"Well, I guess I can manage." Colin raised an eyebrow.Eranthe felt there was a chance, "You like it?""But calling me 'little brother' isn't enough to make me put on this pink kiddish thing.""Add some stakes."Eranthe cursed him silently, pouted, and rubbed against him, saying, "Colin? Senior? Senior Rodriguez?!"Colin's mouth gradually curved up, but he remained silent.Eranthe, annoyed, said, "You wouldn't happen to want to be called Teacher Rodriguez or Principal Rodriguez, would you?"Colin, looking down at her, replied, "Pervert, I don't have such perverse tastes."However, he still took away the mask, gesturing to Eranthe, "You put it on for me."After saying that, he even made a displeased face.Eranthe was delighted and stood on her tiptoes, saying, "No, you need to lower your head a bit more."Colin spread his legs, bent down, allowing Eranthe to put the mask on him.As some girls passed by, they looked back multiple times, saying, "So sweet, did we just witness a couple mo
Eranthe gestured for him to be quiet, "My colleague is shopping ahead." Colin understood; she was afraid of being seen. "What do you need to buy? Send me a message, and I'll go ahead." Eranthe thought this method was quite good. It wasn't that she was afraid of encountering colleagues; rather, she was concerned that if Colin joined her later, someone might see them together or her colleagues might secretly take photos of her shopping with someone. After all, Colin's expensive attire could easily catch the attention of sharp-eyed coworkers, and they could deduce it was Colin just from the contours revealed by the mask. Eranthe didn't want to attract unnecessary attention. Since Colin volunteered to go shopping, it was perfect for her. Colin, seeing her nod immediately, felt a sudden sense of frustration. However, Eranthe hadn't noticed his mood and waved her hand, urging him to go quickly. After all, with Colin standing out like that, anyone passing by would take a look, making
When he was getting quite into it. Suddenly, he was interrupted, and as he looked up at Colin, who was wearing a pink mask, it was evident that even a mask couldn't conceal Colin's superior looks. As a man, Justin's internal alarms went off immediately, sensing a rather brutal visual competition. Eranthe's worst fear had come true, and her heart jumped into her throat. Justin asked, "Your... boyfriend?" Colin didn't answer, leaving Eranthe to handle the situation. She glanced at Colin, who was clearly enjoying the show. Grinding her teeth, she said, "He's my cousin." Justin immediately wore a big smile, extended his hand, and shook Colin's hand without waiting for a response. He noticed the watch on Colin's wrist. "Oh, this watch seems to be a global limited edition..." Eranthe quickly covered the watch with her hand, calmly stating, "It's a knockoff, you know." Justin nodded, "I see. Still, cousin, next time, don't buy these knockoffs. They look fake at first glance." While
Justin's neck veins pulsating. Colin snorted, hands in his pockets, walking behind them. Eranthe noticed Justin's insistence and glanced at Colin with an expression that said, "Why can you let go so easily?" Colin gave her a quick look and replied, "It's not like I made him carry it." Justin, using all his strength, finally managed to load the items into the car. He opened the front passenger door, intending to invite Eranthe to sit, but Colin casually took the seat, acting as if Justin were his chauffeur. Justin stared awkwardly at Colin and then looked at Eranthe. Eranthe forced a smile, quickly moved to the back seat, and hoped desperately to get home immediately, escaping this awkward situation. Once Justin got into the car and fastened his seatbelt, he said, "There's a new gym nearby, opened by a friend of mine. Not much revenue with him, around a million dollars a year." Colin listened impassively, acknowledging the reality of their poor financial situation. Justin cont
Eranthe looked down, observing the elongated shadows of the two figures. Occasionally, these shadows seemed to intertwine, as if two people were entangled in a loving embrace, hands clasped together.In reality, though, they couldn't stand each other and had just exchanged heated words.Absorbed in her thoughts, Eranthe didn't notice that Colin had come to stand beside her until she saw their shadows side by side. She realized Colin was already standing next to her, looking down at her.Eranthe instinctively tried to pull away, but she was wearing a hoodie, and Colin swiftly hooked his finger through the hood, pulling her back.Just as Eranthe was about to express her annoyance, Colin bent down, saying, "Take off my mask."In a slightly commanding tone, Colin, feeling somewhat wronged by her actions tonight, she extended her hand to remove the ends of his mask.Before she could retract her hand, he cupped the back of her neck, tilted her head, and kissed her lips directly. The kiss ca
