Chapter 249: Preparing The Path
Micah sat relaxed on the couch, sipping the tea Darcy had brewed. Across from him was Darcy with his back straight, holding his own cup with both hands, careful not to spill. He nodded along as Micah talked about the dormitory life. Zhou Ruyan sipped her tea slowly, listening attentively.
Half an hour later, Micah glanced at his watch. He set down his teacup and stood up. "Grandma, we should get going," he said, masking a flicker of tension. "If Grandpa hears we kept you up this late, he will give me an earful."
Zhou Ruyan raised an eyebrow, looking at the tall clock on the corner. 9:00 p.m. How was that late?
Micah was already halfway to the door, one hand gripping Darcy’s sleeve, nudging him along.
He could feel it in the way his grandmother’s gaze followed him, patient and full of questions. If he lingered a second too long, she would ask. And if she asked... he would have to answer. Better to leave while he still could. So far, Darcy had acted as quite a good buffer. Zhou Ruyan couldn’t bring up the elephant in the room with him present.
But as Micah’s fingers brushed the doorknob, a voice called behind him.
"Micah," Zhou Ruyan said softly. "Wait, I have something to tell you."
Micah’s shoulders tensed. He peeked at her.
Zhou Ruyan gave him a meaningful look.
Darcy turned back, his brows furrowed slightly as he looked between them.
"Grandma, I’ll come again soon," Micah said, trying to retreat again. His voice was casual, but his feet had started edging back, ready to bolt.
"If you are worried about your friend, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, right?" Zhou Ruyan asked matter-of-factly.