The Genius and Me

One

One o'clock in the afternoon.

I had just finished processing the post-lab assignment.

When I opened my phone, the unread messages and missed calls nearly blew up the screen.

A bunch of people were urging me to check my messages, and they'd sent me a link.

Curious, I clicked on it.

What I saw was a video posted on the confession wall.

In the footage, a couple was walking hand in hand across campus.

I recognized the guy immediately—he was the one I had a crush on.

The other girl?

She was my dorm roommate.

And also my lab partner under the same advisor.

The caption under the confession wall read: Devin is actually with Fiona.

They used the word "actually."

Because everyone knew.

I liked Devin.

Two

Back when I first started my master's program.

My advisor asked if I was seeing anyone.

I shook my head.

He said, "Come by tomorrow. There are a few guys here. Take a look."

I thought he was joking.

But the next day.

I stood in his office, facing a group of tall, handsome guys in white lab coats, completely stunned.

My advisor grinned proudly and winked at me. "Pretty good-looking, right? Take your pick."

I felt a little awkward.

Sure, I was single, but I wasn't really interested in romance.

I'd known since I was a kid.

I'm a sapiosexual.

In simple terms: I'm drawn to intelligence.

So when I meet someone smarter than me, I can't help but admire them.

These senior students were all new to me.

They seemed nice enough, but I wasn't exactly smitten.

My advisor wasn't in a rush either.

He told me to take my time.

Said they'd be around every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon anyway.

I was speechless.

During that first meeting, I didn't even notice Devin.

It wasn't until later, during an experiment.

We were stuck on a problem.

A group of us were huddled around the whiteboard, racking our brains over where we'd gone wrong.

That's when Devin walked over.

He took one glance and said we just needed to swap out the theoretical formula.

Then he demonstrated it on the spot.

The first thing I noticed was his meticulous logic.

Only afterward did I realize how handsome and serious he looked.

That deep-seated admiration for competence made me want to get closer to Devin.

From then on, I never missed an experiment he was part of.

Over time, everyone assumed I liked him.

I wasn't sure if it was really "like."

But being around Devin felt comfortable.

And I genuinely enjoyed working with him.

Still...

When I saw that confession wall post.

I felt absolutely nothing.

Three

The comments under the confession wall were overwhelming.

Devin was famous on campus.

He'd been competing in tournaments since undergrad.

Won the school a lot of honors.

Of course, most people probably noticed his face first.

Even my roommate Fiona, the first time she saw him.

Grabbed my arm and squealed about how handsome he was.

But she never once showed any sign of liking him.

I thought she was just appreciating the view.

Now, seeing that post.

I was a little confused.

When I got back to the dorm.

Fiona was already there.

She looked at me with an expression caught between awkward and embarrassed.

Then she came over and took my hand.

"Hey, Rowan, I need to tell you something."

"I know. You and Devin are together."

I guess I was too blunt.

Fiona's fidgeting froze.

I'd been in the lab all afternoon and was tired, so I pulled my hand away to change shoes.

Fiona followed me.

"Yeah... I'm sorry, Rowan. I know you like Devin, but feelings are unpredictable, right?"

She had a point.

Everyone knew I liked Devin.

But Devin had never shown any interest in me.

My feelings were my own business.

Who he chose to be with was his.

Fiona kept rambling in my ear.

My head was starting to ache.

I was too drained to listen to her endless explanations.

"Fiona."

I cut her off.

"Did you finish the project assignment from last week? It's due tomorrow."

Her expression shifted.

I looked down at my shoes, pretending not to notice her conflicted, resentful gaze.

Four

I went to sleep.

When I woke up, it was six in the morning.

The dorm was silent.

Fiona was already gone.

I wondered why she was up so early.

Then I figured it wasn't my problem.

I washed up and headed to the lab building.

I needed to submit the experiment report today.

I wanted to double-check the data before the professor arrived.

When I reached the lab floor.

I saw the lights were still on.

I was sure I'd turned them off before leaving yesterday.

