Chapter 340 She Is Not Brooklyn
Scarlett let go, and Zach's clean, slender fingers grabbed the neatly stacked documents again. He was surprised but ultimately let down.
"I'm fine," he said in Libertya's language.
Scarlett nodded. "Okay."
'So he's from Libertya and actually speaks the language. I've met many Libertyans who only look the part but can't speak it,' she thought.
This guy definitely left a different impression on Scarlett.
She also noticed the document in his hand. The title on the cover caught her eye; she'd read about that research topic before.
Scarlett, after translating "Mitral valve replacement" into Libertya's language, asked Zach about it, awaiting his response.
A flicker of surprise crossed Zach's face as he looked at Scarlett, astonished. 'She looks like a model or a celebrity. How does she know such a technical term?' he wondered.
"I didn't expect you to know such a professional term," Zach said.
Scarlett didn't answer his question but asked politely and firmly, "Can I take a look?"
"Of course."
Scarlett took the document and flipped through it. The research topic was innovative and challenging, but Zach's approach was unique. Few people dared to break it down using a reverse method.
Coincidentally, her recent research was on the same topic.
Seeing her engrossed, Zach smiled warmly. "You seem really interested. How about we grab a coffee and chat about it?"
Scarlett, always up for a medical challenge and with some free time, agreed. "Sure."
In the quiet, elegant campus café, they found a booth by the window. Zach ordered a latte, while Scarlett went for a Blue Mountain coffee, specifically asking for no sugar or milk.
Sitting across from her, Zach smiled warmly. His smile was gentle and comforting, which was Scarlett's first impression. "Not many girls take their coffee black. You're a rare find."
Scarlett was still flipping through the document. Research papers are usually long, and she was only halfway through. "Coffee is about savoring its pure essence. If you want sugar and milk, you might as well have cocoa."
Zach intertwined his fingers and noticed the diamond ring on Scarlett's left hand, a brand ring with a noticeable carat diamond.
'That's a nice engagement ring. Her husband must really cherish her,' Zach thought. The surprise he felt earlier was now replaced by reason. 'After all, it's been two years. How could Brooklyn still be alive? I must be crazy.'
Noticing Zach's occasional glances, Scarlett looked up. "Mr. Carter, what are you staring at?"
Zach was caught off guard. "How do you know my last name is Carter?"
It felt like a shockwave hit him.
Scarlett's calm eyes showed no surprise. She lifted a page of the document, pointing to the signature at the bottom right corner with her clean, bright fingernail. "Isn't this your name?"
Zach sat back down, his excitement deflating. He smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, that's me. I'm Zach Carter. And you are?"
"Scarlett Taylor." She extended her hand, shook his, and then pulled back. There was something about Zach that felt off, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
Different name, different look, but his eyes and voice reminded her of Brooklyn.
Zach closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He took a sip of his latte, finding it too sweet, not the pure taste of coffee he preferred.
But the Blue Mountain coffee in front of Scarlett, even the steam smelled richly bitter.
'I'm being foolish. Brooklyn loved cappuccinos, the sweeter the better. Blue Mountain coffee is nothing like that,' Zach thought.
Scarlett was puzzled. 'If Zach is a surgery expert, he should know my name, but he seems genuinely surprised, like I'm a stranger.'
Blue Mountain coffee was bitter at first but had a sweet aftertaste, a combination Scarlett appreciated. In contrast, other coffees, though initially sweet, often left a lingering bitterness that she found unappealing.
After reading the document, Scarlett offered some rational and objective suggestions and discussed several research directions with Zach.
Zach was taken aback by her generosity. "Aren't you worried I'll steal your ideas?"
Scarlett crossed her legs and shrugged. "I never write papers. Use it if you want. Besides, you didn't worry about me stealing your ideas when you showed me the document, did you?"
Zach laughed helplessly. "Ms. Taylor, you're sharp and quick-witted."
Scarlett didn't respond to the compliment. She glanced at her watch. "Sorry, I have to go."
She put down her coffee and stood up gracefully, like a dancer taking a bow, every move too beautiful to miss.
"Alright, Ms. Taylor, goodbye."
Scarlett nodded, her elegant figure disappearing outside the glass door. Zach watched her through the window, the bitterness of the coffee's aftertaste slowly filling his mouth and heart.
She really wasn't Brooklyn.
And she never would be Brooklyn. With a light sigh, the brightness in Zach's eyes faded away.
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