Pitbabe S2, Chapter 10 pg3

 Pitbabe S2, Chapter 10 pg3

   “The sooner, the better. Changing people’s minds isn’t something that happens overnight,” Phii Touch added, while the others nodded in agreement, as if what I’d done was somehow right, even though I didn’t even like my own words.

   I locked eyes with Dr. Chris. He stood with his arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, like he was pleased with something, before nodding at me. Unless I’m imagining it, his gaze seemed to say, That’s what I wanted to hear—which is odd, considering he’s the one who raised the question. His reaction made me realize the true purpose of his question. He wasn’t asking what we’d do if we failed; Dr. Chris just wanted me to instill confidence in everyone here that we’re moving forward with purpose.

   He’s kind of intimidating, but right now, I’m glad Dr. Chris is on the team.

   “Thanks for understanding, everyone,” I said with a smile, feeling a surge of determination. “I just wanted to make that clear. If anyone has ideas, feel free to share, but don’t worry too much about the promotion. I’ll handle it, and Jeff will pitch in too. You all can focus on the lab work.”

   “We want to help with the promotion,” Ms. Liu raised her hand. Her words were as exciting as her outfit (today she’s in a bright yellow dress with a puffy skirt, looking more like she’s headed to a picnic than circling the lab). But her expression and tone stayed as calm as ever. “I’ve been wanting to get on media for a while.”

   “You, seriously?” Dr. Chris squinted at Ms. Liu, like he couldn’t believe someone like her would be interested in front-facing work. Given her usual “I don’t care about anyone” attitude, who’d expect her to volunteer for something like this?

   “The fortune teller said if I step out of my comfort zone this period, I’ll meet my soulmate.”

   That response explained everything in a single sentence. No one had any doubts left.

   “Didn’t know you was into this stuff,” I chuckled.

   “I’ve always been into fortune-telling,” she said.

   “I mean soulmates,” I replied lazily. “Thought you weren’t interested in having a boyfriend.”

   “If it’s a good opportunity, I’m interested in everything,” Liu said, her words claiming interest but her face looking like she couldn’t care less about anything in the world. If I didn’t know her for so long, I’d think she hated everyone. “You better watch out, Charlie.”

   “Me?” I raised an eyebrow, pointing at myself in confusion. “Watch out for what?”

   “If fate says you’re my soulmate, I’m taking you.”

   Everyone burst into laughter while Liu kept her deadpan expression. Looks like she’s serious.

   “Go for it,” I laughed. “If you think you can take on Babe, have at it.”

   “Oooh, that’s a big challenge, Liu!” Phii Touch chimed in. I’m not the only one who knows my boyfriend’s prowess. Pitbabe’s reputation is legendary, and yeah, it’s not just about driving that he’s widely respected for.

   “I can throw a punch or two,” Liu said, raising her fists in a mock guard. Honestly, she looked like a tiny teddy bear trying to be scary and failing. “Might need a bit more practice.”

   Our quick lab meeting lasted less than thirty minutes (almost ten minutes spent on unstoppable deadpan jokes). The gist: the project promotion kicks off early next month. I’ll take the lead on promotion since everyone agreed my face and reputation should be put to use (super embarrassing). Jeff will help with designing the promotion strategy and coordinating with external organizations. Researchers will focus on research, but some may assist with providing medical info about the drug for credibility. Other activities depend on volunteering and spare time, and everyone seems more eager to pitch in than expected—especially Liu, who’s already called the fortune teller to consult about the promotion.

   After the meeting wrapped, everyone split off to their tasks. Phii Touch and Liu led the research team, huddling to predict the effects of the latest drug version in my system. Dr. Chris went downstairs to brew coffee. As for me, I was ordered to find a place to lie down, and this time I had to comply because I promised post-meeting I’d rest—not a request, but a command from everyone.

   “How’s it going?” Dr. Chris sat on a single sofa beside me, coffee in hand, since I’d already claimed the long couch, sprawling out. “Any symptoms?”

   “A bit sleepy,” I said. “But I don’t know if it’s the drug. Could just be me.”

   “Someone like you doesn’t just get sleepy.”

   “With a comfy couch and cool AC like this, you never know,” I said.

   “We’ll need to keep an eye on it. If it gets to the point you can’t fight it, it might be the drug.”

   “If the drug works and the only side effect is sleepiness, that’s great.”

   “Even if this one doesn’t work, we’ll keep making new ones until we get it right,” he said calmly, taking a light sip of his coffee. I’ve always thought his movements…

   He has a strange kind of charm. He doesn’t seem all that different, yet he feels distinct from most people. Dr. Chris moves slowly but not lazily—just someone who knows exactly what speed is needed to seem calm and precise. That’s probably the key to his charm. Even if his face reminds me of someone I’m not too fond of. “What’s with that look?”

   Looks like I stared at him too long and got caught.

   “Nothing,” I chose not to mention what I was thinking, as it would probably make things awkward. Some thoughts are better kept to yourself.

   “The more you look, the more alike we seem, huh?”

   “Huh?”

   “Me and Way.”

   I went quiet. His guess wasn’t spot-on, but I couldn’t deny it was one of the thoughts running through my head. I figured the longer we spent together, the more I’d see the differences between Dr. Chris and Way. But it’s been over a month, and I still haven’t found those differences.

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