Curious, I got closer.

And heard familiar voices.

"Devin, thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"For what?"

It was Devin and Fiona.

I figured I'd walked in at a bad time.

Fiona was clinging to Devin's arm, acting coy.

And Devin was gently patting her head.

They looked disgustingly sweet.

Devin noticed me first.

His smile faltered for a second.

Then he pushed Fiona away.

"Someone's here."

Fiona saw me too.

Her smile slowly faded.

I shrugged.

It's not like I meant to interrupt.

"Rowan, you're here."

Devin greeted me like usual.

His smile was warm and harmless, friendly as ever.

I nodded.

Before I could say anything.

Fiona chimed in.

"Rowan, thanks for reminding me about the project yesterday. I almost forgot. Good thing Devin was here—he stayed with me all night. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made the deadline."

So that's why Fiona was gone so early.

She'd spent the whole night in the lab.

Dedicated.

Guess I'd have to step up my game too.

Devin patted Fiona's shoulder.

"Why bring that up? I've got class now. I'm heading out."

"Okay. Take care."

After Devin left.

Fiona seemed like she wanted to talk.

But I was busy rechecking my data.

She didn't say anything, so I didn't ask.

Five

After the morning classes.

Our advisor called us to his office.

Devin was there too.

He handed us a document.

Said the regional qualifier results were out.

A month ago.

Our advisor had signed us up for a national collegiate competition.

From regional to provincial to national.

The higher the level, the tougher the competition.

And the better the opponents.

"All three of you advanced. The next round is in a week. I've already approved your leave. Prepare well."

He wanted us to stay as a team.

To keep supporting each other.

Taking the leave slips and project materials from him.

All three of us were excited.

"Devin, you've got more experience. Help them out."

"Sure."

Outside the office.

Devin asked if I was free that evening.

To discuss the competition.

I didn't mind.

But Fiona looked unhappy.

"Didn't you promise to watch a movie with me tonight?"

"The competition's coming up. We'll do it after."

Devin said.

Fiona's face went cold, and she walked off.

Devin frowned and glanced at me.

I was speechless.

Why was he looking at me?

His girlfriend just stormed off—shouldn't he go after her?

...

The news about advancing from regionals to provincials spread quickly across the school's social media.

A lot of people saw Fiona and Devin's names together.

And started talking.

The confession wall incident had already caused a stir.

Seeing their names side by side.

People hyped it up.

Calling it a power couple of学霸s.

A match made in heaven—brilliant and beautiful.

Then someone noticed the name stuck in the middle.

And asked, "Who's Rowan? Never heard of her."

Sorry.

That's me.

I have no idea how I ended up in the crosshairs.

My phone and messages blew up again.

I was reading at the time.

When I found out, I checked the school group chat.

The comments about me had gone from "Who's Rowan?" to "Rowan likes Devin" and "If Rowan hadn't clung to Devin, she'd never have made it to provincials."

I was speechless.

And the last comment was being copy-pasted like some coordinated smear campaign.

Who had that much free time?

That night in the dorm.

Devin created a group chat for the three of us.

"Rowan, ignore the online chatter. We know your skills. Focus on the competition. You've got this."

As soon as I joined.

Devin sent that message.

Then Fiona chimed in.

"Yeah, Rowan. We believe in you."

I didn't care whether they believed me or not.

They were just bystanders.

I replied, "I'm not bothered. We'll see the results."

Devin sent an "mmhmm" and a cheering emoji.

Fiona stayed quiet.

But she sent me a private message later.

"Rowan, Devin and I are out tonight. Won't be back."

I was speechless.

Six

A week later.

A bus came to take us to the provincial competition venue.

Fiona and Devin sat together.

Devin told me not to be nervous.

Fiona echoed him.

"Yeah, with Devin and me here, just relax, Rowan."

I was speechless.

I wasn't nervous at all.

The bus stopped at another school.

More students got on.

All of them had advanced to provincials too.

I closed my eyes to rest.

