Even if I don't meet someone who matches my personality and can be my lifelong partner, I could always adopt a child.Despite being hurt before, I still look forward to the future with enthusiasm."Have you thought about what your child's father might be like?" Luke asked.I shook my head. "Who can predict the future?""What about you, Mr. Walker? What's your ideal wife like?"I wanted to know how Joey appeared in Luke's mind."Someone like you would be great."Did Luke mean I was similar to Joey in some ways?How annoying!I felt displeased."You're great. Don't doubt yourself," he added."..." I wasn't doubting myself, I was doubting his eyesight!There was a world of difference between Joey and me. Compared to her, my character was far superior!Not wanting to continue this topic, I reminded him of our purpose for being here.As we approached the fisherman, a golden retriever suddenly leaped out from the waist-high grass nearby, barking loudly.Caught off guard, I fli
"I've watched others fish.""..." I had hoped that Luke would demonstrate exceptional fishing skills to impress Professor Killiney. The expectation was lovely, but reality was harsh.Before meeting Professor Killiney, I should have done more research about him. Knowing he had a golden retriever, I could have brought some dog food or treats. Maybe that would have helped us get on the dog's good side.After a while, Luke was still figuring things out. I took out my phone and found the contact information for the salesman who sold us the fishing gear. I asked him about setting up and using the equipment.The salesman was very patient and offered a video call. Luke, gifted in learning, quickly grasped the basics under the salesman's guidance.After thanking the salesman and ending the call, I stood nervously nearby, watching Luke as he finished preparing.He was remarkably calm, casually casting the line. His relaxed demeanor made him look like a seasoned angler, quite convincing.L
The other anglers sought advice. Luke, without a hint of nervousness, calmly shared his "techniques": "Fishing requires patience. Just wait a bit longer, and you'll catch something."Luke had a trustworthy face, making his words easily convincing. The anglers didn't doubt him at all.I glanced at the fish bait by Luke's feet, wondering if that might be the reason for his success.Some anglers had the same thought. As one reached for the bait, a hand beat him to it."I believe you should return my bait now," said Professor Killiney!I looked at him, pleasantly surprised.After speaking, Professor Killiney pocketed the bait, showing no intention of sharing with the other anglers.Sensing his unfriendly demeanor, the anglers wisely left.Once they were gone, Professor Killiney took out the bait and examined the ingredient list on the package. "Has something inappropriate been added to this?""I bought this bait from a professional fishing store. It shouldn't have any issues," I e
Just after returning to the hotel, I received a call from the staff at the interest class center. My heart raced as I silently hoped for good news.As I answered the phone, my heart skipped a beat. "Hello...""The man who came with you today isn't your husband, and you don't have a child! Your only goal was to meet Professor Mannings!"The caller's voice was angry.Their words felt like a bucket of cold water over my head. "I'm sorry, we were just...""Don't bother waiting. Professor Mannings won't see you!"Before I could explain, they hung up.Johnsonville was nearly a thousand kilometers from Brookshire. It was impressive that the staff had managed to discover Luke and I weren't married in such a short time.The path to Professor Mannings was now closed. I reported this to Luke.Luke pondered for a moment. "Where there's a will, there's a way.""I don't think Professor Killiney is completely unreasonable. We should try to meet him again," I said, opening Professor Killiney
He said he would inform me when the student's career reached its lowest point.How considerate of Luke to think about my feelings! I really should thank him!...The next morning, Luke and I were prepared to leave. Just as we left the hotel, we bumped into Joey.Joey called out, "Luke!" and affectionately linked her arm with mine.I wasn't close to Joey and didn't like physical contact with her. I stiffened, resisting the urge to remove her arm from mine."You're going to the AI conference, right? I'm going there for an interview. We're going in the same direction, so we could share a ride."Joey was in Brookshire for the AI conference, and her schedule coincided with ours.Luke was the type to hide his feelings. He liked Joey but had trouble expressing it. Given his usual behavior, he probably hadn't invited Joey to join us on the flight earlier. I must have misunderstood."Jen and I have work to discuss on the way. It wouldn't be convenient," Luke said, outright rejecting he
Couldn't Joey read the room?Luke had already shown a strong aversion to her at the hotel entrance. Her continued attempts to warm up to him were just asking for trouble.In those CEO romance novels I used to read, the seductive female lead would privately sweet-talk the male lead when he was angry. If all else failed, she'd push him down and sleep with him, instantly thawing their relationship.Or she'd act pitiful, waiting somewhere, gazing at the male lead with puppy eyes until he softened and approached her.With Luke being so tight-lipped and Joey so inflexible, if they managed to end up together, Cupid's red thread would have to be as strong as steel wire.Seeing Luke's sour expression, Joey came to my side. "Are you heading back to Johnsonville right after the conference? Besides attending the AI conference, I'm also here to interview Professor Mannings."At the mention of Professor Mannings, my eyes lit up. I was about to speak, but catching sight of Luke's cold face, I q
It's perfectly reasonable for Joey to help. There's no need to feel embarrassed!I tried to persuade Luke to set aside his pride for now and focus on getting things done."I don't want to owe her any favors. This ends here!" Luke insisted."..." Joey was the woman he liked. The more they interacted, the closer they could become!Didn't he understand that?If I hadn't maintained my last shred of reason, I would have ordered some books on dating and had them delivered to his house!Since Luke didn't want to discuss anything related to Joey, I lowered my head and started looking through the conference program.Ten minutes later, the conference began. The organizer gave a long, tedious speech full of official jargon that nearly put me to sleep.He introduced the main attendees one by one, listing their honors and titles. The endless string of accolades made me cringe so hard I could have dug out a three-bedroom apartment.Luke had said this conference wasn't important. Apparently,
I was furious. After they left, I left the stall and returned to my seat, my face filled with anger."Are you feeling unwell?" Luke asked in a low voice, noticing my return. "Do you need to go back and rest?""I'm not unwell, I'm just..." I almost blurted out everything Joey had done, but remembering she was Luke's ideal, I paused and said, "I just ran into Ms. Jefferson from the interest class in the restroom. She was telling someone that we're con artists here to scam people at the conference. From her tone, she seems to have a deep misunderstanding about us. When the conference ends and we try to connect with people on our list, she might jump out and label us as 'frauds!'""Did she insult you?" Luke's expression darkened further."She didn't know I overheard her conversation. If this blows up, it'll be hard to smooth over."Though today's AI conference wasn't large, dozens of media outlets were present. Any disturbance would be quickly reported.With today's fast-paced intern