Chapter 292

Alexander Laurent: To my place?

Wait for her.

Wait for her to do what?

"Is it something important?" Sophia Sullivan's expression turned serious.

"For you, it should be considered good news."

"What is it exactly?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

The more he withheld, the more she wanted to know.

"I visited an old friend at the neighboring Stanford University yesterday."

Alexander Laurent mentioned a small request in passing.

"Professor Feng agreed to allocate a fully-equipped biology lab, including a CPRT Dynamometer."

"Really?! That's fantastic!"

Sophia nearly jumped for joy.

It was a godsend.

She had been worrying about lab space, and Alexander had already solved it for her.

Like a stray kitten suddenly finding a shelter.

And a fully furnished one at that.

Overcome with emotion, she grabbed his sleeve. "Professor, you're the best!"

Her eyes shone brilliantly.

Even through the fabric, he could feel the warmth of her palm.

Their eyes met, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Sophia suddenly realized she was being too familiar.

She quickly released his sleeve. "Sorry, Professor. I was just so happy."

She didn't notice the fleeting disappointment in his eyes. "It's fine."

"To show my gratitude, you're coming to my place for dinner tonight! No refusals!" She declared before darting back to her apartment.

A light rekindled in the man's gaze.

...

Alexander entered Sophia's apartment, removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and walked into the kitchen.

Washing vegetables, chopping, peeling garlic...

He anticipated her needs before she could even ask.

He moved with the ease of someone in his own home.

Their numerous collaborations had forged a seamless tacit understanding.

A mere gesture from Sophia, and Alexander knew if she needed salt or sugar, a bowl or a plate.

Before six, a spread of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup adorned the table.

Outside, the wind howled, but inside, it was warm and cozy.

Knowing Alexander didn't drink and discouraged her from it, Sophia didn't even offer.

"Thank you, Professor, for helping me yet again."

"Thank you, Sophia, for another wonderful meal."

"So... mutual appreciation?" She grinned.

Alexander nodded solemnly. "Precisely."

Braised Pork Ribs, Shredded Pork with Green Peppers, Stir-Fried Cabbage, Sautéed Three Vegetables, and Pork Bone with Radish Soup.

The portions were modest, but each dish was delicious. They finished everything.

Alexander sighed softly. "I've been putting on weight lately..."

The clatter of dishes Sophia was gathering drowned out his words. "Professor, what did you say?"

"Nothing... Let me help."

He joined her in clearing the table.

By now, Sophia rarely needed to wash dishes; Alexander had mastered the task.

She simply stood by, taking the washed and rinsed plates to dry and put away.

Noticing his white sweater, she asked, "Professor, would you like an apron?"

He glanced down. "Probably wise. My hands are wet. Could you help me?"

"Sure."

Sophia fetched the apron but hesitated.

He was too tall. She had to stand on her toes and reach up just to loop it over his head.

As she wavered, Alexander suddenly bent down. "Is this better?"

"...A little lower."

"Like this?" He leaned further.

"Yes, that's good."

She quickly slipped the apron over his head.

Alexander straightened up. After a moment, seeing her still, he reminded her with a smile, "It needs to be tied at the back."

"...Oh! Right!" Flustered, she grabbed the ties and fastened them into a bow behind his back.

"Ahem—" Alexander suddenly coughed.

"What's wrong?"

"...A bit tight."

"Sorry! Let me adjust it... How about now?"

"That's fine."

After cleaning the kitchen, they moved to the living room.

Sophia prepared a fruit platter and set it on the coffee table.

"Professor, some fruit."

"Thank you."

She took a piece of apple and sat on the opposite end of the sofa. "I heard CBS will broadcast the academic conference between MIT and Caltech?"

"Yes. Would you like to watch?"

Sophia nodded, then deflated. "My TV doesn't get international channels. Even with a VPN, I can only watch replays..."

"We can watch it."

"Huh?!"

Alexander: "Come to my place."

Sophia followed Alexander next door.

It wasn't her first time visiting, but she usually stayed in the living room, rarely venturing into the bedroom.

The only exception was when she fetched a thermometer and cold medicine for him.

That time was too rushed to notice anything.

This time was different...

Alexander went to set up the projector while Sophia stood in the room, taking in her surroundings.

The same layout, the same master bedroom size, but the decor was worlds apart.

From the style of the bed and wardrobe to the color scheme of the sheets and curtains...

Sophia's place was warm Morandi tones; his was stark black, white, and grey.

Rational restraint was etched into his bones, evident even in these domestic details.

Though monochromatic, the room was impeccably tidy.

One nightstand held an alarm clock and charger; the other, a small bookshelf.

Academic journals were neatly arranged on the shelves.

Whoosh—

Alexander drew the curtains.

The projector whirred to life, casting a screen of light onto the white wall.

He operated his phone, switching to the CBS live stream.

"Oh my god! It really works!" Sophia exclaimed in delight.

The camera panned, revealing Professor Eleanor Watson sitting in the front row!

"It's my professor!"

Craning her neck grew uncomfortable. She looked for a seat but found none in the room, only...

"If you don't mind, you can sit on the bed."

Sophia hesitated. "This..." Isn't that a bit inappropriate?

A bed was a private space.

Just as she disliked others touching her bed, she felt awkward about using someone else's.

Alexander explained, "I just changed the sheets yesterday. They're clean."

"It's not that!" Sophia waved her hands quickly. "I'm afraid of dirtying your bed..."

"You won't."

He handed her a pillow, gesturing for her to lean back comfortably.

"...This pillow is new. I haven't used it."

Sophia stood awkwardly, unsure whether to sit or remain standing.

Noticing her discomfort, Alexander finally realized his invitation might have been too forward.

He immediately offered, "Wait a moment. I'll get a chair from the living room."