Chapter 150 She’s Getting Suspicious

• Li Xiaoting was just as spooked by Reilly Schulze’s sudden move. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face went stiff. “Wh-what’s up? You just stopped and stared at me. Freaked me out.” “Nothing. I just didn’t expect Old Mr. Ji’s side to have something today and it wasn’t Youran who came to me, but you.” Reilly Schulze frowned, puzzled, ready to keep pressing, but Li Xiaoting already leaned closer. “Maybe it’s just that Youran’s not around today. Let’s go see what Old Mr. Ji wants.” Li Xiaoting smiled, awkward and flushed, dropping her head even lower. Still sticking to her story, she tugged Reilly Schulze toward the office. Reilly Schulze slowed her pace and went along. They had barely reached the office door when a noisy argument erupted inside. “What do they think they’re doing? Isn’t this just straight-up poaching? Tell them I won’t agree. As long as my students make a choice, I’ll respect it. No one gets to override that. I don’t even care if I lose this post over it. Tell them to think whatever they want.” Worked up, Old Mr. Ji’s face flushed bright red. He didn’t even want to hear the voice on the other end, hung up, then leaned back to steady his breathing. A knock sounded. Still hot with anger, he was about to snap again when he saw who’d come—Reilly Schulze—and the tight line of his mouth forced itself into a smile. “Rei, you’re here. Good timing. I need to talk to you.” “What’s up? I was in the middle of an experiment. Xiaoting said you needed me, so I came.” Old Mr. Ji glanced at Li Xiaoting beside her, a flicker of doubt crossing his face before it went back to normal. “Here’s the deal. Folks from the Olympic Committee called me. They want you to go over there. I wanted your say. If you want to go, I’ll be happy for you. If you don’t, I’ll make sure no one can steamroll your decision.” “I don’t want to go.” Reilly Schulze’s brows pinched tight, her gaze firm. She paused, lifted her head, let her eyes skim across Li Xiaoting’s face. Li Xiaoting ducked even lower. “I want to stay on campus. We’ll talk about anything else after this experiment project wraps.” “That’s fine. Don’t worry—while I’m here, nobody’s messing with you.” Old Mr. Ji’s face softened with relief, anger fading into satisfaction. He seemed to finally notice Li Xiaoting at his side and added, “Xiaoting’s grades have always been solid. Work hard to join my team next time. Don’t stress the competition you’ve got. If you’re stuck, come ask me.” “Thank you, Professor.” Li Xiaoting mumbled, but her timid, shrinking act still made Old Mr. Ji frown. “Alright, I won’t keep you. You two head back.” He waved them off. The phone screen still showed the recent call. Old Mr. Ji lowered his head, sighed long, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. Watching Reilly Schulze’s retreating back, he pressed his lips together and finally made up his mind. His fingers slid quickly over the screen. His gaze dropped. Silence. Out the door, Reilly Schulze stopped dead. Li Xiaoting, not paying attention, almost bumped into her. She looked up, confused. “Xiaoting, you go on ahead. I’ve got something to take care of.” Reilly Schulze basically kicked her out, cool and distant, eyes half-lowered, lost in thought. Li Xiaoting scratched her head with an awkward smile. “Uh, want me to come with?” “No.” Reilly Schulze cut her off, blunt. She frowned, then explained, “You can’t help with this anyway. Don’t you have that competition to prep? Go handle your stuff.” She left without another word. Li Xiaoting stood where she was, blank and dazed. She stared at the floor, fingers at her sides slowly curling. She glanced back at the office building, then turned and left, firm and quick. Only after Li Xiaoting was gone did Reilly Schulze step out from the corner. She stared after her, dazed, then let out a long sigh, helplessness shadowing her eyes. Her phone chimed. She opened it—Dimitri had sent over the latest experiment data. This batch was spot-on, and the compiled results checked out. Reilly Schulze hit save and turned to go. She’d barely taken two steps when a familiar silhouette walked her way. The moment she saw Ford Bannister, she instinctively ducked into the nearby restroom. Ever since what happened at the Bannister family place, she didn’t know what was wrong with her—her body just rebelled around Ford Bannister. Footsteps grew louder. Reilly Schulze pressed against the back of the restroom door, held her breath, and listened. The steps stopped. Her heart cinched tight. She went still, straining to catch every sound outside. Thankfully, the footsteps started up again, moving away. She let out a hard breath, sweat slick on her skin. When it was finally quiet, she pushed the door open and stepped out. Just as she was about to leave, a voice came from behind. “Reilly Schulze, are you avoiding me?” The heavy tone froze her in place. She didn’t dare turn back. After a brief hesitation, she suddenly bolted forward. A hard arm hooked around her waist. She fought, but the man hauled her back in one pull. Her nose smacked his solid chest. It stung. She didn’t care. Instinct kicked in—she stomped for his foot. He saw it coming and locked her in tight. “What the hell are you doing?” Reilly Schulze clenched her teeth and forced the words out. Ford Bannister seemed ready for this. A half-smile tugged at his mouth, but his eyes were storm-dark, rolling in hard. He wrestled his temper down and spoke with a smile. “You really dodging me?” “Why should you care? Pretty sure you and I don’t have anything to do with each other. Mr. Bannister, you setting up shop by the beach now?” “Sharp tongue.” Ford’s gaze dipped. His narrowed eyes showed no emotion, just danger—like a bad omen. “What happened at the old Bannister estate—that’s on me. But come on, you don’t have to go this far.” “Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want anything to do with you.” Reilly Schulze brightened into a sweet smile, her voice soft and flirty. Ford Bannister actually zoned out for a beat. The next second, Reilly Schulze slammed down a brutal stomp. Ford hissed, jaw tight. He watched her tear off, fists curling hard.