Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"Owen, you vouched for the person, what's your take on this?"

Farrell finished, tossing the question back to him.

Owen Reynolds paused for a moment before speaking up-

"First off, I don't think Roseanne is to blame here."

"It's like a flower blooming in the garden, not beckoning or bothering anyone, yet bees and butterflies swarm to it. Can we then fault the flower?"

"Secondly, the caliber of students at Elite Business University needs a serious upgrade."

"To resort to a brawl over a trivial matter in public, it's a family embarrassment kept hidden, but once it gets out, it's bound to tarnish the reputation of Elite Business University. Hence "

"Improving the quality of faculty and students is of the essence. Focus on that!"

"And lastly, and most importantly, I trust Roseanne. She's not the type to take things lightly. With all that's happened, no one's considered her situation or feelings. She's a victim too."

Farrell, knowing Owen Reynolds for so long, was hearing him talk this much in one go for the first time.

"Yes, yes, Miss Cole is beyond reproach. Being beautiful and attracting attention isn't her fault, how could anyone blame her?"

Owen Reynolds's expression softened a bit: "Glad you understand."

Farrell looked at him, somewhat surprised by his defense.

“Ah, our little rascals at Elite Business University, can't keep anything under wraps. Seeing someone as pretty as Roseanne, they all strut like peacocks, vying for attention. Nowadays, society's more open, not like back in our day... I actually think it's good, chase if you like!"

"And hey, if Roseanne's single, why not consider one of our Elite Business University lads? Look, Kingswell University and Elite Business University are close by, easy to meet up for classes or after, and my lab's always available for Roseanne to use..."

Farrell grew more fond of the idea as he spoke.

A "union" between the two schools, wouldn't that be a story?

Owen Reynolds's expression turned slightly stern: "As you said, they are but rascals, hardly a match." Farrell: "?"

I was being modest, and you take my students for actual monkeys?!

Farrell wanted to add more, but Owen Reynolds stood up, leaving his seat.

Just then, from the stage came-

"Please welcome the recipient of the National Science Progress Award, Owen Reynolds..." Farrell blinked in disbelief.

one

These three years, Owen Reynolds hadnoveldrama

and invention awards. next?

Ps the natural science,

A seat in the academy, perhaps?

The youngest academician in history.

As night fell, Roseanne wrapped up her day's work at the lab and headed home.

The cold wind bit at her face, so she flipped her scarf up to cover half of it.

n

et

Just as she reached her front door, before she could fish out her keys, the door next to hers opened, and Owen Reynolds stood there.

"Roseanne."

"Professor!"

"Coming from the lab?"

"Yes, yes."

"Have you had dinner?"

She shook her head somewhat awkwardly: "Not yet."

"Come over to my place."

"Eh?" Roseanne was taken aback, "Did you cook?"

"I whipped up a couple of dishes, actually took a page out of your book. Mind giving them a try?"

"From my book?" She didn't recall ever teaching Owen Reynolds to cook.

"It's chilly outside, come in and we'll talk."

"Okay." Once inside, warmth enveloped her, quickly thawing her hands and feet.

She removed her scarf and then her down jacket, which Owen Reynolds naturally took from her, hanging it on the coat rack by the entrance

UMS