Chapter 41

Charlie Lowell dialed Sophia Sullivan's number.

"Sophia, how have you been? There's something I'd like to discuss with you…"

He explained his reason for calling.

Silence lingered on the other end of the line.

Charlie quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, Sophia. It's just a casual dinner among friends. I won't invite Ethan."

"...Alright." Sophia finally agreed.

He ended the call and raised an eyebrow.

That's what he said, but if they happened to "bump into" someone, it wouldn't be his fault.

Sebastian Evans volunteered. "I'll notify Julian."

"Perfect! It's settled then!"

Charlie rubbed his hands together, already envisioning himself as the chief architect of this success.

…

Sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow.

Charlie had reserved a private room at Taste of Home in advance.

This place used to be their old haunt.

The moment Sophia entered, Charlie waved enthusiastically.

A server guided her to her seat.

"Sophia, congratulations on finishing your exams."

"I've already ordered. All your favorites. We must celebrate today."

Though Charlie's family background wasn't as prominent as the others, he was the most outgoing.

He had helped her a few times, and their friendship had gradually deepened.

"Thank you. I've always remembered your kindness."

Charlie laughed. "It's been so long. Why so formal?"

He snapped his fingers, and the dishes began to arrive.

"Charlie? What a coincidence." A deep voice came from above.

Charlie looked up, his smile freezing instantly.

His eyes moved to the person behind Sebastian.

Where was Ethan?

What about the planned "chance encounter"?

Why was there a different person?

"...What a coincidence indeed!" Charlie forced a smile.

Sebastian asked, "You don't mind if I join you?"

Question marks practically floated above Charlie's head, but he said, "...Not at all."

Sebastian had already taken a seat, his gaze sweeping over Sophia. "What's the occasion for coming out today?"

Charlie gave a strained laugh. "Celebrating for Sophia…"

His eyes screamed silent questions: Where's Ethan? Where's the person you promised?

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, turning his attention to Sophia. "What are we celebrating?"

Sophia replied softly, "I just finished my exams."

Sebastian pondered. "Timing suggests... graduate entrance exams?"

Charlie thought to himself: He's putting on quite a show…

Sophia nodded.

"Which university are you aiming for?"

"MIT."

"What's your major?"

"Bioinformatics."

Sebastian said, "An interdisciplinary field based on biology, mathematics, and information science?"

Sophia looked up at him, curious. "You know about this?"

"I took an elective, but I'm no expert. I've always been curious about the differences between Applied Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, and Biology."

Sophia explained seriously. "Applied Life Sciences researches the practical applications of biological molecules. Biology studies the functions and properties of living organisms. Bioinformatics uses computers to study big data in biology. Is that clear enough?"

Sebastian thought for a moment. "So, could it be said that Biology is the theoretical foundation, Applied Life Sciences is the practical application, and Bioinformatics leans towards computer science, using math and statistics to solve biological problems?"

Sophia looked at him with newfound respect. "That's very accurate."

"Really?" Sebastian chuckled lightly. "You explained it well. I just summarized and phrased it in more common terms."

Sophia reassessed the man across from her.

In her memory, Sebastian was always seen at restaurants and bars, like a carefree playboy.

She never expected him to have an understanding of biology.

You really can't judge a book by its cover.

She had been with Ethan Roscente for six years, and he never really understood her field of study.

They never discussed these professional topics.

Their time together was spent either at bar gatherings or in the bedroom.

Hearing professional terminology from Sebastian was a genuine surprise.

Charlie, sitting beside them, looked completely lost. The unfamiliar terms gave him a headache.

He barely made it through the meal before rushing off to pay the bill.

Sebastian watched him leave, a slight smile playing on his lips, then turned to see the light in Sophia's eyes.

They continued their casual conversation. He glanced at his phone. "Charlie says something came up last minute. He asked me to see you home."

Sophia checked the time. It was getting late. "There's no need for trouble. I can take a cab."

"A gentleman doesn't let a lady go home alone. Besides, a promise is a promise."

Sophia pressed her lips together. "Well... thank you, then."

"The pleasure is mine."

They left the restaurant. Sebastian took his gloves and opened the car door for her. "After you."

He truly played the part of a gentleman.

"Thank you."

The twenty-minute drive was quiet.

Sebastian drove smoothly, with almost no sense of movement.

Sophia was captivated by the scenery outside the window: snow-laden branches, bare twigs, a cool, gentle breeze…

Sebastian turned the steering wheel, his peripheral glance taking in the woman beside him.

She was very pale, very quiet.

Sitting there, she exuded a scholarly air.

Her nose was straight and delicate, her lips cherry-red, her eyelashes like fans…

Gazing absently out the window, she unconsciously revealed a charming, innocent sweetness.

She used to have long, curly hair. Pretty, but unremarkable.

Now, her straight hair casually tucked under a scarf made her stunningly beautiful.

A flicker of amusement passed through Sebastian's eyes, gone in an instant.

He tightened his grip on the wheel, eyes forward, as if completely focused on the road.