chapter732

Corley couldn't focus on the music at all. Whatever the piece or the variation, it was all a blur to him.

The dim lighting of the concert hall was the perfect cover, allowing him to let his feelings show without restraint-tenderness and deep affection.

His gaze kept drifting uncontrollably to Roseanne's fair hands. Several times, he fought the urge to just reach out, hold them tight, and never let go.

But after a battle within himself, reason won out.

He reminded himself: Just hold on a little longer. Soon... just get through tonight...

Don't rush it; don't scare her...

For some, two hours could feel like an eternity of torment and trials, but for Roseanne, it was a rare auditory and visual feast.

Even after it ended, she was still relishing the experience:

"Did you catch that Croatian Rhapsody piece just now? He added some rock elements! It was such an unexpected blend of romance and excitement, especially that variation in the middle, what a delightful surprise! What did you think?"

Corley was a bit distracted, "Uh, yeah? It did sound quite nice."

Lost in her own world, Roseanne didn't notice his wandering thoughts.

It wasn't until they exited the concert hall, with streetlights casting their glow and neon reflections spilling all around, that she realized it was already dark.

Remembering her unfinished paper and the packed lunch she needed to prepare for the lab tomorrow, Roseanne was ready to head home.

But just as she was about to speak, Corley suddenly asked, "Will you come somewhere with me?"

"...Hmm?"

"Please? His eyes were dark as ink, but there was a glint in them, bright and captivating.

Though puzzled, she agreed.

However...

"I need to be home by nine."

"Okay," Corley assured her.

...

Roseanne got into her car and followed Corley as they drove towards the outskirts of town.

After winding up a stretch of mountainous road, they arrived at a hilltop.

"Roseanne, look-"

Standing at a breezy vantage point, Roseanne was busy adjusting her puffer jacket when Corley's sudden voice caught her off guard.

She looked up in the direction he pointed-

Below them, the city lights sprawled out in a dazzling array, twinkling like a fallen galaxy, spread across the earth.

"It's beautiful... she whispered, momentarily entranced.

"Do you like it?" Corley asked, his voice mingling with the wind.

She nodded, unable to hold back her amazement, "I never knew Lumina City had a spot like this!"

In the next moment, Corley retrieved a bouquet from his car and approached her with a smile, "Happy birthday, Roseanne."

She was taken aback.

She was used to celebrating her birthday according to the lunar

calendar, with her friends Norris

Madge always marking it that

way.

So she hadn't even realized today was her birthday on the solar calendar.

"How do you remember better than I do?" she laughed, unable to help herself.

"These are for you." Corley handed her the flowers.

It was only then that she noticed the bouquet consisted of blue roses!

"Are these...?" She examined them curiously, a hint of wonder in her expression, "Natural or dyed?"

It wasn't surprising for Roseanne to

ask. Her mind would naturally start to inquire whenever she

encountered something related to her field, her innate curiosity bubbling to the surface.

To her knowledge, there were no naturally occurring blue roses. The ones you find on the market, like "BlueMoon" or "Blue Peter," are usually dyed.

But this bouquet...

She couldn't resist touching them, her gaze serious and focused.

The flowers found their way into her hands.

Seeing her reaction, Corley's eyes lit up with a sudden brightness.