "My first target is Harvard!"

But Vivian quickly cheered up again. "Harvard! That’s a top-tier university in the world. I wouldn’t even dare to think about it. Mark, you’re too incredible."

Mark smiled, his face carrying the confidence of a young man. "My high school GPA has always remained at the top of my class, and I’ve completed all my AP courses.

When I participated in the National Youth Programming Competition, my work won first prize. One of the Harvard professors on the judging panel thought very highly of me and even told me that if I applied to Harvard, he could help me write a recommendation letter."

"Then everything is going so smoothly!" Vivian was genuinely happy for him.

Irene looked at the light in Mark’s eyes. She admired every student who got into Harvard through their own true ability. You have to know that when she applied to the USC film department, she almost didn’t make it. It was only thanks to a recommendation from George Lucas, a distinguished alumnus, that she wasn’t rejected.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but ask further, "With a professor’s recommendation letter, it’s much more secure. But don’t let your guard down. Competition for Harvard is still very fierce."

"That professor is a senior mentor in the Harvard Computer Science Department. His recommendation letter should carry enough weight. Plus, I’ve prepared several recommendation letters from my high school teachers. They all recognize my programming skills and project ideas."

He took a sip of his Coke, his eyes full of longing for the future. "I’ve already started preparing my application materials. I hope I can successfully enter the Harvard campus in 2002."

"You definitely can," Irene said, nodding with a smile.

"Mark, doesn’t your music program need a lot of users? When it goes online, you can let us know, and we can help you with testing," Vivian said.

"Really? That’s great!" Mark’s eyes brightened even more. "Once the software is available for download, I’ll notify you first! You can give me suggestions anytime—like how you want the interface changed or what features are needed. I can try to add them all."

Vivian immediately raised her hand. "I have a suggestion right now! I think the interface could be made a bit cuter. For example, adding some colorful icons or a custom background feature would make it more interesting to use!"

Such ideas coincided with Irene’s. Sure enough, anyone who opened this software would be defeated by Mark’s straight-guy aesthetic.

They unknowingly chatted until three in the afternoon. Mark glanced at the electronic watch on his wrist and suddenly remembered something. He quickly grabbed his laptop bag.

"Oh no, I agreed to discuss website code online with a friend at three-thirty. I have to get back!" He hurriedly packed his things and smiled as he said goodbye to the two. "I had a great time today. Let’s surf together again when there’s a chance, and I’ll tell you about the website’s progress then!"

"Sure, definitely next time!" Irene and Vivian waved goodbye. Watching Mark’s back as he carried his laptop bag and walked briskly toward the parking lot, Vivian couldn’t help but say,

"That friend of yours is quite interesting. Do you think the software he’s making can really succeed?"

Irene took a sip of her iced Coke. "He gets so invested every time he talks about computers. Maybe he really will create something different in the future."

As the sun set, the two drove home. The sky outside the car window was dyed a gentle orange-pink, and the clouds looked as if they had been sprinkled with a layer of gold dust.

Vivian leaned against the car window, watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon, her heart filled with peace and warmth.

Not only because today’s surfing and sunshine had healed her bad mood, but also because this unexpected encounter made her feel that life was full of people like Mark—striving for what they love and fighting for their dreams—which was exceptionally empowering.

When the car entered the city, Vivian took out her phone and sent a text message to her mother: Mom, I’m sorry for making you worry. Once I sort out my feelings a bit more, let’s have a good talk, okay?

Not long after, Jane replied: Okay, Mom will wait for you. No rush.

Looking at the words on the phone screen, the corners of Vivian’s mouth unconsciously curled up. She turned to look at Irene, who was driving beside her, and said softly,

"Irene, thank you. I was really happy today. Not only did I learn to surf, but I also met an interesting new friend. I feel like the knot in my heart has loosened a bit."

Irene glanced at her with a smile and casually turned up the music. Britney’s upbeat singing echoed in the car.

"Why are you being so polite with me? If you want to surf in the future, we can come anytime. By the way, don’t forget to eat that ice cream you were talking about the whole way back."

"That’s a must!"

Their laughter flew everywhere on the breeze.

When the car pulled into the garage, more than half of the setting sun was still hanging in the sky, dyeing the floor-to-ceiling windows of the living room a gentle orange-red.

Lucky had long been lying by the door waiting. Hearing the sound of the door opening, he immediately wagged his tail and pounced forward, rubbing against their ankles and making happy whimpering sounds in his throat.

"Look at this little guy. He must have been waiting anxiously." Irene bent down to pick up Lucky and casually rubbed his furry head.

"It’s been a long time since his last shower. Since the sun hasn’t set yet, let’s give him a bath."

Lucky seemed to understand the word "shower." He first took two steps back, his eyes full of resistance. But after Irene took out his favorite beef jerky, he immediately wagged his tail and approached again, obediently being carried into the inflatable pool the housekeeper had prepared.

As the warm water covered his little paws, he gave a comfortable shiver, his tail lightly tapping the surface of the water and splashing small droplets.

Vivian squatted by the pool, carefully helping to comb the fur on Lucky’s back to avoid tangles. "He’s much better behaved now than before. Last time I came, he kept barking at the hair dryer."

"That’s because he knows now that there are snacks to eat after the shower." Irene smiled and squeezed some body wash into her palm, gently rubbing it into a foam before applying it bit by bit onto Lucky.

"But seriously, Vivian, I’ve been thinking lately if it’s time to take Lucky to be neutered."