However, when she saw the man standing behind her, her mind blanked for a few seconds, a string of question marks flashing in her head. 'Captain?' "You, young man. I thought you weren't coming." Old Man Tanz broke her stupor. "I always keep my promises." Matthew's deep voice was quite pleasing to the ear, complementing his tall and handsome stature. "Alright, stop with the formalities. I'll go check if the meal is ready. You two chat." Old Man Tanz did not intend to play gooseberry here. Matthew nodded slightly, an air of nobility surrounding him. "Alright." Once Old Man Tanz left, silence fell over the area. Cynthia was not usually one to shy away. She had been perfectly calm when she met Joshua's parents. However, this time, she genuinely felt timid. "Do you always get this nervous seeing me?" Matthew observed her state, his tone teasing. Cynthia stayed silent. How could she not be nervous? Matthew gestured to the seat Old Man Tanz had just vacated. "Sit." Cynthia c
A flash of understanding crossed Matthew's eyes. It seemed he would have to take things slow. Feeling the danger of this topic, Cynthia decided to change the subject, "Why are you back? Are you on holiday?" "I'm retired," Matthew murmured. Cynthia looked up in surprise. "Retired?" "Mm." "Why?" Everyone knew that the Captain's capabilities were top-tier in the organization. He had led his team to complete many challenging tasks, earning numerous medals. Most importantly, he had a promising future. Why had he chosen to retire? "I was severely injured during a mission a year ago. The doctor said I couldn't engage in high-intensity training daily. My successor has already been trained, so it seemed right to retire." Matthew did not hide the truth from her. A wave of concern surged in Cynthia's heart. She wanted to ask why he had not informed them about his injury but remembered that some mission details were classified and better left unsaid. So she changed her question, "H
"Hmm, I'm turning thirty next month. I can't very well tell people on blind dates that I'm unemployed," Matthew responded. His eyes were pale, and his words were so ambiguous that it was hard to discern whether he was serious or joking. His simple statement caused Cynthia to worry on his behalf. She blurted out, "You're right. You are not getting any younger." Matthew laughed, seeming amused. This girl. Was she implying he was old? "Well, I'm not as young and energetic as you," Matthew responded nonchalantly. Cynthia quickly explained, "That's not what I meant." "You don't think I'm old? Hmm," Matthew chuckled lightly. Cynthia was not very good at flattery, but at this moment, she mustered up a compliment anyway. "Being a man near thirty, you don't look old at all." "You're a bad liar." "Captain..." Matthew moved his bishop. "Cynthia, checkmate." Only then did Cynthia snap back to reality. Looking at the chessboard in front of her, she felt for the umpteenth time th
In a short while, the two had finished their game. Matthew took the initiative to put away the chess pieces and board, bidding the old man farewell with a courteous yet refined manner. Cynthia also bid her farewell. Though Old Man Tanz was reluctant to let them go, he understood not to delay them for too long. "How are you going back, Captain?" she asked. "I'll hail a cab." Old Man Tanz was taken aback. He glanced instinctively at the SUV parked nearby, confused by the blatant lie. However, he chose not to confront Matthew, silently watching the performance unfold. He was curious as to what Matthew was planning. "It's quite a distance to walk from here, and there aren't many cabs around. Where are you headed? If it's not too far, I can give you a ride," Cynthia said, holding the car keys. The Captain had always been kind to them. She could not just stand by and watch him walk all that way. Matthew's eyes remained indifferent, his tone casual. "Would it be too much trouble?"
Matthew's eyes brightened as he replied, [I'm not planning to come back for now.][Hank Quier: !!!][Hank Quier: You bastard! Do you want a beating? Your mom and I raised you, but we don't get to see you often in a year! Now that you're retired, you're still not planning to come home?][Hank Quier: If you don't return, your mom and I will have another child!]Matthew stared at the messages, then responded directly, [If you're not concerned about Mom's health, go ahead and have another child.]Hank read the message and became furious. Then, he promptly limited Matthew's contact number.This kid was simply too audacious! [Matthew: I'm busy winning over someone.]As soon as the message was sent, a red exclamation mark appeared next to it. Hank had limited Matthew's messages, indicating that Hank would not receive the message until Hank adjusted the setting. Matthew was caught off guard and thought his father was childish. "Captain, we've arrived," Cynthia said as she parke
Matthew casually slid his hand into his pocket. His slender figure made him seem like he was the protagonist stepping out of a comic book. He exuded an air of nobility yet appeared easygoing, and he seemed really smart. Matthew hesitated, but he still got into the car.Cynthia took him to the residential area where she usually stayed for work and handed him the key to the adjacent unit, asking him to register his fingerprints for the door lock."There are new towels and toiletries in the guest bedroom. You just need to bring your change of clothes tomorrow, and you can officially move in." Cynthia had arranged everything well.Matthew responded, "Alright."Seeing that she had finished most of her instructions, Cynthia planned to leave. Just as she walked out and was about to open her own door, she received a text message.It was a bank transaction notification for 20,000 USD.She glanced at the message only to find that Matthew had transferred her the money.Cynthia knocke
Cynthia thought Mitchell's advice was great and agreed, "Okay."After ending the call, Cynthia went to her study to prepare a special employment contract for Matthew.On the other hand, Mitchell called Matthew as he could not help but wonder who would ultimately win Cynthia's affection—Matthew or Joshua. Although Cynthia trusted Captain and had no reservations about him, their relationship remained purely platonic. As for Joshua, Mitchell personally did not want Cynthia to be more involved with him. Joshua's actions destroyed all of Cynthia's trust and feelings for him.After all, Cynthia was the kind of person who would wholeheartedly devote herself to someone she liked, but once she fell out of love, it was difficult to change her mind.While pondering these thoughts, Matthew's deep voice came through."Mitchell.""Captain, you're quite proactive," Mitchell commented."I let her slip away once before. I can't let it happen again this time," Matthew casually chatted with Mi
It was not about trying to please her, but it felt strange nonetheless."Take it." Matthew pushed the breakfast into her hands without hesitation, saying, "I really don't know what goes on in your head."Cynthia was rendered speechless by his remark and internally scoffed at it. Well… It was because Matthew had been acting so out of character. In the past, she would have to go hungry if she was late or had not completed a task, and not only that, she would face additional penalties. Yet now, Matthew was directly delivering food to her. How could she not read into it? Maybe this was his way of punishing her because of the incident last time… Could it be her 'last meal'?The more Cynthia thought about it, the more convinced she became.Finally, she blurted out, "Captain, just be straightforward with me."She was sure that Matthew was indirectly punishing her because she called him as if he were an antidote. He wanted to put psychological pressure on her, and he definitely su