Chapter 27: Pursuer

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Irina’s POV

I went back to school because Professor Gates had arranged a new assignment that was a group project. I partnered with Emma and another new transfer student, Robert. Robert was tall and thin, with dark brown curly hair and dark brown eyes. He wore glasses and had a haughty look in his eyes. He
appeared in the school’s canteen at 8: 00 a.m. sharp every morning. If he had no classes, he would definitely go to the library to read.

Emma said he was scholar material. He was impervious to flattery and was very aloof. He was someone who was suitable for doing academic research.
“Haha, I think you’re talking about Professor Gates.” I glanced sideways at Emma.

“bet he’s never dated anyone before. He hasn’t even crushed on a girl before.” Emma looked very cute when she gossiped.

“Maybe, but it’s not important. We need to finish the research project with him. We have to spend some time with him.”

Emma and I went to the school’s canteen. More and more people were lining up to buy sandwiches. Emma and I queued in separate lines and waited for the queue to move forward. Just then, I got a message.

“Turn around.” I didn’t recognize the number. I turned around and saw Daniel standing beside a table while waving at me. He was holding a large tray filled with food.

“Hey!” I called back, then pulled Emma out of the queue.

“Thank you, Daniel,” I said with a smile as I picked up a sandwich.

“Thank you, Daniel.” Emma took one too.

“Thank you, Daniel.” I looked up to see Robert standing beside Daniel and taking the last sandwich from his tray.

“Tcame to tell you guys that this is my plan for our new research project…” Robert started to ramble. Daniel had to put down the tray and line up again. He kept looking our way from time to time. I nodded at him. I knew it was his duty to make sure I was in his line of sight at all times.
After lunch, I wiped my mouth with my napkin. Emma took out her makeup bag and reapplied her lipstick.

“This is for you.” Robert took out a small box from the pocket of his shirt. It contained a tube of lipstick. He placed the lipstick in front of me, and I froze for a moment.

“Wow, Tom Ford’s limited edition,” Emma exclaimed.

I looked at Robert questioningly. He pushed his glasses up his nose. “I think you’ll look more beautiful if you put this on.” His expression was serious, as if he were discussing an academic topic with me.

“But…” I hesitated while wondering about his intentions.

“Yes, you’re right. I have feelings for you. I want to pursue you, Irina.” Robert was still sitting across from me with a poker face.

“Thave… a boyfriend.” This was the first time I had used the word” boyfriend’ to define Ravi’s identity. I didn’t know if Ravi and I were considered boyfriend and girlfriend, because he had always called me “his woman” and never said the word’ girlfriend.”
“Iknow. He’s just a boyfriend. He’s not your fiancé, let alone your husband.”

“If he finds out, he’ll kill you.”

“I’s okay. I’m good at fighting. And I’m a good shot.” Robert adjusted his glasses again.

I felt that he was bragging. At least, he didn’t look like a person who was good at sports. Instead, he looked like a weak scholar. He was eloquent, and people who were eloquent were usually good at bragging.

“Twon’t date you, Robert.” I was confident I wouldn’t.

“You will.” He was just as confident.

“I think I’ve made myself clear. From today onwards, all our interactions will be limited to the research project. If you refuse, I’ll ask the professor to change groups.”

“Imade myself clear. I want to pursue you.” There was an inexplicable sense of confidence in his tone.

“Oh, God!” Emma finally interrupted. “I don’t think I should be here.” Emma got up to leave.

“Let’s go together.” I got up and pulled Emma away, leaving Robert alone..