Jill Jing quietly ate her food, looking like a delicate porcelain doll. Her small hands cradled the bowl, and her eyes followed Evan, radiating a fragile, silent warmth.
She didn't really pay attention to Professor Gu's words.
Professor Gu looked at Jill Jing, his heart swelling with genuine affection and fatherly pride.
Old Man Liu asked Evan Lin about his recent life.
When it came to Evan Lin as a student, Old Man Liu was a million percent satisfied. He couldn't be prouder.
He used to think his life would just end up like this, but never imagined that in his later years, he could come back to Beijing.
Not only did he finally hold his head high, but he was also living the life he always deserved.
"When you're out and about, health comes first. You're young now, but don't overwork yourself too much."
Old Man Liu spoke with the tone of someone who's been through it all, offering earnest advice.
He felt like he was witnessing a warm, close-knit family moment, and his heart brimmed with contentment.
While eating, Jill Jing would take a bite, then glance at Evan Lin, as if afraid he'd run away at any moment. Her tiny face was full of anxious expectation, making her look even more like a porcelain doll.
Evan Lin nodded.
Back when Evan Lin was still a failing student...
Old Man Liu treated him fairly. Later, when he saw Evan had some talent for math, he went all out, using what few connections he had to try and help Evan.
Small favor, big sentiment.
Evan Lin genuinely admired Old Man Liu.
"You really don't need to worry about Old Man Liu. Let me tell you, this old guy is living the good life now!"
Professor Gu laughed and said, "Your teacher might even find himself a future Mrs. Liu soon."
"What nonsense are you spouting in front of a student!"
As soon as Professor Gu finished, Old Man Liu got a bit flustered.
Even though he was already in his fifties, he still felt a bit embarrassed.
"How am I talking nonsense? I'm just telling the truth. You're not getting any younger, so it's about time you found yourself a partner—nothing to be ashamed of."
Professor Gu then looked at Evan Lin: "Back when you were in school, your teacher had admirers too."
"One girl stayed single her whole life for your teacher, went abroad to study, and only came back a few years ago. Last week, they happened to bump into each other on campus."
Professor Gu kept talking, while Old Man Liu tried to stop him.
In that moment, Old Man Liu was nothing like the strict old scholar Evan remembered.
"Guess I'll have to prepare a gift for the future teacher's wife."
Evan Lin smiled, making a playful remark.
Gavin Duan watched the scene with a satisfied smile.
He felt like he was witnessing a warm family moment.
While eating, Jill Jing would take a bite, then glance at Evan Lin, as if afraid he'd run away at any moment.
The meal finished.
Evan Lin accompanied Old Man Liu and the others, walking several laps around Clearwater University.
"If you ask me, Evan, why not reconsider joining our math department at Clearwater?"
"I can probably stick around for a few more years. With your talent, you could easily get a postdoc, and then I could set you up nicely."
While speaking, Professor Gu kept glancing at Jill Jing, who was always right beside Evan Lin.
Jill Jing held Evan's hand, hugged her cola, and refused to let go. Professor Gu felt a bit frustrated watching this.
He truly treated Jill Jing like his own daughter.
Normally, he spoiled her in every way.
But he'd never seen Jill Jing cling to him like this.
Sometimes, when Professor Gu wanted to spend more time with Jill Jing, she'd actually get impatient with him.
A grown daughter can't be kept at home.
Professor Gu suddenly remembered this saying and could only smile helplessly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Professor Gu, but my heart's not in it. Math should be left to those who truly love it."
Evan Lin's words made Professor Gu feel emotional again.
If it were anyone else, they'd probably jump for joy at Professor Gu's promise.
Professor Gu's meaning was crystal clear.
He wanted to groom Evan Lin to become the department chair of Clearwater's math department, maybe even the dean of the whole college.
But seeing a porcelain-doll little girl wandering around every day was one of life's true pleasures.
This kid is a dragon.
Professor Gu sighed. "You're right—everyone has their own aspirations. You can't force it."
"Besides, you're not an ordinary student. What you want is definitely different from what most students want."
"But no matter what, Evan, I hope you know that if you ever don't know where to go, you can come to me or Old Man Liu. You'll always be welcome here."
Professor Gu said this with heartfelt sincerity.
Old Man Liu nodded along from the side.
Every word came straight from the heart.
"New Year's is coming up soon. Since you're here, why not stay and celebrate before heading back?"
Professor Gu remembered something and looked at Evan Lin.
"I have to go home for New Year's. I've been away for months—it's time to visit my mom."
She called out crisply, still hugging her giant bottle of cola like a treasure.
Professor Gu nodded, then saw Jill Jing looking pitiful, tugging Evan Lin's hand.
Evan Lin glanced at her but didn't respond.
Jill Jing looked a bit disappointed, lowered her head, and sighed.
"If it's convenient, why not take Jill Jing home for the holiday?"
On impulse, Professor Gu suddenly blurted this out.
He actually regretted it right after saying it.
Whenever Jill Jing was around, Professor Gu felt his life had more warmth and joy.
Though Jill Jing was tsundere with him and nowhere near as affectionate as she was with Evan Lin.
But seeing a porcelain-doll little girl wandering around every day was a real pleasure.
Gavin Duan also looked at Evan Lin at that moment.
Jill Jing grew up without parents, always alongside Gavin Duan.
She rarely felt wronged, and rarely spoke of it.
But Gavin Duan knew that Jill Jing wanted a family more than anyone.
Especially during the holidays every year.
"Well..."
Evan Lin deliberately paused, glanced at Jill Jing who was staring up at him, then nodded. "Alright."
"I'll take her with me when I go back in a couple of days."
Hearing Evan agree, Jill Jing's face instantly brightened with a wide smile.
"Thank you."
She called out crisply, still hugging her cola tightly.
So happy and carefree.
Still just a kid.
Evan Lin thought this to himself and shook his head.
After sending Jill Jing back to her dorm, Evan Lin found a hotel outside the school and booked a room.
Early the next morning.
Evan received a call from Ju Xing'an, told him his location, and soon Ju Xing'an appeared in the hotel lobby.
"It's been a while."
Ju Xing'an walked up and gave Evan Lin a big hug.
Compared to before, Ju Xing'an was much more mature.
"Honestly, you haven't kept in touch at all. Couldn't you at least call sometimes?"
On the other side, Wu Zhanjun complained to Evan Lin, "You have no idea—because of you, Shi Lan is practically lovesick."
"Hey, why not change it up and call me brother-in-law today?"