Chapter 202

After being misunderstood twice in a row by Jaden and then having Aiden point out in person this time that he liked Josie, Ian was quite nervous. Fortunately, Josie didn’t seem to interpret it that way.

Her openness made him feel uneasy. After the uneasiness faded, a faint sense of loss lingered. It seemed Josie hadn’t caught on yet. Or perhaps, she simply had no interest in him at all.

“All right, all right, don’t let unimportant people get to you. Come on, eat up,” Claire urged everyone.

Soon, the sounds of dining and conversation filled the room.

This occasion marked the first meeting between the Grand Prize team and the First Prize team, during which they would discuss and determine a shared direction for future efforts.

Sean and Joseph talked at length, covering both professional topics and various matters concerning project implementation and subsequent development.

More than halfway through the meal, Jeremy still hadn’t arrived, so Delilah went outside to call him.

Sean turned slightly and refilled Josie’s empty juice glass. “What’s going on between you and Ian?”

Although his voice was very low, Josie still felt a moment of nervousness.

She thought she had just explained everything clearly and that no one would give it further thought. Unexpectedly, Sean asked again.

Josie’s voice deepened. “Last time, when I went out to dinner with Joseph and the others, Ian noticed that my bag was too heavy and helped me carry it for a moment. Unexpectedly, Jaden saw this and misunderstood the situation.”

It was indeed a misunderstanding. After all, she and Ian had only met a few times in total.

Sean glanced at Josie and noticed that she hadn’t given it much thought. He couldn’t help but find this amusing. He thought, ‘What exactly am I worried about? Am I afraid she might be snatched by Ian?‘

He looked up and glanced at Ian, who was seated opposite him.

Perhaps to avoid any appearance of impropriety, upon entering, Ian chose a seat far from Josie.

His evasive attitude made Sean think more.

He mused, ‘As expected, Ian has his eye on Josie! Fortunately, Josie appeared to have no intention whatsoever in that regard.

“Have you ever thought about dating?” Sean’s gaze was deep. When he wasn’t smiling, there was a hint of aloof indifference in his expression.

Josie felt her heart skip a beat. She wondered if he could have misunderstood and thought she was looking for a boyfriend.

“I don’t want to,” Josie replied quickly. “As an online saying aptly puts it, indulging in love merely affects my plans. As you are aware, since I left David’s team, I’ve accumulated quite a few adversaries.

“Before I achieve a certain level of success and convince those people, I can’t consider personal matters. Besides, I want them not only to see my personal abilities, but also to understand that I have the strength to crush them. I’ve never relied on David, nor on any of them.”

Josie had never shared these thoughts with anyone before, but in front of Sean, she didn’t wish to conceal them. Even if it might make him think she was presumptuous, she still wanted him to know her true feelings.

“Hmm.” Sean felt both pleased and somewhat displeased. Overall, his emotions were complicated. “Keep it up! I have confidence in you.”

He raised his hand and patted her on the head in a manner reminiscent of an elder. It was unclear whether he believed or approved of her.

Josie didn’t elaborate further. She knew that few people believed she had the ability to crush Aiden and his peers, who were, after all, the elite students of a highly sought–after major.

But what she failed to accomplish in her previous timeline, she must at least try in this one.

Shortly after Delilah returned, Jeremy pushed the door open and came in. By then, they were almost done with their meal.

“I’ve ordered a plate of pasta for you and two of your favorite dishes.” Claire pushed the pasta toward him, then stood up to urge the waiter to serve the dishes.

Jeremy appeared gratified, but he wasn’t in the mood to eat.

He said, “You guys should be prepared. Research funding may be limited, and there may also be issues with facilities and equipment.”