Chapter 317: The Trio Emerged from the Restaurant into the Deep Night

The trio emerged from the restaurant into the deep night.

"Elias, you commanded more attention than a celebrity back there. Those professors orbiting you looked like starstruck fans at a meet-and-greet," Sloane teased.

"Celebrity?"

"You know, an idol."

Elias Mercer shook his head with an amused smile. "Just professional connections. Nothing idol-like about it."

Sloane suddenly leaned closer. "Have you been drinking? Where's your car?"

"A few glasses. Didn't drive."

"Perfect. I'll drop you and Clara home."

The car stopped at the alley's mouth, unable to proceed further.

Clara Whitmore and Elias walked side by side into the shadowed lane.

Moonlight spilled like liquid silver. A gentle night breeze stirred.

Occasional feline cries punctuated the quiet alleyway.

Elias stumbled slightly after stepping on a trash bag, the alcohol affecting his balance.

"Are you alright?"

"My apologies. Overindulged tonight."

He deliberately maintained distance, wary of his breath bothering her.

That "apology" carried unusual sincerity.

Something fluttered in Clara's chest.

Grant Holloway used to drink frequently too, yet never felt the need to apologize.

How different people could be.

She'd assumed all men were like Grant, Mason, or Julian—hedonistic pleasure-seekers.

Or like Daniel Whitmore—content with mundane stability.

Until Elias Mercer—

A man who touched the clouds yet remained more grounded than anyone.

True excellence needed no fanfare. Success required no arrogance.

He could indulge, yet chose restraint.

"Do academics really need networking dinners?" Clara asked curiously.

"In a society built on connections, reciprocity is inevitable. Alcohol's just one medium—tea, calligraphy, poetry serve the same purpose."

"If we define such interactions as 'networking,' no profession escapes it. Only degrees vary."

"During holidays, don't children visit relatives? Isn't that networking?"

"But reframe it as normal socializing—tea gatherings, fishing trips, hiking, camping—the feeling shifts."

"Yet fundamentally, it remains networking."

Clara heard this perspective for the first time. "Was tonight networking then?"

Elias's lips curved slightly. "Yes and no."

"How so?"

"The table held both mentors, dear friends, and strangers. Sharing drinks with the former is joy; enduring toasts from the latter is networking."

He turned, eyes glinting with amusement. "So... half and half."

Clara chuckled. "Such precise accounting. Happiness and unhappiness perfectly balanced."

"Exactly," he nodded. "I hope you can achieve that too."

Clara froze.

Achieve what?

Before she could ask, they'd reached her doorstep.

The conversation had carried them effortlessly home.

"Goodnight, Professor."