Sean was the kind of guy who made friends quickly, and it wasn't long before he and Robert were chatting like old buddies.

"Hey, Robert, how did you and my sister get together? Was it fate, or just a lucky string pulling you two together from miles apart?"

Robert chuckled, not bothering to hide anything. "If I had to choose from your options, I'd say it was more like a lucky string pulling us together, with a bit of fate thrown in."

He didn't work in Chicago. That time, he was here on a business trip, attending a research project at a university.

"I'm in the science field too, but as an investor. I had my eye on a B-level experiment at your school, and that was when I met your sister. It was love at first sight."

He went on to describe how Julia had been wearing a simple lab coat and no makeup, but her eyes had this sparkle, like they were full of stars.

She explained her research project with such clarity and precision that he was completely captivated by her.

"After we started dating, I realized we had so many hobbies in common."

I quietly sipped my water, listening.

He talked about how they enjoyed tea together, played chess, and even cooked together.

"Julia is the smartest woman I've ever met. She even helped me solve a major problem that had stumped our lab."

By the end, I couldn't help but find it all a bit ironic.

Because I'm the one who taught her those things.

As for that problem, I had a pretty good idea what it was, so I asked him, "Are you talking about the X paradox equation?"

Robert nodded. "Yeah, that equation stumped a lot of people. You're familiar with it, too?"

Familiar? How could I not be?

That day, I had just finished a major project in the lab. My advisor insisted I take a few days off, worried that the constant high-intensity work might take a toll on my health.

I had barely made it back to my dorm when Julia showed up at my door, looking unusually troubled.

"Leon, are you on break for the next few days? Can you do me a favor? It's really urgent."

"Our lab needs a specific formula, but no one knows how to solve it. Can you take a look...?"

I'd never seen her so anxious before, and it tugged at something in me. Without a second thought, I agreed.

The calculations for that formula were incredibly complex, involving concepts I hadn't even encountered at my current level. But for her, I powered through, spending three straight days deciphering it.

When I finally handed over the solution, I got lost in the flood of her praise, forgetting to ask what it was for.

Now, looking back, I realize it was for another man.

So what was I to her, really?

Julia was clearly feeling guilty. She couldn't even look at me like she was afraid I might call her out.

I really wanted to, but at the same time, I couldn't bring myself to do it. It felt like two voices were battling it out in my head when suddenly my phone rang, snapping me out of it. Only then did I realize my back was drenched in sweat.

I answered the call, and a familiar voice came through. "Leon, help! My team of idiots made a bet with another group and now they're stuck on this formula. We need your brain!"

Everyone's eyes turned to me. Sean was the first to speak, looking at me like I'd betrayed him. "Seriously, Leon? When did you start hanging out with a girl without telling me?

"Come on, invite her over, invite her over..."

Julia's face darkened, and she snapped at him, "Sean, stop it…"

"Okay."

The moment I agreed, Sean got even more excited. Meanwhile, I brought the phone back to my ear and said softly, "Hey, sis."

Julia froze, disbelief all over her face.

Ignoring her, I gave the caller the address of the restaurant. "I'm just about to finish up here. Come pick me up."

Julia's expression turned even darker.

At the same time, I got a quick reply, "You got it, little bro. Be there soon…"

You're right; that term doesn't fit the context. Let me correct that:

Sean, looking like he was on the edge of his seat, pointed at me with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Wait, you're into older women?"

I smiled and pocketed my phone. "Yeah, I've got a thing for older women."