Then I heard a really nice voice.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

I opened my eyes.

A tall man in a mask and glasses was looking down at me.

His black hair fell over his forehead.

Behind the lenses, his eyes were calm and deep.

He was smiling, but there was a polite distance in it.

I shook my head. "No, go ahead."

He said thanks and sat down.

Like me, he closed his eyes as soon as he got on.

Before the bus started, I glanced at the school name outside.

Whoa.

Top-ranked school in the province.

I'd heard it was full of provincial valedictorians and competition prodigies.

I wondered which category the guy next to me fell into.

When we got off, someone led us to rest areas.

Fiona and I were assigned to the same dorm as girls from other schools.

During introductions.

A girl in our dorm asked me.

"Hey, Rowan, don't take this the wrong way."

"What?"

"I heard you only made it to provincials because Fiona and her boyfriend carried you."

I was speechless.

I had no idea.

The rumors had spread to other schools.

I just smiled and didn't bother explaining.

The next day, all the advancing students introduced themselves.

When it was my turn, people looked at me with... a certain expression.

I wondered why.

Then I overheard someone whispering.

"She's the one who only got in because of her teammates?"

"Yeah, that's her."

"Tch. Doesn't look like she's got much skill."

I was speechless.

Was there a giant "weak" sign hanging over my head?

Why did everyone think that?

Devin heard it too.

He wanted to say something.

But Fiona tugged his sleeve.

The introductions continued.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Ezra."

Ezra?

What a striking name.

But it sounded familiar.

I looked up.

Wait—wasn't that the guy from the bus?

After his voice faded.

Murmurs of surprise rippled around me.

So I wasn't the only one who found it familiar and striking.

"Ezra! Holy crap, that's Ezra! The guy who's won multiple national championships!"

I was speechless.

Wait.

I remembered now.

I'd seen that name on past national competition rosters.

Seven

Ever since high school, I'd been into competitions.

When I started college and first looked into national competitions related to my major, I came across Ezra's name.

Since his first year of grad school.

He'd competed in four national competitions.

Except for one time when he withdrew due to a scheduling conflict.

He'd won the championship every other time.

Holy crap.

A legend.

A true legend.

My eyes lit up with barely contained greed.

I never thought that in my academic career.

I'd get to compete on the same stage as someone like him!

Ezra was currently a PhD student.

His introduction stunned everyone.

But he remained calm.

Nodded politely to the crowd, then stepped down.

Look at that presence.

Look at that aura.

I could barely hide the sparkle in my eyes.

But since everyone was staring at him.

I figured I wasn't too obvious.

So I admired him openly.

What I didn't expect.

Was that as Ezra passed by my aisle.

He suddenly glanced in my direction.

And my worshipful gaze met his calm eyes.

I was speechless.

Was he looking at me?!

The legend was looking at me?!

My heart skipped a beat. I was so excited I thought it might burst.

And then.

The legend nodded at me.

He nodded at me!

The legend actually nodded at me!

Did he recognize me?

We sat next to each other on the bus yesterday!

I excitedly waved back at him.

He lowered his eyes.

And as he turned away, I thought I saw his eyes crinkle.

Eight

After the introductions.

The organizers announced the competition rules.

It was free team formation.

Five people per team.

Meaning we could team up with top students from other schools.

Everyone was eager.

Already sizing up potential teammates.

I was hoping to team up with Ezra.

But his school had four people advancing.

They just needed one more.

And I had to stick with Devin and Fiona.

Too bad. I couldn't team up with the legend.

But being his competitor.

Getting to spar with him.

That would still be amazing.

I couldn't wait.

I went to ask Devin and Fiona about their team plans.

We had three people. We needed two more.

But when I walked over and asked.

Fiona said, "Rowan, we've already teamed up with three people from another school. We can't take you. You'll have to find your own team."

I was speechless.

Weren't we from the same school?

I looked at Devin, confused.

He looked uncomfortable. "Rowan, the team I'm joining is from the school ranked second in regionals. They only want two people..."

