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
"I promise I'm not just playing around." Joe looked at her. "I want to be with you for a long time, forever and ever. So, I won't mess around."He was not after momentary pleasure. He wanted a lifetime of stability.He wondered if Summer heard him, but she lowered her head and got into the car, obediently fastening her seatbelt.The night was hazy. It was already dawn.After taking a shower, Gale climbed into bed and laid down cautiously, trying to minimize her presence. She was afraid of attracting Shawn's attention!She lay with her back to him and closed her eyes when she heard Shawn ask, "Going to sleep?""Mm! Goodnight!"Shawn spoke lightly, "Sobered up yet?"Gale sulked, "I only had a little, why would I need to sober up? You're overthinking it.""Is that so? Why are you sleeping so far away? Come over."Gale slowly moved toward him, reluctantly."Come closer."She moved a little closer."Even closer."Gale stopped moving. "I'm already quite close. If I get any clos
Shawn lifted his hand and stroked her hair repeatedly. "Why are you acting like a child? Even Nicole isn't as afraid of going to the hospital as you are.""I've been to the hospital too many times. I do have a bit of a trauma," Gale replied.She lightly rubbed against his chest. "When I lived in the small town, I didn't have time for check-ups, and I was fine. How come, back in Sea City by your side, suddenly I'm treated so delicately and preciously and need so many check-ups?""You were always precious."Gale closed her eyes, yawning. "Okay, if I still have stomach discomfort, I'll willingly go to the hospital..."Her voice grew softer, gradually turning into a squeak. She was tired. After a long day, she just wanted to sleep well. Shawn's large hand combed through her long hair."Shawn...""Yeah?""I want to sleep...""Alright. Sleep."Gale mumbled, "Then you..."Before she could finish her sentence, she was already gradually slipping into dreamland.She was really exhaus