2024-09-01 23:01:24After leaving the villa, Joseph was pulled by Alice to the underground parking garage.
The garage housed dozens of cars, the least of which were luxury vehicles like Maseratis, demonstrating immense wealth.
"Mr. Joseph, you seem quite unhappy. Experiencing marital changes in middle age is indeed difficult to accept. But someone as outstanding as you will surely meet a better woman in the future." Alice held Joseph's arm, her breasts intentionally or unintentionally brushing against it, making Joseph feel out of place.
He had never had such close contact even with his wife in name.
"Thank you. I'm fine," Joseph said with a wry smile.
"Joseph, I have a question I want to ask you." Alice released Joseph's arm, her demeanor and tone somewhat restrained.
"Hmm? What question?" Joseph instinctively asked.
"Do... do you think I'm pretty?" Alice bit her lip, mustering her courage to speak. As she uttered these words, her face flushed crimson, and she tightly grasped the hem of her clothes, her heart filled with trepidation.
She was not an assertive person by nature, yet at this moment, she asked such a question.
Upon hearing this, Joseph turned to Alice, observing her restless and bashful appearance. He suddenly found it somewhat amusing.
"I think you're an exceptionally beautiful girl. Any man who marries you would certainly be very fortunate," Joseph said with a frank smile, not hesitating to offer his praise.
"Then are you willing to be that lucky man?" Alice asked almost instinctively.
"Of course," Joseph laughed in astonishment.
"Really?" Alice instantly became somewhat excited.
"I only see you as a little sister. You've been very kind to me, and I'm extremely grateful. But you only met me a few hours ago, and you don't know much about me. I'm afraid my good fortune might bring you misfortune."
"Moreover, I don't even know who I am, and I've forgotten many things," Joseph said with a wry smile.
"Joseph, you've simply forgotten. Many years ago, you visited our home with your master. We knew each other back then."
"At that time, you were sunny, confident, cheerful, and loved to laugh. You were also great at making people happy." As Alice spoke, a smile appeared on her face, as if she had recalled some beautiful memories.
"So that's how it is. I'm sorry, I truly can't remember many things," Joseph said, suddenly enlightened, followed by another bitter smile.
"Hehe, it's alright. No matter how you change, the you in my memories will always be perfect. You'll remember everything in the future," Alice chuckled and once again intimately held Joseph's arm. At first, this action made her feel somewhat shy, but now it felt increasingly natural to her.
Because when she was little, she would always affectionately hold Joseph's arm like this.
As they talked, they got into the car. Joseph naturally sat in the driver's seat.
Alice helped Joseph set up the navigation, and Joseph started the car, driving out of the underground garage.
"Since we've known each other for a long time, you should know me quite well, right?" Joseph remembered something and asked.
However, upon hearing this, Alice shook her head.
"When we were little, you and your master would usually stay at our house temporarily. Sometimes it was for a day or two, sometimes for ten days to half a month. The longest stay, as I recall, was about half a year. As for your matters, Grandpa and we never pried, and he wouldn't let others inquire either. It all seemed quite mysterious," Alice answered truthfully.
"Is that so?" Hearing this, Joseph didn't continue asking.
"Joseph, can you promise me something?" Alice fastened her seatbelt and remembered something.
"Hmm? What is it?" Joseph asked.
"From now on, can you not see me as a little sister anymore?" Alice's pretty face blushed slightly.
"Hmm? Why?" Joseph glanced at Alice while driving.
"Because... because I've grown up, and it's different from before. We don't have a blood relationship, so how can we be siblings?" Alice bit her lip and forcefully explained.
"Without a blood relationship, we can't be siblings? I've never heard of such a thing," Joseph pretended to be somewhat surprised.
"Anyway, just don't be my brother..." Alice lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's, her face already flushed crimson.
"Then you're not my little sister. It feels strange to suddenly have an extra sister anyway," Joseph said with a smile. This little girl's words were a bit odd. What exactly had happened between them in the past?
It seemed like she really liked him, which made Joseph somewhat perplexed.
"Hehe, that's good," Alice was quite happy with Joseph's answer.
The two chatted and laughed along the way. The car entered another luxurious neighborhood, which was very large and had a great environment.
"Joseph, it's just ahead. The detached apartments nearby all belong to our family!" Hearing this, Joseph found a parking spot where Alice pointed and stopped the car.
"Let's go, I'll show you the house." As soon as she got out of the car, Alice grabbed Joseph's hand and headed towards the detached apartment.
This intimate action made Joseph unsure whether to break free or not.
"This apartment has two floors in total, with a rooftop terrace where you can sunbathe and drink coffee when you have time. There are five rooms inside. One has been arranged into a study, one has been converted into a gym, so there are three rooms left," Alice introduced as she walked with Joseph.
