Chapter 368
Sophia Sullivan stood frozen.
She couldn't move.
Words of refusal stuck in her throat.
The man had already bent down to remove her shoes.
Her socks were gently taken off as well.
She looked down at Alexander Laurent.
His expression was as focused as if he were operating precision instruments.
Sophia's breath hitched.
Her heart inexplicably raced.
She had never deeply considered why he treated her so specially.
Perhaps it was because he was inherently gentle.
Sincere with everyone.
But at this moment, she clearly realized.
The professor was indeed different with her.
Even the kindest person.
Wouldn't go to this extent for a stranger.
After the shoes and socks were removed.
Alexander followed the old master's instructions.
Carefully holding her slender ankle.
His palm was slightly cool.
When his fingertips touched the top of her foot.
It felt like an electric current passed through.
Both of them froze simultaneously.
The skin under his fingers was smooth and delicate.
Alexander's Adam's apple moved.
He struggled to suppress the emotions surging in his eyes.
Sophia couldn't describe the sensation either.
A mix of itchiness and burning heat.
Unclear if it came from him or herself.
She instinctively wanted to pull her foot back.
But remembered the old master's instructions.
She forced herself to stay still.
Their unusual expressions drew attention.
The auntie organizing herbs glanced over curiously.
"How unusual today."
"Alexander is this close and hasn't fainted at the sight of needles?"
When he accompanied Sylvia here before.
He would stay far away at the sight of acupuncture tools.
Even a glance would make him uncomfortable.
But today...
"It really is different when accompanying his girlfriend!"
The auntie smiled, wrinkles gathering at the corners of her eyes.
Her expression was particularly kind.
Sophia couldn't move or speak.
She could only pretend not to hear.
Alexander cleared his throat lightly.
His gaze drifted elsewhere.
Master Luca noticed their embarrassment.
He spoke up just in time to diffuse the situation.
"Is the Pseudostellaria heterophylla for tomorrow ready?"
"Several returning patients need it in their prescriptions."
The auntie wanted to continue gossiping.
But ultimately prioritized work.
She turned to prepare the herbs in the storage room.
After the plaster was applied to her ankle.
A warm sensation quickly spread.
The swelling and pain noticeably eased.
"Keep it on for twelve hours before removing."
"Avoid getting it wet during that time."
"Try not to stand for long periods recently."
The old master followed them to the door, repeatedly reminding her.
Sophia nodded earnestly.
"I've remembered everything. Thank you."
The auntie suddenly rushed out from the inner room.
She shoved several packages of herbs into Sophia's hands.
"This is..." Sophia looked puzzled.
"Master Luca says you have qi deficiency and yin depletion."
"You suffer during your menstrual cycle."
"He specifically prescribed medicine for regulation."
"Brewing instructions are written on the packages."
The auntie affectionately held Sophia's hand.
Lowering her voice.
"I've never seen Alexander so concerned about anyone before."
"Girls need to take good care of their health."
"It'll make having children easier later..."
Sophia and Alexander exchanged a glance.
Both extremely embarrassed.
Master Luca couldn't bear to watch.
"Alexander knows his own limits."
"You focus on managing the herbs."
The return journey was unusually quiet.
Alexander walked her to her door.
Remembering the earlier scene, he explained.
"Auntie Zoe means well."
"She just loves prying into others' business."
Sophia remained silent.
The explanation only made it more awkward.
Fortunately, it didn't affect her mood.
That night, she strictly followed the medical advice.
She kept the plaster on and avoided water.
Before bed, she massaged the acupoints on her legs.
The next morning when she removed the plaster.
Pressing on her ankle caused no pain.
She excitedly knocked on her neighbor's door.
Alexander had just opened it when he saw her beaming.
"Master Luca's plaster is amazing!"
"The swelling went down in just one night."
"I can even jump around without pain now!"
She was about to demonstrate on the spot.
Alexander helplessly held her shoulders.
"I believe you."
"No need to prove it."
"The old master said to avoid prolonged standing."
"Don't put too much pressure on the injured area."
Sophia nodded obediently.
Meeting his amused eyes.
She belatedly realized how childish she had just been.
She sheepishly touched the tip of her nose.
Alexander watched her little mannerism.
The corners of his mouth unconsciously lifted.
Mid-January brought final exams.
Exam week lasted seven days.
Sophia didn't have tests every day.
On free days, she immersed herself in the lab.
Winter break officially began after finals.
But the holiday held no special meaning for her.
She still left early and returned late.
The only change was not attending classes.
Her daily routine simplified to home and lab.
Hannah Morse couldn't help but remark.
"Aren't you taking any break after exams, Sophia?"
"I want to finish this phase of experiments quickly."
"Try to advance to the next research stage before the new year."
"You're too dedicated."
"I was planning a trip nearby before the new year."
"Your data isn't urgent."
"But if we all go and leave you alone..."
"It's fine."
"Is Marcus going too?"
"He volunteered as a free guide!"
Might as well take advantage.
"Hope you have fun."
"Nothing's decided yet."
"We might not end up having time."
Before the cold front hit the north.
Sophia was glad she had bought a car early.
And grateful for Alexander's weekend practice sessions.
A patient teacher and a quick learner.
She soon could drive to and from alone.
Her commute time shortened significantly.
The ride experience improved markedly.
The only inconvenience was how early it got dark.
When she drove toward the suburbs after experiments.
The night was deep, with few people and cars.