Seeing my frown, he quickly added, "I'll ask if they can take one more."

But before he could.

Fiona pulled him back.

"Rowan, we're all representing our school. Splitting up increases our chances of winning, right?"

Right, right, right. Right my foot.

I was speechless.

I started looking for other teams that needed members.

But no one seemed to want me.

Was I really that bad?

As I was doubting myself.

Someone called out from behind me.

"Hey, junior, we're one short. Want to join?"

I turned to look.

Shock!!!

Holy crap!!!

It was the team from the legend's school!

I pointed at myself, skeptical.

"Are you talking to me?"

The friendly guy nodded.

"Yeah."

Everyone around went quiet.

They stared at me, incredulous.

I walked over, flattered.

The senior who'd spoken pulled out a chair for me.

"Have a seat, junior. These are our team members."

He introduced them one by one.

I politely greeted everyone.

When it came to Ezra.

I bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

"Hello, legend. Please take care of me."

The legend calmly said, "Mm."

Totally aloof and untouchable.

"Don't mind him. That's just how he is."

I wouldn't dare mind.

He's a legend.

It's normal for him to look down on mere mortals like me.

Nine

The news that I'd teamed up with Ezra and his crew shocked everyone.

As soon as I got back to the dorm, someone said.

"Rowan, you're so lucky. Another great team to carry you."

"Yeah, with Ezra on your side, you can just coast this time, right?"

The sour tone made me frown.

I'd never been a top competitor in any competition.

But I'd never held anyone back either.

Why did everyone look down on me?

From the very first day, I'd been treated like this.

No matter how good my attitude was, it was starting to get to me.

The next day, when we started discussing the problem.

Everyone was actively contributing.

Halfway through, I had a different idea.

I wanted to speak up.

But everyone seemed so immersed in their discussion.

No one noticed me.

Maybe I should just stay quiet.

These were all geniuses. They knew better than me.

I sat quietly, listening.

After the next person finished speaking, someone suddenly called on me.

"Rowan, do you have a different approach?"

Huh?!

Someone was talking to me!

My eyes lit up.

It was Ezra!

He was looking at me.

His gaze was calm, but it carried an inexplicable sense of certainty.

"I... I do. I think the formula you're using is too complicated. Have you considered deriving it from Planck's equation?"

I grabbed a piece of scratch paper and demonstrated.

Honestly.

Under the scrutiny of a group of geniuses.

I was nervous.

I made several mistakes while writing.

By the time I finished.

Everyone was silent.

I put down the pen, feeling anxious.

"That's it... Did I say something wrong?"

I asked hesitantly.

Like a weak link waiting to be cut.

The team was quiet for a moment.

Then everyone burst into chatter.

"Right! That simplifies things. See, I've been overthinking it. Nice one, junior."

People were talking and clapping.

The praise made me a little embarrassed.

I scratched my head.

And instinctively looked at the team leader, Ezra.

He actually smiled at me.

Suddenly, the sky felt a lot brighter than before.

The gloom of the past few days lifted.

In the discussions that followed, I wasn't as nervous or hesitant.

The clash of ideas was more exciting and thrilling than I'd imagined.

By the end of the day, I'd learned so much from them.

Ten

After the first day of competition.

Everyone had gotten to know each other.

Someone suggested getting late-night snacks.

I was the only girl on the team.

I hesitated.

"Come on, junior. We'll have our leader walk you back."

"No, no, that's fine."

I waved my hands.

No way. I wouldn't dare ask the legend to walk me.

But after the snacks.

It was indeed Ezra who walked me back.

"Really, I can go by myself."

"It's fine. I have time. Let's go."

When the legend says that.

What could I say?

I obediently followed behind him.

We walked side by side.

Our shadows on the ground almost touched.

"Legend, thank you for today."

"For what?"

In the evening breeze, his voice was still warm and pleasant.

"Thank you for letting me join the discussion and for having me on the team. I promise I won't hold you back."

