Chapter 11 Calculation
Starlight reflected on the river's flowing waters. Caroline suddenly realized the intimate atmosphere that had developed as she walked alongside Leopold, and quickly suggested, "It's getting cold. Let's head back."
Their eyes met unexpectedly again, with Leopold looking at her with warmth that remained respectful.
"Alright," he said.
After walking a few steps, Leopold added, "Don't rush into a relationship just to end your single status." Worried she might misunderstand, he clarified, "What I mean is, that wouldn't be fair to yourself."
Caroline smiled. "True, and I find it difficult to get comfortable with someone quickly anyway."
She shook her head resignedly, but Leopold corrected her, "That's actually a strength—it helps you filter out people who aren't sincere."
"When you put it that way, I guess it's not so bad," Caroline replied, feeling lighter and realizing that only those on the same wavelength would understand.
After showering, Caroline lay in bed scrolling through her phone when she noticed Leopold had posted a photo of the riverside at night with the caption: [Ignore society's whispers and go see the views that make you happy.]
Though unsure if the post was meant for her to see, she thought Leopold seemed like a decent person after their conversation tonight.
She considered it for a moment but ultimately decided not to like the post.
On the weekend, Caroline had both days off.
While cleaning her apartment, her phone rang. Unlocking the screen, she saw Leopold had sent a photo of a box of blue crabs. Confused, Caroline replied with a question mark.
The typing indicator appeared immediately...
North: [Do you know how to cook these?]
Caroline replied: [Yes.]
North: [I don't.]
Caroline stared at the screen, wondering where this was going.
Perhaps not seeing her immediate response, Leopold sent another message.
North: [I'd like to invite you over for blue crabs.]
Caroline smiled and asked: [Mr. Wipere, you're so stubborn. Are you inviting me to eat blue crabs or asking me to help you cook them?]
Seeing her voice message, Leopold quickly played it, his smile growing wider as he listened.
He still replied with text.
North: [Please help me out.]
He added a smiling emoji.
He watched the chat window, waiting for her response, and only after Caroline agreed to help did he type: [I don't have any pots.]
Caroline asked: [No seasonings either, I assume?]
North: [None.]
Caroline: [Great. Do you at least have dishes?]
North: [Yes.]
Caroline: [Wait for me then.]
North: [I'll come pick you up.]
Caroline said: [No need, we're just across the street. I'll walk over—driving would be too much trouble.]
After hanging up, Caroline gathered cooking utensils and seasonings for the blue crabs. Just as she was leaving her complex with two large bags, she spotted Leopold getting out of the driver's seat.
He took the bags from her hands as Caroline asked, "Why did you come?"
Leopold opened the back door and placed the bags inside. "I'm asking for your help—how could I let you walk all the way?"
"It's not that far," Caroline replied.
With the back seat full of supplies, Caroline had to sit in the passenger seat.
Entering Leopold's home for the first time, she noticed it was as clean as a model apartment. Leopold took out a pair of disposable slippers from the shoe cabinet.
He explained, "I don't have guests often, so besides my own slippers, I only keep disposable ones."
"Your place is really clean," Caroline observed, glancing behind him. Leopold carried the two bags to the kitchen. "It was renovated a while ago, but I never moved in."
"Where did you live before?" Caroline asked.
Leopold placed the bags on the counter, took out the pot, and arranged the seasonings and ingredients.
"I was in Shadow City before this."
Caroline remembered that Shadow City also had an Emerald Elegance Hotel branch.
"So, where you live depends on where you work?"
Leopold nodded. "That's right."
"That's not bad—like being on a constant trip."
Leopold smiled without speaking.
"What's funny? Isn't it true?" She asked.
Leopold considered explaining, but decided against it. People only saw the glamorous side of his life—who would understand the difficulties of running hotels? Besides, sharing too much with a stranger might seem self-pitying, so it didn't matter if he kept quiet.
He lowered his eyes, his long lashes casting shadows. "You're right. It's like traveling."
Caroline opened the foam box. The blue crabs, now exposed to light, became active in their blue mesh bags, making bubbling sounds. They looked much larger than in the photo.
"Did you buy these?" Caroline asked.
Leopold said, "A friend gave them to me."
They divided the work efficiently—Leopold cleaned the crabs while Caroline prepared the seasonings and side dishes.
She worked briskly, and Leopold was equally efficient. They prepared the blue crabs two ways: steamed and in soup. Just as they placed everything on the table, the doorbell rang.
Caroline looked toward the door. "Are you expecting someone else?"
Leopold answered while walking to the door, "I ordered two more dishes."
Caroline looked at the two large plates of blue crabs. "We can't finish all this."
Leopold accepted the food boxes from the delivery person and closed the door. Returning to the table, he unpacked each container. "I was worried the crabs alone wouldn't be enough."
Caroline said, "Then thank you for your generous hospitality, Mr. Wipere."
Leopold smiled as he handed her utensils. "Making fun of me, are you?"
"Not at all—you're overthinking," Caroline picked up a blue crab. "Try it and see how it tastes."
Due to his work, Leopold had tried various cuisines and blue crab preparations from different regions, but today's meal had a homemade quality to it.
Caroline waited for Leopold's feedback, but he was too busy eating.
"Well, how is it?" Caroline asked.
Leopold spoke between bites, "I'm too busy eating to talk—doesn't that tell you enough?"
Caroline laughed. "Is it the good kind of speechless or the bad kind?"
Leopold cracked open another crab shell, revealing the abundant roe inside. As the crab oil threatened to drip onto his sleeve, Caroline quickly grabbed a napkin and pressed it against the back of his hand.
He naturally took the napkin, his fingertips inadvertently touching hers. "It's definitely the good kind."
After they finished, the table was covered with crab shells. Leopold wouldn't let her clean up and ushered her to the living room.
"Take a seat. I'll clean up."
Caroline sat somewhat stiffly on the sofa, taking the opportunity to properly examine the room. Rather than Leopold's home, it felt more like a temporary lodging—he had barely added any personal touches.
The study door was open, revealing a large desk with a whiteboard beside it. The board had a map of Solstice Mountain with numerous locations marked by red magnetic pins, suggesting he was still working on finding sites for power facilities.
Caroline turned toward the kitchen. "Mr. Wipere? Mr. Wipere?"
The sound of running water drowned out her voice.
Caroline walked to the kitchen doorway and watched Leopold's tall figure standing at the sink. She couldn't help thinking that, contrary to the belief that kind, handsome, attentive men were hard to find, here was proof they existed—Elysia should see this.
"Leopold."
Leopold turned around as Caroline asked, "May I go into your study?"
"Of course," Leopold replied with a gentle smile.
But as she turned away, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, instead revealing a hint of calculation.