Shea Thorne listened as they went from arguing to agreeing, sincerely believing that with such vigor, they'd definitely be undefeated in a school debate.
Just then a new message came in on her phone, it was Milo Sinclair reporting to her that he'd reached home.
"Hey, do you think Milo Sinclair ever feels lonely and cold at night?" Sharon Somerset posed the question just as these words reached Shea's ears, with the dramatic flair of "lonely and cold" being Shea's own embellishment, and Sharon's words were even bolder and more straightforward.
Probably not, right? A person like him could resolve it by making the rounds at nightclubs, no need for self-reliance.
Her eyes settled on the chat window with Milo Sinclair, whose profile picture was the apricot tree at Jenson Hall's entrance, covered in clusters of pink and white blossoms.
He asked about her class schedule, and after Shea replied she wouldn't be there until the day after tomorrow, she also requested him to be discreet, as the car had been spotted by her classmates.
Milo Sinclair was easygoing, answering, "Okay, going to buy a cheaper one tomorrow. What brand do you like? What color?"
Shea Thorne recognized every word, yet even when strung together from Milo Sinclair's mouth, it remained rather mysterious.
Even though he was clearly in an assessment period, he seemed to act like he'd already aced it, reporting back to the examiner.
Reflecting on their conversation earlier about Milo Sinclair being cheated on by his girlfriend during university, possibly because he was poor, Shea Thorne felt this was absolutely a rumor.
Spreading rumors is illegal!
This extravagant behavior is nothing like the image of a struggling student, lacking the understanding that earning money is difficult and thrift is needed.
Without saying much more to Milo Sinclair, Shea Thorne mentioned she was tired and needed to rest.
Tomorrow she had to go to the National Conservatory of Music again, first to feel out the current course rhythm, as F University's schedule was slack; she was there today to sort of probe the way ahead, planning to sneak into classes later on.
With university admissions already like this, dropping out and retaking the entrance exam was simply unrealistic, she could only aim for a better outcome when applying for graduate school.
Her life was much better than she had ever experienced, she still had to stand out as Shea Thorne, a figure revered by the world.
...
On the same night, Milo Sinclair emerged from his bath, just then messaging Shea Thorne.
On the desk lay the meat floss rice ball she had left in the car and forgotten, which was a rare treat he queued up for to purchase.
Standing up, he found a record, set up the phonograph, and the elegant opera "Peony Pavilion" played, offering a unique flavor.
A piece of rice paper was laid on the desk, Milo Sinclair mixed some ink, then picked up a brush to write two names on the paper.
Ariana Thorne, Shea Thorne.
Ariana Thorne was the name Miles Crawford mentioned to him, assuring that he and Ariana had no relation at all, and would soon ensure she was sent away, avoiding any disturbances of his studies.
While Shea Thorne was a name written on the palm of his hand.
Milo Sinclair looked for a long while, thinking Miles Crawford's attitude was preferable, sparing him some effort, since one day she would recognize Miles' stance.
From the desk drawer, he retrieved a smooth Shoushan stone, its texture fine and high-quality, Tianhuang stone.
He inscribed her name, using carving tools to etch it stroke by stroke onto the stone's surface.
Whatever she says she's called, that's the name it shall bear.
...
Previously, Shea Thorne had attended the National Conservatory of Music, familiar with the school's teaching style, easily blending with the students. This reincarnated world was still the same as before, thus she knew every facet of the instructors' teaching styles.
The challenging part now was how effectively to commute from F University, some classes were at eight in the morning. At peak school commuting times, traffic jams were inevitable, renting an apartment was impractical, only to stay overnight somewhere near the school for a short period was.
But regardless of the method, it required money.
Shea Thorne, carrying her violin, spent the day at the National Conservatory of Music, roughly figuring out the current class routine, and upon returning home, her legs were too tired to lift, yet she saw Sharon Somerset had placed a large delivery box on her table.
"This is your package; it's been at the delivery station for quite a while, and I noticed you've been too busy to collect it I brought it back for you today," not knowing what it was, quite a heavy box.
"Thank you." Shea Thorne thanked her and checked the sending address, it was from her hometown.
Inside were a lot of winter clothes, both men's and women's, Shea immediately understood it was a package sent by Mrs. Crawford from home, as the winter season was approaching Kingscrest, Mrs. Crawford had prepared plenty of winter clothing for Shea and Miles Crawford.
Also, there were some hometown snacks provided by Mrs. Crawford, meant as treats for Shea since Miles doesn't eat them.
Seeing these clothes, Ariana's heart welled up with gratitude again, this time Shea Thorne didn't feel she was impulsive, she picked up her phone and called Mrs. Crawford.
After just two rings, the call was answered, Mrs. Crawford had a gentle voice, saying, "Ariana? Still awake this late?"
Shea Thorne checked her watch, it was indeed nine o'clock, it was too late to delay affecting others' rest, so she directly thanked Mrs. Crawford, "Auntie, sorry for disturbing you so late, the clothes you sent just arrived, I've been busy these days, and had forgotten to collect them from the delivery site."
The date showed the package had arrived over a week ago, during her chaotic period, once forgotten then truly forgotten.
"No worries, Auntie knows your studies are heavy, didn't dare send anything perishable." Mrs. Crawford didn't blame her for being late, understandingly responding, "Miles's clothing, please kindly take them to him, he's been so busy studying he barely has time to call me, these things Auntie entrusts you, after you come back Auntie will specially cook your favorite dishes."
Generally, Mrs. Crawford prepared everything over there, sending it all to Ariana, who sorted it out, then delivered it to Miles at his rented place, she'd wash the new clothes, and if Miles hadn't received them within days, she'd repack them neatly for him.
Shea Thorne privately despised this routine many times over; she would do such things while in a relationship before, but as the other person was ungrateful, she cut up the clothes and ended the relationship promptly.
Now she couldn't act like that, Shea Thorne restrained her inner discomfort, saying, "Thank you, Auntie; you can just get clothes for Miles, you know I'm a girl and prefer picking out some stylish things myself."
Delivering clothes meant having to meet Miles once, she'd rather not have any clothes; no matter how uncomfortable inside, she must reject Mrs. Crawford, hoping she'd refrain from sending her son's belongings, not caring if Miles froze.
"Auntie knows, hence Auntie prepared some inner layers for you; later Auntie will give you more snacks, you and Miles know neither the people nor the place well, having grown up together, Miles is unruly in small things like clothing and food. You're a girl; you should care for him more."
This remark carried a tone of moral coercion, did receiving merely these items mean she had to babysit Miles? Was heavy academic work an excuse for life incompetence? Though he had time to drop Zoe Wymond home?
Shea Thorne refrained from saying more, expressing thanks to Mrs. Crawford before hanging up.