When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0981

Joli had

gone

ahead to take a number earlier before coming to meet up with them all at the main gates. Coincidentally, their turn was just coming up when they arrived at the restaurant.

Joli remarked, “This was Madison’s idea. It’s so practical!”

Madison clasped her hands behind her back and grinned happily. “Of course! Only a professional foodie would know about this, you know?”

Sebastian’s sour expression darkened even more. Since Madison had recommended the place, Joli handed her the menu. “You can order for us.

She didn’t hesitate. “Alright! Let’s get the… signature beef stew, pasta with marinara sauce, pork ribs, and meatloaf. Next, something lighter Give me a roasted vegetable medley. As for soup, do you have lentil soup?”

“Yes, we do!” the waiter answered.

Madison was quite well–informed about the cuisine. The last dish wasn’t even on the menu.

Soon, the dishes were served.

Madison also had the waiter bring over some sparkling water cocktails. “Let’s raise our drinks and toast Joli for his successful PhD admission!”

The sound of bottles clinking together was oddly solemn. Joli couldn’t help but feel a little bashful. “Thank you, thank you, everyone. Back then, I just wanted to graduate from my master’s program as quickly as possible and get away from it all…

“But after meeting you guys and Dr. Young, I started wanting to continue my studies and pursue academia. Now, I finally have the resources to make it happen…”

His parents and sister were doing better, and their finances were stable. He had a lab, and he also found a good supervisor.

If this wasn’t resources, what was?

Even Sebastian congratulated him sincerely. Joli’s journey to this point had been tougher than anyone else at the table.

{

After the toast, Madison took charge of the meal. “This place has rave reviews on Yelp! We finally get to try it today. Alright, everyone dig in! Don’t hold back!”

Sebastian muttered, “Those who didn’t know better would think you were paying for the meal

Madison acted like she was the host of the evening. Hmph!

However, Sebastian’s voice wasn’t loud, and the noisy environment drowned him out. Besides, Madison was far too engrossed in the food to notice. Sebastian fell into a frustrated silence.

During the meal, Joli raised his glass to Miranda, then to Madison. He thanked them repeatedly, as if he couldn’t tire of it.

When it was Sebastian’s turn, Joli said, “The road to Swampert Village was finally completed at the end of last month. The whole village is very grateful to the authorities.”

But Joli knew that Sebastian had played a part in this initiative, apart from Paul’s efforts. Sebastian took a sip of the cocktail and said, “It was the right thing to do.”

After dinner, they stepped out of the restaurant. The moon was already shining bright in the sky. Everyone had drunk some alcohol. Although it wasn’t enough to get drunk, they felt pleasantly tipsy.

Miranda had already messaged Paul nearing the end of the meal. He happened to be still in the lab.

“Send me your location. I’ll come pick you up.” Paul had sent this message to her exactly at the same time she sent her location to him.

Which meant Miranda had wanted him to come anyway even if he hadn’t offered to pick her up. Stunned, she paused for a moment and then smiled. What could she do? They were just so in sync.

www

After having been through a relationship full of exhaustion and doubt, she especially appreciated the mutual understanding and respect she had with Paul. They could freely express their wants and needs without hesitation within the relationship.

If she wanted something from him, she could simply say it out loud. Men were especially bad at guessing a woman’s needs, so it was much easier to request it directly..

As long as he was willing to respond and take action, that would be perfect.

Madison had already called a cab since she and Sebastian were heading in the same direction. Miranda, how are you getting home?”

“Someone is coming to pick me up.” noveldrama

“Huh? Who?”

The three of them turned to Miranda in unison.

“Over there.” Miranda pointed with her chin. “Isn’t that him coming over right now?”

The three stood in a straight line. Simultaneously, they turned their heads toward the other side.