Chapter 28

"Perfect timing. Help me check if these materials are correct." Professor Eleanor Roland adjusted her reading glasses and motioned for her to come closer.

Evelyn Langley set down her bag and approached the desk. Spread across it was an English edition of Genetic Sequencing Technology, a cutting-edge work in bioinformatics.

"I remember this series has a volume specifically about genetic testing. Where did it go?"

Evelyn scanned the bookshelf, her gaze suddenly landing on a blue-covered book. "Professor, is this the one?"

"Yes, yes!" Eleanor tapped her forehead. "Right in front of me, and I searched forever."

"Ryan, come here." The professor beckoned. "Take these materials for reference. Let me know if you need more."

"Thank you, Professor." Ryan Clementson accepted the book.

He was preparing his thesis and had come specifically to borrow original materials from Professor Roland.

Eleanor finally remembered to introduce them. "This is Evelyn Langley, my former star student. Soon to be my student again."

Ryan blinked. "She's applying for your graduate program?"

"Exactly." The professor smiled. "This is Ryan Clementson, a second-year master's student planning for his Ph.D. You two can study together."

Evelyn nodded. "Nice to meet you, Senior. I'm Evelyn Langley."

Ryan pulled out his phone. "Let's exchange contacts. We can discuss any questions."

They swapped numbers. Ryan, rushing to class, left in a hurry.

Evelyn brought out a plate of glistening water chestnut cakes from the kitchen.

"From the shop in East City?" Eleanor's eyes lit up. "You waited in line forever, didn't you?"

"I passed by and grabbed them." Evelyn downplayed it.

The professor saw right through her. "Nonsense. That place has hour-long lines." She pinched Evelyn's cheek. "Don't bother next time. Just come."

Evelyn looped her arm through the older woman's. "It's no trouble. It was quick."

"Stop sweet-talking." Eleanor pulled two practice tests from the shelf. "Do these."

"You called me here just to supervise my test-taking?" Evelyn fake-pouted.

"Less sass, more work."

Evelyn spent the entire day at the professor's home. By evening, she'd cooked a table of her signature dishes and cleaned the kitchen before leaving.

During her nighttime review, her phone buzzed.

Ryan: Library tomorrow?

Evelyn replied: Sure.

The next morning, Ryan was already waiting at the library entrance.

"Had breakfast?" He handed her soy milk and steamed buns.

"Thanks." Evelyn ate quickly, and they entered the library.

As the elevator doors opened, a figure suddenly rushed forward, squeezing in ahead of them.

It was Chloe Valentine and her friend.