Chapter 293

Ethan Winston's sudden appearance caught Evelyn Langley completely off guard.

As Professor Eleanor Roland finished speaking, a tall figure emerged leisurely from the study.

Evelyn's pupils contracted slightly.

"Let me introduce," Professor Roland said with a smile, "This is Professor Gregory Hill's prized student, Ethan Winston."

The man's lips curved slightly as he extended his hand toward her. "Long time no see, junior."

"You..." Evelyn's voice tightened. "You're Professor Hill's student?"

"What? Don't I look the part?"

"..."

Professor Roland's gaze shifted between them. "You two know each other?"

Ethan nodded. "We do."

And for quite some time now...

"Well then," Professor Roland chuckled, "Since you're already acquainted, why don't you both stay for dinner?"

Ethan responded politely, "We'd be honored."

Evelyn had already planned to stay for the evening meal.

The dining table was set with several home-style dishes, two of which happened to be Evelyn's favorites.

Without drawing attention, Ethan yielded the seat closest to those dishes to her, taking the adjacent spot for himself.

Professor Roland noticed this exchange and raised an eyebrow meaningfully.

Evelyn remained oblivious, assuming the housekeeper had remembered her preferences. She thought gratefully: The housekeeper still recalls my tastes!

"How old are you, Ethan?" Professor Roland inquired suddenly.

"Twenty-eight. Year of the Dog."

"Starting an investment firm at such a young age is impressive."

Ethan shook his head modestly. "Only with family support. The company just stabilized in recent years."

"Compared to business, I have greater respect for scholars like you and Professor Hill—willing to endure solitude for research."

Professor Roland laughed. "For those passionate about science, it's hardly solitude. Isn't that right, Evelyn?"

"Mmm." Evelyn nodded.

The laboratory, free from scheming and politics, offered purity and simplicity—a genuine comfort.

At least for her and Professor Roland.

Ethan looked enlightened. "How narrow-minded of me. No wonder Professor Hill always called me too worldly for academia."

"Hahaha... Did he really say that?"

"Word for word," Ethan admitted ruefully. "Said it right in front of me and my parents."

"Hahahaha... That sounds exactly like him."

With his polished conversation skills, Ethan soon had Professor Roland laughing heartily.

After dinner, Evelyn volunteered to help clear the table.

To her surprise, Ethan also rolled up his sleeves and entered the kitchen.

"Surprised?" Ethan noticed her gaze as he scraped leftovers into the trash.

Evelyn answered honestly, "A little."

The man chuckled. "Do I really seem so detached from reality in your eyes?"

"You used to."

"..."

The Nathan Evans she knew never set foot in the kitchen. Birds of a feather, so she'd assumed the same of Ethan.

"That's prejudice!" Ethan protested.

Yet the evidence proved his culinary skills were indeed rusty.

Watching him squeeze dish soap onto every single plate, Evelyn hesitated to speak.

"Wrong?" Ethan looked genuinely puzzled. "When I cooked abroad, this was how I always washed dishes..."