Chapter 339

"Go straight down this path. There are signs every fifty meters." Adrian Klein pointed ahead. "The north campus has a circular layout. The left leads to Diligence Hall, and the right goes to the library."

William Langley memorized the route carefully, nodding occasionally.

As the trio reached the stairwell, they nearly collided with Evelyn Langley coming upstairs.

"Mom? Dad?" She blinked in surprise. "It's about to rain outside..."

Her gaze landed on Adrian, and she froze. "Professor?"

Victoria Langley quickly explained the situation.

Evelyn immediately thanked Adrian.

The man simply waved it off. "No trouble at all."

On the way back, William enthusiastically extended an invitation. "Adrian, you should come over for dinner sometime. I'll cook!"

Victoria chimed in agreement.

This family shared an identical habit of inviting people to meals—though their motivations differed.

William wanted to show off his culinary skills.

Victoria was just being hospitable.

Evelyn genuinely enjoyed cooking and wanted someone to share it with.

Adrian's gaze flickered toward the girl before he readily accepted.

The moment they stepped inside, Victoria teased her husband. "Look at you, preening like a peacock. Can't wait to flaunt your cooking."

William grinned proudly. "Good skills deserve an audience!"

"Vain!"

Evelyn changed her slippers and asked casually, "Dad, when did you and the professor get so close?"

"You wouldn't understand." William's eyes sparkled. "Adrian and I both study physics and love chess. We hit it off."

Victoria mercilessly exposed him. "He just wanted someone to discuss his paper with."

William was the only physics expert in the household.

Back when Evelyn lived at home, she'd humor his ramblings. Now he lacked even that.

Until Adrian came along.

"Adrian is truly exceptional," William remarked sincerely.

Victoria joked, "Why don't you two become sworn brothers? Make the academic exchanges easier."

William actually considered it seriously.

Two days later, he suddenly brought up the dinner invitation again. "Evelyn, did you invite Adrian?"

"Huh?" She stared blankly. "I thought that was just politeness?"

"Since when do we break promises?" William scowled before turning to his wife with an ingratiating smile. "Right, honey?"

Evelyn watched her father's rapid mood shift with exasperation.

"This task falls to you." William patted his daughter's shoulder. "We'll go buy groceries."

He promptly dragged Victoria out the door.

Leaving Evelyn standing there in bewilderment.