Mysterious Mr.Richard novel Chapter 68

The sunset cast a brilliant glow on the sky and the horizon.

Pearl had yet to formally return to her duties, so she could get off work earlier today. She then decided to buy some of Bonny's favorite doughnuts at the bakery on her way home before dark.

"Hello, I will take two doughnuts. To take away please."

"Sure, a second please."

The waiter packing the doughnuts inside, Pearl bent down to look at the cakes in the showcase window. The strawberry cakes were as tempting as before. The bright colors made Peral's eyes light up. 

"Excuse me here, please pack this strawberry cake for me. And I need take away." A familiar voice rang besides Pearl, taking her by surprise. Pearl raised her head to see Alex standing next to her.

"Why're you here?" Pearl stood up straight.

Alex smiled. "I was just driving by and saw your car outside. So I came in."

Pearl took a look outside subconsciously. Alex's car was parked outside the cake shop, not far away from hers. She scratched her head and said in embarrassment, "What a coincidence."

"I heard you would formally return to work? Tomorrow?"

"Yes." When it came to this topic, Pearl became happy, "Thanks to Dr. Wale."

"Dr. Wale always thinks very highly of you. He's really proud of you."

"You must kidding," Pearl smiled and said, "Most headaches were caused by me."

As they were chatting, a voice came from behind the counter, "Miss, here are your doughnuts. And sir, your cake."

"Thanks."

Pearl took the bag to turn around. She then saw Alex handing his bag of the strawberry cake to her with a smile.

"For me?"

"Sure. I don't like sweet food. So you can have it."

"Thank you then!" Pearl knew if she refused the cake, Alex would probably feel unhappy. So she took the cake and said, "Next time I will buy you a coffee." 

They were walking out of the shop side by side, and Alex suddenly said, "If you really want to show your thank me, then how about joining me to take the alumni party next week? Our professors also asked me to give a lecture for the students about how a pandemic spreads. I want to talk about the 'H' virus we came across 2 years ago."

"On this Saturday?"

"Yes, what's wrong? Do you have something to do that day?"

"I promised my kids to bring them to the zoo on this Saturday." Pearl hesitated and thought about this for a while. But in the end, she continued with a smile, "It's all fine. I can spare the Saturday for you and bring the kids to the zoo on Sunday. But the small problem is that they'll have to tag along with me to the university on Saturday."

"It's okay. Then it's settled."

After that, they separated at the door. Pearl went into the car and drove away first.

Under the light of the sunset, Alex stood at the roadside and stared at the back of Pearl's car with a gentle gaze for a long time.

The darkness of the night bloomed desperately when the last few rays of sunlight faded away, the sun lowering into the faraway mountains slowly. Bright lights lit up the whole city, the busy nightlife beginning as usual.