Chapter 140

Professor Quincy Evans, Dr. Zoe Langley, and Professor Alexander Laurent all pay attention to Sophia Sullivan.

But I am not them.

My eyes only see you.

I will always stand by your side.

You are the most important person in my life.

I really like you.

Give me a chance.

Let me protect you openly.

Let me stand beside you.

Dr. Simon Lowell has liked Lillian Lopez since the day she joined the lab.

She is passionate and lively.

She is talented and comes from a good family.

She is completely different from him.

It was natural for him to be drawn to her.

He pursued her for a long time.

She never agreed.

But now he wants to try one more time.

Lillian does not see the deep affection in the boy's eyes.

She only suspects Simon's motives.

Is this a threat?

Is he forcing her?

If she doesn't agree, will he reveal everything?

Fear grips her heart.

Leaving the lab means losing Alexander Laurent forever.

She doesn't dare to gamble.

Lil? It's okay if you don't agree.

Simon scratches his head.

The two things aren't related anyway.

He just felt the moment was right to say it.

He understands why she dislikes Sophia.

But she shouldn't do that again.

If Professor Laurent finds out, the consequences will be severe.

The speaker means no harm, but the listener takes it to heart.

Lillian's gaze turns cold.

So he is threatening her.

Fine, I agree.

What? He was prepared for rejection but heard...

I said I agree to date you.

That's great, Lil! Thank you!

I'll treat you well, I promise!

Simon is overjoyed.

He doesn't notice the reluctance on Lillian's face.

He knows her feelings for him aren't deep.

But he believes effort can warm a stone heart.

…

The two return to the food stall holding hands.

Simon is grinning from ear to ear.

Zoe's eyes fall on their clasped hands.

Well, well, well. What's going on here?

Simon announces with a silly smile.

Lil agreed to my confession.

We're officially together now.

Zoe blinks and congratulates them.

Finally got your wish.

Hehe…

Quincy Evans, you sly dog! You did it!

Simon's attitude is obvious.

Sophia noticed it on the first day.

Lillian had always been lukewarm.

Unexpectedly, things took a sudden turn for the better.

Sophia smiles and offers her sincere blessings.

Alexander laughs and congratulates them, asking the vendor to add more dishes to celebrate.

Lillian watches for Alexander's reaction.

He isn't upset; his smile is even wider.

Her anxious heart finally sinks.

…

The late-night snack ends at half past ten.

Everyone goes their separate ways.

Sophia and Alexander head home.

The food stall is near MIT.

Alexander didn't drive, and it's still early.

Sophia suggests a walk to digest.

They walk along the riverbank, neon lights shimmering on both shores.

The city suddenly grows quiet.

The pace of time slows down.

They walk side by side in a comfortable silence.

It's not awkward, but a mutual understanding.

Being by his side is the most comfortable state.

Want to go to the bridge to feel the breeze?

Sophia speaks, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Alexander follows her gaze.

Sure, but it's a bit far.

Getting tired already?

Sophia jokes.

Alexander raises an eyebrow. Race you there?

He finds it amusing that they're acting so childish in their fifties.

Sophia is eager.

Whoever loses buys ice cream.

Olivia Lopez would tease her for only wanting ice cream.

He wouldn't blink at something more expensive.

Alexander nods seriously. Okay.

Count of three. Three, two, one—

Sophia takes off running.

Alexander follows at a leisurely pace.

Not too close, but not too far either.

She runs to the bridge in one breath, panting heavily, her eyes shining.

She looks back, laughing like a proud little fox.

Professor, I won!

Alexander walks to the convenience store and points to the ice cream freezer.

What flavor do you want?

Strawberry, please.

Alexander picks one out.

They sit by the roadside eating their ice cream.

Enjoying the exhilaration after exercise.

There are no stars tonight.

Sophia looks at the dark sky, her tone regretful.

It was easy to see stars as a child.

So she rarely looked up.

Because it was easy, she didn't need to make a special effort; she could see them anytime.

She rests her elbows on her knees, chin in her hands.

Recalling fragmented memories.

She was excellent and sensible since childhood, the model child others talked about.

Her parents didn't restrict or interfere.

David Sullivan was busy, unable to make time even during holidays.

Yet he still fulfilled his daughter's small wishes, treating her like a princess.

But he was strict when it came to education.

Isabella Sullivan had simple demands, almost no requirements.

She could play wildly, step in puddles in the rain, and become a muddy mess.

As long as she was alive and well.

Her mom could always guess where she hid her allowance.

She could also accurately find her dad's secret stash, never failing once.

Talking about her childhood, Sophia laughs happily.

Her eyes curve like crescent moons, bright as the Milky Way, gesturing as she speaks.

The warm yellow light from the streetlamp spills over her.

Alexander watches quietly, a smile on his lips.

Unconsciously drawn to this light.

The next second, he would drown in it.

He is willing, powerless to resist.