Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



At the tail end of December, Lumina City was graced with its second snowfall of the winter.

This snowstorm was far more substantial than the last, blanketing the entire city in a thick layer of snow over two days.

In the early morning, Roseanne, with a hint of apology, knocked on the door of Owen Reynolds' house.

"Professor..." she started hesitantly.

Owen, in his pajamas and with his hair all over the place, felt a twinge of concern, "What's happened?!"

"Nothing, nothing!" Realizing it was indeed too early for a visit, Roseanne became increasingly apologetic and somewhat embarrassed.

"Did I... wake you up?"

Owen shook his head, "No, I was about to get up anyway. What do you need?"

"That snow play kit from last time... do you still have it?"

He paused, then glanced out the window. Indeed, the snow had stopped.

"You're going out to play in the snow this early?" he asked, sounding unsure.

Roseanne's eyes sparkled, "Yes! If we go early, the snow is untouched and clean.”

Owen couldn't help but laugh, "You're still like a kid, aren't you?"

Roseanne retorted, "Playing in the snow isn't about being a kid or an adult; it's about whether you're from the south or the north."

"Wait a moment."

He turned and went inside, returning shortly with a bucket in hand.

Inside were the duck, dinosaur, and bear molds from last time, along with shovels and rakes...

“Thanks, Professor! I'm heading out!" she took the bucket and dashed downstairs.

Ten minutes later, a fully dressed Owen Reynolds appeared downstairs.

Seeing her mingling with a group of kids, in a white down jacket and a bright red hat, blending in with the snowy surroundings except for that striking splash of red.

"Professor! Come play-" Roseanne called out with a smile.

Owen waved her off, "You guys go ahead."

Roseanne pouted and turned back to dig in the snow. Seconds later, she stood up and threw something with a swift motion-

A snowball, the size of a palm, flew straight towards Owen.

He was caught off guard.

In those two seconds of hesitation, he failed to dodge, and the snowball hit his shoulder, breaking into a flurry of snowflakes. Roseanne was shocked, "Professor, why didn't you dodge?"

"I didn't react in time."

"Sorry, sorry..."

"It's okay, you play."

Just then, a kid tugged at her hand, "Sis, we haven't finished the snowman yet!"

Roseanne was pulled away.

Once she had placed the carrot nose and patted her hands clean, she looked satisfied, "All done!"

Suddenly-

"Roseanne!"

Owen called out to her.

"Hm?" She instinctively turned around.

Unexpectedly, a snowball was hurtling towards her face.

Luckily, she dodged in time.novelbin

The snowball whisked past her neck.

"Professor, you?!" Roseanne was astounded.

Owen started laughing, "Almost got you, huh?"

"Thought you weren't playing?!" she stamped her foot.

"Seems like playing once in a while isn't too bad.”

"You're not playing fair!"

"Look who's talking."

At the end of the month, during the academy's report and summary meeting.

All faculty and students gathered, with the department heads seated on stage.

Project groups took turns presenting their reports.

Notably, Edna's team saw Carlson publish an SCI paper, and Sybil Moore also had her work published this month.

Though not an SCI, it was still a well-recognized journal nationally.

"Ms. Edna's team is unstoppable!"

"Carlson never disappoints."

"If I remember correctly, didn't Sybil just publish an SCI paper last month? Her efficiency is through the roof."

"I often see her participating in club activities too. Balancing play and paper writing, she's incredible.”

"The talented excel in everything they do."

On stage, Babur White coughed twice for silence, "Which project group is next?"

Roseanne stood up, "Due to fire

safety renovations in our lab, our experimental progress was delayed, so we don't have any substantial research outcomes to report this month."

She sat down, only to hear a snicker, Slater: "A whole month and nothing to show for it. It really makes one wonder if it's truly due to lab renovations or simply a lack of

capability, looking for excuse

Mamie retorted, "You should know best why our lab was flagged for fire safety! The audacity to even question us!" "What's there to know? It's your own fault for not meeting safety standards. How is it our problem?" Slater shot back.

Mamie's glare could've cut glass.

l

"Exactly," Sybil chimed in, arms crossed with a smirk, "Failing to meet safety standards and then blaming others for your lack of results?"