Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Leda said happily, "How about a celebratory dinner for passing the preliminary round? My treat."

Roseanne couldn't suppress a laugh. "Shouldn't I be the one treating you?"

Leda raised an eyebrow. "Come off it. We're best friends. That's settled. Get ready. I'll swing by to pick you up."

After hanging up, Roseanne returned to her room and opened her closet. She chose a V-neck floral sundress. Two months passed, and her hair had grown down to her collarbones. Given the sweltering weather, she opted for a headband that matched her dress to tie her hair up.

Half an hour later, Leda messaged that she was downstairs. After changing her shoes, Roseanne grabbed her purse and headed down.

Leda's car was at the end of the street. While waiting, Leda pulled out her phone. Glancing up, she saw Owen walking toward her.

A student accompanied him, backpack slung over his shoulder, sporting a buzz cut and radiating a sunny charm.

They were deep in conversation, Owen looking calm and nodding in agreement from time to time. When they finished, the boy turned to leave.

Spotting Owen, Leda quickly waved him over, "Hey, Owen!"

his gaze calm behind his glasses. "What brings you

dinner. That guy just

but his clean, handsome face carried a unique gentleness, especially when he

hints, Owen said, "He's a

Leda could inquire further, she heard footsteps echoing from the stairwell. Roseanne

"Aren't you two heading out? I'll

on, join

to the lab."

ground floor when she heard Owen's voice. It had been

stairwell, Owen stood

through the diamond-shaped grilles, casting mottled shadows on him. His usually indifferent gaze warmed

"I haven't had the chance to return your jacket from

it long ago

found the right moment.

floral dress accentuating her straight, slender legs, complemented by her nude high heels, giving her an aura