Chapter 170

Miranda worried that the books wouldn't arrive in time for Mindy's birthday. Fortunately, they were delivered the day before.

Mindy lovingly held the books. "How did you know I've been looking for this set of classics?"

"You've mentioned them so many times, it would be hard not to know," Miranda teased, raising an eyebrow.

Mindy huffed. "Well, you're the one who stayed away from home so long. Thank you, my dear. I really love this gift."

She hugged Miranda warmly, smiling. Her gaze was gentle as she stroked her daughter's hair. "I remember you always kept your hair long. Why did you cut it?"

Miranda leaned against her and said playfully, "Do I not look good with short hair?"

"You look beautiful with long or short hair!" Mindy replied confidently.

A smile spread across Miranda's face as she snuggled closer. "Since the written test is done, you'll have the interviews next, right? Shouldn't you return to Elgerson City soon?" Mindy asked.

Miranda paused before murmuring, "Yeah."

Mindy chuckled. "I knew all along we couldn't keep you in Lumberville. Now that you've grown up, you need to spread your wings. Go and do what you want to do."

Miranda's eyelashes fluttered. She whispered, "This time, I won't disappoint you both."

Lionel, busy cooking in the kitchen, saw his wife and daughter whispering together. Holding a spatula, he called out, "What secrets are you two sharing? Wash your hands—it's time to eat!"

"We're coming!"

The next day, Miranda boarded the bullet train back to Elgerson City. Her house felt cold and dusty after her few weeks away.

She put down her luggage and checked the fish in her tank. Luckily, Maroon and Ebony were still alive. Smiling, she fed them.

Then, she checked the succulents on her balcony. They were thriving, even after being without water for so long.

Miranda turned on the floor heating and cleaned the entire house. Next, she changed the bedsheets and the sofa cover. The soft, fluffy pink cover felt incredibly comfortable.

It was nearly 6:00 p.m. when she finished.

Too tired to go out for groceries, Miranda ordered delivery from a nearby store. Then, she leisurely cooked under the warm, cozy kitchen lighting.

Chapter 170

Night fell, and the streetlights outside lit up one after another.

Paul, busy all day in the lab, paused at the entrance to his apartment building and looked up inexplicably. The windows on the seventh floor, dark for over a month, were now lit.

His heart skipped a beat. Paul quickened his pace up the stairs, reaching the stairwell slightly out of breath. Before he could catch his breath, the door across from his apartment opened. A ray of light shone into the hallway, growing brighter as the door swung wide.

Miranda, behind the door, saw him. Surprise lit her eyes like stars. She smiled warmly. "Good evening, Dr. Jefferson."

Her smile was infectious. Paul smiled back. "Good evening. When did you get back?"

"Just today." Miranda paused, wondering how he knew she'd been away.

Paul explained, "I heard from Winter that you went back to your hometown. By the way, congratulations on your high score on the written test."

"Thank you," Miranda replied, smiling. Out of habit, she invited him in. "I've made dinner. Would you like to join me?"

Paul shook his head. "I've already eaten. Maybe next time… We can celebrate after you pass the interview."

Miranda raised an eyebrow and said jokingly, "Are you so sure I'll pass? What if I don't?"