2024-09-08 19:32:49After much inner struggle, Fiona finally dialed Joseph's number. Over the years, she had never taken the initiative to call Joseph unless there was a particularly important matter she needed him to handle.
However, after dialing, the voice prompt indicated that the phone was switched off. Upon hearing this, Fiona put down the phone and continued to rest her head on the table with her eyes closed.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated again. Startled, she immediately opened her phone, only to feel a sense of disappointment when she saw it was a F******k message from her best friend, Hannah.
Fiona suddenly felt a bit ridiculous. What was she expecting? For Joseph to come back and beg her not to divorce him?
Thinking this way, she still opened F******k and read the messages from Hannah.
"Dear Fiona, congratulations on regaining your freedom and getting rid of that loser!"
"So, when shall we meet up and celebrate?"
Hannah sent two messages.
"Let's forget about celebrating. I'm busy these days. I have company matters to attend to tomorrow," Fiona replied, politely declining.
"In a couple of days, I have a scheduled course at Nova University, a rather important lecture."
"Ah? Okay, okay. Let me know whenever you're free. This time, to celebrate your rebirth, we sisters will treat you."
"By the way, I heard your childhood sweetheart is back from abroad, a returnee with a doctoral degree, and will be teaching at Nova University. Do you want to bring him along so we sisters can help you out?" Hannah sent another message.
"What returnee with a doctoral degree? He's just a childhood playmate. I don't have any feelings for him. You're all too gossipy," Fiona replied, feeling a bit exhausted by what had happened at the Cooper Group today. Moreover, she didn't want to expose her relationship with Charles Martin.
"Let's not talk about it for now. I still have things to take care of tonight. I'll take a nap first."
"Okay, okay. Let's keep in touch in a few days then." Hannah had to leave it at that.
Fiona put down her phone again and lay back in her office chair, resting with her eyes closed.
Meanwhile, in Emerald Estates, Nova City, Alice was still in her room, fiddling with Joseph's phone. She first inserted Joseph's SIM card into a new phone, then helped him register for F******k, adding her own and her grandfather's F******k and phone numbers.
She also changed Joseph's note for her to "Ali."
Finally, she saved Joseph's phone number in her own phone.
After doing all this, Alice noticed that Joseph's phone had received quite a few messages and missed calls, but she didn't look at them. After all, that was Joseph's privacy.
At this moment, a delightful aroma of food wafted in from outside, making one's appetite soar. She simply tossed aside Joseph's phone and went out directly.
"Wow, Joseph, you made so many delicious dishes!" Alice was a bit shocked seeing the table full of food.
"There are two more dishes. They'll be ready soon. You can start eating first," Joseph's voice came from the kitchen.
"Great, great. Then I won't stand on ceremony. Hehe..." Alice was overjoyed. She picked up the utensils, ready to dig in.
However, at this moment, she thought of something and stopped.
"No, no. Such a visually appealing and aromatic feast must be photographed and shared first." Alice took out her phone and started snapping pictures of the dishes on the table.
Then, she selected the nine most perfect photos and captioned them: Joseph's perfect culinary skills. If only I could enjoy such delicious food for a lifetime!
After doing all this, she was about to post it but felt like something was missing.
"It would be perfect if there was a photo with Joseph," Alice muttered to herself. With this thought in mind, she immediately went to the kitchen.
"Joseph, look at the camera." Joseph instinctively turned his head.
*Click!* The sound of the camera shutter went off, capturing a selfie of Alice holding her phone with Joseph cooking in the kitchen.
"Okay, you can continue cooking." Alice looked at the photo, obviously very satisfied.
Hearing this, Joseph could only chuckle and continue with his work.
Alice placed the photo with Joseph in the most prominent position in the center, then hit the publish button, posting what she thought was a perfect update.
But then, she felt it wasn't enough. She wanted to send these food photos to her university dormitory mates group to make them envious.
"Hehe, have you all eaten? If not, take a look at my dinner," Alice said in the dormitory mates group.
