"Dr. Daves, where do you want to go for a meal?" Ryan asked, glancing at Addison, who was busy working. She was carefully adding reagents to a test tube, her focus intense. The red liquid mixed with the purple chemical, creating a beautiful ripple that looked like fireworks. Hearing Ryan's question, Addison paused. "Hmm ... didn't you mention a good restaurant last time? Let's go there." "Oh, right! How could I forget?" Ryan was surprised that Addison remembered the restaurant better than he did. "Let's go there, then. I know the owner of that place, and their food is incredible. It's just as good as the dishes served at high-end restaurants," he said confidently. He figured Addison must have been to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, but he believed that spot could rival any of them. "Really? That sounds great. I can't wait to try it," Addison replied with a slight smile. "Let me finish this experiment first, and then we'll head out." "Don't worry. You'll love it," Ryan assured her, moving closer. "Here, let me help you." He could tell that wrapping up the experiment would take a while, and knowing how focused Addison became during her work, he worried she might forget about eating altogether. It wasn't just an excuse to spend more time with her—he genuinely thought it would be a pity if she missed such a great meal. Addison raised an eyebrow at his offer. "You want to help?" "Of course! I can handle it, Dr. Daves. Don't you trust me?" Ryan glanced at her, noticing a skeptical look. Feeling a bit aggrieved, he lowered his head and added, "I finished the last experiment on my own, didn't I? I can do this one, too." Addison paused to look at him. His usually cheerful face now carried a hint of grievance. She hadn't meant to upset him and found his reaction somewhat amusing. "I do trust you," she reassured him with a smile. "I just thought you might be tired after finishing your last experiment. You've been working so much lately." Ryan's expression resembled a puppy seeking approval. "Oh ... "He finally realized he had misunderstood her. Scratching his head awkwardly, he said, "I'm not tired at all. Let me handle it!" "Alright," Addison said, setting the reagent aside. "Go ahead." She handed him the bottle, and Ryan eagerly took it. Instead of standing back, Addison positioned herself behind him to monitor the experiment closely. They were so near to each other that Ryan caught a faint scent emanating from her. It was subtle, yet somehow distinct, mixing seamlessly with the lab's chemical atmosphere. Ryan knew lab rules prohibited perfume, and Addison never wore makeup or fragrances in the lab. Still, the scent didn't seem out of place—it was oddly fitting. Feeling a bit flustered, Ryan broke the silence. "I thought earlier that you didn't believe I could do this, so I got a little in my head. Sorry for overreacting." Addison glanced at him, and Ryan immediately regretted bringing up the topic. He should have just kept quiet and focused on the experiment. "There's no need to apologize," Addison said softly. "Just concentrate on the experiment. Don't overthink it. In the lab, all you need to do is focus on your work without worrying about anything else." She didn't want Ryan to feel burdened or uneasy. The lab was meant to be a space where he could enjoy the process of experimenting freely. "Don't think of me as someone superior," she continued. "I've only been in the pharmaceutical field a few years longer than you. There's nothing special about me. If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to call me Dr. Daves. Why not just use my first name?" Addison tilted her head and gave him an intent look. "Wouldn't that make things easier between us?" "Ah?" Ryan froze. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, he felt reluctant to address her that way. Ryan's thoughts were a mess, leaving him unsure which reagent bottle to grab. Feeling flustered, he picked up one filled with a pale yellow liquid without much thought. Noticing his awkward movements, Addison gently reminded him, "That one's already been extracted. You don't need to take it again." "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize." Ryan quickly returned the bottle to its spot.He then reached for a larger bottle nearby. The liquid inside was clear, making it hard to tell there was anything in it without closer inspection. Addison blinked, her lashes fluttering slightly, and reminded him again, "That one isn't empty. There's still reagent inside." "Ah ... I didn't notice," Ryan muttered, wishing he could disappear. Hoping to ease his nerves, Addison suggested he call her by her first name. But judging by his current behavior, it seemed like her suggestion had spooked him instead. After a brief pause, Addison said, "Why don't we take a break and grab something to eat instead?" "Huh? Stop the experiment?" "Yes, let's skip it for now. I'm feeling a bit hungry," Addison said, taking the bottle from Ryan's hand and placing it back on the shelf. "Come on, let's go." Ryan glanced at her, anxious thoughts swirling in his head. Does Dr. Daves think I'm incompetent? That I couldn't handle the task and was just making a fool of myself? I even grabbed the wrong bottle twice. She must think I'm hopeless. Meanwhile, Addison calmly removed her gloves, then her lab coat, and finally her mask. Her movements were practiced and smooth, like second nature after so many years. Realizing she had already begun getting ready to leave, Ryan quickly collected himself. He cleaned up the workstation, removed his gloves, and followed her out of the lab. "I'll drive," Ryan offered. "The place is a bit out of the way, and the GPS might not help much." "Alright," Addison replied, settling into the passenger seat. Ryan started the car, steering it onto the main road before navigating through a series of increasingly narrow streets. As the car weaved through turns, Addison watched the route unfold and couldn't help but feel impressed. That restaurant must truly be tucked away. After several twists and turns down small alleys, they finally reached a lively, crowded street. "We'll have to park out here. It's too packed to drive in," Ryan said as he turned off the engine. Not wanting her to think the walk would be inconvenience, he added, "It's just a short distance from the restaurant."