Just as the lemon water arrived, Oriel took a sip, but it went down the wrong way, causing her to choke.Clearly displeased with this impolite display, Kelvin handed her a tissue. "Is what I'm saying strange?""No, please continue," Oriel said, eager to hear more of his nonsense."Alright. I know you're currently working as an online streamer. To be honest, I'm not very satisfied with this industry. Women exposing themselves for a bit of money—it's meaningless. It would be better for you to stay at home and collect rent. I heard your parents have prepared a lot of properties for you. As for myself, although I have a large apartment in the city center, I won't mind if you don't have a regular job."Oriel listened attentively. "Okay."Kelvin's smile grew wider as Oriel appeared so obedient and understanding. If only she could dress a bit more innocent, it would be even better. He thought."Since you're satisfied with the requirements I mentioned, let me continue," Kelvin said, taking a
Kelvin continued, "I can help you with financial planning. Oh, by the way, I heard that the income of a live streamer is not low these days. You can also entrust that to me. Women, you know, don't spend much money when they stay at home most of the time."Oriel looked at him seriously. "Can I ask you a question?"Kelvin became alert. "Please, but I think you're not a materialistic woman."Oriel laughed with a hint of annoyance, finding Kelvin's quite good at calculations and he's even afraid that she might bring up the topic of marriage dowry money with him.She insisted, "As you said, it's our plan for the next few decades. Considering that you'll be managing even the details of my finances, isn't it reasonable for me to make a small request before marriage?"Kelvin thought for a moment and agreed, "Go ahead.""In terms of my worth, my dowry should be at least this amount." Oriel gestured with her fingers and then pointed to a pile of shopping bags at her feet."Also, I'm not only ma
"Sorry, I've been pursuing Miss. Walker for almost half a year now. I really can't stand some inexplicable person giving her a lesson. After all, I hold her in my hands for fear of dropping her, and I cherish her in my mouth for fear of melting. I can't bear to scold her a word. Who do you think you are?"Kelvin's face alternated between pale and flushed. He really wanted to reprimand the two people in front of him, but fearing Frank's identity, he could only glare at Oriel fiercely before turning around and leaving.Oriel figured that he would probably go back and complain to her mother, so she immediately grabbed her phone and added her mother's contact to the blacklist, relieved.Frank released her but observed her series of actions. "Why say those things if you're so afraid?"Oriel tossed her hair. "Could you tolerate what he said just now?"She wasn't foolish; she saw Frank come out from behind Kelvin and assumed he had heard everything clearly."Indeed, I couldn't tolerate it. I
Eranthe replied, "If I had no conscience, I wouldn't give you medicine to take."Colin turned his head in frustration.Morris arrived promptly upon hearing that Colin was ill, and Eranthe happened to be handing over her shift to him."Follow the instructions on the medicine label for him. I've prepared hot water. Just remember to close the door when you leave," Eranthe said, aware that she had only half an hour for her commute and couldn't linger.Morris nodded repeatedly but then noticed the deathly stare from his boss."Miss Taylor.""Yes?""Today, I also need to take a day off with Mr. Rodriguez. Could you please take care of him?""Today's schedule is packed for me. I can't look after him," Eranthe replied, well aware of Morris's tactics. His loyalty was clearly with Colin.Morris was quick on his feet. "Miss Taylor, my mom is coming to Assyria City today. I was planning to take the afternoon off anyway. Mr. Rodrigue
Colin raised an eyebrow in disappointment, then spread out the sheets and lay down with the cat.But clearly, he couldn't sleep. The scent of the woman still lingered in the air, constantly tempting him and making him feel uncomfortably hot.He decided to take off his shirt, his long legs hanging off the sofa because it was too small for him to stretch out fully.Every time he closed his eyes, he pictured her exceptionally enchanting appearance.Inside the house, Eranthe tossed and turned, feeling like her territory had been invaded. She regretted not ignoring him.Why was this so troublesome? If only she had ignored him, she would have fallen asleep by now.After lying in bed for half an hour without feeling drowsy, she scratched her head, feeling the need to use the bathroom. But the bathroom was outside the room...What if that dog suddenly pounced on her?If he dared, she would punch him.Eranthe silently vowed, lift
Eranthe: ...She really wanted to smash this guy with the water bottle."Go home!"If she kept listening to him, she might start feeling a little soft-hearted.Colin smiled subtly and followed her casually, like a large dog.On the way home, Eranthe repeated multiple times not to take advantage of any opportunity to enter her home.Colin agreed readily, and when it came time to open the door, she insisted on watching him enter before she unlocked it, like she was guarding against a thief.Colin asked, "Are you really sure you don't need me to escort you home?""Mr. Rodriguez, I'm already home.""What if someone unwelcome shows up at your place?"Eranthe laughed, "Then I'll call the police. It's scarier letting you in. Maybe you should worry more about whether there's a headless ghost under your bed at night, or someone staring at you from outside your window."After saying this, Eranthe watched with satisfa
