Chapter 382 The Role of an Elder Sister
The realm of prodigies was a world apart from her own. She had completed her college education at the age of twenty-one, while Eason, a mere eighteen, was already immersed in the pursuit of his PhD. It was a stark reminder that comparisons between individuals could often lead to a sense of despair.
Her mind began to drift back to the image of an eighteen-year-old Alexander. He had possessed a similar brilliance in his youth. However, unlike Eason, Alexander lacked the warmth and gentleness that Eason radiated. At eighteen, Alexander had been a serious young man, not given to laughter, and lacking the vibrancy typical of his peers.
His demeanor had always been focused, methodical, and he rarely erred. In comparison to his contemporaries, he displayed a level of maturity and responsibility that was well beyond his years.
Eason, noticing Ava's distant gaze, raised his hand and waved it in front of her eyes. "Miss, is something amiss?" he asked.
Startled, Ava quickly regained her composure. "Nothing, I just suddenly felt a little hungry," she replied.
"You're hungry? That's perfect, I'm hungry too. I know a fantastic restaurant nearby, would you like to accompany me?" Eason suggested.
Ava nodded in agreement. "Sure, but aren't you supposed to be heading home? Won't your family be expecting you?"
"It's alright, my parents are away on a business trip. I'm home alone and usually dine out," Eason reassured her.
"Alright," Ava said, "I'll treat you to dinner."
Eason quickly dismissed her offer, his innocent eyes evoking a sense of affection within Ava. "How could I let you pay for dinner? It's my duty to treat a beautiful lady. Just give me a moment to check if I have enough money."
Eason unzipped a compartment in his backpack and pulled out a wad of crumpled cash, a mix of five-dollar bills, two-dollar bills, and a smattering of coins. He began to count them meticulously.
"Thirty, forty, forty-one, forty-two..."
Ava watched as Eason struggled to count his modest stash of cash, and couldn't help but chuckle. He was, after all, only eighteen and likely didn't have much disposable income.
"Eason, I'm in a particularly foul mood today, but having you around has been a blessing. I really want to treat you to dinner as a token of my gratitude. Would you allow me that opportunity?" Ava proposed. The idea of playing the role of an older sister for once didn't seem too bad.
Whenever Eason addressed her, she felt as though he was her younger brother.
"But how could I accept?" Eason stammered, his face flushing a deep shade of red.
"Why not? You can return the favor when you have the means in the future," Ava suggested.
"Alright then, I'll treat you when I receive the funding for my project," Eason agreed.
Ava nodded and rose from her chair. "I'll just go upstairs to grab my phone. Please wait for me here."
"Okay," Eason responded, obediently settling back into his chair, hands resting on his knees, like a well-behaved puppy.
Ava turned and made her way into the building. She quickly retrieved her phone and donned a jacket. However, upon her return, she was met with an empty bench. She scanned the area, but Eason was nowhere to be found.
Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a note left on the bench. She picked it up and read the bold handwriting: [I'm sorry, I just received a call and there's an issue with my project. I have to return to the lab. Please go ahead and eat without me. Don't starve yourself because I'm not there. Make sure to eat your fill, the restaurant is excellent. Exit the neighborhood gate, turn left, and it's about 150 meters away.]
Ava sighed softly. Here she was, almost twenty-two, wallowing in romantic sorrow, while others her age were busy making potentially significant contributions to the world.
Ava retrieved the note Eason had given her from her pocket. His WhatsApp contact was scribbled on it. She pulled out her phone, entered his contact, and added him on WhatsApp.
