Chapter 16: Chapter 16

1,023 words

<html><head></head><body>Olivia Lopez had a weakness for sashimi. She ordered a platter of fresh salmon and sweet shrimp without hesitation. Sophia Sullivan never touched raw or cold food. She only asked for a bowl of tonkotsu ramen and some eel sushi. The noodles were average. But the broth was rich, and the ingredients were fresh. Watching Sophia eat so properly, Olivia couldn't resist teasing her. "The belly cut is so fatty. It melts in your mouth. Sure you won't try it?" Sophia shook her head firmly. "You know me. Raw food is never an option." "After all these years, you really haven't changed a bit." Olivia had long noticed how stubborn Sophia was about her likes and dislikes. "I've been so busy lately, I haven't even had time for a manicure. My hands are rough." She sighed, her tone resigned. "My dad keeps pushing me to go on blind dates. And my mom doesn't stop him; she just joins in the plotting." "It's not like they can't afford to keep me. Why the rush?" "Even my workaholic cousin isn't married. Why should I be in a hurry…" Mentioning Alexander Laurent made Sophia's mind wander. They were neighbors, but both were busy with their own lives. Aside from him bringing her a sandwich that one time, she hadn't seen him in days. Olivia didn't notice her distraction. She took a bite of sushi and remembered something. "How did it go with my brother and Professor Watson?" Sophia swallowed her soup before answering. "The professor saved a spot for me. I just have to pass the entrance exam this year." Olivia clapped. "Brilliant! I love seeing you so motivated!" "As a reward, I'm taking you somewhere this weekend." Sophia looked up. "Where?" "It's a secret." ... After the meal, Sophia insisted on returning to the library. Olivia drove her back. She finished two more practice tests. When she looked up, it was already dusk. The setting sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing her in a warm, golden light. Sophia stretched her arms and began packing her books. The closing announcement played right on time. She picked up her bag and left. The sunset painted the sky in layers of red, like a spilled palette. Sophia walked slowly, pondering what to have for dinner. Without realizing it, she arrived at her building. A dark figure suddenly entered her line of sight. Lab data had errors. Alexander Laurent had been working nonstop for days. The results were still unsatisfactory. The co-lead was a middle-aged man who had been on the project since its inception. He looked worried. "The initial data was positive. The process was smooth. How could there be an error?" Alexander frowned slightly. "Experimentation is about trial and error. The result isn't the only metric." "But erroneous data means a wrong direction. We've repeated it dozens of times. Isn't a week enough to see that?" The man ventured cautiously, "Since we can't proceed, maybe we should cut our losses? A different direction might be better?" Alexander's gaze sharpened. "Are you afraid of failure, or do you prefer the profit-driven approach Professor Zhu proposed?" He adjusted his glasses. "Physics has its own rhythm. It doesn't stop just because you say so." The man looked embarrassed. "I was just making a suggestion…" The conversation ended awkwardly. Alexander turned and saw Sophia smiling and waving. "Long time no see, neighbor." They walked back side by side. Sophia avoided sensitive topics, making casual conversation. "Thanks for last time. My practice has been going much smoother lately." Alexander didn't take credit. "You have good intuition. Have you contacted the professor recently?" Sophia looked down, stepping on loose pebbles. "We've spoken on the phone a few times. She's recovering well and should be back at school soon." Alexander nodded. "Good. She's never been one to sit still." The sky grew darker. A bicycle wobbled toward them. Sophia happened to step on a loose tile. She lost her balance and was about to collide. Alexander quickly grabbed her wrist. With a gentle pull, he moved her to his side, away from danger. "Are you okay?" His fingertips were warm, firmly holding her wrist through her thin sleeve. The heat traveled up her arm, making Sophia's ears burn. "I'm fine. Thank you." They were too close. Their breaths almost mingled. Sophia took half a step back. Alexander let go of her wrist. The rest of the walk was silent. They said goodbye at their doors. Behind her closed door, the scene replayed in her mind. The warmth of his fingers, his faint minty scent, his deep, unreadable eyes… Sophia looked down and rubbed her wrist. The skin there still felt warm. ... Returning from the lab and the argument left Alexander feeling uncomfortable. He changed into slippers and prepared to shower. He picked up his phone to order takeout. A shopping app notification suddenly popped up—a pair of bear slippers, priced at $9.99. He paused. That's what Sophia was wearing the last time he visited. Her toes were small and round. The dark slippers made her skin look snow-white. He suddenly remembered that moment earlier. Her wrist was so small he could circle it with one hand. And the skin there seemed even whiter. ... Sunday brought blazing sunshine. Isabella Langley chose a light green floral dress with a ruffled hem. It was fresh and artistic. She spent an hour on a full face of makeup, perfect and precise. Her upper bunkmate teased her. "No sleeping in on the weekend? Up so early? And all dressed up. Someone's lucky to have a date with you." Ever since photos of Isabella kissing Ethan Roscente at the school gate spread, the whole campus knew she was taken. Another girl chimed in. "It must be Mr. Roscente! Isabella, it's your birthday today. He must have a surprise planned, right?" Isabella put on her sunflower earrings. Her heart was full of anticipation, but her words were modest. "I'm not sure. Maybe?" Her roommate wanted to ask more. She checked the time and hurriedly grabbed her bag and changed shoes. "I'll tell you later. I have to go!" </body></html>

Chapter 16: Chapter 16

1,023 words