It had been raining recently, so the road was bumpy with mud. One could not drive on it, and it was very hard to walk on the road too."Maybe we should go back…" Xavier frowned deeply when he saw the road. He felt that a rich young lady like Leia wouldn't be able to handle this."Go?" To his surprise, Leia rolled the legs of her trousers up and actually looked excited. "What a wonderful experience! I've only seen this in movies. How can I leave?"After that, she took off her shoes and happily walked onto the road. "Are you a woman? You're so tough. Don't you find the mud dirty?" Xavier stood at a clean spot and watched Leia stomp through the mud in disbelief. Although he wasn't a germaphobe, he couldn't bear stepping in the mud with bare feet. "Why are you still standing there? Hurry up, it's just mud. We can wash our feet clean later." Leia had walked a hundred meters when she realized that Xavier was still standing there hesitantly.She didn't realize that he was such a sissy
"I'm most afraid of dogs! Where are they?" Xavier hid behind Leia. He was nearly 190cm tall, but he looked like a kid hiding behind his mother's skirts. Leia pursed her lips and tried her best to suppress her laughter, and patted his head as if he was a child. "Don't be scared, I'll protect you. Dogs won't hurt you. Just stay behind me and stop screaming."They supported each other like an old couple and walked through that muddy road until they finally arrived at the set of Happy Days. "Finally, it's over!" Xavier heaved a deep sigh, feeling like he had gone through hell."Stop exaggerating!" Leia looked at him in confusion. "This is a remote village, so there'll be mud and dogs everywhere. Why did you torture yourself and come with me if you were so scared?""What do you think?" Xavier headed to a small stream and washed his feet, smiling faintly. "Do I look like someone who purposely looks for trouble?""Yes, you do!" Leia replied bluntly.Xavier rolled his eyes. "I was wor
Angelo Fairfax, a famous singer, became desperate as he gritted his teeth and complained, "I can't take it anymore! I've never met such a delicate star even though I debuted so many years ago. She joined a variety show in the countryside, but doesn't even want to drink the water at this place. She demanded pure water from an expensive brand, and even asked me to cook using that water. Where can I get so much of that? How preposterous!"Angelo was in charge of cooking in the show, and he was good at it. The others enjoyed his cooking, and his skills helped him gain a lot of fans. However, Shirley had started ordering him around after she joined the show. She claimed that the pasta was undercooked and that there were insects in the food. However, what infuriated him the most was that she demanded he cook with that expensive water, or else she wouldn't eat."I've met self-important people, but she's way too much. I'm no longer famous but I was quite a successful singer in the past. I've
Angelo extended his hand. "Mr. Stuart, you're busy so it's hard to see you. Are you here as a guest, or did you come for a visit? Why didn't the crew inform us?" The shooting had ended because it was night, so they could not tell if Xavier was a guest or merely there for a visit."We're here to see someone. May I know if Shirley is around?" Leia asked directly."Shirley?" Angelo became annoyed when Shirley's name was mentioned. He said indifferently, "She's a princess. Of course, she won't stay here.""What do you mean? Don't tell me she's not here!" Leia almost broke down. It was a long car ride, and she had soldiered through the muddy road and water path before finally arriving on the set. If they told her that Shirley was not there, she'd go mad."No, she's not staying here now. When the cameras are rolling, she'll be here." Angelo smiled bitterly."Where is she now?" Leia hurriedly asked."She's having a rest in town. Although we have bedrooms here, that princess can't stan
"Yes!""No!"Xavier and Leia spoke at the same time. Xavier wanted to stay in the same room as Leia, but Leia felt that it wasn't a good idea to get close to him since they had officially broken up with each other."Umm… it's up to the both of you, I guess. Either way, wash up and rest well; there'll be a grand welcoming feast for the both of you early tomorrow morning. If you're not comfortable with the arrangement…" Lily thought about it for a while, then pointed at a small thatched shed nearby. "There's a cowshed over there. We can set up a bed there, and you can make do with it for one night. We don't suggest it though, because the cows are very stinky and may try to knock you down.""Are you serious?" Leia forced a smile, but was inwardly cursing. She knew that the conditions were hard at Happy Days, but surely it couldn't be so bad that she had to stay in a cow shed. "It's late. The both of you should head to bed, don't worry about us…" Xavier hugged Leia's shoulders and
While complaining, Leia hurried to follow Xavier.The only bedroom looked rather ordinary. There was an old wooden bed, and although there was a new mattress on it, the room had bumpy floors and a leaking roof. It was not much better than the cowshed. The most horrible thing was that one had to use the water prepared in the tank for washing up—there was no tap water or hot water. Water had to be boiled on the spot if one wanted to take a bath and wash their face. It was extremely inconvenient."I get why Shirley did that now..." Leia swallowed. "We can't blame her for being a diva. It's not easy to stay here.""I think this place is pretty good." Xavier accepted his fate and flopped down onto the bed leisurely. He put his arms under his head and smiled contentedly. "The bed is rather soft, and we can look at the stars. How romantic!""Is that so? Coincidentally, I'm allergic to romance," Leia said grumpily. She pulled a chair over and sat down on it cross-legged, as if she was medi
