Chapter 8 New Neighbor
Camilla hadn't felt like doing it herself in ages.
When she was with Leopold, she never had to lift a finger.
Even back when Leopold was just starting out and they were strapped for cash, they still hired someone to clean the house every week.
After finishing a bucket of paint, Camilla stretched her aching back.
Living the high life for a few years had really spoiled her.
She headed out to the hallway to grab the rest of the paint.
But she moved too fast and knocked over the bucket.
She managed to save most of it, but a small puddle still spilled in front of the neighbor's door.
She quickly grabbed a mop and was halfway through cleaning when the door suddenly opened.
Their eyes met, and just as she was about to apologize, she saw a familiar face.
"You live here, too?"
"Why is it you?"
They both blurted out at the same time.
Sebastian glanced at the floor and then looked behind her.
"So, you're the one moving in today?"
Camilla hadn't expected such a coincidence either. "Yep, looks like we're neighbors now."
Sebastian's eyes flickered.
He chose this place because it was close to both the lab and the school, making it convenient for his daily grind.
But what about Camilla? Why was she here?
This place wasn't exactly ideal for a girl. No elevator alone would turn most people off.
Seeing that he hadn't moved, Camilla thought he was annoyed about the mess.
"Sorry, I spilled some paint earlier. I'll clean it up right away."
She sped up her cleaning and soon had it all tidied up.
As she was heading downstairs, Camilla pointed to the trash next to Sebastian.
"I'm going down, I can take that for you."
Sebastian didn't refuse. In return, he brought out a folding ladder from his place. "If you're painting, this will be more convenient."
"Thanks."
With the ladder, painting the walls became way easier.
By the end of the morning, Camilla had repainted all the peeling walls in her home.
Instantly, everything looked clean and tidy.
After that, she picked out a set of sofas and tables and chairs, and decorated the room. Finally, it was all done.
By the time she finished, it was almost dark.
Camilla massaged her shoulders and looked around. The warm yellow light filled the room, sweeping away the old, worn-out feeling and giving the place a fresh new look.
Looking at her room, the bed was covered with her favorite light-colored cotton sheets, which had been sun-dried all day and smelled faintly of fresh laundry detergent.
The green plants she bought in the afternoon were lined up by the window, looking cute and full of life.
The black and white bean bag chair had perfectly sized, plump cushions. Leaning on them while reading would be incredibly cozy.
It was a small space, but it had everything she needed.
"This is your new home? It's quite nice."
In the video call, Juniper remarked.
"Your DIY skills are still impressive. No wonder you gave our dorm a major makeover on your own back then."
Camilla smiled. "It's okay. Of course, I have to put effort into the place I live."
"Camilla, you're stronger than I thought. You've found a new goal so quickly."
Juniper had guessed some things when she heard the new address, but she didn't mention them.
"I'm really glad you could move on."
After hanging up, Camilla felt a bit down.
She had realized things too late, but at least she could still make things right.
Six o'clock.
After a busy day, Camilla hadn't eaten yet.
There was some bread and fresh veggies in the fridge, along with some rice.
It was late, so she just whipped up some porridge and a sandwich.
When returning the ladder, she thought for a moment and packed some porridge and a sandwich.
Sebastian was busy tweaking experimental data for his paper.
Hearing a knock, he left his study to open the door.
"Thanks for the ladder. Also, I made dinner. If you don't mind, please have some."
Under the light, Camilla's eyes were bright and clear.
Sebastian was a bit stunned, then took the food and thanked her.
Back in his room, he adjusted the data, comparing it with previous results.
By the time he finished, it was already eight o'clock.
His stomach was growling.
Sebastian took out his phone to order takeout as usual.
He glanced at the bag under the lamp.
He opened it and found it was insulated, so the sandwich and porridge were still warm.
Sebastian took a bite of the sandwich and was surprised.
The bacon's aroma combined with the fresh veggies and perfectly cooked egg made it delicious.
After finishing the sandwich, he took a spoonful of porridge. Its simple and delicate taste was better than most porridge he had bought, and it warmed his stomach.
Sebastian raised his eyebrows in pleasure. Those who knew him would recognize this as his satisfied expression.
He thought, 'Good cooking.'
In no time, he finished the porridge and sandwich.
Ten o'clock.
After his night run, Sebastian ran into Camilla on his way back.
She had changed into a casual outfit and had her hair in a bun, standing out even in a crowd.
"Out for a walk?"
"You're night running?"
They spoke at the same time.
Camilla nodded. "Yeah, just taking a walk and picking up a package."
He slowed his pace, adjusted his breathing, and walked alongside her.
"Thanks for dinner. It was delicious."
Camilla replied, "You helped me twice. I should be the one thanking you."
Across two stone paths, there was a children's park.
The noise from the nearby kids was particularly clear.
"It's quite lively here."
In Leopold's villa, it was always eerily quiet.
Sebastian followed her gaze.
He had lived here for over two months but rarely noticed these things.
Remembering a message he received before leaving, he said, "I asked my junior earlier. Professor Garcia has been resting at home recently. I'm planning to visit at ten tomorrow morning. Is that okay for you?"
"Tomorrow at ten?"
That was too soon.
Thinking of Aurora, whom she hadn't seen in six years, she suddenly felt nervous.
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
Sebastian glanced at her profile. Although he sensed Camilla's change in mood, he didn't ask further.
He didn't like prying into others' privacy.
They parted at their doorsteps and went inside.
Camilla absentmindedly took a shower and lay down to sleep.
In the middle of the night, it started to rain lightly.
She tossed and turned, barely sleeping.
She got up early, had breakfast, and waited for Sebastian.
Ten o'clock.
A knock sounded right on time.
Camilla immediately opened the door, already prepared.
Sebastian paused for two seconds. "Let's go."
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