The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 121

Lilah handed over a hand warmer. "Josh, you're amazing! Aren't you a geology major? How do you even know how to fix a snowcat?"

Josh didn't take the hand warmer. He casually wiped the grease from his hands, his tone indifferent. "I happen to know a bit about low-temperature mechanics. It's nothing."

"Then I'll have to learn how to fix equipment from you," Lilah said. "It's better than hiding in the back and just handing over tools every time we run into trouble."

Wrapped in the biting wind and snow, the two climbed back into the vehicle. As soon as Josh got in, he noticed Coach Jensen's expression was even colder than the blizzard outside...

It was only then that Josh remembered—according to the expedition's arrangements, Coach Jensen was supposed to be their technical expert...

"Sorry, Coach Jensen," Josh said, holding his toolbox, unsure of how to bridge the awkwardness.

"Alright, alright. If it's fixed, let's get moving." Liam Jensen scoffed, turning to slam his door shut. "If we wait any longer, it'll be dark, and the blizzard will hit again."

Josh ignored his sarcastic tone and simply reminded Sloane to buckle her seatbelt.

The vehicle soon roared back to life.

The howling winds across the ice sheet gradually subsided. In the distance, a silver-gray silhouette faintly emerged against the horizon—their destination, Endurance Station.

*

Early the next morning, a splash of orange appeared at the edge of the snowfield.

"We're here," Professor Harrison announced, standing up and pointing out the window. "Endurance Station."

Sloane leaned against the glass, taking in the structure nestled in the snow.

Vivienne swept her gaze over the group, lingering on each face for a fraction of a second. Her eyes settled on Sloane, pausing slightly longer before she smiled in greeting.

"Welcome to Antarctica! Your rooms are ready. Rest up for now, and at noon, I'll treat you to a feast—though it's mostly frozen meat and dehydrated veggies, our chef is top-notch."

The group followed her inside.

The interior was significantly warmer than the brutal cold outside.

The corridors were pristine white with soft lighting, and slip-resistant rubber lined the floors. As they passed door after door, they caught glimpses of laboratories, a gym, a cafeteria, and a small library. Several researchers in blue uniforms hurried past, nodding politely.

Suddenly, Vivienne's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Come on. Let me show you the good stuff."