Chapter 117: The Morning Market Buzzed with the Pungent Smell of Fish

The morning market buzzed with the pungent smell of fish and the lively haggling of vendors. Daniel Whitmore weaved through the stalls with a woven basket in hand.

"Mr. Whitmore, what fish would you like today?" The fishmonger greeted him warmly.

"A fresh perch, please."

"Coming right up!" The vendor deftly scooped a flapping perch from the tank. "How about this one?"

Daniel inspected it carefully. "This will do."

As the fishmonger scaled the fish with practiced ease, he remarked, "Professor, I heard your daughter studies at Ashford University? That's impressive."

Daniel smiled faintly. "She works very hard."

"Actually..." The vendor hesitated. "My son Zhifei is in his second year of high school. I heard there are recommendation spots for the Physics Olympiad?"

Daniel accepted the wrapped fish. "The selection is extremely rigorous. It requires exceptional talent in physics."

"My son ranked top ten in his grade for physics!" The fishmonger pressed eagerly.

Daniel scanned his phone to pay. "The competition problems far exceed textbook difficulty. Specialized training is necessary. The slots have already been finalized."

The vendor's expression darkened. "I... see. Sorry to bother you."

Daniel nodded and turned to leave. Behind him, the fishmonger muttered under his breath, "Who does he think he is? Just afraid someone might outshine his precious daughter..."

"Vanessa, what are you saying?" The neighboring stall owner asked curiously.

The fishmonger sniffed. "His daughter's an Ashford University elite. What would someone like him care about our ordinary kids?"

"That can't be true. Mr. Whitmore seems like a decent man."

"Decent my foot!" The vendor curled her lip. "Rumor has it his daughter dropped out ages ago. She's some rich man's mistress now!"

"You can't spread rumors like that!"

"My cousin saw it with her own eyes in Boston!" The fishmonger embellished dramatically. "All dressed up, stepping out of a luxury car..."

Daniel's steps faltered slightly. His grip tightened around the basket handle. Taking a deep breath, he continued walking forward.