Chapter 308
Sebastian Evans began reporting on the week's construction progress.
The main structure was currently under construction.
Sophia Sullivan listened attentively.
She even slowed her chewing.
The Kung Pao chicken rotated to Alexander Laurent.
He scooped a spoonful, preparing to place it in her bowl.
Sebastian simultaneously picked up a piece of fish to offer her.
Both men's movements halted at the same time.
They looked up and locked eyes.
The air instantly froze.
Sebastian curled his lips into a smile. "The Professor is quite considerate."
Alexander remained expressionless. "Not as attentive as Mr. Evans."
Sophia looked at the spoon and chopsticks before her.
She spoke softly. "I'll take both."
The two men withdrew their hands.
Sebastian placed the fish in her bowl. "For protein."
Alexander set down the Kung Pao chicken. "It's not spicy. You should like it."
Sophia nodded in thanks. "Thank you, Mr. Evans. Thank you, Professor."
She maintained absolute fairness.
"Please, eat. There's no need to look after me."
The atmosphere remained subtle.
The restaurant door suddenly swung open.
Ryan Sullivan entered, bringing a chill with him.
He apologized repeatedly. "The traffic was terrible. I'm late."
Sophia looked up, surprised. "Brother? I thought you weren't coming this week?"
The three had agreed to meet five days prior.
But Ryan had to go to Zhejiang Province to select materials.
He had entrusted Sebastian to report the progress on his behalf.
So they hadn't waited for him and started the meal directly.
Ryan took off his coat and sat down. "The materials are all ordered. I returned last night. Visited the site today and thought face-to-face communication would be better."
Sophia called for the server to bring another set of utensils.
She also ordered two more dishes.
Ryan was starving.
He buried his head in his food, only looking up after slightly alleviating his hunger.
His gaze swept over Sophia before landing on Alexander.
A puzzled expression appeared on his face. "And this is...?"
Sophia immediately introduced him. "Professor Alexander Laurent, my professional course teacher and corresponding author. We happened to run into each other today and decided to have lunch together."
She then introduced Ryan to Alexander.
The two men shook hands in greeting.
Ryan had an ordinary educational background and held a natural reverence for academic giants.
He secretly searched for Alexander's name on his phone.
His eyes instantly became fervent.
He nodded emphatically at every word Alexander said.
He looked every bit the admiring fan.
Sebastian's face was expressionless.
Sophia understood her cousin's reaction.
Who wouldn't respect a god-level academic figure?
The four continued their meal, and the atmosphere eased considerably.
Sophia asked softly, "Brother, would you like to order more dishes?"
Ryan quickly waved his hand. "No need. I've eaten the most."
He seemed a little embarrassed.
"Did Mr. Evans already cover the project progress?"
Sophia nodded. "He just finished."
"At this rate, by the beginning of next month we can…"
Sophia listened carefully.
A voice suddenly interrupted. "What a coincidence. We meet again."
Ethan Roscente and Fiona Valentine stood at the entrance.
The same place. A second chance encounter.
Sebastian crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Roscente has refined tastes. Dating in a small place like this every time. Don't you think it's beneath your girlfriend?"
Before Ethan could speak, Fiona smiled and replied. "I chose this place. It's near the school. Convenient, simple, and the food is good too."
Sebastian let out a meaningful "Oh." "Mr. Roscente is fortunate."
He always found such considerate partners.
Fiona's smile didn't falter as her eyes swept over the table. "Professor Laurent is here too? We're all acquainted. Why don't we join you?"
She looked at Ethan for his opinion.
Ethan's expression was indifferent. "As you wish."
Ryan suddenly stood up. "Excuse us, but we've finished."
Fiona was taken aback.
"You want this table? It's all yours." Ryan picked up his coat.
Alexander and Ethan stood up simultaneously.
Sophia also rose to her feet.
Ryan gestured. "Please, have a seat."
Fiona's expression stiffened.
Ethan's eyes turned cold.
Sebastian walked toward the cashier. "I'll get the bill."
Ryan followed. "I'll join you."
Sophia spoke softly. "Let's all go."
The four of them filed out of the restaurant.
Leaving Ethan and Fiona standing where they were.
Fiona looked down. "Sorry. It seems I messed up."
Ethan sat down expressionlessly.
He pushed the menu toward her. "Order."
Fiona carefully selected three dishes. "What would you like?"
Ethan shook his head. "Nothing."
While waiting for the food, he smoked three cigarettes in a row.
Amidst the swirling smoke, his eyes were gloomy and hostile.
…
Monday morning classes ended.
Sophia, Hannah Morse, and Marcus Lawrence hurried to Stanford University.
They changed into lab coats and began their busy work.
At noon, the three went to the cafeteria together.
Every serving station had long lines.
The line for Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup was particularly exaggerated.
Sophia and Marcus frowned simultaneously.
Only Hannah was eager to try it.
A longer line meant better food.
Sophia chose the BBQ Pork Rice. "I'm going to the shorter line."
Marcus initially intended to follow.
Hannah grabbed her sleeve. "Little Mo~ Are you sure you don't want to try the Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup? It's especially delicious!"
Marcus looked at the long line, her face full of refusal.
But meeting Hannah's expectant gaze, she inexplicably nodded.
Hannah jumped for joy.
The corner of Marcus's mouth lifted slightly.
Sophia got her food first.
Hannah and Marcus sat down shortly after.
"See! It didn't take long! Only a few minutes later than Sophia."
Marcus murmured in agreement. "Mhm."
"Huh? You're not eating the duck intestine?"
Marcus shook her head. "I don't eat offal."
"Then give it to me. Don't waste it."
She pushed her bowl over.
Marcus lowered her head and carefully picked out the duck intestines.
At twelve-forty, the three finished eating and prepared to leave.
Before they could exit the cafeteria, a boy suddenly rushed over and blocked Sophia's path.
He took a deep breath, his face turning red.
"U-um, miss, could you tell me what your major is? I've noticed you for a while. Could I get your WeChat?"