?Chapter 1073:


    She was still figuring out how to manage the delivery when Jeff appeared as if on cue. Without hesitation, he reached out and took the box from her. “I’ll handle this, Ste.”


    They walked together beneath the soft sunlight filtering through the trees. The shadows of branches danced across the walkway as a few researchers passed by, giving the pair knowing looks but saying nothing.


    Catching those silent nces, Ste’s brows knitted slightly. She began to wonder if she had been spending a little too much time with Jefftely, enough for people to start whispering. Before she could dwell on it, Jeff broke the silence, his tone unusually unsure. “Ste, mind if I ask you something a bit personal?”


    Ste shot him a nce. “What’s on your mind?”


    A faint blush crept across Jeff’s face as he lowered his voice. “If a guy likes a girl but isn’t sure if she feels the same, what’s he supposed to do?”


    Ste responded, “So, you’ve got someone in mind, huh? Well, that depends on the situation.”


    She remembered him once telling William that he wasn’t interested in anyone. Still, college had a way of stirring new emotions, so she wasn’t too surprised if that had changed.


    Jeff gave a small nod, his voice hesitant but sincere. “I just don’t know what she thinks about me. We talk a lot, we run into each other all the time at school, but I get the feeling she only sees me as a friend.”


    At that, all of Ste’s unease dissolved. It dawned on her that his sudden friendliness wasn’t anything to worry about. Jeff was simply asking for advice about someone he liked.


    Her earlier caution now felt unnecessary, even a little foolish. Given their age gap, Ste doubted Jeff could ever see her that way.


    Her tone softened as a smile tugged at her lips. “Every girl has her own rhythm. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you really like her, just be upfront about it. Say what you feel when the time is right.”


    Jeff nodded, looking thoughtful, then asked, “Then what kind of dates do girls usually enjoy?”


    That made Steugh. “So now I’m your dating coach?”


    Jeff rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “You’re the smartest woman I know, and honestly, my only female friend. Who else would I ask?”


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    His words made Ste chuckle again. After a brief pause, she said, “Keep it simple for the first one. Maybe an art exhibit or a quiet coffee shop. Nothing shy. Just enough space to talk.” She had learned that diving in too fast could scare people off before things even began.


    “What about presents?” Jeff pressed. “What do girls like?” He leaned forward, clearly invested in her answer.


    Drawing from what she had learned over the years, Ste replied, “Big, shy gifts can make things awkward. Keep it simple. Something personal, something that shows you’ve been paying attention. That goes a long way.”


    As their conversation flowed, they arrived at the otherb.


    Once the samples were handed over, Jeff turned to her with a hopeful grin. “It’s nearly dinner. Let me treat you to something good. Consider it a thank-you for the love advice—and, uh, I might have a few more questions like that.”


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