Hearing the voice, Autumn James came back to her senses, her rare blush coloring her cheeks, but she forced herself to calm down.
"No, it's just that I've long admired your reputation, senior. You've always been the top in physics for the senior year."
"Can't help it. With skill like mine, staying low-profile isn't allowed either," Peter Edward teased.
Autumn James smiled faintly in response.
Summer Lin was stunned, thinking she had seen a ghost. When did her usually stoic, "Masked Rider" cousin become so witty?
"By the way, do you know Liam Yan? He also competed with me and returned today."
Peter Edward remembered that Autumn James seemed to have many friends in Senior Science Class A. She often went there to see them, and Liam Yan was one of them.
But it seemed her friends weren't very fond of her.
Autumn James' smile flattened slightly. "Back, huh? That's good."
At least he didn't die out there.
Noticing Autumn James' subtle change in mood, Peter Edward felt he might have upset her unintentionally.
"I got second place in the competition. Since you all are here, I'll treat you to a meal today," he said in a calm, pleasant tone.
Summer Lin's eyes sparkled, her dimples shining as she eagerly nodded.
"Yes! Yes!!"
Her cousin was usually very aloof. Even though they attended the same school, they rarely met privately. But that didn't stop her admiration—getting to have a meal with her idol was a dream come true!
Both of their eyes fell on Autumn James.
Autumn James smiled faintly. "I won't go. I need to go home and pack."
Summer Lin looked at her. "Pack? Are you going out? No school tomorrow?"
Autumn James shook her head. "I want to rent a place outside. This home is too far from school; commuting is inconvenient."
Peter Edward raised an eyebrow. "I can help you. I know someone preparing to rent out a place. We can arrange for you to see it in a few days."
Autumn James' eyes lit up slightly. That's convenient—saves me the trouble.
Without hesitation, she agreed.
"Great. Then I'll treat you to dinner tonight as a pre-thank-you," she added.
Peter Edward smiled, agreeing without hesitation.
After buying the study materials, the three went to Autumn James' house to help her pack some things.
The key turned in the lock.
The door opened, revealing an empty, dark living room.
Autumn James turned on the lights and gestured for them to come in.
"You guys sit for a bit. I'll pack my things and then we'll go."
She poured them water and brought some fruits and snacks.
"Autumn, do you want me to help you pack? It'll be faster," Summer Lin said, holding her cup, eyes sparkling. She really admired Autumn James' appearance and personality.
Autumn James glanced at Peter Edward and shook her head. "No need. You sit with your cousin. I don't have much—just a few clothes."
Hearing this, Summer Lin lowered her eyes in disappointment but nodded. "Alright."
She had wanted to see Autumn James' room, but now she'd have to keep her cousin company.
Beside her, Peter Edward quietly thought: …Actually, I don't really need your company, and you're quite the pretender.
After settling the two, Autumn James went upstairs.
It wasn't late. Normally, Auntie Zhang should be home by now, maybe even have dinner ready. But no one was around.
Autumn James frowned. Could it be that Wang didn't fulfill her duties openly?
Back in her room, she called Auntie Zhang.
The call rang for a long time without answer. Just as Autumn James thought it would disconnect automatically, it was unexpectedly answered.
"Hello, Miss James, what's the matter?"
Auntie Zhang's voice was full of impatience, with background noise of children crying.
Autumn James clenched her brows and took a deep breath. "Where are you? Shouldn't you be at work now?"
Auntie Zhang was taken aback. "Oh, right. The young masters said they won't have meals at home today, so I don't need to prepare anything. They also let me take the day off."
She continued matter-of-factly: "All of this is what the young masters decided. If you have any issues, go talk to them."
Soon after, the sound of wailing came through the line again.
"Oh, Miss James, I can't talk to you now. My grandson is still hungry."
"What a waste of my time. Miss Anna didn't have as much to deal with," she muttered before hanging up.
Autumn James' forehead twitched. Such rude and unprofessional housekeepers—who hired them?
Once her father returned, she would fire her without a doubt.
Thinking about Auntie Zhang's words, a trace of loneliness crossed her heart.
Of course—they had a celebration meal planned since Liam Yan returned today.
Suppressing her emotions, she calmly started packing.
She only took a few outfits and her daily skincare, not much else. After all, she wasn't leaving permanently—just temporarily giving them the space.
She was giving up her place for them. No charity here.
Grabbing her 24-inch suitcase, she went downstairs.
"Let's go eat."
Seeing Autumn James with the suitcase, Peter Edward stepped forward to help.
Not used to being cared for, she paused and then politely refused with a smile.
Peter Edward, unusually insistent, grabbed her white suitcase and led the way.
Autumn James followed.
Summer Lin leaned on the sofa, chin in her hand, watching her cousin thoughtfully.
When did this "Masked Rider" become so considerate?
He used to be so focused on climbing—when helping his aunt carry something, he'd ignore her and just go ahead. How come now he's so attentive?
"Where are we eating?"
Summer Lin hurried to keep up.
"One-Pin Pavilion. The food there is really good," Autumn James said, eyes downcast, lost in thought.
"Ah? But isn't One-Pin Pavilion membership-only?"