Chapter 232
Their coordination grew increasingly seamless.
Alexander Laurent was responsible for washing and chopping the vegetables.
Sophia Sullivan handled the stir-frying at the stove.
Soon, four dishes and a soup were laid out on the table.
Alexander filled a bowl with rice and handed it to her.
Sophia took the bowl and thanked him softly.
The atmosphere was natural and harmonious.
It was as if the previous awkwardness had never occurred.
After the meal, Alexander took the initiative to clear the dishes.
Sophia took the plates and dried them.
Their movements were fluid and effortless.
An accident happened while taking out the trash.
They both bent down simultaneously to tie the garbage bag.
Their foreheads collided unexpectedly.
Sophia gasped in pain.
Alexander immediately stepped forward to check.
He gently moved her hand away from her forehead.
The skin was red but not swollen.
It shouldn't be serious.
Alexander apologized repeatedly.
Sophia shook her head and said it was fine.
But her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
The corners of her eyes were slightly red.
She looked like a wronged little animal.
Alexander's eyes were full of guilt.
"Professor, could you let go first?"
Alexander realized he was still holding her wrist.
He released it abruptly and took two steps back.
Sophia couldn't help but laugh.
Alexander raised an eyebrow helplessly.
"Is it that funny?"
The girl nodded repeatedly.
He sighed softly.
"As long as you're happy."
He bent down again to tie the garbage bag securely.
…
The repairman knocked on the door to announce the air conditioner was fixed.
Alexander changed his shoes, preparing to leave.
The repairman joked with a smile.
"It's so convenient for a young couple to live across from each other."
"If one air conditioner breaks, you can just go to the other's place."
Alexander cleared his throat lightly to interrupt.
"Master, let's go test the unit first."
He didn't explain their relationship.
He felt it was unnecessary.
An explanation would only make it more complicated.
They were people who wouldn't see each other again in the future.
Why say more?
The most important thing was that he was currently leaving the girl's apartment.
Explaining they weren't a couple would only invite more gossip.
In scandalous news, women always suffer more.
Society is inherently harsher on women.
The most Alexander could do was protect her from harm.
That was all.
After testing the unit, he saw the repairman out.
The door across the hall suddenly opened.
Sophia peeked out and asked.
"Professor, is it fixed?"
Alexander nodded.
"Are you still going for a run tonight?"
"Together?"
The girl smiled and agreed.
They went back to their respective homes to change into workout clothes.
They met downstairs and began their night run.
The sun set in the west, and dusk deepened.
Moonlight quietly spilled down.
Stars gradually appeared one by one.
On the third lap, Sophia stopped.
"Professor, you go ahead. I need to rest."
Alexander stopped as well.
"Are you okay?"
The girl's temples were damp with sweat, her cheeks flushed.
"It's unbearably hot."
"Then we'll stop. I'll walk with you."
Sophia pressed her lips together sheepishly.
They walked along the tree-lined path.
They passed the main gate of MIT and bought water.
Alexander twisted the cap off a bottle and handed it to her.
"Thank you."
They circled around to the basketball court behind the back gate.
A basketball suddenly flew toward Sophia.
Alexander quickly pulled her behind him.
He caught the ball steadily with one hand.
Whistles came from the court.
"Nice catch, classmate!"
"Want to join a game? We're short one player."
Alexander looked at Sophia.
The girl nodded in agreement.
"Professor, I'll wait for you in the stands."
She suddenly realized something was off.
Why did he ask for her permission to play?
Alexander blocked two shots in a row as soon as he stepped on the court.
Laughter and teasing came from a distance.
"You're a pro, classmate!"
"We'll have to be careful now."
Alexander raised an eyebrow in response.
"Show me what you've got."
His offense was sharp and broke through effortlessly.
He scored precisely with shots both near and far.
His jumping ability was astonishing, allowing for repeated dunks.
Sophia watched excitedly, clapping.
After twenty minutes of high-intensity offense.
Alexander still seemed relaxed and in control.
The opponents finally conceded.
"We give up, we give up."
"Pulling a ringer into the game? We admit defeat."
Teammates gathered around to praise him.
"Which department are you from? You've been hiding your skills!"
"How come we've never seen you before?"
Alexander replied calmly.
"I'm from MIT, but I don't come here often."
Everyone wanted to add him on WeChat.
Suddenly, someone pointed to the stands.
"Is that your girlfriend?"
Alexander looked up.
Sophia was waving and smiling from a distance.