Chapter 31

Nathan's brow arched slightly.

"Dare to register my fingerprint?" Chloe pointed at the door lock, her eyes rimmed red like a rain-soaked puppy. "I've waited for you here so many times. Look at these mosquito bites on my arms and legs..."

She counted the red marks on her skin, her voice trembling with pitiful grievance.

Nathan sighed softly. "I can't bear it."

"Perfect!" Chloe instantly brightened. "Honestly, I just want to visit you openly."

The man chuckled. "Still acting like a child..."

He lowered his head to register her fingerprint.

Remembering the millet congee she'd brought and the rash covering her skin, Nathan pulled a card from his wallet. "Supplementary card. Monthly limit of $100K. Buy whatever you like."

Chloe shook her head frantically. "No, I can't—"

"Take it." His tone brooked no argument. "My woman spends my money. That's how it should be."

"Then... fine." Her eyes sparkled. "I'll bring you more congee tomorrow!"

"No need." Nathan's voice was flat.

If it didn't taste like memory, drinking it was pointless.

......

Outside the library, Evelyn closed her notebook.

Ryan truly lived up to his reputation as the former double champion—his study notes hit every key point. She'd wanted to treat him as thanks, but his roommate had called him away, so they rescheduled for tomorrow.

The June wind carried waves of sweltering heat.

Stepping into her apartment, the AC instantly dispelled the summer's oppression. Evelyn opened the fridge, retrieving broccoli, asparagus, and ribs.

No matter how busy life got, one should always eat well.

As garlic broccoli sizzled in the pan, a faint rustling came from outside. She peeked out to find the cleaning lady tidying the hallway.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the library precisely on time, carrying soy milk and fried dough sticks.

Ryan accepted the breakfast awkwardly. "This is too much..."

"Reciprocity." She smiled, heading toward their usual window-side spot.

Sunlight spilled through the glass onto the textbook pages. Evelyn's focused profile resembled a still-life painting—until her peripheral vision caught Chloe approaching alone. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Chloe's gaze prickled like needles against her back.

The pen scratched softly across paper. Evelyn never looked up. Her page-turns were featherlight, the fall of her hair perfectly poised.

Even Chloe had to admit the silhouette was breathtaking.

Was this why Nathan couldn't forget her?

Clenching her pen, Chloe recalled that day at the haunted house—Nathan shaking off her hand, sprinting toward Evelyn without a backward glance.

But now she was the official girlfriend.

She couldn't lose.