I gathered my courage and declared my resolve.

The legend suddenly stopped.

I stopped too, looking at him in confusion.

He wasn't wearing his glasses.

So I could clearly see the shape of his eyes and his expression.

His gaze was serious and gentle.

Carrying a quiet strength that put everyone at ease.

"I've seen your work before. I asked you to join because of your ability. You shared your thoughts because you're brave. Don't doubt yourself, Rowan. You're excellent."

I was speechless.

Was the legend... complimenting me?

I froze.

The sound of leaves rustling in the wind was crystal clear.

I stared at him.

Unable to look away.

Finally, he cleared his throat.

"Come on. Time to head back."

"Oh, okay."

I snapped out of it.

But my heart was still floating.

Back at the dorm, thinking about what he said.

I suddenly laughed out loud.

Everyone in the room stared at me like I was crazy.

Eleven

Unfortunately, my time teaming up with Ezra didn't last long.

The next day, the organizers announced that after free team formation, we'd be randomly assigned to new teams.

The scores from before were split into individual points and team points.

The team points could be distributed among members however they wanted.

This competition had always been flexible.

Even the final round was determined by individual scores.

I saw some teams already arguing over who got more points.

Some drew lots.

Others distributed based on how many questions each person answered.

I thought our team would do the latter.

But they gave me a third of their total points.

"Aren't you giving me too much?"

I hadn't solved that many problems on the first day.

It was mostly their work.

And I was one person. They were four.

Giving me a third meant they'd have very little left.

"It's fine. You're a girl. It's only right to look out for you."

"No. If we're splitting points, it should be fair. Give me what I earned. My gender has nothing to do with it. It should be about skill.

Besides... I don't want people to think I got this many points just because of you."

I refused.

I was serious.

Everyone was stunned.

They all looked at Ezra.

I looked at him too.

"Do it her way."

Thankfully, Ezra was on my side.

I smiled.

Even though the points I ended up with were few.

I was still happy.

Because I'd been respected.

After the random assignment.

Even though I didn't end up on Ezra's team.

I wasn't too disappointed.

"Rowan."

Ezra walked over to me.

"Legend."

He was used to me calling him that by now.

He gave me a small smile.

"Good luck."

My eyes lit up, and I was instantly fired up.

"Yeah!"

Twelve

I was grouped with Fiona and another guy.

He was really skilled too.

Under the elimination format—win and advance, lose and go home.

We held out until the afternoon.

Barely scraping by round after round.

Until we finally faced Ezra's team.

Ezra's team was the most anticipated and the least悬念.

Because he was on it.

Their matches looked as easy as the first level of a casual mobile game.

Monstrous. Absolutely monstrous.

Everyone there finally got a taste of what a multi-time champion could do.

Knowing I was about to face him.

I couldn't help but feel nervous.

My palms were sweating.

Before the match, there was a courtesy greeting.

After I bowed and said, "Please guide me."

I looked up and met Ezra's eyes.

"Good luck."

Oh my god.

I suddenly felt like I could do anything.

But a legend is a legend.

That match was tense and exhausting.

Especially at the end.

When Ezra and I argued over a data discrepancy.

Finally, he calmly pointed out our calculation error.

"I agree with your data analysis and methodology. The experimental steps were correct. But the calculated data deviation isn't enough to support the result. So, I'm sorry. You're wrong."

He was firm but polite.

Defeating us was as straightforward as defeating any other team.

That was the first time I'd felt so directly the weight of intellectual superiority.

After the match.

I was a little down.

Devin texted me, asking about the final individual round.

I didn't reply.

Thirteen

Late that night, someone sent me a friend request.

The verification message was just one word: "Ezra."

I immediately knew who it was.

Excitedly, I accepted.

He quickly sent a message.

"Sorry. I was too harsh this afternoon."

???

I was upset because I lost.

What did his tone have to do with anything?

"No, no."

I quickly typed back.

He asked, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Wow. That was a sharp change of subject.

I told him the truth.

