Chapter 310 Cooking for Her
"Sebastian, Camilla was your recommendation. What do you have to say?" Lloyd asked, turning the question back to him.
Sebastian paused momentarily before speaking, "First of all, I don't believe this is Camilla's fault."
"A flower blooms in a garden, neither inviting nor provoking anyone, yet bees and butterflies swarm around it. Can we blame the flower for that?"
"Secondly, the conduct of Excel Business University students needs improvement."
"Fighting in public over a trivial matter—it's fortunate this remained internal. If word got out, it would undoubtedly damage the university's reputation. Enhancing the quality of behavior among faculty and students is therefore urgent."
"Finally, and most importantly, I trust Camilla. She's not the type of girl who acts carelessly. In this situation, no one has considered her position or feelings—she's a victim too."
Lloyd, who had known Sebastian for so long, had never heard him speak at such length in one go.
"Yes, Camilla is beyond reproach. Being attractive and drawing attention isn't her fault—how could anyone blame her?" Lloyd conceded.
Sebastian's expression softened slightly. "I'm glad you understand."
Lloyd gave him a somewhat surprised look. Was he really being this protective?
"Our Excel Business University students can't keep anything quiet. They see a beautiful woman and strut around like peacocks, falling over themselves to impress her. Society is more open now, not like in our day. I think it's good—if you like someone, pursue them boldly!"
"You know, if Camilla doesn't have a boyfriend, she might consider one of our Excel Business University students. Harmony College and Excel Business University are close by, they could meet between classes, and I could even offer my lab for Camilla's long-term use."
Lloyd grew more enthusiastic as he spoke.
A connection between our schools could become quite the campus legend.
Sebastian's expression darkened slightly. "That won't be necessary."
Lloyd was about to say something more when Sebastian stood up and left his seat.
Just then, an announcement came from the stage, "Please welcome the recipient of the National Science and Technology Progress Special Prize, Sebastian..."
Lloyd felt momentarily dazed.
Sebastian had swept all the awards for scientific achievement, technological advancement, and innovative inventions. What next?
Academician, perhaps?
The youngest academician in history.
As night fell, Camilla finished her busy day and headed home from the laboratory.
The cold wind stung her face, so she pulled her scarf up to cover half of her face.
Just as she reached her door, before she could take out her key, the neighboring door opened from within. Sebastian stood in the doorway.
"Camilla," Sebastian called out.
"Sebastian!"
"Coming back from the lab?"
"Yes."
"Have you had dinner?"
Camilla shook her head somewhat embarrassedly. "Not yet."
"Come eat at my place."
"What?" Camilla was taken aback. "You cooked?"
"I made a couple of simple dishes—learned from you. Care to try them?"
"Learned from me?" She couldn't recall ever teaching Sebastian how to cook.
"It's cold outside. Come in and we'll talk."
"Alright." As soon as Camilla entered, warmth enveloped her, quickly thawing her hands and feet.
She removed her scarf and took off her down jacket. Sebastian naturally took them and hung them on the coat rack by the entrance.
Camilla noticed a suit hanging separately on a hanger next to the coat rack.
Deep black, almost too formal and rigid.
Although Sebastian usually wore suits, none looked as old-fashioned as this one.
She walked further in and stopped by the dining table.
Several dishes were laid out, still steaming.
Sebastian explained, "I learned the pasta and beef stew from you. I followed a video for the pancakes, and I already knew how to make tomato soup."
He accounted for the origin of each dish meticulously.
Camilla couldn't help but smile. "Did I teach you? I don't remember."
"No. But I observe and learn."
While speaking, Sebastian had already set out the bowls. "Sit."
He handed her a fork.
"Thank you."
Camilla first took a piece of beef and put it in her mouth while Sebastian watched, clearly expectant despite his attempt to appear nonchalant.
"How does it taste?"
She noticed Sebastian's back straighten unconsciously, his expression growing increasingly solemn.
Camilla said, "It's delicious—even better than when I make it!"
Sebastian visibly relaxed, the smile returning to his face. "It can't compare to yours."
"Sebastian, don't be so modest!"
Camilla's praise wasn't exaggerated or mere politeness; it really did taste good.
"You just helped out, watched, and learned?"
Sebastian replied, "I also noted down the steps."
Camilla said, "You're seriously gifted! Everything comes so easily to you! So tasty!"'
"Really?" Sebastian showed a rare moment of insecurity.
Camilla laughed. "Of course!"
After finishing, Camilla prepared to clear the dishes but was firmly refused by Sebastian.
"Go sit on the sofa. Play with your phone, watch TV, whatever you like. I'll clean up the kitchen myself."
Camilla blinked. "But didn't we used to do this together at my place?"
Sebastian replied, "As you said, that was at your place. Now we're at mine, so we follow my rules."
"Then next time at my place, I won't let you help either."
Hearing this almost petulant remark, Sebastian couldn't help but smile. He didn't rush to clean up but instead sat down. "Do you know why a research team needs a leader?"
Camilla was confused—what did this have to do with their current discussion?
Sebastian continued, "Everyone works on the same project, does similar tasks, and might even receive the same compensation. Why should one person be the leader? Especially when that leader might do less work than the team members?"
"Why?"
"Because a team needs a backbone, a project needs someone to take the lead. This person doesn't need to do the same tasks as everyone else—they just need to guide the direction at critical moments. Like on a ship: sailors do the work, but the captain steers the course."
Camilla raised an eyebrow. "So I'm the captain?"
Sebastian nodded. "Yes, and I'm the sailor. Now I'll go work!"
With that, he headed straight for the kitchen.
Camilla was stunned for a moment before breaking into laughter. She called out to the kitchen, "Sebastian, you're being ridiculously modest! I'm hardly qualified to be your captain. You should be the captain, giving me orders!"
"Fine, then I order you not to help now, and when we eat at your place next time, you must let me help," Sebastian's voice drifted steadily from the kitchen.
Camilla sighed in resignation.
How did he always manage to win every argument?
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