When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0808

“Wait, hold on… why are you even asking this? Is rolling snowballs part of our lab’s annual performance review? No way…” Silas stared at Paul incredulously. Was snowball–rolling a new requirement for researchers?

“Be serious,” Paul snapped. “Don’t joke around. I’m asking you something important, so stop laughing.”

Silas looked completely baffled. “What Northemer doesn’t know how to roll a snowball? You don’t?”

Paul remained silent, his expression stiff.

Silas’s jaw dropped. “You seriously don’t know?”

Paul was still silent.

“So, what’s the plan here?” Silas folded his arms, now entirely invested in this bizarre conversation.

Paul glanced outside. “The snow’s pretty thick out there.

“And?”

“We go outside, and you teach me how to roll a snowball.”

Silas blinked continuously, utterly speechless.

No way. No way! Was this the same workaholic, research–obsessed man who couldn’t tear himself away from experiments? And now, in the middle of work hours, he wanted to take him outside to roll snowballs?

“Paul, do I look like a snowball to you?”

He ignored the jab.

Silas exhaled in disbelief, then burst out laughing. “You’re really serious? You want to ditch work to play in the snow?”

Paul replied, “Yes. And teach me.”

His earnestness left no room for doubt. Silas squinted at him for a moment, his expression skeptical. Then it hit him.

Miranda was from the South, and Southerners loved snow!

“Alright,” Silas finally agreed, a grin spreading across his face. “I’ll teach you. It’s easy. I won’t even charge. But…”

He paused dramatically. “I have two experiments left, and I’m short on time. So, I’m sorry.

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*25 BONUS

Chapter onog

I can’t help. You’ll have to find someone else.”

Paul replied without hesitation. “I’ll do them.”

Silas’s jaw dropped again. “Are you serious?”

“What do you think?” Paul shot back.

“Alright, that’s the spirit!” Silas smirked, clearly enjoying this. But he wasn’t done. “One more thing.”

Paul’s face darkened. “Say it all at once.”

“Ahem! With Easter coming up, I haven’t taken my vacation yet. I’m planning to combine it with the holiday break. You’re okay with that, right?”

Paul gave him a withering look. “You’re pushing it.”

“Just say yes or no. Those are my terms, and they’re non–negotiable. You’ve got three seconds to decide. Three… two… one…”

“Fine. Teach me,” Paul agreed tersely.

“Great! Let’s go play in the snow!‘

40 minutes later, Silas‘ groaning could be heard. “No, not like that! You have to do it like this… then this… and then like this.”

After demonstrating for what felt like the 100th time, he asked, “Got it now?”

“Yeah,” Paul said with a nod.

Another 30 minutes passed, and Silas finally threw his hands up in defeat. “Let’s just forget about those conditions. Let’s quit while we’re ahead, alright?”

“No,” Paul replied firmly. “Keep going.”

Silas tried reasoning with him. “Paul, why are you so hung up on this? Rolling snowballs isn’t some life–changing skill. Even if you learn it, it’s not like Miranda’s going to suddenly agree to be your girlfriend just because you mastered snowball rolling!”

Paul didn’t flinch. “Doesn’t matter. If I’m going to learn, I’ll learn properly.”

Silas sighed while clicking his tongue. It was the first time he had seen Paul struggle with something. And not just any task–a skill every kid knew how to do. Yet no matter how hard Paul tried, he just couldn’t get it right.

It was oddly fascinating!

Eventually, after yet another failed attempt, Silas reached his breaking point. “That’s it!

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 0808

I’m done! I’m not teaching you anymore!”

Around Silas’s feet lay a row of neatly formed snowballs, all his own handiwork from his demonstrations. And around Paul’s feet?

A pile of crushed, crumbled snow.

Paul was undeterred as he said, “Let’s go again”

Silas stared at him, incredulous. He thought to himself, “Paul Jefferson, don’t push this! Seriously, I’m warning you!”

Chapter 0809