Dormitory mate Faith: "..."
Dormitory mate Evelyn: "??!"
Dormitory mate Rebecca: "Ali, haven't seen you back in the dorm for several days. Where did you go to feast on such delicacies? Missing you. Big sis hasn't been able to hug you to sleep for many days. Miss you."
Alice was very satisfied with everyone's reactions.
"It's my brother Joseph's culinary skills. How is it? Doesn't it look delicious?" Alice was quite smug.
"Tsk, tsk. So it's made by the man of your dreams whom you always talk about. No wonder you're showing off like this," Faith said sarcastically.
"Alice, are you in a relationship? Did you finally win over that man? @Alice," Evelyn also tagged Alice.
"Hey, can you not be in a relationship? If you're in a relationship, does that mean big sis won't be able to hug you to sleep anymore?" Rebecca seemed very regretful.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Nothing is certain between him and me yet!" Alice's pretty face turned slightly red.
"Tsk, tsk. Not certain? I think it's almost certainly certain. Tell us, when will you bring him out for us sisters to see?"
"Yeah, yeah. Let us sisters take a look for you. Our judgment of men is top-notch."
"I'm really curious. What kind of man has our silly girl so infatuated?"
"..."
The dormitory mates group started discussing animatedly.
"Alright, alright. Stop it. What are you all in a hurry for? You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet him in the future," Alice replied, unable to withstand the teasing from her gossipy dormitory mates.
"Okay, let's not talk about it. I'm going to eat now." Alice chose to close the chat group.
However, she then sent the food photos to her family group.
"@Grandpa, Grandpa, Joseph made these. They look delicious, right? You won't get to taste them today."
Soon, she received a reply from Blake Morgan.
"Next time, I'll go over too. Let him cook for me personally. It looks quite flavorful." Blake Morgan seemed a bit impatient between the lines.
"@Blake Morgan, Dad, what's going on? How can you let Alice live alone with a boy? It's too unsafe," Alice's father, Mason Morgan, spoke up at this point.
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"What does it have to do with you?" Blake Morgan was the first to reply."Grandpa is right. What does it have to do with you?" Alice also replied in the group.Seeing their responses, Mason Morgan was speechless and could only send a series of question marks in the group to express his astonishment."Dad, although you have the final say in Alice's matters, and I trust your judgment, I should at least know what kind of man my daughter is going to marry, right? I'll find time to go over and take a look after a while. There are too many things going on here in Metropolis City at the moment. @Blake Morgan," after a long time, Mason Morgan sent another lengthy message."Do as you wish. It's not like you can change anything anyway," Blake Morgan said rather domineeringly."Dad, you're overthinking. It's only just beginning now!" Alice was obviously a bit exasperated too.After replying, Alice put down her phone."Why aren't you eating yet?" At this moment, Joseph also came out from the kitc
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"Hello? Brother-in-law? Is that you, brother-in-law?" Upon discovering that the call had connected, Heidi's anxious voice came from the other end."Um... Heidi, it's me, Joseph," Joseph calmly replied."Brother-in-law, what are you doing? Such a grown man, not answering calls, not replying to messages, disappearing for an entire day. Do you know how worried I was about you?""I called many neighbors and relatives, and they all said they hadn't seen you. I was so anxious that I was about to call the police.""Do you have any idea how concerned I was that you might have jumped into the river in despair?""..."Without letting Joseph say much, Heidi started scolding him.Hearing all this, Joseph could only smile helplessly.After thoroughly reprimanding Joseph, Heidi finally stopped, feeling much more at ease."Are you done?" Joseph asked with a smile."I'm done. Don't do this again next time. And I'm serious, don't think of doing anything rash," Heidi continued."I just didn't have my p
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Chapter 204