"Get lost!" Leia knew that he could never speak nicely. After she drove him out of the room, she quickly locked the door. She was a bit tired after the shower, so she decided to rest early that night.She had to battle against Shirley the next day.Leia woke up a few hours later, and felt rather sorry for him. She opened the door, and as expected, saw him squatting outside the door pitifully. He looked like a homeless puppy."You're awake?" Xavier looked up, his eyes watery.Leia looked at him, half expecting him to burst into tears. She sighed and said, "Forget it. Go and sleep in the room. I'll sleep in the cow shed." After all, she was a tough woman. She could handle sleeping in the cowshed, but it was cruel to ask a rich young heir like Xavier to sleep there."Thanks!" Xavier did not hesitate at all, and dashed into the room eagerly. Gone was his pitiful act and puppy dog eyes.'Leia Osborne, you're a fool! He tricked you!' Leia cursed silently as she returned to the room to
Leia stopped Xavier from going further, and said quietly, "If you do this, I'll just be like all the other women you've dated. You'll just use me to sate your lust, and leave me when you get bored. It makes me feel cheap."They had said that during their previous fight. She knew that it had been said out of spite, but her heart ached every time she thought about it."But I'll never get bored of you..." Xavier murmured hoarsely. He closed his eyes and touched her skin, allowing his instincts to guide him. He had to admit that even though their relationship wasn't deep, their bodies were compatible. He didn't want to give her up so easily because of that."You're still talking nonsense. Don't you realize that it matters to me? Don't you think you should discuss it with me? Or am I just a tool to you, so you feel you don't have to waste your time talking to me?" Unable to stand it, Leia pushed him away and asked him, her eyes watery. She was reluctant to accept that they had broken u
Renee could do nothing else but watch Sabre take Jovan away. "Don't worry. They can't do anything to me. I won't be worried since I'll be staying here. And I'll wait for your good news."Renee flexed her fingers and suddenly regretted everything. She knew Austin would not easily forgive them when Jovan insisted on going to the Baldwin residence with her. But at that moment, she was worried about Justin since he might be in grave danger. She could not accept it either because Jovan was too weak to soldier through any torture. She had no idea what to do if he failed to soldier through. She might never forgive herself."Grandpa Baldwin…" Renee took a deep breath and did not give up trying to beg Austin's mercy."You don't have to say too much," Austin sneered. "You'd better worry about yourself or your family. Did you forget that your brother and kids are still in my hands? Can you worry about too many people?" "Don't hurt them!" Renee almost lost her mind when she heard that.
"Mr. Hunt, please leave." Sabre kept a long face, his tone calm."I just came, but you made me leave. That's inappropriate!" Jovan looked at Sabre and refused to budge. He did not want to stay, but found Austin acting weird. He wondered if Austin wanted to use a more cruel means to torture Renee after driving him away. If he left, he would have escaped, but he could not imagine what Renee might face. Naturally, he refused to leave. "What else do you want?" Austin looked solemn and dangerous. He coldly added, "If you think you need to be punished, I'll grant your wish." He looked at Sabre, who quickly put Jovan under control."No, you got me wrong…!" Jovan did not expect Austin to turn hostile. He wanted to struggle free, but Sabre was one of Austin's rare confidantes and could fight well. He easily stopped Jovan from moving. Anxiety gripped Renee when she saw that. She immediately begged for Austin's mercy. "Grandpa Baldwin! Jovan is a crazy and childish man, like you
Renee's heart was well guarded. No one else could win her over except Stefan. Justin had tried hard and was once hopeful. But in the end, it was still futile. He ended up with endless humiliation. Hence, he learned from Renee and was on guard against others. He merely did not want to get hurt or feel disappointed."That's it. You can be the bold hero yourself."Justin swung off Jovan's hand and left."Damn! He's quite heartless too, just like Stefan!" Jovan was angry for no reason. He found it a pity since Justin had given Renee up, just like what Stefan had done. Those men claimed to love her but did not choose her firmly, and left at the most critical moment. After Justin was gone, the atmosphere in the room became more dangerous and stressful.Austin coldly stared at Renee and asked contemptuously, "My grandson is gone. Can you stop pretending?"It was hard to imagine such a scene. Austin once doted on Renee as if she were his granddaughter. But now, he regarded her as