"..." Eranthe concluded that communicating with him was indeed asking for trouble.Eranthe opened the door to leave, and Colin followed.Eranthe cursed inwardly. She had let her guard down. It seemed Colin had taken advantage of the moment to change his clothes, and now he was accompanying her to eat."Mr. Rodriguez, someone of your stature shouldn't be playing the role of a tracker," Eranthe remarked."No, of course not," Colin assured her."Let's hope you stick to that," Eranthe responded skeptically."Agreed."The two entered the elevator. "Where are you headed, Mr. Rodriguez?""Depends on my mood.""..." What a watertight answer! Depending on his mood meant wherever she was going, he would follow!The elevator quickly arrived, and as luck would have it, they encountered the elderly lady downstairs again."Oh dear, finished your meal, young couple? Going out for a stroll?"Eranthe smiled awkwardly
Wasn't he just trying to make her insist he stay?"Forget it, sit down and eat. It's like I'm bullying you," she muttered.Colin moved closer. "Miss Taylor, are you inviting me?"He glanced at his watch. "During my working hours, I'm not allowed to eat with clients, but if a client requests it, I can provide additional services.""What additional services? Dishwashing?""A deep kiss.""Eh?" Eranthe gave him a deadpan smile. "You're fired.""My employer isn't Miss Taylor, so you don't have the authority for that, but you can complain.""And the solution to complaints—is it also a kiss?"Colin remained serious, adopting an austere expression. "Miss Taylor, I'm here for part-time work, not to sell myself."Eranthe couldn't stomach her meal after that.“Colin, are you even serious? Should I start a fundraiser to buy you a mirror?” Eranthe retorted, still seething.This guy had the audac
Then, as if in disbelief, the doorbell rang."I'm sorry, Miss Taylor, it seems the nutritionist has arrived. We've already paid, so it would be awkward to send him away."Eranthe: ...Why did you even schedule this?!It's just stirring up trouble for no reason!She didn't want to take it out on innocent people, so she hung up the phone and went to open the door, expecting to see a lady but finding a tall man at the door instead.Eranthe burst out laughing, "Mr. Rodriguez.""When did you start moonlighting as a nutritionist?" Eranthe crossed her arms, eager to hear what else he could come up with.Colin raised an eyebrow, "Just bored after work, making some extra cash."He gestured to come inside, leaving Eranthe speechless. She was also worried about leaving the door open and the cat suddenly darting out.Once Colin successfully entered, it was just like before—efficiently grabbing onions, ginger, and garlic
Most likely, Colin was just there as a witness the whole time.Eranthe adjusted her position, leaning closer to the car window, and closed her eyes again.When she woke up once more, it was to the sound of honking outside the window.She suddenly looked as night fell, turning her head abruptly to meet the man's dark gaze.She jumped slightly, and Colin said casually, "Awake?"Eranthe checked the time and realized it was already 7:40. She must have slept quite a while in the car. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked.She opened the car door. "Thank you for driving me back."As she picked up her bag to head home, she noticed Colin was also getting out of the car.Eranthe halted her steps. "Are you planning to come to my house?"Colin admitted nonchalantly, "Yes."Eranthe was incredulous. "Mr. Rodriguez, don't play dumb. Wasn't I clear enough?"Colin replied, "Shouldn't a pursuer safely escort you to the doorst
Alexis wasn't under Mr. Hill Vice President Hill's jurisdiction, so he didn't react much either.After the meeting dispersed, Eranthe clearly noticed several leaders looking displeased.Just as Mr. Hill Vice President Hill was giving Eranthe instructions about which projects to prioritize next, Eranthe was taking notes with her pen when she saw the hotel manager rushing over to a group of leaders."What's going on?" Eranthe watched as the leaders headed towards the coffee shop, and shortly after, police cars arrived.It seemed they were trying to contain the situation and were ordered to return to the city promptly.Eranthe had already checked out and didn't want to get involved in others' affairs. She hoped to catch a ride with Mr. Hill Vice President Hill, but then she saw him being called away as well."Forget about it, let's all go back," Eranthe muttered to herself as she turned around, but then Colin's phone call came through.S
"Okay, if you really end up with Eranthe, I'll learn from you.""Does Oriel really want to be with you? Just flattering yourself," Colin, in a bad mood, retorted sharply.Frank sighed, "Ah, men without a sex life are truly terrifying."Colin ignored him.From behind the water feature, voices could be heard.Although not loud, with few guests around, the conversation was clear."That woman is really pretty, almost like those female celebrities on TV.""Were you trained with her before? Do you know what she's like? Is she easy to get? With looks like hers, she must have plenty of suitors.""I heard she has some connection with that Miller family whose son, Eric Miller, dated her for a few months. They've probably split up now, and there are quite a few guys chasing her in the company.""I think with a woman like her, you could win her over with a bit of money. Just a few dates and you could sleep with her.""Alexis,