Chapter 407
Alexander Laurent gave a light cough.
The tips of his ears were slightly red.
"...Haven't had dinner yet."
Sophia Sullivan held back her laughter.
She was afraid he would become even more flustered.
"Noodles okay?"
Alexander nodded.
"Sorry to trouble you."
She turned and walked into the kitchen.
Besides noodles, she fried a golden egg.
She blanched some vibrant green baby bok choy.
She sliced over ten pieces of homemade braised beef.
She laid them thickly on top of the noodles.
Finally, she sprinkled chopped scallions and cilantro.
A steaming bowl of noodles was placed on the table.
"Professor, it's ready."
Alexander sat down and began to eat.
He ate quickly and eagerly.
Yet he still maintained an air of elegance.
Sophia rested her chin in her hands and watched him.
She hadn't expected him to look so good even while eating noodles.
Each bite was taken with serious focus.
As if he were savoring a top-tier gourmet meal.
He suddenly looked up.
His eyes met hers.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Watching how much you're enjoying it
lets me know if my cooking is good."
Alexander's ears turned even redder.
"...Excuse my manners."
"This is a compliment to me."
A cook loves nothing more than seeing a diner enjoy their food.
Alexander said solemnly, "It's very delicious."
Sophia's eyes curved into crescents.
"Glad you like it.
Has the lab been very busy lately?"
You didn't even have time for dinner.
Alexander paused.
"About the same as usual.
Just didn't feel like cooking for myself.
And it never turns out tasty anyway..."
Truth was, his palate had been spoiled by her cooking.
Halfway through the meal, he suddenly asked, "Do you have any beer?"
Sophia was stunned.
Usually, she was the one asking if he wanted a drink.
He always refused.
Today he was actually asking for it himself?
He really did seem different tonight.
She took two cans of beer from the refrigerator.
"Here you go."
Alexander looked at her. "Aren't you having any?"
Sophia shook her head.
"I'll just have a small glass."
She brought a small glass tumbler.
She pushed it toward him.
"Professor, you're not going to be stingy, are you?"
Alexander gave a soft laugh.
"Wouldn't dream of being stingy with you."
He poured her a glass.
"Enough?"
"Plenty."
The cold beer went down.
Sophia gave a slight shiver.
Alexander watched her.
Then he took a large swig himself.
The noodles were finished.
The soup was drunk clean.
The two cans of beer were soon empty.
The slightly tipsy Professor Laurent became more talkative.
He stared at the empty beer can.
As if it had flowers painted on it.
"...Did you have fun at the Atlante house today?"
Sophia nodded.
"Mrs. Atlante made a whole table of delicious food.
There were desserts in the afternoon too.
I went fishing and picked mulberries with the elderly couple.
We were originally going to see an art exhibition too..."
Alexander asked casually, "Was Sebastian Evans there too?"
"Yes."
Alexander clenched his fist under the table.
His voice was hoarse.
"What do you think of him?"
Sophia thought about it.
"My impression wasn't good before.
But now I think he's quite alright."
Alexander's breath hitched.
A dull ache spread through his heart.
Just as he was about to ask that question, Sophia added, "He's a good older brother."
"Brother?" Alexander was dumbfounded.
"He's my cousin.
Didn't I tell you?"
The man shook his head blankly.
"I was too busy recently and forgot to mention it.
Mom has been recognized by the Atlante family."
She briefly explained the whole story.
"So Sebastian Evans is my cousin."
Alexander was still processing it.
"...He's your cousin?"
"Right," Sophia asked with a laugh.
"Any other questions?"
Alexander shook his head.
The problem was with him.
A sudden light burst forth in his eyes.
It held an irrepressible joy.
"Professor, are you happy?"
"Of course I'm happy.
Your mother found her family.
You have grandparents now.
And a cousin.
Isn't that worth being happy about?"
Sophia nodded with a smile.
"It is something to be happy about."
But he had clearly been in low spirits earlier.
Why such a sudden, dramatic change?
Alexander asked for another beer.
"I want to drink more."
"There's none left in the fridge."
"Then never mind.
I'll do the dishes."
He collected the bowls and chopsticks and walked into the kitchen.
Even his shadow seemed light and cheerful.
Sophia was covered in question marks.
Alexander finished washing the dishes with practiced ease.
He dried his hands and came out.
"Let's go for a night run together."
Sophia almost choked on her water.
She glanced at the wall clock.
It was 11:40 PM.
"At this hour?
Are you sure?"
Alexander Laurent glanced at the wall clock.