Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne half-jokingly said, "Bro, you think a mere $10,000 is enough to invest in all our lab projects? That's way too cheap."

Halley laughed, "In my dreams, maybe. I'll settle for just one!"

With the conversation having reached this point, Roseanne had no choice but to accept.

Little did Halley know, the $10,000 he casually offered as an excuse would bring him an unimaginable return in the future.

...

Moving to the new lab meant they no longer needed the temporary lab at Elite Business University.

Professor Farrell had kindly lent them the lab, primarily due to Owen Reynolds' influence, but Roseanne was still deeply grateful.

On Saturday, she bought a bouquet of flowers and a basket of fruit, personally returning to the lab to hand back the keys and express her thanks.

Farrell's office was on the third floor of the Elite Business University administration building. Having been there twice before, Roseanne knew her way around.

She knocked on the door, "Professor Farrell, are you in?"

A voice quickly responded, "Come in."

Roseanne pushed the door open.

Farrell's office was as straightforward and bright as the man himself, consisting of nothing more than a desk, a coffee table, a sofa, and a bookshelf.

On the wooden coffee table, there was a tea set with steaming hot tea, filling the air with its aroma.

To her surprise, Owen Reynolds was also there, likely the reason for the freshly brewed tea.

"Roseanne, you're here," greeted Owen.

"Mr. Reynolds, Professor Farrell, good afternoon! Have you had lunch yet?" Roseanne said, placing the flowers neatly and setting the fruit basket on a nearby table.

"I've had mine. Look at you, bringing gifts when you could just come by. Why bother?"

Roseanne replied, "It's just some flowers and fruit, nothing expensive. You lent me the lab without

charging a dime. I had to show my gratitude somehow."

"Ha..." Farrell laughed heartily. "You've got a way with words, young lady. Can't argue with you, can't refuse you."

"Then, please accept them," Roseanne said, nodding earnestly.

"Owen, look at this girl, always climbing up the ladder, not a bit of modesty!"

Owen Reynolds smirked, "Really? I think it shows she's considerate and thoughtful."

That compliment turned Roseanne's cheeks a bright shade of red.

Who compliments someone so directly?

It was awkward, flattering, and

difficult

to refute all at the same

time. If you're going to compliment someone, at least do it behind their

back...

Roseanne couldn't help but think.

Farrell added, "That's true.

SS University lads f

how could she have ot

siness University I

falling

themselves?"

Owen's smile faded slightly as Roseanne grew even more embarrassed.

Finally, Owen broke the awkward silence, "What brings you here today?"

"Oh, I came to return the lab keys and to thank Professor Farrell for lending us the space."

After saying this, she placed the keys on the table.

"I won't keep you any longer. Goodbye," Roseanne said, excusing herself politely.

No sooner had she left, Owen also stood up, "Professor Farrell, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way too."

"Wait, weren't we going to discuss the research direction for next year's international joint project?" Owen replied, "It's a long discussion. We'll catch up later."

Watching him hurry off, Farrell was left bewildered. Wasn't that the purpose of today's meeting? How had it suddenly become "a long discussion"?

...

"Roseanne"

Owen caught up with her.

"Professor?" Roseanne turned around, "You're leaving too?"

"Yeah, we're done talking."

Lucky for them, Farrell wasn't around to hear that. If he had, he'd surely be left scratching his head in confusion: Done talking? What did you even talk about?