Chapter 411
Chapter 411:
Erica noticed his frustrated expression, as though he was on the verge of losing control, and wondered if someone had offended him.
Yelena stepped in with a playful tone. “Corbett, could it be that you’re upset because the food we brought for you isn’t to your liking p>
Corbett’s mind paused.
What? The food they brought? Was that really for him?
“Did you… bring the food just for me?” Corbett’s voice softened, a hint of emotion slipping through.
“I was just thinking p>
“Thinking what?” Erica asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
Corbett shook his head, a sheepish smile on his face. “Nothing p>
He couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud—that they had forsaken him. But deep down, he couldn’t deny it—his emotions were all over the place today, swinging like an emotional roller coaster ride.
“Corbett, do you like the food? If it’s not to your liking p>
“What? Are you planning to whip up something better for me?” Corbett teased, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
Erica rolled her eyes, her patience fraying. “Do you think we’re made of money? Just eat and deal with it. Next time, we’ll splurge on something you actually like p>
Corbett chuckled, his laughter warm and easy. “Relax, I’m just messing with you. I’m not that picky.” With that, he cracked open the takeout box.
“Whoa p>
𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 ⓘ𝓷 gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼𝖼𝗈𝗺
He had braced himself for the usual cafeteria fare—he’d spent enough years at Kheley University to know the menu like the back of his hand. But what lay before him wasn’t the mundane, recycled options he was expecting.
“It was late and the cafeteria was closed, so we grabbed this from the Garden Hotel,” Erica explained.
Corbett stared at the food, touched but also torn. The thought of them spending extra money for him tugged at his conscience. The Garden Hotel wasn’t exactly a five-star establishment, but for a grad student scraping by, even this modest meal was a splurge. Even a single meal there felt like a luxury he couldn’t afford.
As he ate, his thoughts kept circling back to his dwindling finances. He couldn’t bear the thought of taking advantage of Yelena and Erica’s kindness. He decided he’d enjoy the meal now but make sure to pay them back later.
Erica was baffled as she watched Corbett shower the food with praise, all while tears welled up in his eyes.
To her, the food was decent enough, so she couldn’t fathom why Corbett seemed so overwhelmed with conflicting emotions.
“Is it good?” she asked.
“It’s amazing,” Corbett mumbled between bites.
“Then why do you look like someone stole your puppy?” Erica pressed, perplexed.
“Huh?” Corbett froze, suddenly aware of the tears brimming in his eyes. He chuckled awkwardly. “Oh… uh, must be so good it’s bringing me to tears p>
Yelena chimed in, flashing a smile. “We didn’t ask first, but we figured you’d need a proper meal. Consider it our treat p>
“No way,” Corbett said quickly, shaking his head. “I appreciate it, but I’ll cover this p>
“Don’t sweat it,” Yelena said with a wink. “Just treat us next time p>
Corbett hesitated, but then relented with a small smile. “Alright, deal p>
After finishing his meal, Corbett leaned back and asked casually, “You probably haven’t done much with all the data, right? If there’s anything unclear, don’t hesitate to hit me up p>
He felt an unspoken obligation to lend a hand—it was the least he could do after their generosity in treating him to a meal.