Chapter 211
The Woman I Like
Quincy Evans set down the test tube in his hand.
He looked at Alexander Laurent.
"Something's off with you lately."
Alexander didn't look up.
"You're imagining things."
He turned and walked toward the break room.
Clean clothes were stored in the cabinet.
He pushed the door open.
A folding bed stood quietly in the corner.
Sophia Sullivan had napped here once.
He had stumbled upon her.
His heartbeat instantly spiraled out of control.
His breathing grew labored.
Just like those unspeakable dreams.
Alexander squeezed his eyes shut.
Frustration washed over him.
He despised this version of himself.
"Alex, the late-night food is here." Quincy called from outside the door.
"Not hungry."
"It's all your favorite dishes."
"No appetite."
"Sigh... If only little Sophia were here. Her Kung Pao chicken was the best." Quincy sighed. "She hasn't been by since the semester started. Remember to invite her over when you see her."
Alexander walked out of the break room.
His expression was calm.
"Tell her yourself."
Her shadow was everywhere.
Quincy put down his chopsticks.
"Aren't you neighbors? Is it that hard to pass along a message?"
Alexander: "Yes."
Quincy was speechless.
He stared at Alexander.
"There's definitely something wrong with you."
Alexander had already returned to the lab bench.
Quincy muttered, "Could it be a broken heart..."
Alexander's movements didn't pause.
Quincy shook his head.
"Here we go again."
...
The next evening at dusk.
The sky was painted with brilliant clouds.
A canvas of blue stained with gold and orange.
A gentle evening breeze stirred.
The city lights began to twinkle.
Inside a private room at Chez Maurice.
Sophia Sullivan pushed the door open.
Sebastian Evans had been waiting for some time.
She had just taken her seat.
Dishes began arriving at the table.
The timing was impeccable.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Sebastian glanced at his wristwatch.
"You're ten minutes early."
They had agreed on 6:30.
She arrived at 6:20.
"When did you get here?"
Sebastian: "Six o'clock."
"So early?"
"This restaurant doesn't have a fixed menu. The preparation methods need to be discussed in advance."
Stir-frying to order takes time.
Without prior arrangement, the wait would be long.
Sophia looked at the dining table.
The ingredients were fresh.
The preparation was exquisite.
"I should have been the one to arrange this..."
Sebastian had chosen the place.
She hadn't looked into it beforehand.
Sebastian smiled. "I enjoy taking care of things for you."
Sophia fell silent.
The man's smile remained. "Let's eat first."
"Um..."
"Yes?" Sebastian looked at her.
Sophia: "I brought two classmates. Is that alright?"
The man raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Have they arrived?"
"They should be here soon."
As the words left her mouth.
The private room door was pushed open.
Hannah Morse entered first.
She came face to face with Sebastian.
Her eyes lit up.
Marcus Lawrence followed behind.
He paused for a moment upon seeing Sebastian.
His gaze lingered for two extra seconds.
Sebastian noticed the appraisal.
He returned the look calmly.
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
Hannah and Marcus sat down next to Sophia.
Sebastian called the server.
"Two more place settings, please. And add two more dishes to the order."
"Any dietary restrictions?"
Sebastian looked at the two newcomers.
Hannah: "I want meat."
Marcus: "No seafood."
"Very good."
The server withdrew.
The door to the private room closed.
Sebastian looked at Sophia.
"Aren't you going to introduce us? Sophia?"
Sophia?
Hannah blinked.
Marcus's gaze shifted slightly.
Sophia's expression remained placid.
"My classmates, Marcus Lawrence, Hannah Morse."
She gestured toward Sebastian.
"My friend, Sebastian Evans."
"Sophia rarely asks me out." Sebastian chuckled lightly. "So, you've run into some trouble?"
He said "you all."
Not just Sophia.
His perception was startling.
Hannah and Marcus exchanged a glance.
They remained silent.
Sophia: "I'll explain..."
"So, you want to purchase a CPRT Dynamometer from Helios Technologies using your own funds?"
"Yes."
Sebastian pondered for a moment.
"Does the Institute know?"
Sophia shook her head. "We haven't spoken to them yet."
It was still uncertain if the instrument could even be purchased.
"Self-funding is possible. Helios can sell it to you. But the Institute must be informed to avoid complications later."
Hannah was confused. "We're paying for it ourselves. What is there to worry about?"
"The instrument will ultimately be housed in the Institute's lab." Sebastian said calmly. "You're footing the bill. Don't you want to deal with the people who caused this trouble?"
Hannah's eyes lit up. "There's a way to teach them a lesson?"
Sebastian: "Leave it to me."
Hannah exclaimed, "Mr. Evans, you're amazing!"
Sebastian looked at Sophia.
"Do you agree, Sophia?"
Sophia was silent.
He was clearly doing this on purpose.
His considerations were so thorough.
What reason did she have left to refuse?
Sebastian smiled. "Silence means consent. The price for the instrument... How about half off?"
Hannah's eyes went wide. "Half off? Really?"
They would save six hundred and thirty thousand instantly.
Sophia and Marcus frowned simultaneously.
Sophia: "We can't let you take a loss. Market price, please."
Marcus nodded. "Agreed."
Sebastian: "Half off is the internal price. Don't think too highly of me. I never do business at a loss."
With the serious matter concluded.
Everyone picked up their chopsticks.
Hannah tried a couple of bites.
Her eyes sparkled. "This is delicious! How have I never heard of this place?"
"They're not on public review sites. They don't offer delivery."
"So mysterious?"
Sophia looked at him.
Sebastian chuckled lightly. "Otherwise, how could it be called a private kitchen?"
The meal was enjoyed by all.
Hannah ate the most.
Sophia stepped out of the private room.
She intended to settle the bill.
But was told—
"Mr. Evans has already taken care of it."
Sebastian's voice came from behind her—
"I thought you were going to the restroom?"
Sophia turned around.
She met the man's smiling eyes.
"I said I was treating."
Sebastian spread his hands. "Can't be helped. I never let a woman pay the bill."
His gaze was deep.
"Especially a woman I like."