Chapter 375
Sophia Sullivan stood at the stairwell entrance.
Alexander Laurent gazed at her intently.
"Ever since our first meeting at the café—"
The building's main door suddenly swung open.
Auntie Zoe from downstairs walked in, carrying a shopping bag.
She saw the two of them standing by the stairs.
"Professor Laurent, Sophia, why are you just standing here?"
Auntie Zoe rubbed her red, chilled hands.
"This weather is freezing... I wouldn't have gone out if the supermarket wasn't having a sale."
Alexander's words were cut off.
He pressed his lips together.
Sophia stepped forward and took the shopping bag.
"Let me help you with that."
Alexander naturally took it from her.
He walked ahead.
Auntie Zoe smiled.
"Alex is so considerate. That's what you call a true gentleman, right?"
She looked at Sophia.
Sophia gave a slight nod.
"Yes."
"Such a fine young man, and still single. Professor Wang and I tried to set him up before. He always agreed readily, but whenever an actual meeting was arranged, he'd vanish."
Auntie Zoe lowered her voice.
"Sophia, if you know any suitable girls, remember to keep Professor Laurent in mind."
Sophia's eyes curved into a smile.
She glanced at Alexander's stiff back.
"Of course, I'll definitely keep an eye out for the Professor."
"That's more like it. Neighbors should help each other out..."
They reached the sixth floor.
Alexander set down the shopping bag.
He took Sophia's hand and quickly led her upstairs.
Auntie Zoe, fumbling for her keys, paused.
She blinked.
Did they just... hold hands?
Seventh-floor hallway.
Alexander released her hand.
His Adam's apple bobbed.
"Don't listen to Auntie Zoe's nonsense. I... I never went."
Sophia looked up.
"Went where?"
Alexander gritted his teeth.
"Professor, cat got your tongue?"
"...The blind dates."
Sophia nodded.
"Don't worry, I'll help you look out for opportunities."
She turned and unlocked her door, going inside.
Alexander stood frozen in place.
That wasn't what he meant...
...
The door closed.
Sophia let out a long breath.
She had said it on purpose.
In that moment, she was afraid Alexander would continue.
She was both curious and scared.
Afraid to hear the answer she suspected.
Even more afraid it wouldn't be that answer.
...
The auto repair shop called.
Sebastian Evans's voice came through the receiver.
"Your car is fixed. I'm downstairs at your place. I'll take you to pick it up."
"Isn't Mr. Evans busy at year-end?"
"Busy, but I always have time to see you."
Sophia chuckled lightly.
"I can just take a cab."
"Who was it that said they'd treat me to a meal? Already forgot?"
Sophia sighed.
"...Have you decided what you want to eat?"
Sebastian gave a low laugh.
"We'll talk about it when we meet."
Sophia hung up.
She put on her down jacket and snow boots, grabbed her bag, and headed out.
A Maybach was parked at the end of the lane.
Sebastian leaned against the car, playing with his keys.
He straightened up immediately upon seeing her.
Sophia walked over with a smile.
Sebastian handed her a bag of breakfast.
"Soy milk and buns. Eat them while they're hot."
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Evans personally playing chauffeur and buying breakfast? I wouldn't dare dream of such treatment."
He chuckled softly.
"Why not? You can dream even bigger."
Sophia cradled the soy milk for warmth.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"...It's hot."
Sebastian cleared his throat lightly.
"The repair shop said the front-end damage wasn't severe. It's been restored to like new."
Twenty minutes later.
They arrived at the auto repair shop.
Sophia completed the paperwork.
She looked at Sebastian.
"Decided what you want to eat?"
Sebastian curved his lips into a smile.
"Such cold weather is perfect for hot pot."
Sophia's eyes lit up.
A long line stretched outside the hot pot restaurant.
It was all young people.
Sophia hesitated.
"Should we go somewhere else?"
How long would they have to wait?
But Sebastian led her straight inside.
A server greeted them with a smile.
They were directly shown to a private room.
Sophia was surprised.
"You reserved a spot?"
Sebastian shook his head.
"No."
"Then how..."
"A classmate of mine owns this place."
Sophia understood.
The server handed them menus.
They finished ordering.
Sebastian added a few more items Sophia liked.
The spicy broth began to boil.
They were busy adding ingredients, with no time to talk.
Sophia took a bite.
The flavor was indeed authentic.
Sebastian served her more food.
"Eat more."
"I can help myself."
The owner pushed the door open.
He had a portly build and a warm, honest smile.
He and Sebastian exchanged pleasantries.
They reminisced about fun times from university.
Sophia ate while listening.
"...When I opened this place, I said any girlfriends you bring get free meals. You always came alone before. I thought I'd never see you use that privilege. Finally making me proud today!"
Sebastian chuckled softly without replying.