Sophia's unease grew.
What did her father want now?
She made her way to the study.
She entered the study, curiosity mixed with apprehension.
Chairman Kim and Madame Wong sat behind the large wooden desk.
"Sophia, dear," Chairman Kim began, "I need to discuss your studies."
Sophia's tension eased slightly.
"What about my studies, Father?" she asked.
"I've received reports that your grades are slipping," Chairman Kim said sternly.
Madame Wong chimed in, "Your father and I expect excellence, Sophia. You must focus on your education."
Sophia felt a surge of defensiveness.
"I'm trying, Father. But it's not easy with—"
Chairman Kim interrupted, "No excuses, Sophia. You must work harder. Your future depends on it."
Madame Wong added, "And don't forget your social responsibilities. You represent the Kim family."
Sophia nodded, feeling pressured.
"Yes, Father. I'll do better."
Chairman Kim dismissed her.
"That's all for now, Sophia. Keep your focus on your studies."
As Sophia walked out of the study, she felt suffocated.
"Why can't they understand me?" she thought.
Her mind raced with frustration.
"Always pushing, always expecting more."
She felt trapped in her privileged world.
"No freedom, no choices."
Only responsibilities and expectations.
Sophia longed for simplicity.
To be just another student.
Not a Kim family member.
She sighed, knowing that was impossible.
As Sophia walked down the hallway, her thoughts still reeling from her conversation with Chairman Kim and Madame Wong.
She stopped in front of Kim Liang's door, hesitating.
Their relationship was strained, but she needed someone to talk to.
She knocked softly.
"Enter," Kim Liang's voice called out.
Sophia opened the door, stepping into his luxurious room.
The spacious room was adorned with elegant furnishings.
A plush, cream-colored carpet covered the floor.
A king-size bed with intricate wooden carvings dominated one wall.
A sleek, black wooden desk held Kim Liang's laptop and books.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the mansion's gardens.
Sophia's eyes widened.
She had never been inside Kim Liang's room before.
It felt intimate, like entering his private sanctuary.
Kim Liang sat on his bed, studying.
"Sophia?" he asked, looking up.
"Hey," Sophia said softly.
"Needed to talk?" Kim Liang asked, curiosity in his voice.
"Dinner tonight?" Sophia suggested.
"Rachel and I were thinking—"
Kim Liang's expression turned puzzled.
"Rachel?"
"You know, my friend from school," Sophia clarified.
Kim Liang shook his head.
"Don't think I've met her."
Sophia smiled.
"That's okay.
You'll meet her soon enough."
Kim Liang's expression remained skeptical.
"I don't think I can make dinner," he said.
"Tons of work.
University applications are stressing me out."
Sophia nodded understandingly.
"Maybe next time."
Kim Liang returned to his studies.
Sophia lingered, wanting to connect.
But Kim Liang's focus was elsewhere.
She quietly left, feeling a mix of disappointment and empathy.
As she walked away, her phone buzzed.
A text from Rachel.
"Hey, Sophia! Still on for dinner tonight?" Rachel texted.
Sophia hesitated before responding.
"Actually, I asked Kim Liang, but he can't make it."
"Aw, okay!" Rachel replied. "What's going on?"
"University applications are stressing him out," Sophia explained.
"Understandable," Rachel said. "Maybe next time."
"Definitely!" Sophia agreed.
Then Rachel suggested, "Want to study together instead?"
Sophia's face lit up.
"Yes, that sounds perfect!"
"Awesome!" Rachel responded. "When and where?"
"Tomorrow? Library?" Sophia suggested.
"Sounds like a plan!" Rachel confirmed.
Sophia smiled slightly.
A welcome distraction.
"Yeah, I'll meet you at the library."
The next day, Sophia arrived at the library, eager to study.
Rachel was already there, books spread out.
"Hey!" Rachel smiled, as Sophia sat down.
"Hey!" Sophia replied, relieved to focus on studies.
Sophia and Rachel sat side by side, textbooks open.
"Okay, let's tackle calculus," Sophia said, determination in her voice.
"Ugh, I know," Rachel replied, laughing. "I'm still struggling with integrals."
"You'll get it!" Sophia encouraged.
As they studied, small talk flowed naturally.
"How's your mom doing?" Rachel asked.
"Same, busy with charity events," Sophia replied.
"And your dad?" Rachel inquired gently.
Sophia's expression turned wry.
"Still breathing down my neck."
Rachel nodded sympathetically.
"I get it," she said. "My parents are on my case too."
Their conversation drifted to school gossip.
"Did you hear about Alex and Emily?" Rachel whispered.
"No!" Sophia's eyes widened.
Rachel filled her in on the juicy details.
Their laughter echoed through the quiet library.
A welcome break from studying.
As they focused back on calculus, Sophia felt grateful.
Together, they delved into their textbooks.
Their study session was productive.
For Rachel's friendship.
A constant amidst family chaos.
(^^)^_^