Chapter 36

Ingrid set an alarm for 7:00 a.m., but struggled to wake up. Realizing she was late, she and Abigail rushed over.

"Which floor?" Miranda asked, glancing at Ingrid.

In contrast to Miranda's calmness, Ingrid, disheveled from her sprint, gritted her teeth. "The second floor."

They exited the elevator simultaneously. Ingrid then noticed something. Seeing postgraduate program materials in Miranda's arms, she asked, with a strange look, "Why are you studying at the library? Are you planning to take the combined Master's and Doctorate program entrance exam?"

Miranda remained indifferent, saying nothing.

Ingrid continued, "So many current students fail the exam. You graduated years ago. Don't tell me you actually think you can get in?"

"Whether I get in is irrelevant. When you mention current students failing, are you referring to yourself?"

Ingrid was taken aback. A junior in university, she hadn't considered her career path yet. She was preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam, but wasn't in a hurry, as she had a year left. Some roommates had already developed study plans. After several years of study, she only had a superficial grasp of her major. If she got in, she'd pursue a Master's degree. If not, she still had Hansel's money.

Therefore, Miranda's words stung.

"Do you think everyone is like you? To me, it doesn't matter whether I get in or not. Hansel will give me anything I want."

Miranda showed no interest in continuing the conversation. "Oh, really? Well, I hope you remain this confident."

With that, she ran after Solomon, who had moved ahead with the crowd.

Abigail watched Miranda leave, then looked at the furious Ingrid. "Ingy, who is that?" she asked.

"Just a stranger I've met a couple of times. Let's go. Weren't we going to book a table?" Ingrid mumbled.

As they walked, she suddenly remembered something. "Do you know how to make pumpkin soup?"

"No, but there are plenty of online tutorials. You can look them up."

Ingrid immediately downloaded a recipe app. She spent the entire morning researching, neglecting the book she'd brought. Abigail considered scolding her, but knowing Ingrid was dating a wealthy man and didn't need to worry about her future, she refrained.

At noon, they left the library. Ingrid went straight to the supermarket and bought pots, pans, and pumpkins. Abigail was puzzled.

"From today on, I'm going to become 'wife material'," Ingrid declared. "Miranda isn't the only one who can make pumpkin soup!"

This silenced Abigail.

The moon was high, but city lights shone brightly. Hansel, exhausted from work, was dropped off at his mansion by Dan. As he exited the car, Ingrid enthusiastically rushed into his arms. "Dear, I've been waiting for you! You're finally back!"

Hansel stumbled back, then gestured for Dan to leave. "When did you get here?"

"This afternoon. Do you work this late every day? You must be tired. Let me give you a massage," Ingrid offered, reaching for him.

Hansel deftly avoided her. "I'm not tired. Why are you here?"

Ingrid pursed her lips, picked up an insulated bag, and took out a small bowl of pumpkin soup. "Didn't you say you wanted pumpkin soup the other day? I made it myself. Try it."

Hansel frowned, unlocked the door with his fingerprint, and glanced at her. "Come in."

This was the first time Ingrid had been allowed inside his mansion since they started dating.

(The final line, "BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you," appears to be unrelated and likely spam.)