Chapter 27

The days of exam preparation were monotonous yet fulfilling. Surprisingly, Evelyn found herself adapting well to this rhythm.

As night fell, she had just set down her pen to take a break when her phone vibrated abruptly.

The caller ID showed Prof. Eleanor Roland.

"How's your revision progress?" The professor's voice came through the receiver.

Evelyn gave a brief update on her recent studies.

After listening, Eleanor simply hummed in acknowledgment, seemingly pleased with her discipline.

"Come to my place tomorrow morning," the professor suddenly said.

The call ended abruptly, as if fearing her refusal.

Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains.

Evelyn tied on an apron and busied herself in the kitchen. The millet congee she'd simmered overnight emitted an enticing aroma. She packed an extra portion without thinking.

The neighboring apartment had remained silent all night—Adrian must have pulled another all-nighter at the lab.

As she opened her door, she nearly collided with the man who had just returned.

Two weeks had passed since she last saw him. His shirt collar was slightly wrinkled, faint shadows beneath his eyes.

"Freshly made millet congee," she offered a thermos. "Added some pumpkin—good for the stomach."

Adrian's fingertips felt cool as he accepted it.

"Thanks." His voice sounded hoarse.

"I never properly thanked you for bringing me home last time." Her eyes curved into crescents.

"Just happened to be going that way." His tone remained neutral as his gaze dropped to her bag. "Heading out?"

"The professor needs to see me." She checked her watch. "I should get going."

As she turned, she heard him murmur, "Smells good."

The golden millet congee in the thermos was perfectly soft, the pumpkin's sweetness just right. Stirring it slowly, Adrian felt some of his post-all-nighter fatigue begin to fade.

The subway during morning rush hour was a sea of people.

Evelyn barely managed to squeeze out, her hair disheveled. Straightening her collar, she hurried toward the professor's residential complex.

The security guard recognized her and waved her through.

When she rang the doorbell, a stranger answered.

"It's you?" The young man's eyes widened in surprise.

Ryan Clementson found the girl familiar, then remembered—she was the one who'd stopped him at the campus gates asking about the professor's health.

Before Evelyn could speak, Eleanor's voice called from inside.

Carrying freshly purchased water chestnut cakes, she stepped into the foyer. The sweet fragrance immediately filled the air.