The afternoon's experiment was a bit difficult.

And there were things I still didn't understand.

"I'll redo the calculation for you tomorrow at noon."

"Great, great."

Getting guidance from the legend was a no-brainer.

I only realized after replying.

That meant I'd be alone with him tomorrow at noon?!

...

The next day, Ezra showed up as promised.

And after that, every time the competition ended, we'd discuss things together.

He gave me a lot of help and study methods.

Truly, a word from a legend is worth more than ten years of books.

When the final scores—individual plus team—were tallied.

I ranked fourth.

Successfully advancing to the national finals.

There was a small incident:

When distributing team points to individual scores.

Fiona demanded more for herself.

The guy on my team and I refused.

"Rowan answered the most questions. Why should she give up her points to you?"

The guy stood up for me.

After I advanced.

No one said I coasted on my teammates anymore.

...

Back at school.

My advisor praised my progress.

And gave me more responsibilities.

"I knew you had potential. You didn't disappoint. Good luck at the finals! I'll hang a banner for you."

"Thanks, Professor."

Compared to my praise.

Devin and Fiona, who'd been eliminated, were quiet and low-key.

Before I left the office.

I sent Ezra a message.

While waiting for his reply, Devin suddenly called out to me.

He saw my phone screen.

His smile was tinged with bitterness.

"You and Ezra are pretty close now?"

???

What kind of question was that?

"Not really. But he did help me a lot."

Without realizing it, my attitude toward Devin had become distant.

He gave a wry smile and apologized.

"I'm sorry for leaving you to team up with strangers that day."

I didn't really need his apology.

If anything, if it weren't for him and Fiona.

I might never have connected with Ezra.

Or improved so much.

...

Back at the dorm.

Fiona looked at me with a mix of resentment and wariness.

I had a pretty good idea why.

But I didn't feel like dealing with it.

I just wanted to focus on preparing for the finals.

Fourteen

Ezra and I stayed in touch.

After we both advanced to the finals.

He sent me a lot of materials and data.

Told me to read them when I had time.

"Not that you'll win the championship, but it's always good to learn more."

Ugh.

The legend's encouragement was refreshingly blunt.

The national finals brought together elites and competition legends from all over.

Before the competition, I felt like the "hope of the whole school."

Even the dean came to see me off, telling me to make the school proud.

I boarded the "campaign" bus full of confidence.

But I was still a little nervous.

Until the bus stopped.

Ezra got on and sat next to me again.

"Don't be nervous. You've got this."

It was kind of surreal.

Half a month ago, when we first met.

He sat next to me.

Our conversation was limited to "Is this seat taken?"

Half a month later, he was sitting next to me again.

But now we were much closer.

...

The national finals were even more intense than I'd imagined.

Everyone was better than me.

On the first day, I was so nervous my palms were sweating.

Thankfully, Ezra was there.

He handed me water and encouraged me.

During the team rounds.

Since I came alone.

I was debating whether to hop between teams for points.

When Ezra said to me.

"Just stay with our team. Don't go anywhere."

Huh? The legend wanted to take me in!

I finally had a team!

With the legend leading.

I somehow stopped being nervous.

Ezra and I fought our way through.

Earning the highest team score.

Which made the individual rounds much easier.

In the end, I didn't win the championship.

But I stood on the same podium as the legend.

"Not bad. Great job."

Ezra was, unsurprisingly, the champion.

"I'll catch up to you."

I said to him.

He smiled. It was a nice smile. "Okay. I'll wait."

Mm.

Those two words—"I'll wait"—were far too tender.

Back at school.

My advisor actually had a banner made.

He made a big deal about my achievement in the office.

"See this? My student. Young, talented, excellent. I taught her!"

I was a little embarrassed.

He reassured me. "It's fine. You're only in your second year. You've got plenty of opportunities. The future is bright!"

Back at the dorm.

I called Ezra.

He was still in the lab.

"Am I interrupting you?"

"No."

Since the legend said so.

It must be true.

