Chapter 201 Sorry, Not Worthy
"Finally done!" Hestia closed her laptop and let out a long sigh of relief.
Next to her was a pile of empty soda cans.
Royce said, "Let's go, dinner's on me."
Camilla and Hestia didn't hesitate to accept his offer.
The three of them had a long collaboration ahead, plenty of opportunities to return the favor.
Inside the restaurant, the crystal chandeliers were dazzling, and soothing piano music flowed gently.
The waiter asked, "Do you have a reservation?"
"I made one yesterday."
Royce took out his phone to confirm the reservation.
Soon, the waiter led the three of them to their table.
Camilla had been here before, so it wasn't unfamiliar. She knew this restaurant had the best reviews among its peers, but it was also the most expensive.
After sitting down, Hestia looked around, touching things here and there, muttering to herself, "It's really different from back home."
She then took out her phone and started snapping pictures of the surroundings.
Seeing the puzzled looks from the other two, Hestia smiled awkwardly, "I'm taking pictures to show my dad. He's never seen a place like this."
With that, she focused on taking more photos.
Royce's gaze softened with a hint of sympathy. So her family situation was that bad.
Afraid of making a wrong assumption, he thought for a moment and asked, "What does your dad do?"
Hestia was taken aback.
Her hesitation made Royce and Camilla think it was a sensitive topic.
"If it's inconvenient..." you don't have to say.
Hestia replied, "My mom is a housewife, doesn't work. My dad doesn't really have a job either; he just looks after the building, managing who comes and goes, kind of like a property security guard. Since we live in a rural area by the sea, they go fishing together when they have free time. If there's a chance, I'll take you guys to my place to eat some freshly caught shrimp! Super fresh, super delicious!"
Living in the countryside, parents without stable jobs, helping to guard a building, occasionally fishing to make some extra money.
After hearing Hestia's story, Camilla and Royce had already formed a picture of Hestia's family background in their minds.
It was impressive that with such conditions, they could raise her to be so cheerful, optimistic, and confident.
Camilla said, "Sure, we'll definitely visit if we get the chance!"
Hestia happily replied, "Good~"
Royce tightened his lips. "Order whatever you want, don't hold back."
"Really?" Hestia's eyes lit up even more.
"Yes."
Hestia called out, "Waiter, I'll start with three steaks!"
The key word was "start"!
Soon, the appetizers arrived, followed by the main course.
Camilla and Royce didn't touch the dessert, leaving it all for Hestia.
"Why aren't you guys eating?"
Camilla replied, "I'm full, you go ahead."
"Okay then!"
Royce said, "If it's not enough, you can order more."
Hestia nodded with a smile, "By the way, what do your parents do?"
Camilla answered honestly, "My dad is a teacher, and my mom is a writer."
"Wow! A writer! That sounds amazing!" Hestia's eyes were filled with curiosity and admiration.
Camilla and Royce both felt a bit uncomfortable seeing this.
"And you, Royce?"
"My parents are government employees."
Hestia was even more amazed, repeating, "That's great!"
After they had almost finished eating, Royce got up to pay the bill.
Just as they were about to leave, they ran into Noe, Bronte, Azalea, and Irvin.
Only Clara was missing.
But it was normal for her not to be here; Clara never visited such restaurants.
"Aren't these Professor Russell's three students?!" Noe was the first to speak, his t;ne playfulwas and hi,s gaze was teasing, making people feel uncomfortable.
Camilla and the others ignored him.
Noe's smile stiffened, but he continued, "What a coincidence, running into you guys again. Why isn't Professor Garcia here? Can't she afford to treat you to such a fancy restaurant? Unlike us, all expenses today are covered by Professor Ross."
He continued, "The academy really values us. Most of the research funding this year went to our project group. Well, it's really a pity. You guys worked so hard to get into grad school, only to end up with a mentor who has no clout. Such a waste!"
Noe kept talking, while Bronte and Azalea watched coldly.
Only Irvin, looking a bit awkward, tried to intervene but was pushed aside by Noe.
"You hillbilly, don't get close to me!"
Irvin stiffened, his eyes showing a mix of hurt and inferiority, but he continued to persuade, "We're all schoolmates, there's no need to make things so unpleasant."
"Shut up! Do you think you have a say here?"
"Why can't I speak? I have a mouth, so I will speak!" Irvin finally couldn't hold back.
But he really wasn't good at arguing.
Noe said, "Oh, the hillbilly has a temper, huh? Do you even know who you're talking to? Do you want to get kicked out?"
Irvin lowered his head.
He remembered Ignatius's advice: Kids from families like ours will face unfair treatment. Endure when you can. When you're strong enough, fairness will naturally come to you.
But Irvin wanted to ask, would that fairness still be fair by then?
"Alright," Bronte suddenly spoke, "say no more."
Azalea quickly agreed, "Yes, Professor Ross and Ignatius both said they hope we can get along."
She deliberately mentioned "Ignatius" to remind Noe not to go too far, as Irvin was under Ignatius's protection.
Bullying Irvin too much would be hard to explain.
Noe finally realized and immediately lost his temper, "Fine, fine, I wasn't trying to pick on him. It's just that this guy doesn't know his place." Always siding with outsiders!
Noe turned his attention back to Camilla and the others, "By the way, have you considered joining our group?"
Camilla sneered, "Sorry, not worthy."
Noe nodded, "Even though you guys are a bit lacking, our group is very inclusive."
"Sorry, you might have misunderstood. I meant your group isn't worthy."
"You!"
Camilla said, "A project group that spends its funds on treating students to meals, what academic achievements can it produce? It seems your group's ethos has always been like this."
Royce said, "And your behavior probably already violates some regulations, right?"
Hestia immediately raised her phone, "I'll record this as evidence. Say it again, who treated you to this meal? Professor Ross, right? If I remember correctly, you also mentioned she covered the expenses."
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