Chapter 0214

Paul had just finished his class and rushed over from the lecture hall, still holding his teaching materials.

“Bryan and Miranda just had a speed calculation contest, and the deal was that the loser would treat us,” Sandy explained. “Well, someone lost, and now we’re deciding where to eat tonight.”

Paul glanced around the group, noticing Miranda’s bright smile and the cheerful atmosphere. It seemed like all the barriers had vanished, and she had truly become part of the team.

A small smile formed on Paul’s face as well. “Alright, then let’s finish up early today and let Bryan treat us.”

“Huh?” Sandy asked, somewhat puzzled. “Dr. Jefferson, I haven’t even mentioned who lost. How did you know Bryan’s going to be the one paying?”

Paul responded, “Was it not Bryan who lost?”

Sandy sighed, “Yes, he did.”

Bryan groaned internally, feeling utterly defeated.

Sandy then casually asked, “Lizzy, are you joining us?”

“No,” Elizabeth curtly replied.

That evening, they ended up eating at a nearby food truck. Despite Sandy being the most vocal about wanting to be treated, when it came to picking a place, she thoughtfully considered Bryan’s situation.

Bryan came from a modest background. His parents were farmers who had spent their life savings to support his education until he graduated with a PhD. Only recently had his financial situation begun to improve after he joined the research team.

Still, he sent money back home every month, so his budget remained tight.

The food truck was inexpensive and offered good food, making it a practical choice. While it wasn’t as upscale as the restaurant Paul had chosen last time, it was full of life and character, and everyone enjoyed the meal.

On the way back, Paul kept his eyes on the road while expertly steering the wheel. Miranda was seated in the passenger seat beside him.

Every time he glanced sideways, he could catch a glimpse of her eyes. They were bright and sparkling like black onyx, brimming with excitement.

Paul chuckled and asked, “Are you really that happy?”

Miranda nodded. “Yes, I’m really happy. Just now, when Sandy said goodbye, she even said that she’ll see me tomorrow. And Dr. Quinton just gave me his treasured set of speed calculation notes without hesitation. So I’m really, really happy today.”

Miranda had never voiced her feelings about the group’s earlier aloofness, but she had always been keenly aware of it.

As adults, they hadn’t made it too obvious, but she still felt the subtle ways she was treated differently. Yet today, Miranda sensed that the gap between her and the group had closed significantly.

Paul stopped at the red light. When he turned his head, he caught a glimpse of Miranda’s sparkling eyes, which seemed to hold an entire galaxy within them.

Instinctively, he reached out and patted her head gently.

“You did great. I saw everything,” he said, his touch light and without pressure. His smile was kind, and his deep voice was soothing.

Miranda looked up sharply, meeting his gaze. For a moment, she held her breath and then quickly averted her eyes, brushing her fingers over her now-reddened ear as if to hide her fluster.

Paul also realized how the gesture might have seemed a bit too intimate, so he pulled back his hand calmly. His expression remained unchanged, as if it had just been a simple gesture of encouragement from a professor to a student.

Yet only he knew that the soft, tingling sensation of that touch still lingered in his palm.

Suddenly, the honking of car horns snapped them back to reality.

Miranda whispered, “The light’s green now, Dr. Jefferson…”

“Oh!” Paul responded, startled. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” He released the brake and resumed driving.

Just then, Miranda noticed something odd and asked, “Dr. Jefferson, why is your face red?”

She wasn’t exaggerating; Paul’s face was visibly flushing a deep red, noticeable even in the dim light of the car.