On the phone, Linda asked, "What's wrong?"
Zoe paused for a few seconds before responding, "Nothing. Thanks."
After hanging up the phone, she turned on the computer and started organizing her photos.
She originally wanted to ask Linda how she got her phone number, but it seemed like she was asking for no reason.
After selecting a few of her favorite photos and sending them over, Zoe shut her computer down and went into the bathroom.
Even after taking a shower, she still couldn't fall asleep. She tidied up the room and not long after, a faint light could be seen from the windows.
She sat in front of the computer and started working on the unfinished pictures.
When she finally came into contact with the outside world again, she heard a knock on the door.
Leanna thought Zoe was still sleeping when she left in the morning, so she didn't wake her up. But she couldn't let her friend sleep in all day, so she ordered lunch for her.
Zoe took the food from the deliveryman and sent a message to Leanna while sitting down.
When her gaze fell on the time displayed on the computer screensaver, her eyes widened.
D*mn! It's almost twelve!
Her flight was at 2.00PM!
Zoe quickly finished her lunch and tied her hair up into a bun. She didn't even have time to pack her clothes, so she hurriedly grabbed a few pieces of clothing from the suitcase she brought back from Lachstein and rushed out.
By the time she arrived at the airport, it was already slightly past 1.00PM.
She ran throughout the entire check-in process, from checking in her luggage to going through security.
Finally, just before the plane took off, she managed to get on board.
As the plane taxied, Zoe sent a message to her mother and turned off her phone before leaning against the window.
Perhaps it was due to the lack of sleep during the past few days, and the stress she had received due to overtime work, she finally felt the pull of sleep.
Eventually, she fell asleep and woke up when the plane landed.
Highside was only three hours away from her home.
After getting off the plane, Zoe yawned as she walked out, turning on her phone and listening to the voice message her mother had sent.
'Why are you back so early? You should have told us earlier. Your father and I were planning to come to Highside to see you in a few days, but since you're on the plane now, you should be able to make it for dinner when you arrive, right? What do you want to eat? I'll ask your dad to get groceries so I can make what you're craving.'
Zoe responded to the voice message, 'Mom, I just got off the plane. I'll eat whatever.'
After thinking for a moment, she added, 'Have you been in contact with Mr. Powell recently? Can you invite him over for dinner tonight? I have a favor to ask of him.'
Not long after she sent the voice message, her mother called, "Why are you looking for Mr. Powell?
Zoe hailed a taxi while replying, "There's just something I want to ask him. I'll tell you in detail when I get back."
"Your father was playing chess with him yesterday. Mr. Powell is on the night shift today, so he can't come for dinner. If you need anything, just look for him at the hospital tomorrow."
"Okay, got it."
Her mother continued, "Now that you're back, there's a young man in our neighborhood who is a university lecturer. His work ends early and will be free for dinner this evening. How about inviting him over?"
Zoe was speechless at that.
"If that's the case, I'll get a return ticket right now."
"Fine. If you don't want to invite him, then don't. I made your favorite spicy beef stew. Come back as soon as you can and don't waste time on the road."
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