Gary Cooper didn't stay long.
In his words, he had to go to Trinity High School in Manhattan in the afternoon to inspect another student who had also submitted a scholarship application.
Lady Snow warmly escorted Gary Cooper to the door.
Hawk tagged along.
But his mind was clearly not on the situation, rather on the words Gary Cooper had just spoken.
"Don't thank me, it's my colleague Anna..."
Hawk recalled what Anna had said earlier in the cemetery.
"I have prepared a gift for you, hope you like it."
"So..."
"This is the gift then?"
Hawk thought to himself.
Soon.
After watching Gary Cooper head towards the parking lot, Lady Snow returned to the office, her face beaming with joy for Hawk: "This is wonderful, Hawk. I thought they'd take the materials back for discussion before coming to a decision, but he just gave you the spot for next September now."
Listening to Lady Snow's cheerful tone, Hawk temporarily set Anna aside and smiled at Lady Snow.
"I didn't expect it either."
"This is great, Hawk. You know, our law school at New York University had several contenders this year. They had plenty of outstanding students to choose from, so I advised you to prepare well. I didn't expect him to decide on the first inspection."
At this point, Lady Snow sighed in relief, then looked at Hawk: "But this is not the time to relax, Hawk. Gary just said that he'll prepare the materials once he returns, and only when you receive that invitation letter can we completely relax."
Though Lady Snow was saying this, her expression was light and relaxed.
Because it's very unlikely for someone to go back on such promises; university admissions officers and private high school counselors mutually benefit each other.
High school counselors spot good talents and use their experience to contact university admissions officers.
Mutual benefit.
So, it's almost impossible for an admissions officer who agrees on the spot to go back on the promise later.
Unless that officer is joking with their career.
After all, if you dare to joke about this, which high school counselor would introduce their students to you in the future?
Hence, Lady Snow is just symbolically advising not to relax.
But...
Hawk felt that whether his invitation letter would come through might depend on the phone call with the new friend he made this morning.
If you give a gift, there must be a request.
What does Anna want?
As Hawk left Lady Snow's office and walked outside, he contemplated.
He didn't feel threatened, as if he wouldn't get what he wanted and his university plans would fall apart.
He's no longer six or seven years old, far past the age of cynicism.
Others having the ability to control the scholarship flows at New York University is their business skills.
Also, Hawk doesn't think failing to get the scholarship means dark dealings at New York University.
Real dark dealings are much more sinister.
This is just the beginning.
Hawk leaned more towards seeing it as a transaction.
Just like those influential high schoolers looking everywhere for recommendation letters for their dream universities.
Aren't those recommendation letters essentially bought by the high schoolers' parents using money or favors?
There's no fundamental difference between the two.
Simply put, it's just a transaction.
But since it's a transaction, it should be mutual.
Therefore...
He planned to listen to the demands of the new friend Anna before deciding whether to accept this transaction.
Leaving the academic building, Hawk pulled out his phone, glanced at the latest unsaved outgoing number in his recent chats, pondered for a moment, then put it back in his pocket, planning to deal with it later in the evening. He smiled as he noticed Gwen coming from afar.
Gwen seemed to already know the outcome, joyfully embracing Hawk.
"Wow, this is amazing, Hawk, congratulations!"
"Thank you."
After a brief hug with Gwen, Hawk said to her: "Mine has come, Gwen, yours should arrive soon too."
Gwen laughed and said: "Berkeley already called me, had an online interview yesterday, and my invitation letter will arrive in the next few days."
Hawk was stunned.
"But you didn't tell me."
"Who told you not to come to school today?"
Gwen responded with a smile, then said to Hawk: "But mine happened yesterday, yours was today, obviously Anya is also looking out for you."
Hawk raised his eyebrows.
Gwen explained: "If that's not the case, why did New York University come today specifically when you were meeting Anya to tell Lady Snow? Clearly, while you're thinking of Anya, Anya is also thinking of you."
Is it really like that?
Listening to Gwen's words, Hawk was momentarily stunned, but soon regained his composure and said with a smile: "That's my dear sister."
Afternoon hours.
Because of that box of US Dollars, Hawk didn't insist on taking the school bus home but instead rode with Gwen back to the apartment building.
On the way back, Gwen curiously asked: "So now that you have a million, what are you going to do?"
Hawk looked at Gwen: "Get a driver's license, buy a car, and during the graduation ball, buy a suit to attend the graduation ball with you."
Gwen looked at Hawk, who almost contemplated without a thought, stunned, then couldn't help but ask: "And then?"
Hawk smiled: "I plan to sell the items only on the day of graduation ball. After all, I don't want any regrets in your graduation ball."
Call it chauvinistic or whatever you like.
That's indeed what he thinks, and what he intends to do.
As for the rest?
Whether it's the major investment properties or the current meteorite exploration, and the Vibranium from Wakanda, these are not things that one million can buy presently.
Gwen, meeting Hawk's gaze, opened her mouth, her sky-blue eyes sparkling.
"Hawk..."
"You don't blame me for selling dangerous weapons?"
"It's always humans who kill, not weapons, Hawk."
Interrupted by Hawk, Gwen looked seriously at Hawk and said: "Besides, those are your trophies, you have the right to dispose of them."
Listening to Gwen's reply, looking at her earnest expression, Hawk chuckled.
Soon.
Daqiao Apartments arrived.
Hawk stood at the apartment entrance, watching as Gwen drove off in her yellow Corolla before withdrawing his gaze, turning to wheel his carry-on suitcase home.
Just as he was about to turn around, a voice came from behind.
A young man, looking like a courier, was crossing the street, running towards him.
"Mr. Hawke, please wait!"
"..."