Yet, Ian went on, "Julie, as medical technology advances, the average human lifespan will extend well beyond seventy or eighty years."

Julie was puzzled, unsure of his implication.

Then, Ian added, "With today's hibernation pod tech, keeping someone healthy till ninety is easy. And if we could absorb the essence of martial arts, we could push that to a hundred. It's a project we could wrap up in just a few decades."

“Wow, amazing!" Julie's eyes lit up, though she never envisioned living this long. The idea of a solitary old age suddenly seemed scary to her.

Adjusting his glasses with a solemn look, Ian said, “Julie, I want to share my future with you. So, I've decided to win your heart from now on. I hope it doesn't bother you."

Julie's eyes widened in surprise. She never expected Ian to declare his feelings so earnestly. It felt surreal, like something out of a TV show.

A laugh almost escaped her as she noticed Ian watching her intently, seemingly seeking her approval for his declaration.

"Okay, I get it Julie replied, a smile forming on her face without her realizing. It doesn't bother me at all at all.”

What happened next was totally beyond Julie's imagination.

As she savored Tonya's homemade coffee and sweets, she listened to Tan talk about his recent scientific work. He shared his initial bewilderment when he researched the world of ancient martial arts.

Julie couldn't help but wonder whether this was their first date or some kind of work meeting.

Was this how a science guy like Ian did when dating a woman? Well, Ian was indeed brilliant. But his topics amid a date would make few women develop an interest in him.

Julie kept these thoughts to herself, not showing any disappointment about their date.

Julie remembered Bill's fancy compliments and romantic moves. But after everything, she realized it was nothing but an empty trick.

Yet, with Ian, Julie found something unexpectedly fulfilling and calming in his honest, straightforward way of speaking.

She was content, feeling this could be what everyday chats between couples were Like.

As time slipped by, the evening began to fall. It was only then that Julie noticed something, feeling her heart race.

Yet, her concerns were eased when Ian offered to drive her home.

After checking the location of the Jenkins Manor, he started the car smoothly.

During the drive, Julie was impressed by Ian's calm demeanor.

He was a surprisingly good driver, not because he was flashy or fast.

In fact, he drove quite slowly, adhering strictly to traffic laws and keeping the speed limit. The ride was so smooth that Julie almost forgot she was in a car. It felt more like lounging on a comfy sofa in a café.

His driving was both skillful and cautious.

Julie couldn't help but compliment him, “If you were a professional driver, your passengers would always leave great reviews."