Justin immediately met Quinton to make that happen, and the two soon became close friends. Eventually, Quinton hoped to see Justin become his brother-in-law. "I don't think so!" Margaret frowned solemnly. "Yes, Mr. Baldwin is a good guy, but his family isn't, especially Old Master Baldwin. He's very autocratic and eccentric. If Ms. Ren gets with Mr. Baldiwn, she'll have to live with Old Master Baldwin, which is very dangerous. Ms. Ren wouldn't know when he'll lose his temper." "You're overthinking." Quinton admired Austin, and protested, "Old Master Baldwin was a soldier who killed many enemies. He's a righteous and brave man. Why would he mess with his daughter-in-law? If my sister marries Justin, I'm sure Old Master Baldwin will dote on her. He'll cherish her and adore her." "If you think that, you don't know their generation well!" After all, Margaret was older, and she knew the grudges and history of the three families well. "When it comes to that, it's Old Mr. Hunt who is th
Meanwhile, Renee and Justin had reached the back garden."I like your house's back garden. It's spacious, bright, and quiet. I can lay on the flowerbed and look at the stars. It's wonderful!" Justin held the wine bottle and got into the flowerbed, sitting on the ground cross-legged."The garden at your house isn't small either. I remember I nearly got lost there once." Renee sat beside Justin, feeling surprisingly relaxed as she enjoyed the night breeze. "The garden at my house is too orderly. It's boring; I hate going there." Justin shifted awkwardly, scanning his surroundings. He was surprised at the blue forget-me-nots all over the ground. "This place used to be full of sunflowers. Why did you start planting these small flowers instead?" He picked one and sniffed it, then shook his head. "Sunflowers look better. They're golden and large, and look enthusiastic and generous. This small flower does look elegant, but it doesn't match your style!" Renee caressed the forget-me-nots
"Don't hesitate—just go for it. Hurry up and buy me. The sale is only for today—you might lose this chance if you're not fast enough!" Justin urged eagerly. Renee thought for a while, then looked up at the stars. "Look at the stars—each one is beautiful and unique."Disappointed, Justin pouted and complained, "Why are you talking about the stars now? You can refuse me, you know." He knew Renee—although she was talking about cost-effectiveness, she still wanted perfection. Justin might not even have the option to be her Plan B. He knew his position well, so he always stayed with her as a best friend who shared her interests. He rarely tried to win her favor and pursue her romantically, because he knew he would fail."No, I'm not trying to change the subject." Renee glared at him. "Didn't I just say that each star is unique? I don't have to keep looking at just one." "What do you mean?" Justin's breath caught, and he didn't dare move. He was afraid that even the slightest noise wou
For the next few days, Renee tried dating Justin. They kept things casual, but both of them intended to develop their relationship as lovers.Renee received a text from Justin the moment she woke up: [How would you like to enjoy yourself today?] She rubbed her eyes, a sense of warmth and peace blooming in her heart. After a brief thought, she texted him back. [We've watched movies and operas, and even tried a candlelight dinner… but they all seem kind of boring!][What do you mean?] Justin read Renee's reply, feeling alarmed. [Are you trying to ask for a refund before the probation is over?][Haha! No, I just think we should try something special today.][Like what?][Like an... escape room?][Sounds interesting. Let's go!] Excited, Justin immediately changed into casual clothes and styled his hair with gel. He looked like a handsome college student. [Wait for me. I'll pick you up.][Okay!] After texting him, Renee went to wash up and get ready."Ren, let's go shopping later!"
"I used to think the same way. I wanted a pure and passionate love… but my thoughts have changed now. I think the most important thing in love isn't the so-called sparks or the butterflies in our stomach but...""But what?" Leia asked eagerly."Comfort!" Renee smiled. "A couple needs to spend the rest of their lives together, which is a long time. It isn't enough just being attracted to each other—being comfortable is the most important thing. If it's a very intense and passionate love, it'll end up hurting them both. It'll only bloom for a while and won't last long. In the end, the two people holding hands as they watch the sunset will keep each other company, take care of each other, and listen to each other's woes."Leia listened to Renee's explanation and nodded thoughtfully. "You sound so logical. Attraction won't last forever, so the most important thing is compatibility!""Yeah, I think you and Xavier are pretty compatible. You're very relaxed when you're with him, so you b
They chatted and laughed before eventually reaching the most popular escape room center in Beach City Screaming Night. Screaming Night stood out and remained on the top of the review list because of its realistic scenes, thrilling levels, and scary atmosphere.After getting out of the car, Justin paid for the game while Renee and Leia waited in the lobby.An attendant holding a tablet explained the themes to them. "Hey, beauties! There's a total of four themes in Screaming Night. Each theme is focused on horror with four, six, eight, or ten members in a group. I recommend you take the package with six people in a group. It's suitable for the theme 'Hospital Horror'. Its storyline and gameplay are the most interesting.""Let me check it out." Renee held the tablet and read the summary for Hospital Horror. She smiled and said brightly, "Alright, we'll pick this!""Okay." The attendant put in the order and looked at the three of them. "You need six people to play this game, but there
"It's my honor, Ms. Everheart." Stefan was expressionless as he shook Renee's hand, equally formal.Everyone was speechless. It was so obvious they were pretending to be unaffected. Justin's heart clenched when he saw them holding hands, but he forced a wide smile onto his face. He walked over and held Renee's shoulders as he said to her soothingly, "Relax, it's just a game. I'll protect you later."Renee seemed to realize something and immediately let go of Stefan's hand. She looked up at Justin and smiled sweetly, saying in an unusually coy voice. "You promise? I'll hide behind you later, okay?"Justin patted his chest. "Of course!""Hmph!" Stefan snorted in disdain, making the atmosphere even more awkward. Leia and Xavier looked at each other and subconsciously took a step back. It really was a battlefield!Jeffrey was the only one who didn't understand what was going on. He stood in the middle of the three of them eagerly and said, "Renee, it's my first time doing an escape
The attendant brought them to an abandoned building. It looked like a hospital with six floors."Players, you'll start your adventure here. I'll give each of you a walkie-talkie and handbook, and you can clear the levels based on the clues you find." The attendant passed them the items, then continued, "The handbooks include the background of the story and the things you need to pay attention to. Enjoy yourselves!" The attendant waved and left. "It's living up to its name as the top escape room in Beach City. This building seems so real and gloomy. I feel like someone must have died here!" Leia looked up at the tall and decaying hospital as she swallowed nervously, goosebumps prickling her skin. "It's said that the shop owner purposely bought an abandoned hospital to create this theme. This hospital was built one thousand years ago. In the past, many people came here for treatment, but all of them would die a mysterious death. This place is said to be haunted!" Justin flipped thro