Chris’ expression dimmed and he bowed his head to look at the equipment. “Change is a constant. We’ll never know what happens next. You should prioritize your studies for now. Do you have any questions about the experiment just now? If you do, you may ask me.”
Nina fell silent.
Did Mr. Sanders just decline my invitation? Is he not willing to work with me to develop a new skincare product? But why not?
Right when she wanted to inquire further, the roaring sound of thunder distracted them.
“Nina, I’m afraid it will be raining cats and dogs later. Why don’t I take you home now?”
“It’s fine, I don’t feel like going home just yet. My driver will be here to pick me up when the class ends.”
Chris hesitated for a while and stopped pursuing the matter. He then handed over a reference book to Nina. “Take a look at this book, it might come in handy in the near future.”
Nodding, Nina packed up the equipment and put them back one by one. After cleaning up the working desk, she sat down to read.
With a book in his hand, Chris sat opposite her. No one spoke a word. The room fell into a state of pin-drop silence.
Within moments, whooshing sounds of a rainstorm filled the room. Nina continued to bury her head in the book as if she heard nothing. Chris withdrew his gaze from the window and fixed it on Nina. Her small face looks so fair and proud, hinting at her headstrong personality. And the way she would draw and write from time to time, with the pen in between her slender fingers… She seems to be indulging in the ocean of knowledge.
Following a thunderous rumble, the wind blasted as the rain got heavier. Chris could feel a chill settling in. He grabbed his own jacket and covered Nina.
Smelling the man’s unique scent from the jacket, Nina looked up and gave him a thin smile. “Thank you, Mr. Sanders.”
“You’re welcome. Carry on with your reading then.”
“All right.” Nina’s heart skipped a beat. This is an amazing feeling. It feels really wonderful to be cared for.
Half an hour had passed and the driver of the Seet family came to pick up Nina.
She returned the jacket to Chris. “Mr. Sanders, there’s a faint floral cum fruity scent on your jacket. It smells really good, giving people a very comforting and warm feeling.”
“You like the scent? I made this cologne myself. If you like it, I can make you one that’s for ladies.”
“Really? Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it. I’ll bring you a bottle in our next class. In the future, you can learn how to customize your own fragrance.”
“I’d love to learn that. Thanks again, Mr. Sanders.”
Nina left with her driver. During the journey home, she could not help sniffing her clothes to inhale the calming scent.
Back at Imperial Garden, Nicole and Evan were watching the rain on the balcony and chit-chatting away.
“Daddy, Mommy, I’m home.”
Nicole saw that Nina’s clothes and hair were a little wet. “Go take a hot bath, Nina. Get changed so that you don’t catch a cold.”
“All right, Mommy. You have a sweet time with Daddy then. Haha.” With that, she darted upstairs.
Nicole felt something was off with Nina and nudged Evan. “Did you notice the changes in your daughter?”
“Changes? In terms of what?” Evan frowned and looked towards the direction of the staircase.
“She used to look exactly like you, always wearing a cold face. But look at her now. She seems to be more active and down-to-earth. She’s actually smiling more often. I’ve caught her giggling for no apparent reason too. That look she has…”
Evan interrupted her, “Being active is good. She’s still a child and it’s totally normal for girls her age to be laughing and crying as they learn how to express themselves freely.”