"This is my room. I've also decorated it quite nicely. Come take a look." Without giving Joseph much time to think, Alice pulled him into the room.
As soon as he entered, the fragrance of a young girl greeted him.
"What do you think? Not bad, right?" Alice asked.
Joseph instinctively looked around, but his gaze finally landed on the bed, because at this moment, a set of sexy, lace-trimmed women's underwear was lying on the bed.
Joseph was completely stunned.
"Joseph, why aren't you saying anything?" Alice asked when Joseph remained silent.
However, when she turned to look, she found Joseph staring at the bed. Following his gaze, she spotted the clothing on the bed.
"Ah!" Alice let out a soft cry, her face instantly turning red. With swift eyes and hands, she grabbed the clothing and stuffed it back into the wardrobe.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Mr. Joseph. I'm too sloppy," Alice covered her face, feeling utterly ashamed.
"Ahem, it's quite nice, quite pretty," Joseph coughed lightly, somewhat sanctimoniously.
"Ah?" Alice was momentarily stunned. What did he mean by 'quite nice, quite pretty'?
"I mean, your room is decorated quite nicely, quite beautifully," Joseph explained, realizing his words had some ambiguity.
"Umm... let me show you your room!" Alice pulled Joseph and left her room.
"Joseph, this is your room! When my grandpa or father come over, they stay here. Now you can stay. My father is in Metropolis City all year round, and my grandpa doesn't visit often, so it's usually just me here," Alice led Joseph into a room, which was fully equipped with various items.
"Then I'll stay here for now," Joseph nodded upon hearing this.
"Mm-hmm!"
"Later, we'll go out together to buy some daily necessities and a few sets of clothes for you. Finally, we'll have dinner outside," Alice nodded vigorously, then chattered on. She was a girl of few words, and it was only in front of Joseph that she talked so much.
Neither her classmates nor relatives and friends had ever seen such a talkative side of her.
"Sounds good, but I don't have much money on me. We can just eat something simple outside, and we don't need to buy any non-essential daily items," Joseph said with a smile upon hearing this.
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“Don’t you think Professor Wilson is incredibly young?” Laura said, peeking out the window to glance at Joseph’s car. “That’s obvious, isn’t it? You don’t need to point it out,” Richard replied, growing impatient. “He’s young, talented, and good-looking. He’s not much older than our daughter,” Laura continued, her tone thoughtful. “That car out there—that’s his, right? It’s beautiful. Must’ve cost a fortune.” “Of course, it’s a luxury vehicle. Easily worth a million. If we sold our house, we might just be able to afford it. What, are you interested in him now?” Richard joked. “You’re so inappropriate! Do I look like someone who’d attract a man like him?!” Laura shot back, punching him lightly on the shoulder. “Then what’s the point of all this?” Richard asked with a chuckle. “Didn’t you notice the way our daughter was looking at Professor Wilson? There’s something… peculiar about it,” Laura said, a sly smile spreading across her face. “Peculiar? How so? I didn’t notice anythin
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“So, according to you, your Mason Alvarez has a strong sense of ‘romantic ethics’? She’d actually ask permission before stealing someone’s boyfriend?” Joseph couldn’t resist mocking her logic. “Believe it or not, that’s just the kind of person she is.” “Look at the shirt she bought you. Or the way she interacts with you. She’s completely honest and direct with people she’s comfortable with. But not many people get to know her well enough to see that side of her. Sometimes, I think she’s a little pitiful. Someone like her must feel so lonely.” Alice sighed softly, her voice tinged with genuine sympathy. “You’re too kind and too pure for your own good, kiddo.” Joseph chuckled as he reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. “By the way, tomorrow afternoon, I need to stop by a student’s house to pick up a set of silver needles. I’ll also be staying for dinner. Let me know when your classes end so I can pick you up.” Joseph decided it was best to let Alice know in advance. “Hu
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“Can you imagine a woman who doesn’t like shopping, doesn’t enjoy socializing, and spends all her time going back and forth between her office and the lab? That’s Mason Alvarez. She’s incredibly hardworking.” Alice explained with a laugh, but her tone carried genuine admiration for Mason Alvarez. “That may be true, but does that justify buying me this shirt? Is this really something an adult would do?” Joseph gestured at the Mickey Mouse print on his chest, utterly exasperated. “Why don’t you ever buy me something like this?” He shot Alice a pointed look. “Because I’m different. I’ve been observing you since we were kids—I know what you like to eat, what habits you have, and what kind of clothes suit you. I even browse shopping websites sometimes to figure out what styles would look good on you.” “Stuff like this isn’t something you’re born knowing. It takes time and effort.” Alice’s explanation was matter-of-fact, but her tone was warm. “You actually spend time researching t
