SWNOVELS Chapter 26
Cindy's soft face visibly stiffened after hearing my response. She couldn't seem to find any words to say for a long while.
Bruce, who was standing next to her, couldn't bear to watch and gave me a slight glance before saying, "You are who you are. You don't need to learn from anyone else."
When Bruce said "anyone else", his sharp gaze landed on my face. His implication was clear.
Cindy looked at him with surprise and delight, her eyelashes fluttering. She seemed to be moved. Not wanting to waste time on this romantic drama, I said goodbye to them and turned to leave. Eventually, I found the dry cleaner's that Cindy had mentioned.
At 3:00 pm, I received a call from the dry cleaner's owner, informing me that the suit was ready.
After a moment's hesitation, I dialed Douglas' number.
The call was quickly answered, and I heard Douglas' muffled voice asking, "Nancy, is something wrong?"
He sounded nervous.
It occurred to me that this call might be ill-timed, so I said apologetically, "Are you free tonight? Your jacket is ready, and I'll bring it over."
"Yes," Douglas replied decisively. "How about after 6:00 pm?"
"Alright."
After setting the time, I arrived at Nicox University with the suit jacket in hand.
Even though it had only been two years, being in this place where Bruce and I had spent our youth gave me a sense of being in a different world. Outside the teaching building, Douglas, wearing a light brown trench coat, walked toward me. He panted slightly. "Have you been waiting long?" "No." I handed over the suit jacket and asked, "I hope I didn't disturb your work?"
Douglas gave me a disapproving look and said, "Have you been coding until you're confused? It's quitting time now."
I thought it would be rude to leave just like that, so I said, "Well then, Douglas, let me treat you to dinner."
Douglas smiled happily. "I'd love to."
To my surprise, Douglas led me to the student cafeteria.
"Mushroom chicken?"
I was a little surprised. That was my favorite dish during my college days-affordable, with a generous portion. But how did Douglas know? As we sat down, Douglas even got me an extra cup of hot milk.
"Douglas, are you trying to save money for me?"
Douglas handed me disposable cutlery and said, "Not really. I've just been craving this dish for a while."
Seeing that I was silent, he reminded me, "Make sure you finish your food and your milk, alright?"
Suddenly, a memory flashed through
my mind. During our college years, Douglas always held a disciplinary book and urged everyone to do morning exercises, earning him the Doug"
playful nickname "Mammm the
from our classmates. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Douglas looked at me confusedly, and I explained, "I just remembered your glorious history of taking care of our classmates."
As soon as I finished speaking, Douglas suddenly flicked my forehead lightly. "Nancy Fisher, focus on your meal."
After the meal, I headed back to the office. When I stepped inside, I unexpectedly ran into Bruce.
I quickly took a step back, but I could hear the icy tone in his voice as he asked, "Done with your date?"
Date? I was confused.
།
Just then, Cindy walked out with a shoulder bag. When she saw me, her eyes flickered before she smiled and said 'Nance, are you dating O Professor Irvin?"
She was calling Douglas "Professor Irvin." But why the sudden change in address?
"We..."
"I get it," Cindy interrupted before I
could finish and winked at me. "It's
Gel
been a hot topic on the forum,
saying that you and Professor Irvin
are a match made in heaven."
I didn't know how my visit to Nicox University turned into such a rumor, but considering Douglas, I still explained, "Douglas and I are just friends."