, Chapter 0216 , 25 BONUS , Miranda quickly changed the topic. It was almost as if she afraid Winter would keep asking, “I’m hungry. Didn’t we have a restaurant reservation? Let’s go eat.” , There was a seafood and vegetarian restaurant on Sackbed Road that always packed on weekends. , Winter had reserved a table two days in advance, but oven then, she almost didn’t manage to secure a spot. The restaurant was located near a fish market, and the seafood would be delivered fresh from the , market. , Mirandawho was used to the strong flavors of red meat, found herself enjoying the lighter taste for change. She especially liked the soup in their bouillabaisse. It was releasing a delicious aroma from the , moment it was served, As soon as Winter sat down earlier, she kept pointing at the menu. “This one, this one, this one… and also this, this, and this… let’s get two of each,” , She had lost weight this week, all thanks to working overtime. It was rare for her to get a break, so she planned to eat to her heart’s content. , Gaining weight wasn’t a concern for her; she could always hit the gym, but she refused to compromise on , food! , Miranda looked at the table spread out with seafood and vegetables couldn’t help but swallow. “Are we really going to finish all this?” , It was just the two of them, and she was genuinely worried about wasting food. , Winter raised an eyebrow, remembering something. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. My aunt called earlierasking me to remind Paul to go back for a visit this week , “When I called him, he said he off today, so I went ahead and invited him to join us for dinner. Uh….. Mimi, you don’t mind me inviting him, do you?” , Miranda was sipping her soup when she heard Winter’s sudden announcement. She started choking and coughed slightly. , Puzzled by her reaction, Winter asked, “You’re strangers. Why are you so surprised?” , They were neighbors and now worked on the same research project in the lab. They were often running into each other, so they should be quite familiar by now , , , , I , Plus, Winter’s real motive in inviting Paul was to take advantage of Miranda’s presence to ask Paul to , out for her. , What if she got bullied in the lab? With Paul as the lead, having his protection would make things much , easier. , I , Miranda calmly wiped the soup from the corner of her . “The soup a bit hot; I drank it too quickly.” , Winter replied, “Then let it cool down a bit before drinking.” , “Got it.” , Chapter 0216 , 25 , Paul got caught in rush hour traffic and arrived a bit late. It was drizzling lightlyas he walked over, fine raindrops clung to his . Even his shoulders were slightly damp. , Winter noticed his appearance and found it odd. For most people, forgetting an umbrella on a rainy day was normal, but Paul was meticulous and always well–prepared; it was unlike him to make such a slip. , “You didn’t bring an umbrella?” Winter asked. , “Yeah, I forgot,” Paul replied calmly. , Miranda was sipping her soup, not paying much attention at first. But Winter’s question jogged her , memory. , There was a time when it rained, and she had forgotten her umbrella. Paul had given her the one from his trunk, and she never remembered to return it. , Paul hadn’t mentioned it, and she had completely forgotten about it. At this moment, that umbrella was still sitting at her place. , Thinking of this, Miranda lowered her head even more and quietly continued drinking her soup. , Paul glanced at her, noticing her attempt to avoid eye contact. A barely noticeable smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. , The rain continued, creating a cozy backdrop of gentle pitter–patter. The table full of food was shared around, and the air filled with chatter. , They gathered around the table, lazily listening to the rhythmic sound of raindrops, occasionally interrupted by the honking of cars on the road. , Miranda felt completely at ease. , After finishing their meal, it was already well into the evening. Winter had driven there, so she left first. , 2

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