Chapter 268
Alexander Laurent had classes in the morning.
During the break, he overheard two students discussing the fire safety inspection at the School of Life Sciences lab.
He hadn't paid much attention at first.
Until he heard Sophia Sullivan's name.
He immediately stood up and headed for the School of Life Sciences lab.
He arrived just in time to hear the conversation between Sophia and the other two.
"Professor." Sophia sounded surprised. "What brings you here?"
Hannah Morse and Marcus Lawrence quickly greeted him as well.
Alexander glanced at the fire safety violation notice. "The rectification will take at least two months. You can use my lab for now. Move the equipment over. There's enough space."
This suggestion made both Hannah and Marcus look at Sophia.
They were used to her making the decisions.
Sophia was silent for a moment.
She ultimately declined politely.
...
The sky was getting darker earlier these days.
Night had just begun to fall.
The small restaurant by the street was bustling with noise and activity.
Alexander looked at Sophia sitting across from him. "Why did you refuse?"
They had walked home together after leaving the lab.
Sophia was too hungry to cook.
So she picked this popular little place.
Alexander offered to treat her.
Sophia didn't refuse.
They had to wait in line for ten minutes to get a seat.
As soon as they sat down, Alexander couldn't help but ask.
Sophia sighed softly. "You've already helped me so many times. Some paths I have to walk on my own. Can you help me for a lifetime?"
Alexander's Adam's apple moved.
He almost blurted out "Yes."
But he held back in the end.
Sophia continued. "The conflicts with the administration and other professors are unavoidable. If I avoid it this time, what about next time? It's better to resolve it completely now."
Some people only learn their lesson after facing consequences.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a plan?"
"I have some ideas. I still need to think it through."
Alexander nodded. "Let me know if you need any help."
"Okay."
What Sophia didn't say was that Alexander's lab wasn't really suitable for long-term use by outsiders.
She knew all too well how cliquish research groups could be.
Besides, a borrowed place was never a permanent solution.
...
They walked home after the meal.
The night wind was bitingly cold.
Sophia's hair was tousled by the wind.
She tried to smooth it down several times without success.
Alexander stepped forward, positioning himself to block the wind for her.
"Thank you."
Sophia lowered her head to fix her hair.
Suddenly, a warm coat was draped over her shoulders.
"Wear it. Don't catch a cold."
He quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back.
The action was restrained and polite.
Sophia was slightly taken aback. "What about you?"
Alexander said, "I'm not cold."
"...Thank you."
As they reached the entrance of the alley, Alexander suddenly ducked into a convenience store.
He soon came out holding two hot drinks.
"Here."
Sophia took the paper cup. "What is this?"
"Ginger black tea."
Sophia was curious. "This store sells this?"
She had never seen it before.
Alexander said, "It's a seasonal limited edition. Just launched."
"Is yours the same?"
Alexander shook his head. "Buckwheat tea."
Sophia held the warm drink.
His coat was draped over her shoulders.
She felt warm all over.
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
After going upstairs, Sophia took off the coat and handed it back.
"Thank you, Professor. Goodnight."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Goodnight."
They went to their respective homes.
After her shower, Sophia put on a knit cardigan to read research papers.
She felt warm and cozy.
Her phone rang.
It was a call from David Sullivan.
"Dad."
"Are you asleep, Clara?"
"Still reading papers."
"Don't stay up too late. It's cold. Remember to wear more clothes."
"I know. The heating is on. How's Mom?"
David Sullivan said, "Working on her manuscript. I sent you some marinated beef. It'll arrive tomorrow."
"That much? I won't be able to finish it."
David Sullivan said, "Share half with Alexander. You're right across from each other. It's convenient."
Meanwhile, as Alexander was hanging up his coat at home, he paused.
He took the coat back down.
It still carried her scent.
He unconsciously brought it closer and took a light breath.
Then he suddenly came to his senses.
A look of annoyance flashed in his eyes.
He tossed the coat onto the sofa and quickly walked into the bathroom.
Cold water rushed down.
...
The next morning, Sophia received the package.
She went to knock on Alexander's door.
"Professor, are you there?"
The door opened quickly.
Alexander seemed to have just woken up.
He was wearing pajamas, his hair slightly disheveled.
Sophia was startled. "Did I wake you?"
It was almost ten o'clock.
According to his usual schedule, he should have been up long ago.
"Are you okay, Professor?" She noticed he looked pale.
"No... cough... I'm fine..."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, studying him.
She clearly didn't believe him.
Alexander fell silent.
Sophia asked, "Are you sick?"
"Just a slight cold."
She lowered her eyes. "Because you lent me your coat yesterday..."
"No! I was already coughing a bit before. Probably caught a chill from staying up late."
"Did you take any medicine?"
Alexander nodded. "Yes. Don't worry."
Sophia relaxed. "My dad sent some marinated beef. He specifically said to give you half."
"Your father is too kind."
Sophia suddenly laughed.
Alexander asked, "What's so funny?"
"Really want to know?"
"You're laughing like that. Not telling me would just make me more curious."
Sophia took out three vacuum-sealed packs of marinated beef from the box, packed them up, and handed them to him. "You call him 'Uncle,' but on the phone, he said to give more to 'Uncle Alexander,' as a way to show respect to an elder."
Alexander: "..."