Chapter 172



I didn't bother asking who the woman with Jefferson was. From her getup and makeup, it was clear she wasn't his serious girlfriend, just a fleeting companion in his journey.

After Jefferson left, I turned my attention back to my bowl, only to find that Ernest had already finished the shaved ice.

"Let's grab something else to eat," Ernest suggested, without a hint of politeness.

Gritting my teeth, I agreed, "Fine."

Next, Ernest led me to a food stand where he ordered us both a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. This time, he didn't touch mine, probably because it was hot.

It seemed he wasn't keen on the shaved ice earlier; he just didn't want me overindulging.

Despite his rough edges, Ernest genuinely cared for me.

After finishing our chicken noodle soup, we continued our stroll, passing by pet shops and florists.

Eventually, I bought Ernest two potted plants. "Your place needs a touch of homeliness. These should brighten it up and bring in some positive vibes." "Am I not 'manly' enough for you?" he teased.

If Ernest wasn't the epitome of masculinity, I doubted anyone could be.

"Consider it a boost of floral scent then; may it bring you luck in love," I teased, only to see him flash a knowing smile.

I had a hunch his smile hid a deeper meaning, so before he could speak, I quickly cut him off, "Don't you say a word."

Obediently, he stayed silent.

exploring until midnight,

had work the next day, I suggested,

to keep looking around?" he

I yawned, pretending to

our way back, Ernest remained quiet, and I was too distracted by the array of street food and trinkets to notice anything was

flower crown and playfully tried it on. "Does

from behind me. Turning around, I noticed Ernest's

his gaze fixed on

approached him, concerned. "What's wrong? Are

sweat on his forehead

he admitted

him eating shaved ice flashed through my mind. "Did the shaved ice

hesitated before

grew angry. "How long have you been

"All this while..."

if to strike him but instead, urgently pulled him along. "We're going to the

follow my

he pulled

flower crown through a quick transaction

hadn't intended to buy it, but now that he had

dwell on the small stuff, quickly guiding him to the

sure we'd find a suitable doctor, so I

pick up, leaving me no choice but to take him

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