Chapter 55

In the library, Kelly unwrapped and popped a candy into her mouth. The candy was cherry flavored. As the sweet taste spread in her mouth, she felt that even her heart was filled with sweetness. Carefully, she smoothed the wrapper and kept it between the pages of a book. Then, she glanced at Melissa, who was sprawled out on the desk and fast asleep.

Post-nap, she thought, Melissa was bragging when she said that she’d study hard. Kelly had no idea what she was dreaming about, but she smacked her lips a few times. After that, a snore echoed in the silent library. Kelly was speechless and embarrassed, feeling stares from all directions. She wanted to pretend that she didn’t know Melissa, but Melissa’s hand was on her desk.

The snoring continued, and Kelly had no choice but to give Melissa a shove. “Melissa.” However, not even an earthquake could wake her up. “Wake up, Melissa.”

Alas, Melissa’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked lost. “Is it lunchtime?” All that was on Melissa’s mind was mealtimes and sleep. “Everyone’s watching you,” Kelly whispered.

Melissa looked around with her bleary eyes. True enough, many people were looking at her. “What’s happening? Did someone finally notice my beauty?” Melissa asked. Kelly gritted her teeth. “You were snoring.”

Without a word, Melissa straightened her back. Upon seeing her saliva on the open book, she discreetly wiped it off. Her demeanor made Kelly helpless. “Didn’t you say that you’re going to study hard?”

“I’ll only have the energy to study after getting sufficient sleep,” Melissa said righteously and placed the book in front of her. “I’m pumped up now.” Kelly watched as she continued to put up a pretense. Sure enough, Melissa whispered into her ear in less than half an hour, “Kelly, when are we eating?” Kelly was speechless.

In fact, they didn’t eat much. When they saw the meat in the cafeteria, they were reminded of the dissection class today and lost all appetite. So, they merely had some salad.

After lunch, Melissa called her parents and whined, “I have no craving for meat at all.” She sobbed a few times and added, “I don’t want to eat anything else, Dad, I want sweet melons. Send me some money so that I can buy some.” Then, a delightful smile spread across her face. “Thanks, Dad. Love you!”

Kelly was reminded of her family when she saw how Melissa acted like a spoiled child. It had been two weeks since she contacted them. They didn’t initiate any contact either, and neither did they ask whether she was coming home on the weekend.

“Are you going home, Professor Butler? You’ve been going home early recently,” Leon gave his fellow lecturer a friendly look and nodded. “Yes, my work hasn’t been so busy lately.”

In fact, he was going home late previously because he was waiting for Kelly to finish her evening self-study session. Those who didn’t sign up for evening classes weren’t allowed in the hallway. Hence, he took her home every evening for the self-study session.

The autumn evening sky was a blend of colors on a palette, and the night slowly crept over the horizon. After Leon climbed into the car, he saw Kelly’s blurry figure walking toward him. This was odd. She was quite far from him and wasn’t the only one on the street. Still, Leon could be sure that it was her.

Before she could get close, a young man called out to her from behind, and Leon narrowed his eyes. “Hey, Kelly,” someone called out. Turning around, Kelly saw Jude trotting toward her, and the corners of her lips turned downward unwittingly. “I’m going out for dinner with some friends. Would you like to join us?” he asked.

Looking past Jude, Kelly saw a few guys standing near the zebra crossing.