Russell was in a great mood; he even took the initiative to find a topic of conversation.
"Speaking of which, what does Miss Morstan usually like to eat? I'm not too familiar with the school cafeteria yet, do you have any recommendations?"
"Mr. Watson, your attentiveness makes me feel somewhat... flattered."
Mary looked a bit surprised and puzzled, but still maintained the most appropriate smile and etiquette.
"When a knowledgeable, beautiful, and elegant classmate takes the initiative to invite me, I naturally have to show sufficient respect."
Russell answered solemnly, every adjective spoken with deep sincerity.
[The surrounding crowd feels a chill at your shameless flattery. Malice Points +5]
"Is that so?" Mary raised an eyebrow noncommittally. "I actually feel that Mr. Watson seems to have discovered some new amusement."
"Walking together with Miss Morstan is an amusement in itself," Russell continued his barrage without batting an eye.
"..."
Mary fell into a rare silence.
She discovered that the ability to see through people's hearts, which she took pride in, seemed to always inexplicably fail with this man before her.
You advance, I retreat; you retreat, I advance. His behavioral pattern had no logic to speak of, like a layer of fog that could not be penetrated by conventional means.
She had originally thought that the probing about distancing earlier in the classroom had already seized his weak point. But now, he had stuck back onto her like nothing had happened.
This feeling of being unable to control things made her feel a trace of novel irritation.
[Mary Morstan's competitive spirit is ignited once again. Malice Points +15]
Listening to the melodious notification sound in his mind, the curve of Russell's lips widened.
Just like that, amidst countless gazes of envy, jealousy, and curiosity, the two walked into the magnificent cafeteria.
The Imperial College cafeteria wasn't as luxurious as he had imagined. At least it didn't feel as high-class as the cafeteria from his own university days. But considering the limitations of the era, as the most prestigious university in London, it was actually quite good.
High vaulted ceilings, polished wooden long tables, and the air filled with the aroma of buttered bread and stewed meat. Students wearing decent uniforms gathered in twos and threes. The sound of conversation was diluted by the massive space, making it not appear noisy.
"What would you like to eat?"
Mary skillfully picked up a tray, her gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of dishes, her posture as elegant as if she were attending a court banquet.
"I'm fine with anything," Russell followed behind her like a competent bodyguard, while actually enjoying the constantly jumping numbers on the System panel.
[Felix Green feels contempt for your act of following closely behind Mary. Malice Points +5]
[Anne Brown feels anger at you for monopolizing Miss Mary. Malice Points +5]
This is great.
He just loved this atmosphere too much. No polite back-and-forth, no social niceties, just the purest aggression between one another.
Russell sighed with emotion silently in his heart, the smile on his face becoming increasingly genial.
"In that case," Mary seemed long accustomed to this scene of being in the spotlight. "I heard the Beef Wellington here is quite good. Perhaps you should try it—don't worry, my treat."
Her tone was casual, but those azure eyes were observing Russell's reaction without leaving a trace.
"Then I must try it." Russell nodded and used the tongs to serve himself a piece. "In return, I'll treat you to dessert?"
His attitude of seizing the opportunity made Mary pause slightly.
She had thought that with his character of trying to avoid her, he would find a reason to refuse this intimacy. What is this guy calculating now?
The two found a seat by the window. The soft afternoon sunlight plated a layer of warmth onto the dining table. The surrounding gazes still felt like thorns in his back, but Russell could already handle it calmly, even beginning to enjoy this feeling of being envied.
This meal is worth it.
He cut a piece of steak and put it in his mouth. The meat was tender and fresh, juices overflowing, and the taste was unexpectedly good.
"How is the taste?" Mary lifted her water glass and took a small sip, her posture pleasing to the eye.
"Unexpectedly good," Russell praised from the bottom of his heart. "I thought school cafeterias were all disaster zones for dark cuisine."
"Imperial College wouldn't go so far as to mistreat its students when it comes to food."
Mary smiled faintly, seeming very satisfied with his reaction.
"Speaking of which," Russell brought up seemingly unintentionally while chewing, "Miss Morstan seems to have a lot of insight into solving crimes?"
He decided to take the initiative and guide the topic toward a direction he was interested in.
"Hmm?" Mary put down the water glass and raised an eyebrow. "Where did you see that?"
"Just that case from this morning," Russell said with seeming seriousness. "That deduction of yours, martyrdom, is simply a genius idea. I chatted with Charlotte all night, and she never even thought in that direction."
"I already said, I was just speaking casually; it shouldn't be taken seriously." Mary's smile remained perfect. "Compared to those wild fancies, what about you, Mr. Watson? How do you plan to tell this story to Miss Holmes?"
"Just say it directly, how else?" Russell shrugged. "Just say I had a dream, and an angel told me in the dream."
"Angel?" Mary repeated the word, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly. "I don't recall having such a title."
"I didn't say that angel was you either." Russell retorted without changing his expression. What kind of angel pokes people in the kidney with a cane?
"Is that so." Mary chuckled and didn't dwell on it further.
The two finished their lunch in a tacit atmosphere.
"So, as agreed, dessert is on me." Russell put down the cutlery in his hand and stood up. "What would you like?"
"Hmm... Tiramisu?"
"No problem."
Russell got up and walked toward the dessert section, feeling that his steps were a few degrees lighter at this moment.
[Jealousy from Tom Hopkins. Malice Points +5]
[Resentment from Isabella White. Malice Points +10]
Ah, this damn, sweet air.
Getting so many Malice Points just by eating a meal. Isn't this a hell of a lot simpler than stealing things?
Is being a thief of hearts more promising than being a phantom thief?
Such a thought popped into Russell's mind for no reason. Most importantly, there's no fear of getting caught.
Russell returned to the seat with two exquisite servings of Tiramisu and lightly pushed one in front of Mary.
"Please enjoy."
"Thank you."
Mary picked up the small silver spoon but did not taste it immediately. Her azure eyes just quietly watched Russell, as if wanting to dig out something different from beneath that mask of a "standard gentleman" on his face.
"Mr. Watson," she suddenly spoke, her voice soft, "you remind me of an animal."
"Hmm?" Russell was just preparing to enjoy his portion of dessert; hearing this, his movements paused. "What animal?"
"A chameleon."
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