Chapter 311
Alexander finished cleaning the kitchen.
He walked into the living room.
Sophia had already prepared a plate of sliced fruit.
"You just can't stop finding things to do, can you?" He shook his head.
Sophia speared a piece of apple with a toothpick and offered it to him.
"Life is about movement. I don't want to be a couch potato."
Alexander took the apple.
"I need to take the trash out. Want to head down together in a bit?"
"Okay."
After disposing of the trash, Sophia remembered the fridge was empty.
She suggested going to the supermarket.
Alexander nodded.
They had just left.
Sylvia's car arrived at the mouth of the alley.
"Stop here. You can't drive in."
The driver responded, "Yes, ma'am."
Sylvia pushed the car door open.
She swapped her heels for a pair of flats.
She climbed all seven flights in one go.
This time, it was less taxing.
She took out her spare key.
After a moment's thought, she put it away.
She chose to knock instead.
Knock, knock, knock—
"Alexander, are you home?"
No one answered.
She used her key to open the door.
"Where is he?"
Her phone rang.
She answered it.
"Hello?"
Frederick: "You really went to our son's place?"
"Yes."
"What time is it? Disturbing his rest so late, what's the point?"
Sylvia searched every room.
"Strange... Alexander isn't here."
"He's not there?"
"I don't see him."
"A wasted trip. Why all the fuss?"
"He called tonight asking about star anise and bay leaves. He must be cooking."
"So he's cooking. What's the big deal?"
"Have you seen him cook since he returned? What's so special about today?"
"What's so special?"
"The National Science Awards Ceremony! I suggested booking a table to celebrate. He said he had something more important. More important than celebrating is cooking?"
"Is that so wrong?"
"What's the fun in cooking alone? It must be a celebration for two!"
Frederick: "You overthink everything. Our son makes one meal and you get suspicious."
"I'm not discussing this with you. You don't understand."
A triple blow.
Frederick fell silent.
"Struck out. When are you coming back?"
"I'll wait a little longer."
"Wait for what? Our son is dating, and you're acting like you're catching him in the act. Is that appropriate?"
"..."
"Alexander has good judgment. He'll tell us when the time is right."
"...That makes sense."
"It's the middle of winter. Aren't you cold? Come home now. I'm waiting for you to sleep."
"...Oh."
Sylvia walked out of the alley.
The driver pulled the car over.
"Ma'am."
Sylvia got in the car and sighed. "Let's go home."
The moment the car drove away.
Alexander and Sophia crossed the street, carrying shopping bags.
They passed each other, unseen.
Alexander took all the bags.
"Let me carry those."
Sophia didn't argue.
It was pointless.
They were indeed heavy.
As they reached the alley entrance, Alexander suddenly asked, "Are you settling in okay at Stanford?"
Sophia nodded.
"The lab equipment is comprehensive. Professor Feng is very kind. The senior students are thorough too; they even helped us register for supplies."
But she had paid for everything.
Borrowing the lab for free was already generous. She couldn't use the consumables without paying.
Alexander paused.
"Have you run into any trouble?"
Sophia thought for a moment.
The experiments were going smoothly. She had caught up on the progress.
She was keeping up with her major courses. Her last pop quiz was an A-, only because there was a problematic question nobody in the class got right...
She was about to shake her head.
Then she remembered something.
Alexander: "You hesitated. Is it about the cafeteria incident?"
Sophia turned her head sharply. "How did you know?"
"I ran into Professor Feng at a meeting this morning."
Sophia's mind raced.
Her eyes filled with apology.
"I'm sorry it reached Professor Feng. Did he... complain about me?"
She lowered her head.
Embarrassed and ashamed.
Borrowing the lab was a favor to Alexander.
Causing trouble that led directly to accountability...
"I'm sorry, Professor, I..."
"Why are you apologizing?" Alexander stopped walking.
Sophia looked up and met his deep gaze.
"...I've caused you trouble."
He sighed softly.
"You did nothing wrong. No need to apologize or feel burdened. As for causing trouble, do I look like someone who's afraid of trouble?"
Sophia studied him.
"No. Trouble should be afraid of you."
Alexander smiled.
"Good. Remember this for next time. If something like this happens again, refuse if you need to, walk away if you must. Remember—"
He spoke deliberately, word by word.
"If the sky falls, I'll hold it up. You have nothing to fear."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes and nose tingled with emotion.
She blinked and rubbed her nose.
"Okay. But Professor Feng..."
"Don't worry about it. I reminded him to focus on improving the overall quality and ethos at Stanford."
It's simply outrageous!
Students who casually get into fights.
And a counselor who loves to tattle and make snide remarks.
It's time for a shake-up.
Sophia was silent.
Was this really okay?
Was it too brazen?
Alexander told her firmly.
"It's perfectly fine. Did they consider the consequences when they bullied you? Did they really think you had no one to back you up?"
Sophia was stunned.
He...
Was he standing up for her?