"Oh, you're quite serious about it." Austin faked a smile, then addressed a subordinate standing beside him. "Since you insisted, I'll grant your wish." In a while, his subordinate came with a tray with dozens of needles in various shapes. Most of the needles were used for treatment. The needle would cause quite a lot of pain with only a slight jab. "Okay, let's stop joking. We're considered famous people. Stop using such a childish trick! It's embarrassing…" Jovan realized how serious the situation was. While teasing, he rebuked Austin's subordinate so the latter would remove the needles. However, the subordinate did not heed Jovan. He did not take Jovan seriously at all. Austin's subordinate politely extended his hand and coldly urged Renee, "Please go ahead, Ms. Everheart." "Okay." Renee flexed her fingers and took a deep breath. She swallowed and adjusted her mouth, ready herself to take a needle."Hey, moron! Are you going to sit there and watch?" Helpless, Jovan tried
Jovan cleared his throat and assumed his usual casual demeanor. "I lost my mind on the day of the engagement ceremony. I knocked Renee out and took her away. This incident has nothing to do with her. You guys can blame me. I should be the one to hang myself, too.""Jovan!" Renee glared at Jovan. "Don't take the blame for me. I won't thank you, either."Jovan turned and started arguing with Renee. "No, I'm not taking the blame for you. I was just telling the truth. I did knock you out and take you away that day. You didn't leave on your own!"He felt guilty toward Renee, especially when he saw her lying in bed and using an iron wire to cut her wrist so she could run away. It was a great shock to him.He realized he had nearly ruined her, body and soul. At that moment, he no longer wanted to compete for her. He felt that he might as well let her go and grant her wish. He just wanted her to be safe and happy, regardless of who she chose to be with.His greatest wish was to see her
Both Renee and Jovan finally arrived at the Baldwin residence under Sabre's escort.Austin was waiting in the tea room since he knew Renee was coming."I'm sorry, Grandpa Baldwin. I'm here to apologize to you." Sabre pushed them into the room.After entering the room, Renee realized that Justin was there too, sitting on Austin's left and pouring tea for Austin. Justin was no longer enthusiastic and close to Renee. Instead, he kept his head low and was busy. He did not even look at her, as if they did not know each other. "You want to apologize to me?" Austin sneered. He raised a cup of tea and sipped it. "Stop flattering me. Plus… You shouldn't be apologizing to me."Justin stopped what he was doing, but he was still unresponsive. He stared absent-mindedly ahead as if he were away from reality. He seemed like a different man. Renee had never seen this side of him, which filled her with sadness and guilt. She blamed herself for turning a carefree and bright youth into a gloo
"Cut the crap!" Sabre was a man who had undergone a lot of things and problems all year round. He abruptly gripped Jovan's chin and said coldly, "You can't keep your head for long. You'd better not waste your energy, and you should watch your tongue.""Well, there's something I should say." Jovan didn't resist as he grabbed the chance to touch Sabre's face. "What's your name, dude? Why are you doing this job at such a young age? How much did Austin pay you every month? I'll give you ten times your salary. Just betray him and work for me.""I'm going to kill you!" Sabre was always a serious man, and got furious because of Jovan's words. He was about to slap Jovan before Renee immediately stopped him."Don't do this, Sabre. Let's talk it out. He's the vice president of Hunt Enterprise, but you wanted to slap him. We should keep peace. Plus, he generally never watches his tongue, and he scolds his family more fiercely. Don't take him seriously." Renee tried her best to calm Sabre dow
"I'll come even if you don't welcome me. Bye." Renee hung up. She knew that Justin resented her and feared that Austin might punish her. Regardless, he could not stop her from going to North City. She understood that no one could be at ease if the issue was unresolved. She was the cause of the conflict—the key factor. Thus, she must go there.Finally, the plane took off. Renee fell into thoughts while watching the dense clouds. Jovan sat beside her and noticed her worry. He wanted to hold her hand to comfort her and give her strength. However, his hand stopped in midair. He decided against holding her hand. He knew that she did not need his consolation or reassurance. Instead, she would only resent him."Don't worry. It's going to be okay." Jovan sounded casual. "I'm the culprit and will be blamed. You don't have to be scared."Renee turned and frowned at him. "I don't want to see you in danger, either."Jovan looked serious before he beamed. "Well, I'll risk my life for
Hence, Renee did not beat around the bush or refuse to answer Jovan's question on purpose. She had no idea what her heart wanted and could only see how things went."What?" Jovan narrowed his eyes, wearing a complex expression. The current situation gave him a great sense of danger. He teased, "It looks like I've underestimated that guy. He can end up your man though he's your fallback guy.""Can't you watch your tongue?" Renee became angry as she stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth. "Eat something and stop talking."At that time, her phone rang. Justin did call her back—just like what Jovan had said. Renee quickly picked it up, sounding anxious. "Justin, why didn't you answer my calls? I called you several times!""What's the matter?" Justin sounded extremely icy. Renee had never seen him act that way—it felt unreal. She said carefully, "I want to ask where you are now.""What's the matter?" Justin kept his cold demeanor and repeated the same question without saying anythi