Chapter 417

The car sped forward. Tiffany blinked, feeling like she was about to be sold.

“Where are you taking me?” she gasped. “You’re not seriously going to sell me, are you?”

Richard raised his eyebrows and gently slapped Tiffany’s forehead. “What are you thinking about?”

Could he bear to do that?

“Then why are you guys so mysterious?” They were even exchanging secretive glances!

Richard curled his lips. His eyes were as deep as the sea. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go on a date? I’m giving you a surprise.” Tiffany blinked, sat down obediently, and asked no further questions.

However, the journey was long. They had been driving for over half an hour and still hadn't reached their destination.

Tiffany yawned and asked lazily, “How much longer?”

“Soon.”

“Oh, then call me when we get there…” Sitting in the car for so long made her sleepy. She lay down on the seat and fell asleep with her head on Richard’s shoulder.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the car stopped.

“Eh… we’re here?” Tiffany opened her eyes, still half-asleep, and saw the car door open. A cool breeze blew in, making her shiver and instantly become more alert. “Where are we?” she asked, getting out of the car, her eyes wide.

She had expected a romantic place, like a beautiful garden. Instead, the car had stopped in the wilderness! Pitch-blackness surrounded them, broken only by the sound of insects and frogs. Incredibly, John had turned off the headlights.

Without the headlights, only darkness remained, illuminated only by the hazy moonlight and the densely packed stars above. Tiffany subconsciously took a step back.

Then, in a large patch of grass before her, countless light spots filled the sky! They were fireflies, glowing brightly and dancing freely across the grass.

It was a scene from a dream! The fireflies illuminated the darkness, their light mingling with the endless chirping of insects and the gentle evening breeze. The spectacular scenery felt both earthly and heavenly.

Tiffany’s eyes were wide with amazement. She had never seen anything like it.

Richard chuckled. “Do you like it?”

“I like it!” Tiffany nodded emphatically, finally regaining her composure. She turned to him. “How did you find this place?”

“This is where I used to come as a child,” Richard replied calmly. “I accidentally discovered it then and had someone protect the area. Even after more than ten years, it’s unchanged.”

Tiffany nodded, secretly delighted. “In other words, I’m the first to be brought to your private domain, right?”

Richard laughed. All his firsts were with her, and this was no exception. He couldn't pass up the chance to take credit, though. Leaning closer, he asked in a hoarse voice, “Yes, so are you going to praise me?”

Tiffany tried to retreat but couldn't escape. Richard’s handsome face loomed closer, his lips mere inches from hers… His kiss silenced her.

The night breeze blew through the firefly-filled valley, their shadows stretching and merging under the moonlight. The valley was silent, the breeze carrying the scent of nature, a hint of sweetness in the air.

Only John felt bad. To avoid being a third wheel, he’d wisely left—now feeding mosquitoes by the pond.

When Tiffany was finally released, her bright eyes were misty. To Richard, she looked even more delicate and cute. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he hoarsely asked, “You’re not going back tonight, are you?”

Tiffany was stunned before reacting, stuttering, “No, I can’t…”

“It’s not easy to drive in the mountains, and it’s very late,” Richard said seriously, his face calm. “I’ll send you back tomorrow morning.”

Tiffany looked at the time. It was indeed late! She remembered it being only seven or eight o'clock when they left the restaurant. Even accounting for her nap, it shouldn't be past eleven! Richard continued, “Your mother called. I answered.”

“You answered? What did you say?”

“I told her you weren’t going back tonight, and she agreed.”

Tiffany’s eyes twitched. She felt tricked. Yet, what Richard said was reasonable: the drive back would take hours, arriving home in the morning. She nodded. “All right, then.”

Richard smiled, trying to control his joy but failing. His heart overflowed, but his face remained straight. “Let’s go. It’s easy to catch a cold in the valley.”

“Okay.” Tiffany sat back in the car.

John, covered in mosquito bites, was finally summoned. He’d expected Tiffany and Richard to be bitten, too, but they were completely unscathed! Tiffany’s exposed neck and arms were spotless. John was baffled.

Tiffany looked at him sympathetically. “Maybe it’s my constitution. I’ve never attracted mosquitoes.”

Even mosquitoes were picky! John scratched his itchy arm. He could handle being a third wheel, but the mosquitoes?

“That’s too much!”

Fortunately, Tiffany gave him some medicine. “Use this. It’s very effective.”

The medicine Miracle Healer provided was the best. John was overjoyed; it worked instantly!

“Thank you, Mrs. Hampton!” He didn't delay, starting the car and driving.

A large villa stood in the valley—Richard's, similar to his border city home: low-key, luxurious, simply designed but exquisite. Tiffany stepped inside, her gaze drawn to a wall clock.

Wait. It was only 9:30 p.m.?