Always polite and composed, he kept a clear distance from others. He had tons of admirers, but Julian had never seen him interested in anyone. Even when Leon went abroad to study, they stayed in occasional contact. Julian used to joke that Leon should find a foreign friend, but Leon had zero interest. All he ever talked about was academics—like some newly published journal article or an innovative viewpoint in a paper.

Eventually, Leon became one of these authors himself. His name kept showing up in prestigious publications, as if publishing SCI papers came more naturally to him than breathing. He made it look effortless—relentlessly outpacing everyone around him.

At first, Julian had tried to keep up. He even had a bit of a competitive streak. But Leon had pulled ahead so fast and so far that Julian just gave up. No one could outdo a prodigy—not when it felt like that guy was born for this.

As far as Julian knew, Leon was too busy to date, and he had never mentioned any women. So, when a man who had been single for 30 years suddenly said he was married with a child, Julian honestly doubted it. He didn’t even think Leon knew how babies were made.

In short, Julian was dying of curiosity.

Back in the lötchen, Leon had no idea how he was being perceived. After hanging up, he picked up the warm milk and turned to find Kelly staring at him with her big, bright eyes. She had come out to get a glass of water and peeked in when she heard a noise. Leon had just finished the call.

“Were you on the phone?” she asked.

“Yeah, I was talking to a high school friend,” Leon said, handing her the milk. “It’s getting cold.”

Kelly wasn’t usually picky—she’d never even bothered heating milk before. But lately, she had grown to like the comfort of it warm. She thanked him and took a few sips.

Then, curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “Do you still keep in touch with your high school friends?”

“Not just one or two.”

Thinking of his time studying abroad, Kelly couldn’t help asking, “What was it like, studying overseas?”

Leon looked at her, as if giving the question serious thought. “It was pretty great. You get to interact with people from different cultures and learn about their countries. It really broadens your perspective. Every place has something we can learn from.”

As he spoke, Kelly pictured Leon standing among people of different races, all engaged in thoughtful conversation, confident smiles lighting up their faces.

Leon noticed the slight shine in her eyes and said, “If you ever get the chance, you should go out and see the world. It’s a big place.”

She should go out and see the world, huh? Kelly had never considered it. Just getting into medical school had taken everything she had. The farthest she could imagine was becoming a doctor after graduation and sticking to that job for life. Seeing the world—she didn’t even dare to dream of it.

She said nothing but finished the milk. When Leon reached for her cup, she quickly shook her head and ducked into the kitchen to wash it herself.

Watching her rinse and place the cup on the rack, Leon suddenly remembered something. “The friend who called just now wants to meet you.”

“Huh?” Kelly widened her eyes.

Leon misunderstood her reaction. “You don’t want to?”

“No, it’s not that… Why would he want to meet me?” she asked softly.

“Probably because this lone wolf has suddenly ended up with a wife. He’s curious.”

Kelly blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Leon’s sense of humor really came out of nowhere.

Seeing her stay quiet, Leon added, “If you don’t want to go, that’s fine.”

“No,” Kelly shook her head. “I’m just a little nervous.”

Leon’s friends were surely just as impressive as he was. What if they thought she wasn’t good enough?

Leon chuckled. “If you’re nervous about meeting my friend, what are you going to do when you meet my parents? Hide and cry?”

Kelly flushed and shot him a playful glare. Her girlish shyness showed in her eyes, shimmering with light, her cheeks full and rosy.

Leon felt a flicker in his chest but kept his gaze steady. “Don’t be nervous. He doesn’t bite. And I’ll be there.”

His words gave Kelly just the comfort she needed. She finally nodded, “Okay.”

“Saturday then?”

“Sounds good.”

That night, Leon texted Julian, “Let’s meet on Saturday evening.”

It was only Wednesday.

Julian replied instantly, “Why wait until Saturday?”

Leon answered, “She’s not free on weekdays.”

Julian replied, “Fine.”

Leon then sent, “She’s young. Don’t be too much when you meet her. Don’t scare her.”

Did she just turn 20?

Julian nearly burst out laughing. He had never seen Leon this protective. How young could she be?

Julian answered, “Alright, got it. I’m not scary-looking. I won’t freak her out.”

Leon texted, “I’m not sure about that.”

Julian threw his phone onto the bed with a groan. Talking to Leon was getting downright impossible.