“Don’t you think Professor Wilson is incredibly young?” Laura said, peeking out the window to glance at Joseph’s car. “That’s obvious, isn’t it? You don’t need to point it out,” Richard replied, growing impatient. “He’s young, talented, and good-looking. He’s not much older than our daughter,” Laura continued, her tone thoughtful. “That car out there—that’s his, right? It’s beautiful. Must’ve cost a fortune.” “Of course, it’s a luxury vehicle. Easily worth a million. If we sold our house, we might just be able to afford it. What, are you interested in him now?” Richard joked. “You’re so inappropriate! Do I look like someone who’d attract a man like him?!” Laura shot back, punching him lightly on the shoulder. “Then what’s the point of all this?” Richard asked with a chuckle. “Didn’t you notice the way our daughter was looking at Professor Wilson? There’s something… peculiar about it,” Laura said, a sly smile spreading across her face. “Peculiar? How so? I didn’t notice anythin
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Joseph nodded and started the car, driving into the complex. He had to admit, the neighborhood was indeed large. While its size wasn’t an issue, the sheer number of turns and side streets made it easy to get lost. Without someone guiding him, he might have spent ages circling around. The area itself wasn’t particularly upscale, and the buildings showed signs of age. However, the maintenance was impeccable, and the surroundings exuded a quiet charm. Considering Richard Anderson’s profession, Joseph guessed that most of the residents here were likely public servants—teachers, civil servants, and the like. “Turn right up ahead, then left, and then another right. We’re almost there,” Lindsay instructed. “Got it.” Joseph followed her directions, maneuvering the car carefully through the winding streets. A few minutes later, they arrived at a spacious clearing. Ahead, near the roadside, stood a three-story house. The house was sizable, with a well-maintained garden in the front. The
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“So, according to you, your Mason Alvarez has a strong sense of ‘romantic ethics’? She’d actually ask permission before stealing someone’s boyfriend?” Joseph couldn’t resist mocking her logic. “Believe it or not, that’s just the kind of person she is.” “Look at the shirt she bought you. Or the way she interacts with you. She’s completely honest and direct with people she’s comfortable with. But not many people get to know her well enough to see that side of her. Sometimes, I think she’s a little pitiful. Someone like her must feel so lonely.” Alice sighed softly, her voice tinged with genuine sympathy. “You’re too kind and too pure for your own good, kiddo.” Joseph chuckled as he reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. “By the way, tomorrow afternoon, I need to stop by a student’s house to pick up a set of silver needles. I’ll also be staying for dinner. Let me know when your classes end so I can pick you up.” Joseph decided it was best to let Alice know in advance. “Hu
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“Can you imagine a woman who doesn’t like shopping, doesn’t enjoy socializing, and spends all her time going back and forth between her office and the lab? That’s Mason Alvarez. She’s incredibly hardworking.” Alice explained with a laugh, but her tone carried genuine admiration for Mason Alvarez. “That may be true, but does that justify buying me this shirt? Is this really something an adult would do?” Joseph gestured at the Mickey Mouse print on his chest, utterly exasperated. “Why don’t you ever buy me something like this?” He shot Alice a pointed look. “Because I’m different. I’ve been observing you since we were kids—I know what you like to eat, what habits you have, and what kind of clothes suit you. I even browse shopping websites sometimes to figure out what styles would look good on you.” “Stuff like this isn’t something you’re born knowing. It takes time and effort.” Alice’s explanation was matter-of-fact, but her tone was warm. “You actually spend time researching t
Chapter 200
Watching him leave, Mason blinked a few times, then returned to her work. Ten minutes later, Joseph sent Mason a photo. It was a picture of the shirt she’d bought him. On the right side of the chest was a cheerful, oversized Mickey Mouse graphic. “Professor Alvarez, do you even know how to shop for men’s clothes? What is this? Do you think a man in his twenties should be wearing something like this?” Joseph’s tone was filled with disbelief as he stared at himself in the mirror, his face dark with frustration. “Uh… I guess I don’t. Didn’t I tell you I’ve never had a boyfriend? The only man I’ve ever bought clothes for is my dad.” “You specifically told me not to buy something that looks like something my dad would wear, so I thought I’d go for something youthful. Don’t you think Mickey Mouse is cute?” Mason genuinely thought she’d made a thoughtful choice. “Youthful? This doesn’t make me look youthful—it makes me look childish!” Joseph was utterly exasperated. He was starting
