Cindy's soft face visibly stiffened after hearing my response. She couldn't seem to find any words to say for a long while.
Bruce, who was standing next to her, couldn't bear to watch and gave me a slight glance before saying, "You are who you are. You don't need to learn from anyone else."
When Bruce said "anyone else", his sharp gaze landed on my face. His implication was clear.
Cindy looked at him with surprise and delight, her eyelashes fluttering. She seemed to be moved.
Not wanting to waste time on this romantic drama, I said goodbye to them and turned to leave.
Eventually, I found the dry cleaner's that Cindy had mentioned.
At 3:00 pm, I received a call from the dry cleaner's owner, informing me that the suit was ready.
After a moment's hesitation, I dialed Douglas' number.
The call was quickly answered, and I heard Douglas' muffled voice asking, "Nancy, is something wrong?"
He sounded nervous.
It occurred to me that this call might be ill-timed, so I said apologetically, "Are you free tonight? Your jacket is ready, and I'll bring it over."
"Yes," Douglas replied decisively. "How about after 6:00 pm?"
"Alright."
After setting the time, I arrived at Nicox University with the suit jacket in hand.
Even though it had only been two years, being in this place where Bruce and I had spent our youth gave me a sense of being in a different world.
Outside the teaching building, Douglas, wearing a light brown trench coat, walked toward me. He panted slightly. "Have you been waiting long?"
"No." I handed over the suit jacket and asked, "I hope I didn't disturb your work?"
Douglas gave me a disapproving look and said, "Have you been coding until you're confused? It's quitting time now."
I thought it would be rude to leave just like that, so I said, "Well then, Douglas, let me treat you to dinner."
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