Chapter 373

At six in the morning, Evelyn Langley opened her eyes.

She washed up efficiently and straightened her collar in the mirror. Today was graduate school orientation, so she’d deliberately chosen a light blue shirt—professional and polished.

A line had already formed outside the registrar’s office.

After verifying her documents, Evelyn hurried to the department office. Sunlight streamed through the windows, making her squint.

"All settled?" her advisor asked, handing her a class schedule.

"Yes." Evelyn nodded. "The opening ceremony isn’t until tomorrow."

She checked her watch—only ten in the morning. The perk of not living on campus meant no luggage to haul, leaving her afternoon unexpectedly free.

The hallway of the Informatics building was quiet.

Gregory Hill was grading papers when a knock made him look up, his glasses nearly sliding off. "Evelyn?" He stood in surprise. "What a rare visit!"

"Just checking in," she said with a smile. "Wouldn’t want someone accusing me of being ungrateful."

"Nonsense!" He feigned sternness before faltering. "I was just... making full use of academic resources!" he muttered, adjusting his glasses.

They chatted for half an hour before Evelyn’s phone buzzed.

"Professor Roland?" She answered to a warm female voice.

Gregory rolled his eyes. "Knew it was her," he grumbled under his breath. "Like a mother hen."

Eleanor Roland’s office door was slightly ajar.

Evelyn was about to push it open when she heard voices inside. She withdrew her hand and knocked three times.

"Come in." Eleanor beckoned. "Perfect timing—meet your labmates."

Two people were already seated inside. A lanky boy in a black sweater, his pale skin accentuated by the dark fabric, was flipping through notes. A round-faced girl beamed the moment Evelyn entered.

"Liam Kalmien, Hannah Flores," Eleanor introduced. "This is Evelyn Langley."

After brief greetings, Eleanor sighed. "There’s something you should know." She rubbed her temples. "I’ve requested to stop taking new students."

Evelyn’s chest tightened.

"You three will be the last group I mentor." Eleanor’s gaze lingered on Evelyn for an extra second.

A ringing phone shattered the silence.

After Eleanor stepped out, the office was so quiet they could hear the hum of the AC.

"Cookie?" Hannah suddenly produced a tin. "Homemade."

Evelyn took one. "Thanks." She took a bite. "You’re from Guangdong?"

"Wow!" Hannah’s eyes widened. "How’d you know?"

Evelyn blinked. "Lucky guess?"

"You’re amazing, Evelyn!" Hannah gushed.

Liam, who’d been silent, finally looked up. "I guessed too."

Hannah’s cookie clattered onto the table.