Chapter 163

Evelyn Langley almost thought she'd miss Victoria Langley's birthday. Fortunately, the express delivery arrived on time.

Victoria held the collector's edition books with sparkling eyes. "I've been searching for this out-of-print set for three years!"

"You kept mentioning it every time we passed a bookstore." Evelyn tilted her head. "My ears were about to grow calluses."

Victoria huffed. "Who told you not to come home for half a year..." Suddenly, she spread her arms. "Come here."

Evelyn was pulled into a warm embrace. Victoria's fingers combed through her shoulder-length hair. "When did you cut it?"

"Last month." Evelyn nuzzled her mother's shoulder. "Does it look bad?"

"My daughter is beautiful no matter what!" Victoria pinched her cheek. "Have they scheduled your re-examination?"

Evelyn stiffened slightly. "Next week."

The clatter of a spatula came from the kitchen. William Langley poked his head out. "The food's getting cold!"

The next morning, the high-speed train pulled into Boston Station.

The apartment door lock made a grating sound when turned. Two goldfish darted in panic inside the aquarium before happily blowing bubbles upon recognizing their owner.

The succulents on the windowsill had turned red from sun exposure, thriving unexpectedly.

The underfloor heating hummed to life. Evelyn rolled up her sleeves and stripped the dusty curtains, tossing them into the washing machine. The pink velvet sofa covers looked fluffy and soft in the sunlight.

At six in the evening, the grocery delivery rang the doorbell.

As Adrian Klein stepped out of the elevator, the seventh-floor hallway was filled with the aroma of sweet and sour ribs. He paused, gazing at the long-unseen door now glowing with light.

Just as his key touched the lock, a soft click sounded behind him.

"Professor Klein." Evelyn held up a spatula. "Care to taste my cooking?"

The hem of Adrian's lab coat swung as he turned. "Seems I returned at the perfect moment."

"Did Sophia tell you I was coming home today?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Did she also mention my written exam results?"

"Top of the entire department." Adrian accepted the slippers she handed him. "So this is a victory dinner?"

Evelyn made sparks fly with a flick of the wok. "That'll have to wait until I pass the re-examination."

"You will." His voice blended with the sizzling oil. "Just as spring always comes."