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Watching him leave, Mason blinked a few times, then returned to her work. Ten minutes later, Joseph sent Mason a photo. It was a picture of the shirt she’d bought him. On the right side of the chest was a cheerful, oversized Mickey Mouse graphic. “Professor Alvarez, do you even know how to shop for men’s clothes? What is this? Do you think a man in his twenties should be wearing something like this?” Joseph’s tone was filled with disbelief as he stared at himself in the mirror, his face dark with frustration. “Uh… I guess I don’t. Didn’t I tell you I’ve never had a boyfriend? The only man I’ve ever bought clothes for is my dad.” “You specifically told me not to buy something that looks like something my dad would wear, so I thought I’d go for something youthful. Don’t you think Mickey Mouse is cute?” Mason genuinely thought she’d made a thoughtful choice. “Youthful? This doesn’t make me look youthful—it makes me look childish!” Joseph was utterly exasperated. He was starting
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Joseph looked up briefly, noting her troubled demeanor. What was with this woman? She’d gone out looking fine and returned with the weight of the world on her shoulders. As he pondered this, his phone vibrated softly. Joseph casually took a sip of water and picked up his phone, only to freeze as he saw the message on Facebook. “Professor Wilson, let’s go on a blind date.” The words stared back at him. “Pfft—cough, cough, cough…” Joseph choked on his water, nearly spraying it everywhere.“What’s wrong, Professor Wilson?” Mason Alvarez turned to Joseph, her expression all innocence. “Nothing, just choked on some water.” Joseph waved his hand dismissively, clearly exasperated. “Oh, in that case, carry on drinking.” Hearing this, Mason turned her attention back to her work, seemingly unconcerned. “Professor Wilson, would you like me to give you a couple of acupuncture needles? It’ll help you recover in no time,” Brady Rogers chimed in. “No need, thank you.” Joseph waved him o
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“Director Myers, you’re absolutely right. But marriage and love are matters of fate, not something you can force. It’s not that I’m unwilling—it’s just that I haven’t met the right person yet.” Mason replied with impeccable politeness. “Not meeting the right person, that’s exactly the problem! You spend all your time buried in your office and the lab—how are you supposed to meet anyone?” “Do you remember when you were studying in Metropolis City? I mentioned our academy’s new hire, Dr. Charles Martin.” “I think you two are a perfect match. And, to be honest, Dr. Martin has a great impression of you. I was thinking of playing matchmaker—maybe set up a dinner, watch a movie, and who knows? Sparks might fly.” Lincoln’s tone was that of a well-meaning elder, full of persuasion. “Dr. Charles Martin? Yes, I remember him. You even showed me his photo before, and I added him on Facebook. I have a vague impression.” “But I’ve really been swamped lately. Dinner and movies will have to wa
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What does this mean? she thought, her frustration mounting. It means he’s deliberately ignoring me! The idea made her blood boil. With her looks and charm, she was used to people eagerly texting her, hoping for a reply, or even going out of their way to get her attention. But now, everything was reversed. Joseph not only ignored her but also seemed to find her a nuisance. "Why aren’t you replying to me, you jerk? Do you think ignoring me will make me pay more attention to you?" she typed furiously, sending another message. This time, she stole a glance at Joseph as he picked up his phone again. Finally, after a moment, he typed something back. "Are you insane? Can you stop? It’s work hours—I don’t have time to chat with you." "And trying to get your attention? What kind of over-the-top romance novels have you been reading?" Joseph hit send without hesitation. Mason Alvarez’s face turned red as she read the message. Anger bubbled up inside her, but she forced herself to stay cal
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Deciding not to engage further, he put his phone away. Ten minutes later, Mason Alvarez stormed into the office, her usual dramatic flair on full display. "Wait, Professor Wilson, why are you wearing Rogers’ shirt?" she asked, glancing at him before tossing a neatly packaged shirt onto his desk. "Here, I bought this for you. Consider it compensation." She didn’t even seem to notice that Felix Baker and Brady Rogers were also in the office. Joseph looked at her, utterly speechless. The excuse he had painstakingly crafted about the tree branch was now completely ruined. Felix and Brady’s gazes grew increasingly suspicious as they darted back and forth between him and Mason. "Your shirt is still at my dorm. I washed it, and once it’s dry, I’ll return it to you," Mason added casually, completely oblivious to how her words sounded to the others. It was only then that she noticed the strange looks from Felix and Brady. "Mason, why is Professor Wilson’s shirt at your dorm?" Felix aske
