The outside was detailed with exquisite embroidery.
The design showcased traditional, old-world craftsmanship.
There was also some food. Mary hadn't cooked it herself; she had likely
commissioned someone else to do it.
Mary's culinary skills left much to be desired, but there was an older woman in her village who was a fantastic cook.
Mary had asked her to make some smoked brisket and cured meats, vacuum- sealed in bags and packed tightly into a massive box.
It was a heavy, tangible manifestation of love.
She had also asked someone to prepare a variety of savory sauces.
They were perfect for pairing with meals.
"Thank you, Winston. How many days are you staying in Cabinda?"
"I'll pick up some local specialties for you to take back."
Winston noted her thoughtfulness and didn't refuse.
"Alright, we'll be here for three days."
Winston was staying for three days, but once Grant's transfer was finalized, he would likely have to pack up and officially relocate to Cabinda for his new post.
After dinner, Claire chatted with them for a bit before heading back to her dorm.
Priscilla was the actual biological granddaughter, and Claire figured the family needed some private time to catch up.
She didn't want to overstay her welcome.
On her way back, she bought a bouquet from a young girl selling flowers.
It was a stunning arrangement that cost just a few dollars, the colors perfectly coordinated.
The blooms weren't anything exotic, but they were gorgeous and incredibly fragrant.
Claire considered it a steal.
When she brought the flowers back to the dorm, Zara was ecstatic. She emptied out a snack jar to use as a makeshift vase.
Zara actually had a knack for trimming flowers.
Under her careful arrangement, the bouquet transformed the simple jar into a work of art.
Skye clapped her hands enthusiastically. "One of you has the disposable income, and the other has the artistic eye. You two are amazing."
"Linsey and I are reaping all the benefits. We get to look at gorgeous flowers and enjoy the scent. My soul feels completely cleansed."
Claire's mouth twitched. "How do
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Linsey circled the flowers, admiring them for a long time.
She was the type of person who had neither disposable income nor free time.
But she had to admit, both Claire and Zara had impeccable taste.
Being their roommate felt like hitting the jackpot.
Over the next few days, Claire kept conveniently bumping into Meiko all over campus.
Even if she were completely oblivious, she would have noticed something was off. She had no idea what Meiko was trying to achieve by deliberately seeking her out. Was it really just to discuss medicine?
But she was already having those discussions with Sloane.
While Sloane wasn't a prodigy,
medical knowledge was far her
to their peers. FindNovel.net
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She should have been more than enough to satisfy Meiko's curiosity.
Claire simply couldn't fathom what this girl's endgame was. "Claire, could I treat you to dinner tonight?"
After classes ended on Friday afternoon, Meiko extended an invitation. "I'm sorry, Meiko, but I'm heading home later, so I don't have the time."
Claire had lost count of how many times she had turned Meiko down.
But the more she was rejected, the harder Meiko seemed to try.
No matter how many times she was brushed off, she relentlessly pursued Claire.
"Wait, aren't you from out of town?" Meiko asked, looking surprised.
Why would she be heading home?
Claire shot her a look. "How do you know I'm from out of town?"
"Um..." Meiko hesitated. "Sloane told me."
"Plus, your accent sounds a bit different from the local Cabinda students."