He thought, 'In the future, I'll set up a curfew for her. She must be home before eleven at night to prevent her from hanging out with Summer and losing track of time!'Shawn's car slowly pulled over by the road. He got out of the car but noticed a familiar vehicle. He raised an eyebrow and swiftly strode over. He tapped on the car window and said, "Joe, what a coincidence.""Oh, Shawn." Joe rolled down the car window. "Here to pick up Gale?""Yeah, what about you?"Joe looked nonchalant. "I'm here to pick up Summer."Shawn did not buy it. "You were on the same plane as Summer, but you weren't invited to this dinner. Don't you know where you stand? Why pretend in front of me?""I... I didn't want to intrude on their girlfriend's reunion. What would I do with two women chatting away?""Obviously, it's them who didn't want you there!"Joe got out of the car and leaned against the door. "I haven't settled accounts with you. While Gale and Summer have their gathering, we boys shoul
"Shawn, come on, do me this favor." Joe softened his tone. "I won't say much more. You know what I mean, right?"Shawn stared at him. "Are you really planning to pursue Summer?""I... Well...""Don't beat around the bush. I want a straight answer."Joe pursed his lips. "Why these questions? Anyway, you're already living happily ever after, so why would you care about my personal matters?"He was jealous of Shawn. With a wife, son, and daughter, Shawn was winning in life. Working during the day, enjoying family time in the evening and on weekends—his life was practically a fairy tale!Shawn replied, "If you're serious about pursuing Summer, then come up with a plan. Be open about it. Let everyone know you're pursuing her, no more hints, no more holding back.""Why? What if she rejects me? That'd be so embarrassing."Shawn countered, "Is your pride more important, or is having her as your partner more important?"Joe fell silent."I'm speaking from experience. I've been through
Upon hearing this, Joe's expression changed. He stroked his chin. "There's some truth to that."He and Summer had indeed progressed from friendship to something more, but it seemed they were still one step away from a relationship. During their time away, they spent almost every moment together. The roads on the construction site were rough; he had helped her, held her hand, and even carried her at times. Yet, their relationship remained stagnant.Shawn pointed out bluntly, "Are you waiting for Summer to confess her feelings to you?""How could that be! I dare not even think about it!"With Summer's personality, if she were to confess first, it would be like the sun rising from the west. She appeared straightforward and open, but that was in work and friendship. She was hesitant and not as courageous as Gale when it came to love. Summer was just direct on paper.Shawn patted his shoulder, "Do you know what to do now?"Joe frowned. "Let me think it over. Don't rush me."Truth be
Shawn glanced at him. "I think the most wonderful time is when you finally get her."It was not what Joe described at all—the ambiguous phase was when they were unsure of each other's feelings."You'll only understand once you're in a relationship." Joe shrugged. "You went straight to marriage, so of course, you won't experience that feeling.""Well, don't envy me too much for being able to marry in one go."Joe was speechless.Inside the restaurant, the aroma of food filled the air. This famous old restaurant had been open for over ten years. It was renowned far and wide and attracted a steady stream of customers every day.Gale and Summer had been coming to this place since their college days. After eating all sorts of instant food from convenience stores while she was away, Summer craved a freshly cooked dinner and specifically requested to come here!Shawn scanned the familiar faces around. Soon, he spotted Gale sitting by the window. There were several beer bottles on the t
"Hehehe..."Joe sat down beside Summer. Gale realized that Joe was also there. So, it had to mean that he was the one to bring Shawn here.Summer was not drunk, but she was definitely tipsy. The alcohol was getting to her, making her a bit excited and carefree.She slapped his shoulder heartily. "Joe, my man, didn't expect you to show up in the end. Too bad Gale and I are already done eating. How about we grab a couple of beers?""You're quite something, Summer, going straight for the alcohol?""Just a little treat, just a little treat. You and Mr. Wood must have finished eating too, so let's have a drink together to liven things up," Summer replied.Joe looked at her flushed face and the scent of alcohol in her breath, wrinkling his brows in resignation. He did not dislike her alcohol breath; in fact, he found it quite pleasant."Come on! Waiter, bring another crate of alcohol!" Summer called out."Sure thing.""This alcohol is nice. Gale and I always have a couple of glasses
Hmm, it seemed like Joe had set his sights on Summer."How nice, we can go home together. I knew it. Even without me tonight, you'd still be able to handle Ivy's issue!" Gale leaned on Shawn's shoulder.Shawn wrapped his arm around her waist. "You stood her up. Ivy was asking why you weren't there."Gale's eyes brightened. "Is she really eager to see me?"'Wow. This kind of beautiful female friendship really warms my heart.' Gale felt she helped the right person."Someday, I'll introduce Ivy and Summer to each other. Who wouldn't like such a cool chick," Gale said.Shawn toyed with his wine glass, speaking softly, "Why don't you ask me how I resolved Ivy's contract issue?""You surely have your ways. I trust you completely.""Yeah, trust to the extent you can drink without a care in the world."He was networking, forced to drink, and compelled to attend dinners he would not even attend at all. He did all of this for her. And her? She was having a blast, leaving him in the dust
"She's right." Shawn reached out and took her hand, gently caressing it. Summer's drink was already empty, and she swiftly poured herself another glass, continuing, "I know you men, especially high-quality men like you."She pointed at Shawn, paused, then moved her hand as if to point at Joe but stopped midway."Tall, rich, and handsome, you've got all three qualities. Women flock to you in droves. Even if you don't want them to, they keep coming, thinking they might be the lucky ones to catch your eye.""You can resist temptation today, but what about tomorrow? The year after? Ten years from now?""If you're married, you should uphold your values and cherish your wife. Don't look at foxy women!""Loving your wife brings you good fortune, you know?"Shawn's serious expression from earlier had softened. In fact, he even wore a faint smile.Summer's words were not directed at him; they were clearly aimed at Joe.It must also be Summer's true concerns. Joe was also a well-known
"Darling, I'm not afraid of trouble. I'm more afraid if there was no trouble," Shawn said lazily."But isn't that bad?""Do you think Summer's drunk?""A little, but overall, she's still sober.""So, she knows what she's doing and saying. If something really happens, it'll be because she willingly let it," Shawn replied.Many things only happen under the influence of alcohol. Many things might just naturally happen. He wondered if Summer or Joe would be the one to take the initiative. If the former, he would be disappointed in Joe.Gale wanted to look back again, feeling uneasy, only to hear Shawn say, "Instead of worrying about Summer, you should worry about yourself."She startled, almost losing her balance and toppling over. That was right. She drank and did not reply to his messages or answer his calls, fearing he might have a bone to pick with her.Fortunately, Shawn had been holding her tightly, securely catching her."What's the rush? We're not home yet," he said."I w