Acacia, engrossed in the murder mystery game, noticed her and asked, "What's up?"
Oriel flicked her hair, "Nothing. I'm just calling Eranthe to see when she'll be back."
"Okay."
Oriel dialed twice, but there was no response. "Why isn't anyone picking up?"
"Probably having a wild time with Jayden. Let's continue."
In the room, Eranthe pushed Colin away, "You have some bad habits."
Colin, caught off guard, almost got kicked off the bed. Irritated, he asked, "What bad habits do I have?"
"Planting strawberries. You know I'm single now, but you keep planting on my neck. What's your intention?" Eranthe had lost count of how many times she had been tricked by him. He was like a dog marking his territory, always leaving his mark.
Colin pulled her into his arms, "Are you so unhappy?"
"Yeah." Eranthe was too tired to bother with him.
"Then give me a few kisses."
"?" Eranthe looked at him with confusion. Colin raised
Colin took advantage of the situation, sliding up, extending his long legs, and hooking her under the table. "So, will you go back and chat with them, then come out to accompany me?"Eranthe frowned. "When it's dark.""I'll come to pick you up."He said that, and Eranthe was a bit conflicted. "Then I'll have to run back early tomorrow morning. It's so troublesome.""I'll take you. How about that?"Eranthe suddenly felt that if this guy was willing to coax a woman, with this face, no one would refuse."Okay."Colin sighed, "You make me seem like a shady character.""Our relationship is not exactly respectable to begin with, and it's not something everyone can accept."Colin didn't say anything more.After they finished their meal, Colin actually took the initiative to accompany her back to the campsite and, at the same time, went to find Frank and the others.Eranthe saw someone ahead and didn't bother to greet them, just running towards her tent. Colin, hands in his pockets, walked in
"It's like there might not be the next moment after the next second.""In that place, we were each other's only, the last person we would ever see in this life. We even wore skiing helmets, unable to see each other's faces.""He would sing to me intermittently, gently telling me that if we were rescued, he would take me to see the most beautiful sunrise because our encounter was too beautiful. Honestly, at that moment, I thought I had fallen in love with him."Eranthe listened with fascination. After all, such life-and-death experiences would indeed make one emotionally dependent on another person for a while."And then?""Later, we kissed. In the darkness, listening to each other's breaths, kissing was the only thing we could do at that time.""When the rescue team arrived, he was already unconscious, and I was almost in the same state. Ironically, in the end, I never saw him.""When you woke up in the hospital, didn't you try to find out about him?""I didn't even know his name. How
Getting up after sitting down would be awkward, so she stayed tensely in her seat, avoiding eye contact with Colin. However, when she raised her eyes, she saw Jayden sitting in the distance, looking at her.Jayden, who was expressionless a moment ago, smiled and waved when he saw her.Eranthe also forced a smile and waved back. Jayden gestured for her to check her phone, probably indicating that he couldn't contact her from this distance.Eranthe shook her head; her phone was out of battery.Jayden seemed to understand and looked a bit disappointed.Just as she was thinking of pulling Oriel over, Frank moved to Oriel's side.Now, she was completely squeezed between the two most eye-catching men. The intense gazes on her felt like they could make her drill into the ground.Her lower back tingled as Colin pinched her. He lifted his wine glass, looking at her. "We meet again, Miss. Taylor."He emphasized the word "again" with a bit of lingering meaning.Eranthe felt her ears burn. "Yes,
Someone commented on the official Rodriguez's Twitter that this was a modern feeling of a restrained male god, and Eranthe just wanted to roll her eyes.While she was lost in thought, something suddenly landed in her lap. Eranthe was startled, only to realize it was the handsome guy with a bronze complexion from earlier, still staring intently at her.Eranthe just realized that in this game of passing flowers, you could throw the flower to someone! And somehow, it ended up in her hands!She was about to toss it to Frank when the host immediately said, "Beauty, it's not cool to pass the blame at the last minute."The people around burst into laughter, except for Colin's group and Jayden sitting in the distance, who remained expressionless.After all, among this group of people who willingly "lowered their status" to join in this childish game just to please Colin, someone actually dared to openly express interest in Colin's woman? Moreover, the thing was thrown by a guy. Wasn't it obvi
Colin watches her in this way, backlit, she seems to be coated in a layer of golden light.It's like that afternoon when he unexpectedly entered her world, listening outside the music room.The vivid and lively image is now presented before him.She is no longer unattainable, even within reach. Although Colin and she once had a passionate entanglement, looking at her now, Colin only wants to hold her hand without any desire.Even Frank, who grew up in an elite family with a background in learning performing arts since childhood, couldn't help but acknowledge Eranthe's excellent playing skills. Her performance seemed to transcend the intrinsic value of the cello itself. He was just curious why someone with such talent chose to work in the hotel industry.As the piece concluded, with the final note fading away, she lifted her head, graceful as a swan, and bowed slowly.Thunderous applause filled the air. She raised her eyes and looked at Colin, finding depth in his gaze.Eranthe handed
She looked a bit worried and thought about giving him some hangover medicine later.Feeling sorry for him? Huh.He knew very well. Why would Eranthe play games with him if he hadn't arranged for someone to pester that annoying kid in advance? She kept saying he was just a neighbor's younger brother. Why would she care so much about a younger brother?Oriel had been casually chatting with some men who approached, especially those handsome guys from the internet celebrity company. Some people knew she was a unique food blogger, someone who could rely on her looks for money but made use of talent to work.If she could get a follow, it would also attract some traffic for themselves. Later on, during the live broadcast, they could interact with Oriel.Frank had been staring for a long time. When the flower landed on him, he didn't react for a while. The excited girl stood up, "I heard Mr. Wilson is good at kissing. I want to French kiss Mr. Wilson."This statement heated up the atmosphere
Eranthe breathed a sigh of relief, "Hmm."As she emerged from the tent, she ran into Jayden, who had come to find her.Seeing her intention to go out, Jayden wondered, "Are you going to buy something? Or do you need something in the tent?""No, I'm just about to look for you. Why aren't you resting with your group?" Eranthe replied.Jayden shrugged, emitting a strong smell of alcohol, "It's still early. They don't rest so early. I came over to find you since we don't have team-building activities now."Despite this, he seemed a bit happy. "So, why are you looking for me?"Eranthe handed him a hangover remedy she held in her hand, "I saw you drink quite a bit just now. Take one of these, so you won't have trouble getting up tomorrow morning.""Why do you care so much? Why take it so seriously? Some just wanted your contact information. Giving it would have sufficed. Why drink so much?"Jayden looked at her, "Are you really concerned about me?""What else? Do you want me to watch you ge
"Mr. Rodriguez, Miss Taylor is talking to someone.""With whom?" Colin's thoughts turned, guessing it might be Jayden. But anyone from the surveillance team wouldn't describe it this way if it was a woman."Um, it's a man.""Is he wearing a black hoodie and somewhat good-looking?" Colin asked.What kind of description is that?The bodyguard answered, "Yes.""Where is she?""...," the bodyguard was shocked."I'm asking you, where is she?" Colin's voice raised.In the blink of an eye, the bodyguard couldn't find Eranthe's figure!"Mr. Rodriguez, Miss. Taylor is missing!""!!"Colin reached out and activated the scene in front of him in mid-air, sat up, threw the phone out, lifted the blanket, scanned the clothes, flashed away, and disappeared in the cabin.Initially, he was still sulking, thinking that Eranthe, this woman, had gained confidence and dared to let him wait here to be graced by her, while she was having a heated affair with another man.But the bodyguard's words forced him
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,