Dr. Sturgis, dressed in a suit and tie, even had his sparse hair meticulously styled today.
Looking at his beaming, happy expression, it was clear good news awaited.
"Dr. Sturgis, you're here!" Mary warmly invited John into the house.
At this moment, the dining room was already set with a lavish feast and special roasted meats.
"Dr. Sturgis, Sheldon has decided to attend the University of Texas, so please take good care of him in the future." Before the feast began, Mary eagerly got straight to the point.
The main reason for inviting Dr. Sturgis this time was to entrust Sheldon to his care.
"I also have some good news to share with you all," Dr. Sturgis said with a smile, "Houston University has recognized my research capabilities and invited me to be a research professor. I've already accepted their offer."
Dr. Sturgis's previous Booster Recovery research project, though it ultimately failed to win last year's Nobel Prize in Physics, still allowed him to showcase his abilities on the Nobel Prize stage through his nomination.
Therefore, it was not surprising that he was valued by Houston University, which studies rocket launch projects.
"This… how can you go to Houston? What about Sheldon?" Compared to Dr. Sturgis's happiness, Mary's expression turned grim.
Thinking of her youngest son having no one to look after him at the University of Texas, Mary's tone inevitably became a bit more serious.
"I was just about to say that." Dr. Sturgis, in a very good mood, did not mind Mary's offense. He continued, "If Sheldon is willing, he can come with me to Houston University. I can also reserve a spot for him in my future doctoral program."
"Also, Paige and Mike, if you're also willing to go to Houston University, I will give you the same treatment." Dr. Sturgis, who had not yet started teaching at Houston University, was already considering the school's honor.
It was imaginable that with these three geniuses, Mike, joining, Houston University's future research capabilities would surely see a significant improvement.
One could only say that true talents are scarce everywhere.
"Thank you for your kindness, Dr. Sturgis. Paige and I have already decided to attend Columbia University." Mike, who was called out by name, politely declined Dr. Sturgis's invitation on behalf of himself and Paige.
"That's a real shame. So, Sheldon, what about you?" Dr. Sturgis looked at Sheldon.
"No, Sheldon has already decided to attend the University of Texas and won't be going to Houston," Mary immediately rejected Dr. Sturgis's invitation on behalf of her youngest son.
Again, Mary, being worried about her youngest son, did not want him to live too far away from her.
At this, the atmosphere in the dining room became awkward.
Dr. Sturgis looked at Mary's displeased expression and carefully asked, "Is that so? Can I still eat this meal?"
Even with his low emotional intelligence, Dr. Sturgis knew why the Cooper family had invited him for this feast.
Now that things hadn't worked out, he felt somewhat ashamed.
"Why can't you eat?" Connie smiled, playing peacemaker, "You'll always be our friend, John."
Over there, George also spoke up, greeting Dr. Sturgis.
Truth be told, Dr. Sturgis had taken good care of Sheldon over the past year and a half.
Afterward, during dinner, to express his apology, Dr. Sturgis suggested, "Perhaps I can talk to Dr. Linkletter and ask him to help look after Sheldon."
Dr. Linkletter's research level was not much worse than Dr. Sturgis's.
Moreover, he also took great care of Sheldon.
The reason he didn't seem as close to Sheldon as Dr. Sturgis might have been due to the absence of Connie in between.
"You're right, we can also ask Dr. Linkletter to look after Sheldon." Reminded by Dr. Sturgis, Connie also recalled the elderly gentleman who seemed quite fond of her.
Afterward, she also explained Dr. Linkletter's situation to George and his wife.
She also stated that Dr. Linkletter was capable of taking good care of Sheldon.
George and his wife, quickly understanding the situation, also agreed to Connie seeking Dr. Linkletter's help.
After the feast ended, before leaving, Dr. Sturgis specifically sought out Connie and said, "Connie, would you be willing to live with me in Houston? I promise to treat you well."
Connie and Dr. Sturgis had actually broken up more than half a year ago, but in Dr. Sturgis's mind, he didn't believe he had truly broken up with Connie.
In his view, there were only some misunderstandings between them, or they were just having a minor spat.
"John, I appreciate your feelings for me, but our personalities really aren't compatible. You deserve a happier life." Seeing Dr. Sturgis's childish side, Connie smiled with relief and offered her blessings.
For Connie, Dr. Sturgis was like an "ungrown child." Out of maternal instinct, she might be temporarily "charmed" by him, but to truly live together, that was unnecessary.
After all, having one child, Sheldon, who needed "care," was already enough.
"I… I will always remember you, Connie. Goodbye." It was only at this moment that Dr. Sturgis seemed to truly realize that he and Connie were over.
And for him, whose first relationship was a twilight romance, Connie had given him too many beautiful memories.
She also taught him many things he hadn't known before.
"Thank you." With tears in his eyes, Dr. Sturgis finally mustered the courage to hug Connie one last time as a farewell before leaving.
Just like that, three more days passed. The uncle Kenya, who had arranged to meet Mike, arrived in Medford with his son Kili, driving a medium-sized pickup truck.
The two had clearly overestimated the amount of items Mike needed to transport.
When Mike came to Medford a year and a half ago, he traveled light, and this time, he had few things to take with him.
The Dodge Pickup was given to Georgie, and the old-fashioned computer was left for Connie and Sheldon.
So, what Mike truly needed to take were just a few changes of clothes.
Conversely, Paige, who had obtained her parents' permission to go to Devil's Kettle with Mike for a change of scenery, had many beautiful clothes and dresses, as well as numerous plush toys to take with her.
"Mike, remember to wait for me. When I grow up into a big girl, I'll get into Columbia University to find you." During the farewell, when it was Missy's turn, she threw herself into Mike's arms, expressing her reluctance while outlining her "plan."
"Then you must grow up healthy and study hard," Mike said with a smile, encouraging her.
It was not easy for an average person to get into Columbia University.
"I will…" Missy made up her mind, then high-fived Mike, promising to meet him at Columbia University then.
Seeing the little girl's serious expression, Mike didn't have the heart to tell her that by the time she went to college six years later, he would probably have already graduated from Columbia University.
"Mike, we'll see you in New York." Beside them, Lina also stepped forward and hugged Mike.
Although the girl's grades weren't great, in order to follow Mike's footsteps, she had still enrolled in the affiliated business school under Columbia University.
That kind of vocational school where you could get in if you had money.
"See you then." Mike gently patted the girl's shoulder.
Compared to The Plastics and other girls like Cady, Lina was the most special one.
After a series of goodbyes, Mike drove the red Ferrari, carrying Paige, and followed uncle Kenya's pickup truck towards Devil's Kettle, waving goodbye to the Cooper family and Connie.
Compared to Medford's semi-dense population, Mike's farm was truly in the countryside.
Paige, who had never seen pastoral scenery, got to experience a taste of authentic, healthy living there.