Chapter 253

The server led the four of them into a private room.

The broth boiled.

Dishes were placed into the pot.

The restaurant Hannah recommended was indeed good.

The flavors were fresh and fragrant.

The spice was exhilarating.

Sophia Sullivan went to the restroom midway.

When she returned, there was an extra bowl of Aiyu Jelly on the table.

Alexander Laurent pushed it towards her.

"It's cold. It will help with the spice."

She thanked him with a smile, feeling warmth in her heart.

The professor was so thoughtful.

When the bill came, Alexander stood and went out.

Next to the hot pot restaurant was a night market, bustling with noise and excitement.

Isabella Sullivan pulled David Sullivan away to explore.

Sophia stayed by the entrance, waiting for Alexander.

He returned quickly, holding a paper bag.

"I packed some cantaloupe. You like it. Finish it tonight, don't leave it overnight."

"Okay," she nodded.

"Where are your parents?"

She pointed towards the night market.

"Shall we go take a look too?"

"Sure!" Her eyes lit up.

They walked side by side into the night market.

Stalls lined the streets, filled with a dazzling array of goods.

Passing by an accessories stall, Sophia stopped.

She pointed to a gray claw clip.

"How much is this?"

"Ten dollars."

"How do you clip it to make it hold well?"

The stall owner demonstrated on the spot.

The motion was too fast. Sophia didn't catch it.

A new customer approached. The owner turned to greet them.

Just as Sophia was about to give up, Alexander had already paid.

He picked up the claw clip, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Turn around."

"Huh?"

"I'll clip it for you."

She turned around in a daze.

The man's hands gathered her long hair.

His fingertips were warm. His movements were gentle.

Her hair was softly gathered up.

The pads of his fingers brushed against her neck. Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"Professor..."

She instinctively tried to move away.

"Don't move. It'll be done soon."

The claw clip held her hair securely in place.

"Done."

She shook her head. It was really secure.

The stall owner laughed teasingly.

"Your boyfriend learns fast! He clips it better than I do."

Alexander's lips curved into a smile.

Sophia hurried to explain, "He's not—"

The owner cut her off.

"In ancient times, a husband styling his wife's hair symbolized growing old together. Not many men are willing to do that these days!"

Sophia tried again. "He's actually—"

The owner patted the back of her hand.

"Treasure him, young lady!"

Sophia completely gave up on explaining.

They left the stall.

Alexander suddenly asked, "Did you learn it?"

"...Learn what?"

"Styling hair."

Sophia was silent.

She hadn't seen the process at all.

"Should I teach you again?"

"No need." She waved her hands repeatedly.

Since she couldn't learn it anyway, she might as well accept defeat.

Alexander chuckled softly.

"You don't trust me?"

"I don't trust myself," she sighed.

They reached the end of the street and ran into Isabella and David.

"Mom—"

Isabella immediately noticed her hair.

"That clip is quite pretty. Did you do it yourself?"

Sophia gave a vague assent.

"Definitely not!" Isabella saw right through her.

"You've never known how to style your hair since you were little."

Sophia's ears burned.

"The owner helped you, right?"

She nodded quickly.

Alexander stood to the side, smiling without a word.

David nudged his shoulder.

"Alex, what are you smiling about?"

Alexander touched his chin.

"Was I?"

"You were definitely smiling just now!" David leaned closer.

"Thinking of something good?"

"Perhaps." Alexander's gaze shifted slightly.

David chuckled.

"I get it! I remember your aunt often has that silly smile too."

He lowered his voice.

"Alex, why haven't you found a girlfriend yet? Too busy with work?"

"Should I ask your aunt to introduce someone? The new female teachers at the school are all quite nice..."

Alexander cleared his throat lightly.

"That won't be necessary."

"Don't be shy!"