There was only one week left before Sophie's classes at LSE began, and her internship was entering its final phase of the four-month period. On Wednesday morning, she submitted her application for flexible work arrangements during the school term. Ned was now discussing the upcoming schedule with her.
"Don't you want to join any of the student societies at university?"
"Joining societies is about integrating into the community and paving the way for future job hunting. With a prestigious, high-quality job like the one at C&C, skipping a few won't hurt," Sophie answered earnestly.
"Don't you need to devote more energy to your coursework? University classes require a lot of self-study, which takes up a significant amount of free time," Ned advised her candidly.
"Hmm—" Sophie tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "I'll balance both the company work and my studies. When there are no classes, I'll come back to C&C and finish the day's tasks. I'll complete my university coursework efficiently at home. So there's no need to adjust the team's progress because of me—I'll keep up with my colleagues and handle every task the boss assigns with full dedication." She gave Ned her firm assurance.
Ned stared at her for a long moment. He realized he was growing fonder of Sophie's personality. Seeing her talkative yet soft-spoken demeanor, combined with that determined expression, stirred a warm feeling in his heart.
"Won't that be too exhausting? Girls should rest more and enjoy themselves," he said, unexpectedly feeling a pang of concern for her.
"Huh?" Sophie sensed her tone had been off and quickly adjusted. "I'm young, so it's good to learn as much as I can. I don't feel tired."
"You sound like an old soul," Ned chuckled, amused by her words. He handed her the signed application. "Here, take this to HR for filing."
Just then, the door to the general manager's office swung open. Archibald bounced in energetically, snatched the application from Sophie's hand, and skimmed through it quickly.
"You're starting university and still want to keep the part-time job? Wouldn't it be better to just enjoy campus life?" He ran a hand through his hair and grinned at Sophie. "If you did, I could visit you at school and make sure you're happy every single day."
Sophie grabbed the form back, stuck her tongue out at him, and left the office. Archibald followed right behind, trailing her all the way to the HR area, chattering nonstop: "…When school's out, we could play basketball. If you don't like basketball, I can take you hiking. Or we could just drive around for fun…" Like a persistent shadow, he kept up his endless chatter. The colleagues in the office were unfazed—this had become routine over the past few weeks.
Next Monday marked the official start of the school term. At the regular Friday afternoon meeting, Ned assigned Sophie to chair the session and deliver the monthly report. Her voice was clear and melodious, her hosting style lively and engaging, and her report comprehensive and incisive, peppered with the occasional dry humor. Though a bit too casual for such a formal setting, it gave the attendees a refreshing change of pace, and everyone burst into laughter.
Seated at the head of the table, Ned watched Sophie—confident and captivating—and felt a sudden jolt in his chest. In just four short months, the wide-eyed rookie who had first walked through the doors was gone. She had grown. And that chatty, soft-spoken quirk of hers had become utterly endearing.
When the meeting ended, Archibald—who had been waiting at Sophie's cubicle—sprang to his feet and enveloped her in a hug. "I'm falling harder for you every day. What am I supposed to do? I heard everything from outside—you were amazing!"
"Waa—" A chorus of shrieks rippled through the office.
"Quit it! Everyone's watching. You want them to tease me to death?" Sophie patted his shoulder, her face flaming red.
Archibald released her and waved at the room. "Nothing to see here, back to work, folks." At that moment Ned emerged from the conference room and caught the tail end of the scene.
"Ned, borrowing Sophie for a sec—be right back!" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed her hand and whisked her out of the office area, heading straight for the rooftop.
…The office fell into stunned silence; a few people looked ready to sneak up and spy.
On the rooftop, an exhilarated Archibald pulled a small gift from his pocket and pressed it into Sophie's palm. "Here, for you—an enrollment present. No refusing. This is the very first gift I've ever given you."
Staring at the latest-model iPhone in her hand, Sophie shook her head repeatedly. "It's too expensive—I can't accept it. My salary's more than enough; I can buy a new phone myself."
"Take it, take it! If you give it back after I've gifted it, I'll lose face," Archibald said breezily.
"No, no—at least let me pay you. Consider it me buying it." Sophie earnestly grabbed his hand, trying to return the phone.
"Pay? No way. This is your university enrollment gift—huge significance. You have to accept." He pushed the phone back into her palm.
…
When Ned reached the rooftop, he caught the tail end of their tug-of-war. A sudden gloom settled over him. He realized he was paying closer attention to Sophie's every move—her joys, her sorrows, and especially her playful closeness with Archibald. It all registered, and it all affected him.
Sharp-eyed Archibald spotted Ned and waved him over. "Ned, perfect timing! Look, this is the enrollment gift I got Sophie—she won't take it. Help me convince her."
Ned strode forward. "Take it," he said simply.
"Oh." Sophie obediently accepted Archibald's gift.
Ahem. "What the heck? You listen to Ned just like that? Suddenly feels like he's the one who gave it!" Archibald gaped at them, hopping mad.
Sophie smiled sweetly and thanked Archibald.
Then Ned handed her the large gift bag he'd been carrying. "Enrollment gift."
"Can I open it?" Sophie asked cautiously, lifting the bag with care.
Ned nodded.
"WOW—wow-wow! Labubu! The whole Labubu set!" A delighted squeal echoed across the rooftop. Stars sparkled in Sophie's eyes as she hugged a Labubu doll, unable to let go. In her excitement she grabbed Ned's arm and bounced on her toes.
"What the—?! I give you a gift and you hem and haw, but his gift makes you lose your mind? What even is this ugly little monster?" Archibald snatched the Labubu from her hands. "Ugh, it really is a toothy, claw-waving gremlin. You're this happy over something so hideous? I'm devastated!"
Hahaha… Laughter rang out across the rooftop, wave after wave…