Independence 201
, Chapter 0201 , Sandy looked puzzled. That was such a… humblebrag! Truly a humblebrag!” , Silas hadn’t expected dinner to come with such a big surprise. “So, you’re the student that Dr. Young always talks about–the one she ‘always regretted‘ ! I believe it… , your graduate advisor this year?” , Miranda replied, “Dr. Young.” , Silas clapped his hands. “The old lady must be over the moon now!” , Meanwhile, Elizabeth was still standing, her expression of questioning and smugness quickly shifting to awkwardness and embarrassment. She was stuck there, unsure whether to sit or stand, Thankfully, Bryan jumped in to give her an out. , “Lizzy, sit–down. Let me grab you something to eat. The veggies are all on my side, so it’s easier for me to get them for you.” , “Thanks.” Elizabeth finally took her seat. , Bryan then turned to Miranda with an apologetic look. “Sorry about that, Miranda. Lizzy’s just like that- she likes to nitpick. But she means no harm. You’ll see once you get to know her better.” , No harm? Miranda raised an eyebrow slightly. Hopefully, that was truly the case. , Bryan continued, “I officially apologize on her behalf. Please don’t take it to heart.” , “Who asked you to apologize for me? Stop being so presumptuous!” Elizabeth snapped, kicking him hard , under the table. , Bryan nearly yelped but managed to hold it in. Meanwhile, his face turned bright red. , Sandy glanced at him sympathetically. , Miranda said calmly, “I won’t take it to heart.” , Bryan nodded. “That’s good. By the way, I’m curious–why did you give up your guaranteed admission and choose to take the college entrance exam? You ended up at Bedford College anyway. If it’s the same result, why not choose the easier path?” , Miranda replied, “Maybe… After studying in high school for three years, I wanted to test my exam skills.” , “That’s it?” , “Do I need another reason” , Bryan paused, realizing, “I see, so she just took the exam for fun.” , , , , After the big misunderstanding was cleared up, the atmosphere gradually became more harmonious. Everyone chatted and laughed while eating. Silas even noticed a rare smile tugging at Paul’s lips. It dawned on him that Paul hadn’t stepped in because he already knew Miranda could handle the situation on her own. , 25 BONUS , Chapter 0201 , Elizabeth, having lost her appetite, tightened her lips as she watched everyone engaging with Miranda. , Just as she was about to something, Sandy discreetly patted her hand. “Alright, let’s not dwell on anything unpleasant. Just enjoy Bryan’s thoughtful gesture…” , Noticing the tension, Bryan quickly placed two pieces of fish onto Elizabeth’s plate. “This is really good, fish doesn’t make you gain weight. Eat a little, I’ve made sure there’s no bone in there.” , When they finished eating and stepped outside, it was already dark. Paul glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late. We all have work tomorrow, so let’s head home.” , Bryan and Elizabeth were going the same way. As they both had drunk some beer, they were unfit to drive. , Bryan said, “I’ve already called a car, it’ll be here soon. Lizzy and I are on the same route, so I’ll drop her off. Sandy, what about you-” , Sandy waved her hand. “Don’t worry about me. I just called my husband, and he’s on his way to pick me , Silas added, “I live nearby. It’s just a ten–minute walk.” , Paul nodded. “Alright, then. Send a message when you get home” , “Don’t worry, old rules apply, we all know to check in,” Silas said with a smile. , After making sure everyone was set, the server brought Paul’s car from the underground parking–a discreet black Volkswagen. , Paul took the keys and turned to Miranda, casually saying, “Hop in. , Since they lived close to each other, Paul often gave Miranda a ride. As Miranda was accustomed to catching a lift with him, she didn’t think twice and opened the passenger door without hesitation. , Soon, the car merged onto the main road and drove off. , The remaining group, however, stood there in shock. They merely stared as if they’d just seen a ghost. , Today’s Bonus Offer , , , , , Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.