I happily shared my joy with him.

And told him what my advisor said.

"Your school didn't do anything to celebrate your championship?"

"No. They're probably used to it by now."

I was speechless.

So humble.

"Hey, legend."

"Hm?"

"Is it hard to get into your school's PhD program?"

He paused.

"You want to come here?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

I was speechless.

Why?

Because the legend was amazing, and his school was amazing.

Just as I was about to say that.

I suddenly hesitated.

Was that really the reason?

The main reason I wanted to go there...

I froze.

Staring at the person on the screen.

He seemed to be waiting for my answer.

When he saw me looking at him, his eyes curved slightly.

Calm and gentle.

My heart suddenly started racing.

"No... no reason."

I dodged the question.

Ezra didn't press.

He just smiled lightly. "It's not hard. I'll send you some materials."

I had a feeling his definition of "not hard" wasn't the same as mine.

But hearing him say that.

I still nodded happily.

"Okay."

Fifteen

To prepare for the PhD entrance exam.

I started spending a lot of time in the library and lab.

My advisor was very supportive when he found out.

I'd occasionally run into Devin in the lab or classroom.

But we were just nodding acquaintances.

He tried to talk to me a few times.

But my cold attitude shut him down.

Fiona still looked at me with dislike.

Our interactions dwindled. It wasn't like the beginning of the semester.

On Friday, our advisor assigned a paper.

Due next week.

I spent the afternoon in the library with my laptop, searching for sources.

During a break, I checked my phone.

Saw that Ezra had called.

I video-called him back.

He seemed to be outside.

"Where are you?"

I asked.

Ezra didn't answer. Instead, he noticed my background.

"You're in the library?"

I nodded.

Told him about the paper our advisor assigned.

"I'm looking for sources now. No idea where to start."

"I can help."

Ezra suddenly said.

Right. I forgot he was a PhD student.

My eyes lit up. "I'll call you when I get back."

"No need."

Huh?

"I'm at your school. Should be at the library in about ten minutes."

Huh?!

Ezra was at our school!!!

My eyes widened again with excitement.

My voice carried a hint of joy I didn't even notice.

"I'll come meet you at the entrance. You can't get in without a student card."

"Okay."

...

I waited at the library entrance for a few minutes.

Sure enough, I saw him walking down the main path.

Tall and striking.

Drawing stares from everyone he passed.

Ezra saw me too.

His gentle expression softened even more.

I waved excitedly.

He reached me in a few quick steps.

I led him into the library.

Still pleasantly surprised.

"Why are you at our school?"

"I have a research project with your school. My advisor brought me."

I nodded in understanding.

That was impressive.

Luckily, the spot I'd picked was a two-person seat.

Ezra sat down and immediately got to work.

"Show me the requirements."

"Here."

I sat obediently beside him, like a little kid.

A legend is a legend.

One look, and he knew which direction to point me in.

We spent the whole afternoon in the library.

He gave me a lot of guidance and help.

With all the sources and methods.

I had a clear outline for my paper.

"Write it like this. Send it to me when you're done."

"Okay, okay."

Getting guidance from the legend.

I was over the moon.

I checked the time. It was already eight.

"Oh, I forgot to eat."

I'd made the legend skip dinner to help me with my paper.

I felt terrible.

Ezra smiled lightly.

"It's fine. We can eat now."

"Let me treat you. What do you want?"

"I heard the congee at your school cafeteria is good."

Oh. The legend wanted congee.

I smiled and nodded. "I'll take you there."

"Okay."

Sixteen

It wasn't mealtime.

So the cafeteria wasn't crowded.

I ordered congee for the legend and got some dishes from another window.

"These are pretty good. Try them?"

"Sure."

The legend ate with his chopsticks.

Elegant and refined.

It was a pleasure to watch.

I didn't know why I was so happy.

But I was.

Halfway through the meal.

Someone called out to me.

I looked up. It was Fiona.

Huh?

Wasn't she out with Devin today?

I was a little surprised.

