Chapter 364
Ethan ignored Fiona's emotional state.
He left the bowl of oatmeal porridge untouched on the table.
He finished his work and closed his laptop.
His gaze swept over the corner of the desk. The bowl was still sitting there quietly.
The oatmeal was cooked until soft and mushy, dotted with red dates and goji berries. It was much more carefully made than Isabella's attempts.
He was indeed hungry. Picking up the bowl, he could still feel its residual warmth.
He had originally planned to just take a few bites.
But the moment the porridge touched his lips, his movements halted abruptly.
This taste…
He looked down at the bowl, his eyes suddenly intense.
It was too similar.
Exactly the same as what Sophia used to make.
For a fleeting moment, Ethan was disoriented, as if she were still by his side.
When he went downstairs, Fiona was still there.
She sat on the sofa reading a book, her serene profile outlined by the lamplight.
Hearing his footsteps, she looked up.
A faint ripple stirred in her calm eyes, but the flicker of delight was quickly suppressed.
"Finished work?" She put down her book and stood up, a smile touching her lips.
Ethan responded indifferently, "Did you make this oatmeal porridge?"
"Yes. Does it not suit your taste?"
"Was it your first time making it?"
"I've only cooked plain oatmeal before. I followed a recipe today. It was a bit troublesome, but it's good for the stomach."
Ethan's gaze sharpened slightly. "Who did you learn it from?"
"There's a book on stomach-friendly porridge recipes on the shelf," she said, pointing with a smile. "I just tried it. Was the taste acceptable?"
Ethan gave a noncommittal hum and said nothing more.
Fiona took the hint and said her goodbyes.
As she left, she saw Martha coming downstairs with the empty bowl. A silent smile curved her lips.
…
Sophia decided to buy a car.
This thought became overwhelmingly strong one late night when she couldn't get a taxi after leaving the lab.
She had to buy one! Immediately! Right now!
Early the next morning, she made an appointment with Olivia and headed straight to a car dealership.
"Vivi, I'm here. Where are you?" Sophia stood at the entrance, calling.
"Sorry, Clara. Something urgent came up at the company. I can't make it."
Just as Sophia was about to reply, she saw Alexander Laurent walking towards her.
The voice on the phone continued, "But my brother is here. He knows about cars. He won't let you get ripped off."
Sophia paused.
The man was tall and imposing. His gold-rimmed glasses couldn't conceal his commanding presence.
It was her first time buying a car. Having someone knowledgeable along would indeed be better.
"...Clara, put me on speaker. Brother, I'm entrusting Clara to you. You must take good care of her today, understand?"
Sophia's ears felt slightly warm.
Alexander cleared his throat. "...Don't worry."
The call ended.
Sophia put away her phone. "Sorry to trouble you again, Professor."
"It's no trouble. Do you have any preferred models?"
"Just something easy to drive."
"I'd recommend a sedan. They handle better than SUVs, though the space is smaller. If it's just for commuting, a sedan is sufficient."
"Okay." Sophia readily agreed.
"Any brand preferences?"
"Not really, but I like German cars."
Alexander's eyebrow quirked slightly.
What a coincidence.
So did he.
"Budget?"
"I'm flexible."
They entered a Volkswagen dealership.
A salesperson enthusiastically approached them. "What can I help you folks with today?"
Alexander said, "A sedan. Fuel-efficient and easy to drive."
"This Tiguan L is the newly redesigned model. Spacious interior,霸气 exterior…"
Alexander frowned.
Sophia also looked puzzled.
They had asked for a sedan, but he was recommending an SUV.
He introduced a few more models, all urban SUVs.
Alexander spoke up to remind him, "We want a sedan."
"Sedans aren't as impressive as SUVs! Men of status all drive these. Look at these features…"
"It's for this lady to drive."
"Pfft, won't a man end up driving it anyway? Of course, you should choose something a man will find comfortable…"
Alexander turned directly to Sophia. "Shall we try another dealership?"
"Let's go!"
This salesperson was insane.
They left immediately and entered the dealership across the street.
This time, they were greeted by a young woman.
She welcomed them with a smile, offering flower tea and pastries.
Worried Sophia might be cold, she特意 turned up the air conditioning.
After Sophia stated her requirements, the girl took careful notes.
"I'd recommend these few models. They're all easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient sedans, each with its own characteristics. Would you like me to show you the actual cars?"
The girl was professional and efficient. Sophia was equally decisive.
"Made your choice?" Alexander asked.
"This one. I'll pay by card."
She had made her decision in just fifteen minutes.
The girl was a little surprised. "Wouldn't you like to look at others?"
"No need. Can I pick it up today?"
"We have one in stock from last month. If you don't mind…"
"I don't mind."
It was the first time the girl had encountered such a decisive customer.
As she handed over the contract, she couldn't help smiling and asking, "Are you two newlyweds? You make a really lovely couple."