Chapter 199
Joseph looked up briefly, noting her troubled demeanor. What was with this woman? She’d gone out looking fine and returned with the weight of the world on her shoulders. As he pondered this, his phone vibrated softly. Joseph casually took a sip of water and picked up his phone, only to freeze as he saw the message on Facebook. “Professor Wilson, let’s go on a blind date.” The words stared back at him. “Pfft—cough, cough, cough…” Joseph choked on his water, nearly spraying it everywhere.“What’s wrong, Professor Wilson?” Mason Alvarez turned to Joseph, her expression all innocence. “Nothing, just choked on some water.” Joseph waved his hand dismissively, clearly exasperated. “Oh, in that case, carry on drinking.” Hearing this, Mason turned her attention back to her work, seemingly unconcerned. “Professor Wilson, would you like me to give you a couple of acupuncture needles? It’ll help you recover in no time,” Brady Rogers chimed in. “No need, thank you.” Joseph waved him o
Chapter 198
“Director Myers, you’re absolutely right. But marriage and love are matters of fate, not something you can force. It’s not that I’m unwilling—it’s just that I haven’t met the right person yet.” Mason replied with impeccable politeness. “Not meeting the right person, that’s exactly the problem! You spend all your time buried in your office and the lab—how are you supposed to meet anyone?” “Do you remember when you were studying in Metropolis City? I mentioned our academy’s new hire, Dr. Charles Martin.” “I think you two are a perfect match. And, to be honest, Dr. Martin has a great impression of you. I was thinking of playing matchmaker—maybe set up a dinner, watch a movie, and who knows? Sparks might fly.” Lincoln’s tone was that of a well-meaning elder, full of persuasion. “Dr. Charles Martin? Yes, I remember him. You even showed me his photo before, and I added him on Facebook. I have a vague impression.” “But I’ve really been swamped lately. Dinner and movies will have to wa
Chapter 197
What does this mean? she thought, her frustration mounting. It means he’s deliberately ignoring me! The idea made her blood boil. With her looks and charm, she was used to people eagerly texting her, hoping for a reply, or even going out of their way to get her attention. But now, everything was reversed. Joseph not only ignored her but also seemed to find her a nuisance. "Why aren’t you replying to me, you jerk? Do you think ignoring me will make me pay more attention to you?" she typed furiously, sending another message. This time, she stole a glance at Joseph as he picked up his phone again. Finally, after a moment, he typed something back. "Are you insane? Can you stop? It’s work hours—I don’t have time to chat with you." "And trying to get your attention? What kind of over-the-top romance novels have you been reading?" Joseph hit send without hesitation. Mason Alvarez’s face turned red as she read the message. Anger bubbled up inside her, but she forced herself to stay cal
Chapter 196
Deciding not to engage further, he put his phone away. Ten minutes later, Mason Alvarez stormed into the office, her usual dramatic flair on full display. "Wait, Professor Wilson, why are you wearing Rogers’ shirt?" she asked, glancing at him before tossing a neatly packaged shirt onto his desk. "Here, I bought this for you. Consider it compensation." She didn’t even seem to notice that Felix Baker and Brady Rogers were also in the office. Joseph looked at her, utterly speechless. The excuse he had painstakingly crafted about the tree branch was now completely ruined. Felix and Brady’s gazes grew increasingly suspicious as they darted back and forth between him and Mason. "Your shirt is still at my dorm. I washed it, and once it’s dry, I’ll return it to you," Mason added casually, completely oblivious to how her words sounded to the others. It was only then that she noticed the strange looks from Felix and Brady. "Mason, why is Professor Wilson’s shirt at your dorm?" Felix aske
