Chapter 224
The classroom filled with sharp intakes of breath.
"Is that Alexander Laurent? From the School of Physics?"
"Who else could it be?"
"Oh my god... He's our substitute teacher?"
"He's so handsome..."
Whispers spread through the room.
Hannah Morse's eyes widened.
She poked Sophia Sullivan beside her.
"Sophia, isn't that the handsome guy from the cafeteria entrance?"
Sophia nodded gently.
"Didn't you see him during your interview?"
Hannah shook her head blankly.
"I had my interview in the afternoon. Only Professor Lowell was there."
A thought flickered in Sophia's eyes.
She remembered Amelia Roscente also had an afternoon interview.
Professor Victoria Lowell's team had recently acquired expensive new lab equipment.
So that was it.
On the podium, Alexander Laurent wore a light gray shirt.
His gold-rimmed glasses softened his features.
He looked scholarly, elegant, and exceptionally distinguished.
A student suddenly raised their hand.
"Professor, may I ask a question?"
Alexander nodded.
"I heard you're from the School of Physics. Can you teach bioinformatics?"
A slight smile touched Alexander's lips.
"I initially studied at the School of Life Sciences before transferring to Physics."
"The administration conducts professional assessments before assigning substitutes."
"Please rest assured."
Light laughter rippled through the classroom.
Alexander continued.
"At the graduate level, developing a research mindset is crucial."
"This way of thinking is transferable across disciplines."
Another hand went up.
"Professor, are you single?"
Alexander adjusted his glasses.
"Too many questions. Let's begin the lecture."
"Today's topic is the application of big data in bioinformatics..."
The class dismissal bell rang.
Alexander closed his textbook.
"Class dismissed."
He picked up his teaching materials and left the classroom.
Hannah clicked her tongue in admiration.
"He left so decisively."
Sophia grabbed her backpack.
"Hannah, I'm heading out."
She hurried out of the teaching building.
On the tree-lined path, she intercepted Alexander.
Surprise flickered in the man's eyes.
Sophia caught her breath.
"Professor Laurent, do you have a problem with me?"
Alexander's fingers twitched slightly.
He hadn't expected her to follow him.
He certainly hadn't expected this question.
"...No."
"Then why are you avoiding me?"
Alexander averted his gaze.
His Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
"...I'm not avoiding you."
Sophia studied him.
"What happened?"
The tips of Alexander's ears turned pink.
Unbidden, those dreams resurfaced.
The young woman stood right before him.
Within reach.
He snapped back to reality.
A wave of self-reproach washed over him.
"Professor?" Sophia called.
Alexander looked up.
He met her clear, direct gaze.
His discomfort intensified.
"...What is it?"
"Are you feeling unwell?" Sophia asked with concern. "Your face is very red."
Alexander cleared his throat softly.
"The weather is quite warm."
Sophia looked skeptical.
She spoke earnestly.
"I don't like guessing games."
"If you have an issue with me, please tell me directly."
Alexander murmured his agreement.
Sophia smiled.
"Shall we go to the cafeteria together?"
Alexander relaxed slightly.
"Alright."
...
In the cafeteria.
Hannah's jaw dropped.
A grain of rice fell onto the table.
Marcus Lawrence frowned.
"Mind your manners."
Hannah pointed into the distance.
"Look over there."
Marcus turned to look.
Sophia and Alexander sat opposite each other.
They ate and talked.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
Marcus looked away.
"Nothing special to see."
Hannah blinked.
"Is Professor Laurent handsome?"
"Handsome."
"Is Sophia beautiful?"
"Beautiful."
"Do they look good together?"
Marcus was speechless.
"Can't even eating shut you up?"
Hannah snorted lightly.
After the meal, Alexander needed to go to the lab.
He said goodbye to Sophia at the cafeteria entrance.
He walked a few steps, then turned back.
Sophia looked up, puzzled.