Chapter 42: Plane Tickets Aren't That Expensive
No sooner had Rosalie and Evian ascended the stairs than an elated Christopher brought Luna back. They exchanged brief pleasantries, and Christopher kept looking at his mother, gesturing for her to give them space. Understanding her son's intention, Selena quickly took Isabella away to avoid being a third wheel.
Once they were out of sight, Christopher hurriedly served Luna the snacks and fruits arranged on the table. His actions left Luna dazed, giving her the feeling that the person sitting next to her was the same Christopher from her childhood, who always gave her the best of everything.
"Don't bother," she began. "Your injury…"
Christopher instantly rested his wounded hand, serving Luna with one hand as he broke into a goofy smile. "Like I said, I'm fine. My wounds heal very quickly."
Luna nodded in relief. "Actually, I came today because I have something else to tell you."
"Go ahead." Christopher sat up straight, his posture suggesting complete attentiveness.
Luna frowned. "I hope our team's plan to go abroad and collaborate with other research institutes won't be altered. It's more convenient for us to conduct our research abroad. Your proposed condition made Professor Wilcox hesitate. Now that we've cleared the air, I hope you'll—"
Christopher quickly interrupted. "I'm not using the investment as leverage to keep you by my side. I'll never be a stumbling block in your new chapter."
He lowered his gaze, admitting in desolation, "I confess to having personal motives, but the country won't affect your research. I'm even willing to invest more."
Luna's gaze flickered, but she firmly stated, "Money can't solve everything when it comes to detailed research. Otherwise, no one would leave their hometown for five years. We can't let the Quirk Group suffer a loss either. We hope you'll withdraw the additional conditions. We want to go abroad."
Christopher looked at Luna's icy expression, his lips trembling. "All right, I understand. I'll tell my brother."
Having completed her mission, Luna prepared to leave, unwilling to stay a second longer. "Thank you," she said. "I'll head back now and inform everyone to prepare for departure. We can't afford to delay our research progress."
She stood up. Christopher instantly stood up as well.
"You're injured, so stay put. You don't have to walk me out," Luna said with a smile. "I wish you all the best."
Suddenly, Christopher asked, "Is it really over between us?"
Luna, noticing his reddened eyes, found herself stumped by his emotion. However, she had learned from her mistakes. Since she hadn't recovered from the trauma yet, she couldn't give him another chance.
"All I want now is to live my life well and focus on my research. If possible… I might not even return after five years. I plan to settle down overseas for long-term study and research, so it would be difficult for us to meet again," she explained.
She bore no resentment, so she didn't want to keep him waiting, making it clear she wouldn't return.
Without hesitation, Luna turned and walked away. Christopher felt rooted to the spot, unable to move. Tears welled in his eyes.
Isabella cringed. Oh no, he's not going to cry again, is he? I better grab Selena before she goes to comfort him. He'll be devastated to discover we've been eavesdropping.
Christopher's mind was initially chaotic, struggling to process what had just happened. However, the moment he heard Isabella's thoughts, he collapsed onto the couch and burst into tears. Since they were watching anyway, he didn't bother holding back. Come on, it's not the first time Luna has rejected you. Is it really that devastating? Isabella sighed. Christopher cried internally. What do you know? That was an outright rejection. She's planning to go abroad and stay there forever!
I can't understand his thought process. Even though I think it's better for them to part ways and start their lives anew… Why is he acting like they're never going to see each other again? It's not like she's dead. Isabella was puzzled.
The pain of seeing a loved one walk away is just as intense as grief! Christopher sobbed.
She's going abroad, not to heaven! Are plane tickets really that expensive? If I'm not mistaken, the Quirk family owns a private jet, right?
Christopher, still weeping, burped as realization dawned.
Isabella found his reaction exaggerated. They're both still living on the same planet… Does he really have to bawl like it's the end of the world?
Christopher finally made up his mind. She's right!
Is he really that foolish or just overthinking? Does he not see it?
At that moment, Evian and Rosalie, worried, arrived in the hallway. Just as they were about to ask what was going on, they saw Christopher rise and dash out, tears flying.
"Luna, remember, if there ever comes a day when you're hurt, tired, or in need of company, remember that I'm here for you! Keep walking ahead and live your new life to the fullest!"
Soon, everyone in the manor heard Christopher's roar. He returned, his tears dried. He picked up his phone and made a call. "Alex, delete the addendum. Let them go abroad. Yes, I'm fine, don't worry about me. If their project fails, I'll shoulder all the financial responsibility."
He made another call. "Hayden, I think it's time to move my studio overseas. Do you want to come with me and try our luck in the international entertainment market?"
He realized that pestering Luna would only remind her of her sorrowful past. Being the source of her misery was the last thing he wanted. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get another chance, but he wanted to be there for her secretly, hoping to be the first to help whenever she needed it.
This was all he could, and all he wanted, to do.
Those listening were stunned, especially Isabella. Wait a minute, isn't that where I'm working? I haven't even done any work or earned any money yet! I'm facing unemployment already?
As Christopher enthusiastically mapped out his future, he was reminded of Isabella's thoughts. Hayden also mentioned Isabella over the phone.
Christopher looked at Isabella. "Um… don't worry. My job transition won't happen so quickly. I'll make arrangements for you before I leave. Hayden also said he'll give you more work before he leaves. Once your reputation is established, everything will be easier."
Isabella was speechless. Actually, being laid off isn't so bad after all. I don't really want to work.
Those eavesdropping chuckled.
Upstairs, Rosalie unexpectedly heard Isabella's inner thoughts. She had no experience distinguishing between spoken words and inner voices. From her angle, she couldn't confirm whether Isabella had spoken or not, but Isabella's response didn't seem out of place.
After Rosalie returned to her room, her phone rang relentlessly. She answered to hear the caller snap, "Why didn't you answer my calls?" Immediately, the caller softened, controlling his temper. "I'll get worried when I can't reach you, so don't do this next time."
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