Chapter 268 Her Scent Still Lingers on the Coat
Sebastian had classes today.
During the break, he overheard two students discussing that a lab in the School of Life Sciences had been cited by the fire department and ordered to make corrections.
He didn't pay much attention at first, but then he suddenly heard them mention the name "Camilla."
Upon further inquiry, he found out it was Camilla's lab.
He rushed over immediately and happened to hear the conversation among the three.
"Professor Russell," Camilla greeted him, "What brings you here? Please come in."
Hestia and Royce also greeted him.
Sebastian said, "I know everything. If the fire department follows the strict procedures, it will take at least two months. You can use my lab for now and move your equipment there; there's enough space."
It sounded like a good idea. However, Hestia and Royce didn't respond immediately but looked at Camilla for her opinion.
At some point, Camilla had become the leader of their small team.
Whether it was dealing with issues or making decisions, the two would instinctively seek her opinion.
Moreover, they weren't shameless enough to think that Sebastian's offer was because of them.
Camilla pondered for a moment but ultimately declined politely.
As the weather got colder, the days grew shorter.
The sun set, and night fell.
In a small restaurant, Sebastian, who had been pondering the question the whole way, finally asked Camilla, who was sitting across from him, "Why did you refuse?"
After leaving the lab, Hestia and Royce walked home together.
Camilla hadn't had lunch and was already hungry. With everything that had happened today, she didn't feel like cooking. So they found the most popular restaurant nearby.
Sebastian was the first to speak. "It's on me."
Camilla didn't argue. "Alright."
Sebastian smiled.
Due to the restaurant's popularity, they waited for about ten minutes to get a table.
As soon as they sat down, he couldn't help but ask.
Camilla wasn't surprised and sighed lightly. "You've helped me many times, but there are some paths I have to walk alone. You can't hold my hand forever, can you?"
Sebastian almost blurted out, "Why not?" but he restrained himself and let her continue speaking.
"The conflicts between us and the administration, other professors, and students can't be avoided. We might dodge this time, but what about next time? It's better to take this opportunity to resolve everything so that similar issues won't happen again."
Some people were accustomed to acting superior and bullying others. They wouldn't stop until they were taught a lesson.
Sebastian said, "It sounds like you already have a solution?"
"Sort of, but it still needs some consideration."
After all, it was not a minor issue.
Sebastian nodded. "Since you have a plan, I won't insist. If you need my help, just ask."
"Okay."
There was one more thing Camilla didn't mention. Every research group has some degree of exclusivity, especially a long-standing, close-knit group like Sebastian's with Hector, Betty, Darren, and Doris.
It took Camilla months to barely integrate into their group. Now, with Hestia and Royce added, the conflicts and inconveniences would only increase. Moreover, borrowing someone else's lab was not a long-term solution. They had to rely on themselves.
After eating, they walked home. The night wind was chilly, blowing briskly in their faces. Camilla's hair was blown into disarray. She raised her hand to tuck it behind her ear, but it got messy again as soon as she let go. Then Sebastian took a couple of steps forward to shield her from the wind.
"Thank you." Camilla lowered her head to fix her hair. Suddenly, she felt a warm sensation on her shoulders as Sebastian draped his still-warm jacket over her.
"It's a bit cold. Wear this so you don't catch a cold." After saying that, he withdrew his hand and put some distance between them again.
Camilla was slightly stunned. "You gave me your jacket, but what about you?"
Sebastian replied, "I'm not cold."
Camilla thanked him again.
At the alley entrance, Sebastian asked Camilla to wait for a moment and went into a nearby convenience store. In less than a minute, he came out with two cups of warm coffee. "Here."
Camilla held the paper cup with Sebastian's jacket still on her shoulders. She felt warm all over, and her cheeks were flushed slightly.
After climbing the stairs, Camilla took off the jacket and handed it back to Sebastian.
"Thank you, good night."
He chuckled and replied, "Good night."
They each went home.
After taking a shower, Camilla sat down to read a paper, even putting on a knitted jacket to stay warm. Just then, Alistair called.
"Hello, Dad."
"Camilla, are you asleep?"
"Not yet, I'm reading a paper."
"It's getting cold, don't stay up too late, and remember to wear more clothes."
"Got it, there's heating, so it's not that cold indoors. How's Mom?"
Alistair said, "She's working on a draft. By the way, I sent you some beef jerky, about ten pounds. It should arrive tomorrow."
"So much? How can I finish it all?"
Alistair replied, "It's not just for you. Share half with Sebastian. You two are neighbors, so it's convenient."
On the other side, after Sebastian entered his home, he hung his jacket on the coat rack as usual.
Suddenly, he paused, took it down again, and instinctively brought it closer to sniff Camilla's lingering scent. Realizing what he was doing, a look of frustration flashed in his eyes. He quickly threw the jacket on the sofa and strode into the bathroom.
Soon, the sound of running water could be heard, but there was no steam.
The next morning, Camilla indeed received the package from Alistair.
She went to knock on Sebastian's door. "Are you there?"
The door opened quickly.
Sebastian seemed to have just woken up, wearing pajamas, with messy hair.
Camilla was taken aback. "Did I wake you?"
It was almost ten o'clock. Usually, even if Sebastian didn't go to the lab, he would be up by now. Given Sebastian's discipline, even on a day off, he wouldn't sleep in.
"Are you okay?" Camilla noticed his pale face and couldn't help but ask.
"I'm fine."
Camilla raised an eyebrow, looking at him skeptically.
Sebastian didn't say anything.
Camilla asked again, "Are you sick?"
"A slight cold."
She lowered her eyes. "You lent me your jacket yesterday."
"It has nothing to do with that! I already had a bit of a cough. Maybe I caught a chill working late in the lab with the sudden drop in temperature."
"Did you take any medicine?"
Sebastian nodded. "I did, so don't worry."
Camilla finally relaxed. "By the way, my dad sent me some beef jerky and specifically told me to share half with you."
"Really? That's very kind of him."
Camilla suddenly smiled.
He asked, "Why are you smiling?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"You're smiling like that; if you don't tell me, I'll be curious."
Camilla took out three vacuum-sealed bags of beef jerky from the box, put them in a bag, and handed them to him. "When my dad called, he repeatedly reminded me not to be stingy and to give more to Uncle Sebastian, as a sign of respect for an elder."
Sebastian was silent.
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