"How are you feeling today?" asked Mr. Hayes, his voice soft and laced with concern, "I didn't hear about it until late last night. I'm glad the man didn't get to harm you further, Mrs. Alvord."

It turned out that Mr. Hayes wanted to talk about yesterday's incident. He deliberately waited until Mr. Eastwood left before bringing it up.

Lariette knew Mr. Hayes would hear about the commotion sooner rather than later. He was an apartment manager with a huge sense of responsibility.

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hayes," Lariette replied, a smile curling on her lips, "Thankfully, the guard and the passersby helped me. They encouraged me to file a police report, so I did."

The older man smiled in relief. He also noticed the young lady standing before him appeared as cheerful as usual, showing no signs of being distressed.

"Please don't hesitate to come to me if you need anything. I won't hold you back, then. You have food waiting for you."

As Mr. Hayes said that, his eyes drifted to the takeout bag in Lariette's hand. His remarks elicited chuckles from her.

"Hehe, thanks again, Mr. Hayes. See you again. Have a good day."

"Same to you, Mrs. Alvord."

Lariette nodded slightly at Mr. Hayes before walking toward the elevator. Her steps light on the polished floor. As she stepped inside the elevator, her mind was drawn back to Mr. Eastwood.

Really, she didn't expect to have a fellow colleague residing in the same apartment. On which floor was his apartment?

Lariette wanted to tell Ruediger about Mr. Eastwood, being one of the topics she wished to converse with him.

Holding the takeout bag in her right hand, she used the other one to take the phone out of her sweater's pocket. She smiled faintly at the sight of zero new notifications from him.

How busy was he today?

Hopefully, he didn't overexert himself.

Madeline was still sleeping by the time Lariette reached the apartment. She couldn't help but laugh as she watched her friend burying herself deep under the blanket, forming a bundle on the bed.

Tsk tsk, she slept as if she did an extremely hard labor yesterday.

After taking off the sweater and joggers, Lariette went to the kitchen. She left Madeline's food on the kitchen island while bringing hers to the living room. The foods were served in lovely bento boxes.

The soft sunlight filtered through through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the floor. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, she switched on the TV, finding an interesting documentary.

"Red pandas? Sounds cute."

Accompanied by a delicious Japanese bento dish and a steaming cup of barley tea, Lariette watched the documentary. The narrator's calm voice rang from the speaker, filling the quiet living room.

"In the emerald canopies of the Eastern Himalayas, the red panda rests in its treetop haven, safe. It is safe for now from the threats that close in from all sides…"

Lariette chewed the karaage slowly, eyes on the huge screen as she watched a red panda roll on a branch. It cutely groomed itself with gentle flicks of its tongue.

She chuckled, amused, "You're so round. Like a cinnamon roll."

Cloaked in rusty-red fur, the red panda ringed tail wrapped around its body like a blanket, shielding it from the chill of the mountain areas. Being a master of camouflage, it blended in with the moss and lichen of the forest. Visit * (*) for more.

Halfway through her eating, the phone rang. Blinking, Lariette quickly put down the chopsticks and the bento box, heart thumping once she saw Ruediger's name on the screen.

"Eddy, hello," she said, her tone imbued with joy.

His chuckles echoed from the end of the line, warm and familiar despite the distance.

"Hey, Lettie. What are you doing? Resting? Have you had lunch? Sorry, I just got some free time."

Lariette noticed the slight fatigue in Ruediger's voice. Smiling softly, her gaze drifted to the half-eaten bento. She leaned against the couch behind her.

"Yeah, I got some Japanese today. How about you? Have you eaten? You sound tired, my dear."

More chuckles came from his side. Her smile faltered slightly, out of worry.

"I'm fine. I ate with Aunt Felle and her subordinates. Maddie's still with you, right?"

"Hehe, she's still sleeping. Like a log, I tell you."

The pair continued chatting, sharing the simple things.

She listened to him talking about the scenery in Norvonna, and also the increasing number of shops putting on Christmas decorations.

He listened to him talking about her sleepover with Madeline, the movie they watched last night and also her unexpected encounter with Mr. Eastwood just now.

"He'll move there too, huh?" Ruediger hummed, also not expecting that news, "Since he has invited us, we should go to his housewarming party. Maybe I can make something for him."

"Hehe, already in your pastry chef mode?" asked Lariette teasingly, her eyes gleaming softly, "Speaking of, I should have the puddings in the fridge."

Lariette and Madeline had some of the puddings after dinner last night, leaving two more.

Ruediger laughed, "Just eat them, my love. I'll make more for you once I'm home."

Once he was home?

When would it be?

In two days? Or three more?

What if he had to stay there for a week?

Fortunately, Nathaniel was lenient in giving Ruediger some time off work.

Lariette wanted to ask about Ruediger's return, but she swallowed the words, unwilling to sound as if she was pushing him to come back soon. He was already eager enough because of Vincent's unexpected appearance yesterday.

"Aren't you busy? I don't want to hold you back," Lariette asked, refraining from sighing, "Let's talk again tonight if you're free."

"Hmm... sadly, yes. I need to return to Aunt," Ruediger exhaled, "I'll call you again, Lettie. Later, sweetheart."

"Bye, honey."

Click.

The call ended in the next second. Her gaze lingered on the screen for a few minutes before she finally returned her focus to the TV screen.

Never did she foresee his surprise tonight.