Chapter 494

Hannah hung up the phone.

She was barely satisfied.

Before, when they had dates, Marcus would always arrive early.

By the time she arrived, he would already have her favorite bubble tea and snacks ready.

But today…

Something was off.

When Marcus finally showed up, this feeling grew even stronger.

Hannah tilted her head, studying him, and blinked. "Are you upset?"

"...No."

"Liar! You're clearly upset. Who annoyed you?"

Marcus stared directly at her.

Hannah felt a chill under his gaze. "Why… are you looking at me like that?"

He averted his eyes, stubbornly insisting. "I'm not angry."

"You are!"

"I'm not!"

"You are!"

They stood arguing on the street like children.

Marcus: "...Then tell me, what part of me is upset?!"

"Every part! Your eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, hair, even your eyelashes are screaming that you're upset!"

Marcus: "..."

"And you didn't bring me bubble tea today!"

Marcus pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, "You were full from eating with someone else, how could you still drink bubble tea…"

Huh?

Huh huh huh??

"Marcus, that sounds loaded~"

Marcus snorted lightly, deliberately turning his head away from her.

Hannah's eyes darted. "Did you see me having lunch with Caleb today?"

"Hmph!!"

"Ah, let me explain… He made time to treat me before going back home, and it was his mother's wish. I couldn't really refuse."

"You didn't tell me." Marcus's voice was muffled.

"Why would I mention such a small thing? It doesn't affect our date. You didn't ask, so how could I bring it up?"

Marcus's expression immediately brightened. "Then… how was your meal with Caleb?"

Hannah thought back seriously. "The braised chicken was good, the hot pot platter was okay, but the best was the duck foot soup. It was stewed until tender and flavorful, melting in your mouth… Huh? Why are you smiling?"

The corners of Marcus's mouth turned up uncontrollably. "I… was smiling?"

"Yes! You're smiling right now!"

"Oh… Then, do you still want bubble tea? We can go buy some now."

Hannah's eyes instantly lit up. "Yes, yes!"

…

On the same leisurely holiday, Sophia got up, had breakfast, and started cleaning her room.

After tidying up, she changed clothes, did her makeup, and prepared to go out.

"Sophia, you're back—" The door opposite opened at the same time. Alexander was dressed in a casual suit, seemingly also heading out.

"Good afternoon, Professor." Sophia smiled and nodded.

Alexander smiled back. "Going out? Let's go downstairs together."

"Okay."

They greeted each other as if nothing had happened and walked side by side.

Alexander made no mention of waiting for the past half month.

Sophia remained equally composed.

But the atmosphere was ultimately different, and they walked in silence. Reaching the front of the building, Alexander noticed her turning the other way and finally spoke—

"Not going to the garage?"

Sophia smiled faintly. "Not driving today. Someone's picking me up."

The man's heart sank.

Who?

Sebastian?

Or… Zachary?

Alexander: "Isn't driving yourself more convenient?"

Sophia: "It's nice to ride in the passenger seat occasionally."

Alexander was speechless.

She spoke again. "I'll wait here for a bit. Professor, you can head to the garage first?"

"...Okay."

He wanted to stay but had no reason.

In the end, he could only leave first.

Sophia waited by the roadside for about five minutes before a bright yellow Ferrari stopped at the mouth of the alley, engine roaring.

Olivia leaned out of the driver's window and whistled. "Your Highness! Your carriage awaits!"

Sophia's face broke into a smile. "Coming—"

She got into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt. "You changed cars again?"

"No, it's Julian's."

"Oh~"

"What's with the 'oh'?" Olivia asked, exasperated.

"I'll 'oh' if I want. You just drive. Don't ask. If you ask, you already know the answer."

"Pfft~ Why do you sound like my brother now, all cryptic and roundabout?"

Mentioning Alexander, Sophia paused for a moment before quickly collecting herself and turning on the music.

Jay Chou's "Can't Speak Out" was playing:

I just can't say it, let her know.

Just those few simple words, I can't do it.

My whole heart is suspended in mid-air, I can only watch from afar…

Olivia didn't like this song and immediately skipped to the next one:

I expected you to fight for me, but you just gave up.

What kind of man are you?

What kind of man are you?

You still love her but don't dare to ask her to wait.

No difference, you just keep accepting your fate.

She'll meet a better man…

Olivia hummed along, swaying to the rhythm.

Sophia instinctively tightened her grip on the seatbelt. "Focus on driving!"

"Ahem!" Olivia immediately sat up straight. "Sorry, sorry! I've been crazy busy lately, got carried away for a second…"

"Sigh, Sophia, you have no idea how rough it's been. All-nighters, back-to-back shifts, no time even for the spa. Look at these dark circles, and these two zits…"

Sophia examined her closely. "It's fine. You're still beautiful."

Olivia: "Really?"

"I never lie."

Full marks for emotional support.

"En… I want to change my hairstyle. Wanna join?" Olivia asked.

Sophia: "Sure."

…

At a certain hair salon—

Tony gestured at the mirror. "Miss Lopez, want to try a bold color… How about this light blue? Like flowing light."

"The nebula purple next to it is nice too, very atmospheric."

Olivia was indecisive. "Sophia, help me choose?"

Sophia looked down at the color chart and pointed. "How about this milk tea color? Unique but not too loud."

Tony glanced at her. "This young lady has excellent taste. Milk tea color is versatile for daily wear, with a rose gold tone that looks premium. It leans reddish-brown indoors, more vibrant in sunlight. You can check the sample."

Olivia actually preferred more flamboyant colors, the bolder the better, but…

Reality didn't allow it.

Whatever…

"This one, then."

Coloring took a long time. Sophia only got a cut, no color or perm. After finishing, she sat on the sofa waiting for Olivia, pulling out her phone to read a thesis.

Suddenly, a surprised voice sounded above her—

"Miss Sophia! It really is you!"

Sophia looked up. Zachary's brilliant smile flashed before her eyes.