Chapter 113

Prefer the mature type?

He had just finished his class, textbooks still tucked under his arm.

Zoe Langley approached him. "Simon and Sophia had a mental math race. The loser buys dinner. They're deciding where to eat now."

Alexander Laurent's gaze swept over the group, landing on Sophia Sullivan. Her eyes curved into gentle crescents, a soft smile gracing her lips.

The lab atmosphere had never felt this harmonious. She was finally being genuinely accepted.

A slight smile touched Alexander's lips. "We'll finish early today. Let's wait for Simon's treat."

Zoe raised an eyebrow. "Professor, how did you know Simon lost?"

His tone was certain. "Didn't he?"

Zoe chuckled. "You guessed right."

Simon Lowell groaned. "My wallet…"

"Lillian, joining us?" Zoe turned to ask.

Lillian Lopez shook her head. "No."

…

Dinner was at a street-side stall at the alley's entrance.

Zoe, for all her boisterousness, was surprisingly considerate in her choice.

Simon came from a humble background. His farming parents had scraped together money for his education. Things only eased slightly after he got his PhD, and he still sent money home every month.

The stall was cheap, cheerful, and full of life.

It couldn't compare to upscale restaurants, but everyone ate their fill.

On the drive back, Alexander focused on the road.

In his peripheral vision, the girl's eyes sparkled like stars, brimming with happiness.

He smiled lightly. "So happy?"

"Yes. Dr. Langley said 'see you tomorrow' on her own. Professor Evans gave me his mental math notes… They've really accepted me."

Sophia had always been aware of those subtle, unspoken barriers.

Adult boundaries aren't explicitly stated, yet they prick the skin like fine needles.

Today, the ice had finally melted. She had finally touched warmth.

The light turned red. Alexander pressed the brake.

Turning, he met those eyes holding entire galaxies. Almost without thinking, he reached out and ruffled her hair—

"You did well."

His palm met softness, his touch gentle.

The man's gaze was warm, his voice a low murmur like a nocturne.

Sophia looked up abruptly, falling into his deep stare.

She hastily turned away, fingers brushing her burning earlobe.

Alexander withdrew his hand calmly, as if it were merely a teacher's praise for a student.

But the lingering tingle in his palm refused to fade.

"Beep beep—"

A car horn blared from behind.

Sophia whispered a reminder, "It's green, Professor…"

Alexander snapped back to attention and released the brake.

Sophia suddenly glanced sideways. "Why is your face red?"

A blush spread from his cheeks to the tips of his ears in mere seconds.

Alexander gripped the steering wheel tighter. "It's a bit stuffy in here."

Sophia rolled down her window. "Better now?"

"Much better."

…

After dropping Sophia off, Alexander returned to the lab to finish an experiment.

Sophia sank into her sofa, exhaustion washing over her as the excitement faded.

Closing her eyes, she still saw the scene in the car.

The warmth of his fingertips lingered in her hair, so tender it was intoxicating.

Maybe it was more than just encouragement?

But it could only go this far.

Stains from the previous tenant marred the ceiling. Even with wallpaper, the shabbiness showed through.

Just like her own battered life.

Better to keep her distance, to avoid anyone seeing the mess.

She gently touched her chest. Her heartbeat had steadied.

She got up and headed to the bathroom.

A shower and a good sleep. Tomorrow was another day.

She'd leave her troubles for tomorrow.

…

Finally, a weekend off for Sophia.

She hadn't answered Olivia Lopez's call last time, so she specifically asked her out for a movie.

The Spring Festival releases were winding down. They picked the highest-rated comedy.

Olivia was recently obsessed with a minor celebrity who had a cameo, playing a handsome murderer.

Sophia hugged her popcorn and soda as they laughed together.

The movie was great, but the celebrity only appeared for two seconds.

Olivia lamented, "That's it? I gifted 200k in livestream credits for him!"

Sophia comforted her, "Two seconds is still pretty handsome."

Olivia's eyes lit up. "You don't even follow celebrities. Did you take a liking to him? Want me to push his WeChat?"

"He's too young. Not suitable." Sophia brushed her off.

Olivia leaned in. "Not into young ones? So you prefer the mature type?"

Sophia froze, then pushed her friend's nosy face away. "...What nonsense are you talking about?"