Chapter 374
The academic discussion finally concluded.
Olivia Lopez let out a long sigh of relief.
"Don't invite me to these academic gatherings next time."
She muttered under her breath.
She raised her hand to signal the server to bring the food.
Everything was Sophia Sullivan's favorite.
After the meal, Olivia wanted to go shopping.
She received a work call just after stepping out of the restaurant.
"Got it! Would waiting one more day kill you?"
She hung up and hurried to the company.
Before leaving, she didn't forget to instruct him.
"Alex, it's Sophia's birthday. Keep her company! Give her anything she wants!"
Alexander Laurent nodded. "Okay."
He watched Olivia leave.
Alexander turned to Sophia. "Where would you like to go?"
Her eyes lit up. "Anywhere?"
Alexander pondered for a moment. "Within my capabilities."
"I want to see where synthetic colored diamonds are made."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"Alright."
Sophia thought it would be a lab.
Instead, Alexander brought her to a factory.
"Alex! Back again?" The security guard greeted him warmly.
"Uncle Moore, good afternoon. Have you eaten?"
"Yes! The canteen served braised pork knuckles today. Very fragrant! The colored diamond is finished, right? Is your girlfriend satisfied?"
Alexander cleared his throat softly.
Sophia smiled slightly.
The guard finally noticed her.
"Oh! So you're the one he's giving the colored diamond to—"
"Uncle Moore! Could I have the key to workshop seven?" Alexander interrupted him.
"Sure thing!" The guard turned to find the key.
Alexander looked slightly embarrassed. "Uncle Moore likes to joke."
Sophia nodded. "I can tell."
After getting the key, they entered workshop seven.
It wasn't large. There were no workers, only instruments and an operating table.
Alexander stood before the operating table.
"I originally planned to synthesize it in the lab, but wastewater disposal was problematic. I rented this workshop temporarily."
Sophia walked to his side.
The operating table was meticulously clean.
This was very much Alexander's style.
She noticed a ceramic jar in the top left corner of the table.
"What's inside? May I look?"
A flicker of discomfort crossed Alexander's face.
"Of course."
He handed her the jar.
Sophia opened it, her eyes widening instantly.
The jar was more than half full of diamond fragments.
Some had the wrong color. Others were failed cuts.
Some were too large and uneven. Others were too shattered, affecting their beauty.
There were over a hundred pieces in total.
Alexander looked slightly embarrassed. "It was my first time. I failed many attempts."
Sophia looked down at the fragments.
She could almost see the man sitting at the operating table, wearing a mask, focused on cutting under the light.
"Why?" She suddenly looked up, her eyes bright.
Alexander was taken aback.
"Why did you give me the necklace?"
"Because... it's your birthday."
Hearing this answer, a sense of loss washed over Sophia.
The professor was like the moon in the sky—pure and dazzling.
Moonlight falls on everyone equally. How could she be the special one?
A self-mocking smile touched Sophia's lips.
Alexander's breath hitched.
The smile on her lips made his heart flutter anxiously.
It felt like he had missed something important.
It was already evening when they left the factory.
The security guard had been replaced by a shy young man.
He silently took the key and opened the gate for them.
Night was approaching but hadn't fully arrived. The sky was a hazy gray.
Bare branches added a touch of desolation to the dusk.
Sophia and Alexander walked side by side.
Silence enveloped them.
Alexander seemed to want to speak but held back.
He sensed her fluctuating emotions but didn't know the reason.
He could only remain silent.
Suddenly, Sophia looked up with a smile. "Thank you for the birthday gift, Professor. It's very meaningful. I love it. Let me treat you to dinner? What would you like?"
Alexander watched her transition from deep thought to a radiant smile.
He was momentarily stunned.
Sophia spoke again. "Have you decided?"
Alexander: "Sichuan food. Can you handle spice?"
"Sure!"
They emerged from the Sichuan restaurant.
Sophia exhaled a breath and tightened her scarf.
Alexander started to take off his own scarf to drape over her.
Sophia took half a step back. "No need, Professor. I'm not cold."
Alexander looked puzzled.
Sophia was already striding ahead.
The sky was completely dark now. A cold wind blew.
The light from the street lamps was veiled in a light mist.
They walked along the riverbank.
Sophia reached the bridge, her hands in her pockets. She turned back. "Professor, have we walked this path before?"
"Yes." Alexander nodded.
"When?"
"In the summer. I bought you an ice cream."
Sophia laughed. "Your memory is excellent."
Alexander wanted to say he only remembered important things.
But Sophia had already run to a street vendor.
"Two, please. Thank you."
She scanned to pay and ran back to Alexander.
"You bought me ice cream in summer. I'm buying you sweet potatoes in winter. Fair exchange."
Even.
Alexander took it. "Thank you."
It was already ten when they returned to the apartment building.
The moon hung high in the sky.
"Sophia—" Alexander suddenly called out to her.
"Yes, Professor?" Sophia turned around.
"You asked why I gave you the necklace. I want to answer again."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "You..."
"Because it's your birthday. I wanted to give you the most special thing. Diamonds are beautiful, but they can be bought with money. They don't deserve you."
"You deserve the best, most unique gift in the world. Because you are unique. You are the best."
"Professor..." Sophia's gaze wavered, feeling both flustered and confused.
Alexander took a deep breath. "There are some things I want to say. I'm afraid to say them. But right now, I really want to tell you. Would you like to hear?"
Sophia met the man's deep eyes.
Her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.
After a moment, she smiled. "Alright. Say it. I'll listen."