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.

we kept exploring until midnight, yet the

work the next day, I suggested, "Let's head

to keep looking

beat," I yawned, pretending to

was too distracted by the array of street food and trinkets to notice anything was

I spotted a beautiful flower crown

was no response from behind me. Turning around, I noticed Ernest's complexion was

nodded, his gaze fixed on the flower crown. "Looks

well," I approached him, concerned. "What's wrong?

on his forehead and grabbed his wrist. "Are you

feels off," he admitted without hiding

shaved ice flashed through

hesitated before softly acknowledging

grew angry. "How long have you been in

"All this while..."

to strike him but instead, urgently

didn't follow my lead

he pulled me

the flower crown through a quick transaction on

buy it, but now that he had paid, I

dwell on the small stuff, quickly guiding him

hour, I wasn't sure we'd find

leaving me no choice but to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255