But Roger could not bear the thought of living under Weston’s shadow forever. “Stella, I’m serious about what I said earlier. I hope you’ll really think about it and stop treating me like a kid. I can support you.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Stella smiled, not fully taking his words to heart. She placed some salad on his plate and ruffled his hair. “Hurry up and eat. You’ve got a packed schedule today. I saw your class timetable, and it’s full. You should take a nap after lunch, or you won’t be able to focus.”
Roger nodded, and they turned their attention back to their meal. Meanwhile, a number of students couldn’t help but notice them.
Roger had gained a reputation as something of a campus celebrity. He was not only exceptionally bright but also very good-looking, making him the object of many girls’ admiration. The girl who had confessed to him earlier that day wasn’t the first, and certainly wouldn’t be the last.
At first, many believed that Roger was someone who only cared about his studies and had no interest in women. So when they saw him having lunch with a beautiful girl, the surprise was palpable.
As some students passed by, they exchanged knowing glances and winked at him. “Not bad, Roger. No wonder you turned down the girl this morning. This one’s pretty nice, too.”
Roger put down his utensils and gave the student a piercing look. “She’s my sister.”
“Oh? Your sister!” The student was taken aback.
“She’s your sister?” another one asked, clearly surprised.
The conversation lingered on, and the meal stretched out longer than expected. With break time quickly winding down, Stella nudged him. “Alright, hurry up and finish eating. Stop paying attention to all that nonsense.”
They finished their meal just in time for the bell signaling the end of the lunch hour.
Stella sighed. “Great, no time for a rest now.”
Roger smiled mischievously and grabbed her arm. “Then why don’t we take a walk? It’s the first time you’ve come to visit me here.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You’re already a college student. Do you really need someone to visit you?”
“You’re the one who said I’ll always be your little brother, no matter how old I am,” he replied with a playful grin.
“And you’re the one who told me not to treat you like a kid,” she shot back.
They both chuckled, knowing they had caught each other in a contradiction.
Stella shook her head helplessly. “Alright, I’ll walk with you for a bit.”
They strolled for a short distance, enjoying each other’s company, when Stella suddenly recalled something. She turned to Roger. “So, what’s up with that girl this morning? Seems like lots of people in the university like you.”
Roger shrugged with a smirk. “Look at my face. Isn’t it normal that people like me?”
Stella laughed and shook her head. “You’re such a narcissist. I wonder who you take after.”
Her parents were humble, brilliant scholars who kept a low profile, while Roger had always been a bit more flamboyant. Only after a serious illness did he become more restrained, but his underlying temperament remained the same—capricious and a little headstrong.
The two of them continued to talk, their conversation flowing effortlessly, until it was time for Roger’s class. Stella urged him to go, and he reluctantly said his goodbyes.
Afterward, she wandered around the campus for a while, enjoying the quiet moment. Just as she turned a corner, she unexpectedly ran into Justin, who was walking toward her.
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