Lionel said, “Are you conducting a background check? Besides, Mimi probably doesn’t know much about his private life. What’s the point of asking her? Next time, just ask Paul directly.”

Mindy actually nodded. “Alright, next time I’ll ask him directly if there’s an opportunity.”

“Wait… are you serious?” Lionel was surprised.

Mindy rolled her eyes. “Mimi, do you have any sugar cubes?”

“Yes, I’ll get it,” Miranda said, standing up and heading toward the kitchen.

Once their daughter had left, Mindy turned to Lionel and said, “Mimi lives alone, and this Dr. Jefferson is her next-door neighbor. They seem to have a good relationship. Of course, I need to ask a few questions and make sure I know what’s going on.”

“That’s true,” Lionel agreed, grinning. “My wife is always thorough. Hehe…”

Mindy shot him a glare. “Don’t cozy up to me. If our daughter comes out and sees us, what would she think?”

“Ahem!” Lionel immediately sat up straight. “Okay, I’ll behave.”

The room had already been prepared well in advance. Miranda even got her parents a new bed. The bedsheets and duvet cover were freshly purchased, washed, dried, and neatly arranged.

“Mom, Dad, you should rest for a bit and take a nap. Later, I’ll take you out for a walk. You’ve been to Elgerson a few times but never really had a proper chance to enjoy it. This time, I’ll make it up to you.”

Lionel and Mindy had visited Elgerson before. Over her four years in college, they had come a total of three times.

The first time was when she started as a freshman, bringing her for registration.

The second time was when they heard she had a boyfriend. They were worried and decided to visit during Lionel’s summer break, intending to meet Hansel.

They stayed for three days. Miranda accompanied them on the first two days, but Hansel only showed up on the third day. He even excused himself after a rushed meal, saying he had work to do.

The third time was for Miranda’s graduation ceremony.

They came to the city full of joy to witness one of the most important milestones in their daughter’s life, only to learn from others that she had voluntarily given up her combined Master’s and Doctorate program to pursue what they considered a ridiculous notion of love.

Lionel was deeply disappointed in his daughter. Mindy also found it hard to understand.

In the end, things had escalated to a bitter conclusion—a declaration to sever ties and have no further contact.

The first two visits hadn’t been pleasant experiences, so they both hoped this time would go smoothly.

While her parents were resting, Miranda went to the market to buy fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits—things that Mindy and Lionel both enjoyed.

As for towels and slippers, she had already prepared them in advance.

When dinner was ready, Miranda went to wake her parents. Mindy raised an eyebrow at the sight of the spread on the table. “Not bad. You’ve truly inherited my skills.”

Lionel muttered under his breath, “It’s clearly my skills she inherited… How did it become yours?”

Mindy pretended not to hear him. After all, he didn’t dare say it any louder.

Miranda handed them the cutlery and sat down. “Shall we start?”

Mindy couldn’t wait any longer. Lionel took a couple of bites as well and nodded repeatedly. “My daughter’s cooking talent is obviously from me…”

Mindy didn’t even bother to respond at that point.

After dinner, the family took a stroll around Bedford College.

It was early evening, the sun was setting, and the sky was painted with fiery clouds.

The blend of orange and bright gold created a scene as beautiful as an oil painting. Although it was summer break, there were still plenty of students moving about the campus.

Miranda led her parents down the trumpet trees avenue, past the North Gate, and toward the library. The moment Lionel saw the vast collection of books, he was rooted to the spot.

It took Mindy tugging on his arm to finally pull him away, though he reluctantly left, turning back every few steps.

Even after they returned home, Lionel couldn’t stop thinking about it. He hadn’t yet set foot in Bedford College’s library.

Back when he was an undergraduate at Queenstone College, he was sensitive and insecure as he came from a rural background. His days were filled with nothing but studying and sleeping—he neither had the time nor the money to explore leisurely.

Before bed, he turned to Mindy and said, “Maybe tomorrow, you could come with me to see the library again?”

Mindy, knowing well that his love for books had been ignited, agreed without hesitation.