He knew that Maisie was reserved by nature and wouldn't appreciate him parking an extravagant car right next to the exam site.
He was also dressed as casually as possible, but his demeanor exuded a sense of calm composure, which helped Maisie spot him easily in the crowd.
He waved to her. Since it was a cold day, he had brought a cashmere shawl for her, which he wrapped around her as soon as she emerged from the exam room. He held her small hand, trying to warm it with his breath.
"Are you cold?"
"I'm okay." Maisie smiled at him, but the smile was forced. The exam questions were still haunting her like an unshakable fog, obscuring her thoughts. They felt like a heavy stone pressing down on her heart, making it hard to breathe.
Daniel inquired softly, "What would you like for lunch?"
Maisie's mind was clearly not on food.
"You decide," she replied absentmindedly.
"I know a really delicious Thai restaurant. Would you like to try it?"
"Sure."
"Or how about some Western cuisine?"
"That’d work too."
"Maisie." Daniel held her by the shoulders, squinting and smiling gently at her. "Why do I feel like you turned into a completely different person after the exam?"
"You..." Maisie paused. "You don't want to know how I did?"
Seeing how gloomy she was, Daniel knew that she hadn't done well. He placed his hands on her shoulders and stroked her face, his gaze affectionate. "Don't dwell on the exam now that it's over. Besides, it doesn't really matter how you did. This isn't the only opportunity you will get. You can always try again if this time doesn't work out. You'll achieve your dreams."
"That's not it!" Maisie sounded anxious but didn't know how to explain further.
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