But it wasn't my business.

When she waved at me, I gave a brief nod in return.

Fiona recognized Ezra too.

Seeing us together.

Her eyes darted between us.

"You two..."

Ezra frowned slightly.

Clearly not liking being scrutinized.

I knew she was going to misunderstand.

For some reason, I hated the way Fiona was looking at Ezra.

It made me uncomfortable.

So when I spoke again, my tone was colder.

"Senior Ezra is here for a collaborative research project with our school. I'm showing him around for sources."

Fiona gave an awkward "Oh."

Then left with a skeptical look.

I didn't care.

I said to Ezra, "Don't mind her. She's my roommate."

Ezra replied calmly, "I know."

Great. Was the legend upset now?

I felt a little nervous.

After dinner, he walked me to my dorm.

"Get some rest."

I nodded. "Okay."

...

Back at the dorm.

Fiona was sitting in front of her mirror, doing her skincare.

When she saw me come in, she gave me a couple of glances.

I ignored her.

If it weren't for her, the legend wouldn't have gotten upset.

Fiona waited for me to speak.

When I didn't, she tentatively asked, "Did Ezra walk you back?"

"Yeah."

"Rowan, are you and Ezra..."

"Fiona, that's my personal business. You don't need to pry."

I put down my things.

My voice was quiet but firm.

Fiona shut up.

But her look was even more probing.

I was annoyed.

I opened my laptop to work on my paper.

Fiona kept glancing over at me.

I got even more annoyed.

So I just took my laptop to bed.

Seventeen

No classes on the weekend.

I woke up early and Fiona was already gone.

Probably out with her boyfriend.

I didn't feel like going to the library.

So I decided to finish my paper in the dorm.

It took me two days to put together a first draft.

I immediately sent it to Ezra.

He was probably busy.

He didn't reply until evening.

I saw that he'd received my file.

I thought he'd get back to me tomorrow.

But he video-called me instead.

"Are you asleep?"

"Not yet."

"Open your laptop and your paper."

"Oh."

I obediently opened my laptop.

And Ezra spent the next two hours guiding me through my paper over video.

It felt like an online class.

He was very thorough.

I noted down all his suggestions.

Time flew by.

"Thanks, legend!"

"Fix the marked parts tomorrow, then send it to me again."

"Okay."

"Good. Get some rest."

Ezra took off his glasses and rubbed his brow.

I watched his fingers.

"Did you spend the whole day in the lab again?"

He looked tired.

And he'd still taken time to help me.

"It's fine. I'm used to it."

Oh.

I suddenly felt guilty and worried.

"You should rest too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I hung up just as Fiona came in.

She saw my laptop screen.

Looked surprised. "Rowan, you finished your paper already?"

I grunted in reply.

Didn't feel like talking to her. I closed my laptop and went to sleep.

...

Monday. I sent the revised paper to Ezra for another look.

He said it was good.

So I happily printed it out to submit to my advisor.

When I got to the office.

Fiona was there too.

But she was just leaving.

We ran into each other, and she gave me a meaningful look.

I was confused.

When I walked in, I heard my advisor talking to another professor.

"Not bad. Look at this paper. It's good enough to publish."

"You're lucky. All your students are capable and low-maintenance."

"Hahaha, right?"

My advisor seemed in a great mood.

I knocked to interrupt them.

"Professor, here's my paper."

"Rowan, you're here. Good, let me see."

He took it with a smile.

Then set down another paper on the desk.

I saw Fiona's name on it.

Had Fiona finished her paper too?

I was puzzled.

Then I noticed my advisor's expression change.

"Rowan, did you write this?"

I nodded. "Yes. Took me a few days. I just printed it."

His brow furrowed.

He handed me Fiona's paper.

"Look at this. Fiona just gave me hers."

What did Fiona's paper have to do with me?

Why was he so serious?

Confused, I opened it.

The first page made me freeze.

I flipped through a few more pages in disbelief.

What the hell?!

This was my paper!

Even the data was identical.