Chapter 314: That Bubble Tea Packaging Was All Too Familiar to Him

That bubble tea packaging was all too familiar to him.

"I've finished checking." Clara Whitmore handed him the revised answer key. "There were three details that needed additions. I've noted them in the margins."

Connor Hayes took the paper, his fingertips trembling slightly.

"I should get going now."

He forced a smile. "Alright. See you next time."

"Let's go, Professor. That bubble tea shop is right across from our apartment complex."

She had mentioned this shop during their last meeting.

* * *

"The bubble tea's here!"

Theo Marsh, Elise Warren, and Felix Moreau immediately gathered around.

"Thanks, Professor! Appreciate it, Clara!"

"Sorry for making you run this errand!"

Theo eagerly stabbed his straw into the cup. "So refreshing!"

Elise raised an eyebrow. "Is it really that good?"

Felix accepted two cups and thanked Elias Mercer and Clara.

He eagerly offered one to Celia Monroe.

"Here you go, Celia."

"Hmm."

Upon learning Elias and Clara had gone together to buy the drinks, Celia instantly lost her appetite.

Felix kept chattering beside her:

"Celia, why aren't you drinking?"

"The cream topping will melt if you wait too long."

"Let me put the straw in for you."

Celia suddenly slammed the table and stood up. "Would you shut up? You're driving me crazy!"

She stormed off.

Felix stood frozen, staring at the untouched drink. "...But this was what you wanted."

Why refuse it after they'd bought it?

He would never understand.

This wasn't about education or values.

It was the unbridgeable gap created by their completely different upbringings.

Celia only accepted it because Elias had paid for the drinks.

She stepped into the hallway for fresh air.

Her phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey classmate, I found that apartment you wanted!"

"Really?" Celia's eyes lit up.

"It wasn't easy... The landlord initially refused, but they needed money urgently. Though the price—"

"Price doesn't matter. Which unit?"

"Unit 3, first floor."

Elias lived in Unit 1, seventh floor...

Too far away.

The light in Celia's eyes instantly dimmed. "No other units available?"

"...Rentals are scarce in this complex. Which floor do you actually want?"

"Unit 1. Fifth floor or above. Preferably sixth."

She didn't dare hope for the seventh.

Her realtor classmate scoffed. "Sure, I'll look." As if!

After hanging up, a voice suddenly spoke behind her:

"Celia, you're moving?"

She froze.

Turning, she saw Felix standing there holding her bubble tea.

How much had he overheard...?