Chapter 61: Friends
On the day of their meeting, Chloe and Daniel met at the coffee shop. Chloe was a few minutes late, but still on time according to their plan. What surprised her was that Daniel had arrived even earlier.
They each ordered a cup of coffee, and Daniel handed Chloe her gloves, neatly packed in a small bag.
“Thank you,” Chloe said as she accepted the bag.
The coffee shop had a nice atmosphere and was a favorite among students. Couples often came here for dates, and study groups gathered to work on their projects.
“This place is nice. Did you come here often when you were studying?” Daniel asked.
“Only occasionally. I mostly spent time at the library,” Chloe replied with a small smile.
The coffee shop’s large windows overlooked a serene lake, bordered by trees. With the snowfall outside, the scenery was even more beautiful, adding a special charm to the setting.
They chatted for a while, and Chloe couldn’t help but finally ask a question that had been on her mind since their last meeting. “It seems like you know a lot about many things.”
Daniel chuckled. “I wouldn’t say a lot. I just have many interests, but I’m not an expert in any one thing.”
Chloe nodded. She recalled someone mentioning that Daniel came from an intellectual family, with well- educated parents. But that wasn’t something she cared about, so she didn’t delve deeper.
After finishing their coffee, the two of them walked around campus. Chloe knew a lot about the school, but every time she explained something, Daniel was quick to respond, showing that he knew just as much. It seemed like they were exchanging thoughts rather than one person guiding the other.
As they walked, Chloe’s perception of Daniel began to change. The conversation was pleasant, and she
found that he made her feel comfortable.
When they reached a certain academic building, they unexpectedly ran into Wyatt. Since this was the lab building, it wasn’t unusual to see him there.
Wyatt had just finished a class and was on his way to the lab when he noticed Chloe, feeling surprised.
“What a coincidence! Are you just finishing up class, and heading to the lab?” Chloe greeted him first.
Wyatt glanced briefly at Daniel before turning his attention back to Chloe. “Yes, I’m on my way to the lab. Are you showing a friend around campus?”
“Yes, he’s here for some continuing education,” Chloe nodded and introduced the two of them.
Both men knew of each other, and they shook hands. Their families were well–known in the same circles, and even if they hadn’t met before, they had certainly heard of each other.
Chloe didn’t sense the tension between them. However, she couldn’t help but notice that their eye contact lingered a bit too long. Was there something she didn’t know?
“I should get going. You two continue your tour,” Wyatt said, taking his leave.
After he left, Chloe asked curiously, “It seems like you’ve known each other for a while?“.
“Not really. I’ve just heard of his family. Have you known him for a long time?” Daniel replied.
“Not too long, just friends,” Chloe smiled.
Daniel didn’t push the topic and continued walking with her.
Chapter 61 Friends
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Later that night, Daniel texted Chloe, thanking her for spending the day showing him around the campus. Chloe responded with a polite reply but didn’t continue the conversation.
As she lay in bed, she quickly fell asleep. The intense exam preparation had left her sleep–deprived, but now that it was over, she could finally relax.
The next morning, while walking to a breakfast shop, Chloe noticed many people braving the wind and snow to head to school or work. She greeted a few familiar faces as she passed.
When she reached the breakfast shop, she was surprised to see Wyatt there.
Chloe playfully tapped him on the shoulder. Wyatt turned around, calm as ever. “You’re here for breakfast too?”
“I thought I’d surprise you, but you didn’t even flinch! No sense of accomplishment for me,” Chloe joked.
Wyatt smiled slightly. “You did the same thing last time.“.
Chloe pouted, admitting that her attempt to startle him had failed. “Guess my skills still need improvement.”
She ordered her usual breakfast and noticed that Wyatt had his usual–panini and milk. Looking at her own order, she asked, “Want to try mine? I highly recommend it. It’s really good.”
Wyatt hesitated for a moment. He usually stuck to what he knew, but Chloe’s suggestion intrigued him. He nodded and decided to give it a try.
He ended up enjoying her choice. “You should listen to my food recommendations more often. I know my stuff,” Chloe said with a grin.
Wyatt chuckled in agreement. She did seem to have good taste when it came to food.
“Daniel, your birthday is coming up, right? What are you planning this year? Last year’s drag show was pretty fun. Are you doing something different this time?” Adam asked as he lounged in a private room, noticing Daniel on his phone.
Adam was already brainstorming ideas for Daniel’s upcoming birthday party. The rest of the group chimed in, each offering their thoughts.
Though Daniel always seemed like a gentleman, someone who played it straight, he actually loved wild parties and was known for his extravagant celebrations.
Daniel finally put his phone away and looked at everyone with a smile. “I’m not doing anything crazy this year. Just a simple birthday party.”
Everyone stared at him in shock. Hearing those words from Daniel was like hearing someone say the sun would rise from the west–it was unbelievable.
“You’re joking, right? You’re the last person I’d expect to throw a ‘simple‘ birthday party,” William remarked, staring at Daniel like he’d been replaced by someone else.
“Why not? It’s good to change things up sometimes. I’ll send out invitations soon. But this time, no wild stuff. I’m keeping it low–key,” Daniel reiterated.
Chapter 62 Celebrating Together
