Tom nodded, “No problem at all. As long as you want it, I can make it happen.” Although her suggestion surprised him a bit, he accepted it gladly. His response also surprised Bubu. As long as she wanted it, he could fulfill it? Was there a hint of affection and indulgence in his words? Did he treat everyone like this?
Ding, the elevator stopped, and the doors opened. They came back to their senses and walked out together. Jeffery wasn’t outside, and Agnes didn’t ask why; she just followed him.
Soon, Tom used a ride-hailing app to book a car. He opened the door for her and explained, “I didn’t ask Jeffery to drive because we might go to many places. It’s more convenient to take a cab, and he doesn’t have to wait.”
“Okay.”
After Agnes got into the car, Tom followed. “Hello, we’re going to Stanford.”
“No problem,” the driver replied quickly and started the car.
Tom didn’t say much during the ride, and Agnes turned her gaze to the scenery outside the window. The journey took about ten minutes, and they arrived quickly. The atmosphere was a bit awkward at first since they had just started spending time together.
From the moment they stepped onto the campus, Tom began introducing everything to her, acting like a tour guide. Agnes listened attentively; she was very interested in the place where he had once lived and could even imagine his presence there.
The campus was large with many photo-worthy spots. Young couples were seen everywhere, walking hand in hand, taking pictures under trees, or sitting in pavilions enjoying the sunlight.
“It’s closed on Sundays,” Tom told her. “You can only come in during weekdays.”
“Does that mean we’re really lucky today?” The girl was delighted; her voice sounded like silver bells, and she was full of joy for him.
“Yes,” Tom replied, feeling unusually relaxed.
There were many beautiful corridors on campus, each different from the other and perfect for photos. Some young people were taking pictures there too.
Walking side by side in the corridor, Bubu felt as if happiness filled the air around them; even breathing felt sweet. She tried not to think about her feelings or let her heart race like a deer; instead, she absorbed the artistic atmosphere around her and occasionally responded to him with a few words.
This campus trip would also help her future creations.
Suddenly, Tom quickened his pace and walked ahead a few steps. Before Agnes could react, he turned around with his phone in hand and said, “Let me take your picture!”
Agnes paused and met his deep eyes. She loved taking photos, so she casually posed. However, she wasn’t entirely relaxed because she was facing her crush; thus, her expressions were somewhat unnatural.
In front of someone we like, we tend to be cautious as if even breathing needs practice.
Tom took a few pictures of her with his phone. As they walked through the corridors, Tom introduced the history and cultural significance of the place. Then they talked about Bubu the cat.
Her sister would help feed Bubu while she was away from home.
As their conversation deepened, their relationship seemed to grow closer. Gradually, when Tom took pictures of her again, she no longer felt awkward; sometimes her poses even had a touch of playfulness.
Tom’s face also showed smiles; he seemed to shed his chemistry professor’s aura and appeared warm like an uncle.
There was also a two-story free art museum on campus that Agnes found very interesting. It usually required an appointment in advance but Tom managed it with just one message.
The grand staircase at the entrance amazed Agnes.