Chapter 39

Noelle had always found Cedric mysterious. Cedric answered her question directly: "Yes, he and I are friends. The house you're currently living in belongs to him." Friends were meant to be used as shields, after all.

Cedric turned to enter the private room as a waiter approached respectfully. "Mr. Greene, here is the menu."

"Hand it to her," Cedric said, settling into his chair. He reclined lazily, revealing an inch of his arm.

Noelle didn't take the menu. Instead, she said, "You can just serve a few of your signature dishes."

She had been here once in her past life and knew the restaurant didn't have a fixed menu. They rotated their offerings daily. However, the waiter presenting Cedric with a menu suggested his friend's identity was extraordinary.

At that moment, Noelle's phone vibrated. It was Frank. She ignored the call, but he quickly texted: "Noelle, that restaurant has closed its doors and cleared out its customers for some urgent reason. We're waiting outside in the parking lot. Where are you?"

Noelle was confused. The restaurant was clearly still operating. She considered that Cedric might have asked his wealthy friend for a favor.

After considering this, she replied, "You guys can take your leave first."

Frank questioned her location, but she ignored his further messages.

Looking up, she met Cedric's dark gaze. He asked, "Was that your brother, Frank?"

"Yeah. He just left."

"Alright. We'll be able to enjoy our meal now." Cedric remained calm, as if nothing unusual had happened.

Noelle found the situation strange. She wondered if he really was just a doctor. He didn't seem so simple.

However, she dismissed her thoughts, believing she was overthinking. If Cedric had a strong background, why would he work as a high school doctor? Perhaps he'd only asked his friend for a favor to help her. She couldn't help but ask, "What did you say to Frank just now?"

Cedric placed his hand on the table. "We simply exchanged a few words."

She had seen Frank's dark expression. Cedric's back was to her, so she couldn't see his, but their interaction didn't seem casual.

After a moment, Noelle said, "Sir, I know you're being kind, but we're in Aldoria. If Frank targets you, he might make things difficult."

She didn't want to involve others in her problems.

He asked, "So, are you planning to move back home?"

Noelle smiled. "That's right. I only have a few more days. I'll be free after my exams."

She wished she were a novel protagonist, whose life would be smooth sailing after a second chance. Reality was harsher than anticipated.

In her past life, she'd depended on her brothers. Now, she wanted independence. To achieve this, she needed a reputable university and to build her own future.

Seeing her smile, Cedric knew she had plans. He held back what he wanted to say, understanding he had no right to interfere.

After eating, Cedric asked, "What else do you want to do?" Noelle considered, then said, "I want to play the game and grind dungeons." Grinding dungeons was her current stress reliever.

As Cedric stood, Noelle observed his tall figure. Remembering seeing him with a beautiful woman earlier, she asked, "Why are you here today? Were you planning to have a meal with someone?"

Cedric paused by the elevator. "I had something to take care of."

Noelle pursed her lips. Was it really just that? A date could be considered important.

Realizing her emotions were skewed, she composed herself. The man she had feelings for was her online lover from her past life, the one who would appear after her college entrance exam.

Cedric treated her well. He might have felt sympathy initially, but had given her considerable help. She couldn't let their relationship become awkward or complicated.