Chapter 6

As they were preparing to leave, they met Jacqueline. She was wearing a light-colored dress and ran over with a smile: “Frederick! What a coincidence!” “I'm here with a group of friends from my circle for a nighttime gathering!” She looked at Frederick with sparkling eyes, “Frederick, didn't you get along well with them last time? Why don't you come and join us?” Gabrielle stood by, looking at Frederick—who had never been fond of socializing—and actually noded: “Sure.” A wave of sourness welled up in her heart. It was because she had spoken up that he had agreed. Upon entering the private room, Jacqueline’s friends immediately teased Frederick: “Hey! Who’s the big shot Jacqueline brought along?” “Isn't this Professor Grant, the youngest professor at Northwest M. University? Not anyone can get you here. Jacqueline ,you’ve got quite the pull, huh!” Jacqueline blushed and pushed them away: “Stop talking nonsense!” Someone noticed Gabrielle and looked her up and down: “Who is she?” Jacqueline glanced at Gabrielle and said casually: “She's the nail technician at the school entrance, and also Frederick's friend.” “A nail technician?” A few exchanged meaningful glances. “How could Professor Grant know such a friend? That’s too tacky…” Frederick frowned, and Jacqueline quickly changed the subject: “Alright, alright, let’s play the game!” Gabrielle quietly found a corner to sit in, saying nothing. Soon, they started arguing about playing a board game, but there weren't enough people, so Jacqueline dragged Frederick into it. He didn't refuse. Frederick wasn't good at games and lost in the first round. “Punishment, punishment!” the others teased. “We want to see your phone!” Frederick handed over his phone, and they opened Messenger, immediately letting out an suggestive gasp. Jacqueline was the only one pinned to the top. Now, their chat history had almost daily conversations, and Frederick replied to every message, often instantly. “Wow~” a few people exchanged knowing glances and opened the photo album. Among thousands of experimental data photos, there were only a few portraits, and all of them were of Jacqueline. Her profile as she read a book, her smiling face holding a coffee cup, her sleeping figure in the lab... Gabrielle sat in the corner, her heart feeling like it was being slowly sliced open by a dull knife, the pain making it hard to breathe. Jacqueline blushed and snatched the phone back. Frederick remained composed, though his ears were slightly red. In the second round, Jacqueline lost and drew the drinking penalty. “I'm on my period...” she whispered, “Can I switch?” “No way!” everyone cheered, “If you can't drink, let Professor Grant drink for you!” Jacqueline hurriedly waved her hands: “He doesn't drink at all, and he has class tomorrow...” Before she could finish, Frederick had already picked up the glass and downed it in one gulp. One glass after another, his expression unchanged. “Professor Grant is so cool!” “He really went all out for Jacqueline!” Amid the commotion, Gabrielle couldn’t sit still anymore and rushed into the bathroom as if escaping. As she closed the door, Gabrielle could still hear the whispers outside: “They really make a good pair. If only that woman hadn’t meddled…” “I heard Professor Grant stayed with that woman to repay a favor, but he’s actually been in love with Jacqueline all along…” Gabrielle turned on the faucet and rinsed her reddened eyes vigorously. The reflection in the mirror looked as disheveled as a clown. Gabrielle stayed in the restroom for a long time until the commotion outside gradually faded away before finally opening the door and stepping out. Jacqueline was leaning against the wall in the corridor, as if waiting for Gabrielle. “When do you plan to fulfill your promise?” she asked bluntly. Gabrielle remained silent for a moment before whispering, “My train leaves tomorrow night.” She paused for a moment, then smiled, “That's quite a coincidence.” “I plan to confess my feelings to Frederick tomorrow night.” She tilted her head to look at Gabrielle, her eyes filled with the pity of a victor. “Wish you a good journey.” Gabrielle was about to speak when the door behind her suddenly opened. Frederick stood there, his face flushed, his eyes unfocused, clearly drunk. “What good journey?” he asked, frowning.