"Don't know if I have a chance to recommend myself?"

Ethan Carter finally understood what that "talk about major life events" meant, and felt a bit awkward for a moment, subconsciously glancing in Nathaniel Grant's direction.

Fortunately, there was some distance between them, so the other party probably couldn't hear.

The girl was infected by his emotions and inexplicably became even more nervous: "S-senior?"

Ethan Carter withdrew his gaze. Although surprised, he still gave a direct answer.

"Sorry, I don't have that intention for now."

Just like in the many similar situations he had encountered before, he gave exactly the same answer every time.

This was the simplest and most efficient method—clear in attitude, with no need for extra explanation.

Besides, Ivy Harris had repeatedly reminded him to be cautious, and Ethan Carter had no intention of telling outsiders about Nathaniel Grant, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The girl looked dejected, her shoulders slumping. But her attitude was still frank; though her eyes were red, she still smiled and said, "It's okay, thank you anyway, senior."

Ethan Carter nodded. "It's getting late, go back and rest early."

The girl took a deep breath and nodded hard. "Okay."

She waved goodbye. "Goodbye, senior."

With that, she ran off to find her companions.

Although she didn't get what she wished for, the fluttering hem of her skirt soared in the night as she ran, still youthful and full of vitality.

Ethan Carter didn't linger. He turned and walked under the ancient tree to find Nathaniel Grant, his voice still a bit uneasy: "Mr. Lu..."

Nathaniel Grant looked over with lowered eyes.

He was taller than Ethan Carter, so he always had to look down when looking at people. His gaze, like his demeanor, was cold and showed no emotion.

But every time his eyes looked down from above, Ethan Carter always felt as if he was completely enveloped by that gaze.

Ethan Carter touched his nose and consciously changed his form of address: "Gege, let's go."

The two continued walking toward the dormitory building. It was late and cold, and there weren't many people on campus.

After a few steps, Nathaniel Grant suddenly spoke: "Are you very afraid of the cold?"

Ethan Carter wasn't sure what he meant, but since he was still wearing the other's scarf around his neck, he nodded. "A little."

Nathaniel Grant asked, "Since you're afraid of the cold, why not wear more?"

His tone was actually very calm, but because of his usual aura, others couldn't help but feel a hint of reproach.

Ethan Carter explained, "It was still pretty warm when I went out this morning, so I didn't pay much attention."

Nathaniel Grant was silent for a moment before saying, "Did you wait long?"

Ethan Carter didn't mean that, and quickly shook his head. "No..."

"I was working in the morning, had several meetings in the afternoon, couldn't get away, so I was delayed a bit when I came out."

Nathaniel Grant's tone was calm, but Ethan Carter was startled by what he said.

Ethan Carter hadn't expected the other to explain himself. Ivy Harris had mentioned Nathaniel Grant's promotion to chairman, and he could easily imagine how busy the man was now.

Not to mention, he was the one clinging to the other.

He said, "It's fine, as long as you're busy."

This time, he finally remembered not to use an honorific.

Nathaniel Grant said nothing more.

The two walked to the dormitory building. Nathaniel Grant reached out his hand, palm open: "Phone."

Ethan Carter didn't know what he wanted to do, but didn't ask. He unlocked his phone and handed it over.

Nathaniel Grant opened the contacts and entered his own number.

The white light from the screen shone on his face, illuminating his cold features, but also deepening the shadows beneath his brow bone and high, straight nose.

Ethan Carter inexplicably felt a bit cold and quickly looked away.

Nathaniel Grant finished and handed the phone back: "This is my number. Next time, contact me directly. No need to come out so early."

Ethan Carter nodded. "Okay."

Nathaniel Grant lifted his chin slightly, signaling him: "Save the number."

Ethan Carter lowered his head to save the contact. He hesitated for a moment, recalling how the other had corrected his form of address several times, and finally typed two characters—

"Gege."

Nathaniel Grant watched him from the side, his face unreadable.

Once the number was saved, the screen automatically jumped to the contacts list.

In the contacts starting with G, there was no other number saved as "Gege."

Only then did Nathaniel Grant look away.

Ethan Carter locked his phone, looked up, and was about to say goodbye to Nathaniel Grant, when he heard the man speak.

"You're still young. If you have any major life events, remember to discuss them with Gege."

Ethan Carter was stunned.

M-major life events?

He looked at Nathaniel Grant in shock.

Did that mean... he heard the confession just now?!

Author's note:

Hello, Uncle Lu____