Chapter 313
Sophia Sullivan calmed Professor Eleanor Watson and helped her freshen up.
She insisted the IV must finish before discharge.
Before leaving, she pulled the housekeeper aside.
"I've arranged with the sanatorium. A car will come for you tomorrow."
"Please take good care of the professor until then."
The housekeeper beamed. "You always know how to handle her, Sophia. She listens to you."
"Thank you for your patience."
"Don't worry. I'll look after her."
After Sophia left, the housekeeper reentered the room.
Professor Watson glanced past her. "She's gone?"
"Just left. She asked me to take good care of you. She's very thoughtful."
Professor Watson sighed softly. "She is a good girl."
"It's my age. I can't help them. I only make things harder with Professor Victoria Lowell targeting them."
"Sophia would never blame you. She's resourceful. If she says she has a plan, she does."
"She does. But I can't just do nothing..."
The housekeeper paused, surprised.
Professor Watson reached out. "Give me my phone. I need to make a call."
...
Time flew. It was time for their weekly meeting.
Sebastian Evans arrived first at the off-campus diner and had already ordered.
Ryan Sullivan came from the construction site. Sophia came from the lab. They arrived together.
"Brother!"
"Sophia, where's your scarf? It's freezing. You'll catch a cold."
"I left it at the lab. It's fine. I'll just zip my coat up high. See? It blocks the wind."
Ryan shook his head helplessly.
They entered the diner and spotted Sebastian immediately.
He wore a crisp suit. Even seated, his posture was impeccable. Broad shoulders, narrow waist. He stood out.
"Mr. Evans," Ryan greeted.
Sebastian's eyes were on Sophia. "Sophia, sit here."
He stood and pulled out a chair for her.
Ryan: "?" Am I invisible?
He pulled out his own chair and sat down, annoyed.
The food arrived promptly, perfectly timed.
A server brought their drinks.
Ryan saw his usual brand and immediately felt better.
This was Sebastian's particular talent.
He could make anyone feel attended to, if he wished.
"Mandarin Duet Pork?" Sophia was surprised. "Is this on the menu? I've never seen it."
They knew the menu by heart after so many visits.
Sebastian said, "It wasn't. It is now."
"Huh?"
"I suggested it to the owner last time. She learned how to make it."
Ryan gave him a thumbs-up. "Impressive, Mr. Evans."
"Sophia, you loved this as a kid, especially the fried kind..."
He stopped mid-sentence.
His eyes darted between them. Understanding dawned on his face.
Sebastian's lips curved slightly. "Let's eat while we talk."
"Oh!" Ryan remembered the agenda. "All floors are done this week."
"We consulted the elder for an auspicious date. The topping-out ceremony is next Wednesday..."
"That fast?" Sophia was stunned by the progress again.
"Thanks to Mr. Evans's two construction crews..."
They were initially borrowed for foundational work. But Ryan soon realized he'd underestimated them.
They were also experts in interior finishing and material selection.
So after the foundation, Ryan decided not to return them to Sebastian just yet.
They continued with the interior decration and smart system installation.
"...Is that alright with you, Mr. Evans?"
Sophia looked at Sebastian along with Ryan.
He met her gaze and smiled. "No problem."
If she asked, he could mobilize any number of crews.
"Thank you, Mr. Evans!"
"Call me Sebastian."
Sophia: "..." Here we go again.
Ryan grinned. "Heh... Thanks, Sebastian."
Sebastian: "?"
The meal concluded. Ryan went to settle the bill.
Sebastian stood first and walked to the counter. "Check, please."
"All done, Mr. Evans? How was the Mandarin Duet Pork?"
Sebastian looked back at Sophia. "Ask her."
The owner smiled over at her.
Sophia answered honestly. "It was delicious."
"Glad you liked it! It's been a hit lately. More popular than our signature dishes. Business is better."
"Really, thanks to Mr. Evans's suggestion."
Sebastian scanned to pay and put his phone away. "Don't thank me. Thank her."
The owner's smile widened, her eyes shifting between Sophia and Sebastian. "Of course! Of course! Thanks to both!"
They stepped outside. A cold wind hit them, rushing into their collars.
Sophia quickly zipped her coat all the way up but still shivered.
The next moment, Sebastian took off his own scarf and wrapped it around her neck.
Sophia was startled and tried to remove it. "No, it's fine. My coat is zipped up high..."
Sebastian ignored her protests. "Keep it on."
Sophia: "..."
...
At Stanford University's gate, Hannah Morse and Marcus Lawrence just left the lab, deep in discussion.
Hannah: "How about barbecue? I know a place with amazing potato skin and tofu skin skewers!"
"Stir-fried noodles are good too. Ever had dry-fried beef hor fun? A Cantonese classic!"
"Or maybe oden? Scallion pancakes? Congee with century egg and pork..."
She got hungrier listing options, patting her stomach.
It was flat.
Marcus: "..." Is this midnight snack absolutely necessary?
Hannah: "Decided yet? What to eat?"
"..."
"Don't tell me you're not hungry, Marcus!"
Marcus said seriously, "Eat. We must eat."
"Yes!"
As they headed for the food street, they ran into Alexander Laurent.
"Professor Laurent!"
Alexander nodded slightly. "Good evening. Just finished at the lab?"
"Mm-hmm!"
"...Is Sophia not with you?"
"Sophia had her weekly meeting with Mr. Evans. She left already."
Alexander's gaze fell on the bag in her hand. A corner of something familiar peeked out. "What's that?"
"Oh! Sophia's scarf. She forgot it. I was going to take it to her."
Alexander asked, "Where to?"
Hannah named the small diner.
Alexander said, "I'm heading that way. I can take it to her."
"Really? That's great!"