Chapter 89 For You, It’s Worth It

When I finally remembered to glance his way, I saw him staring tenderly at me, his eyes full of so much affection that I felt flustered. “Do you like it?” he asked. “This is a surprise that took me three days to prepare. Just consider it a gift from me to celebrate the start of your business.” Eric was obviously saying something, but I couldn’t make out the words. I could feel my throat tightening, though. This was honestly the first time anyone had ever done something like this for me. In my previous life, I experienced great hurt; hence, I was sure that my heart would never again be swayed by a man in this life. However, I couldn’t help but admit that right here, right now, my heart was confused. I couldn’t accurately describe my own emotions, but what I knew was that all I wanted to do was hug Eric, who was standing next to me. Instinctively, I reached out. While he was sitting there in a daze, I hugged him tightly. “Thank you,” I said with heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you for doing so much for me, Eric. I’m really happy!” I didn’t know if he heard what I said, but I could clearly feel his body stiffen. And then he hugged me back. Large fireworks exploded above our heads, etching our shadows into the ground. In that instant, I heard his reply loud and clear. “You’re welcome. As long as you’re happy, everything I do is worth it.” My eyes immediately reddened, and I hugged him even more tightly. To meet someone who treated me better than my parents did—it was worth living this life all over again. The fireworks faded away, leaving only silence behind. When I came back to my senses, I realized what I had just done and quickly let go of Eric, feeling my face grow warm. “Sorry, I acted too impulsively,” I said in embarrassment. “I hugged you because I was just too happy.” I lowered my head, my heart thumping so hard it felt like it would leap out of my chest. I didn’t dare look to see what expression Eric was wearing. He seemed to be chuckling softly. “I understand,” he said reassuringly. “But to get a hug in exchange for a fireworks display? That’s the biggest, most pleasant surprise I’ve received today.” My heart skipped a beat. I quickly waved him off dismissively. “It’s getting late. Since the fireworks show is over, let’s head back,” I suggested. I ran toward the car as if the hounds of hell were after me. I didn’t have the courage to look back at Eric. After a while, Eric joined me in the car. He looked sideways at me; the warm, yellow light in the car brought out a softer side to his handsome, prominent features. “I received a message from one of my men. He reported that the talks between Mr. Flint and the game investors proceeded smoothly, and they’ve already agreed to invest in his project.” I was instantly overjoyed. “Really? That’s great news! Once Zachary’s game officially launches, the prospects will be limitless!” Eric stared at me with amusement. “Why do you think that Mr. Flint’s game will become popular throughout the country? I’ve seen his game before. Although I can see the potential, its current standard is not quite up to par. Logically speaking, you shouldn’t be interested in such a project.” I winked and shot him a mysterious smile. “That’s a secret. I’ll tell you if the opportunity arises. Besides, I think that Zachary’s game is really good. Although some aspects of it are still unpolished, as long as the team improves upon it, it will definitely…” Eric nodded thoughtfully and did not ask any more questions. He drove me back home. Just as we arrived at my house, I received a call from Levi. “I’ll be back in the country tomorrow afternoon, Jane!” he announced cheerfully. “You have to come pick me up, okay? I’ve prepared many gifts for your new business!”

Chapter 90 Abandoning Him for My Junior’s Sake

I didn’t know if Eric heard Levi’s enthusiastic voice, but his expression visibly darkened. For some reason, I felt a little guilty. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be at the airport on time tomorrow afternoon,” I told Levi reassuringly. After hanging up, I looked at Eric, whose expression seemed to be getting darker. There was a displeased frown on his face. I cleared my throat lightly. “I’ll be going in first, then. My junior will be back tomorrow, so I probably won’t have time to meet with you for the next two days. But don’t worry; if the launch of my brand goes smoothly, we’ll be reaping hefty profits in the future.” With that said, I was about to get out of the car when Eric suddenly grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me back. As I looked up, I met his intense gaze, and my heartbeat quickened. “Is there something else?” I asked nervously. Eric stared silently at me, that dissatisfied frown still on his face. “Are you going to abandon me for your junior?” he asked at last. Abandon him? Where was this coming from? I stared blankly at Eric, distinctly aware of the burning warmth of his fingertips. I instinctively tried to retract my hand, only for him to hold on even more tightly. “That’s quite perplexing to hear, Mr. Flint. We’re friends, so what’s with this talk of abandonment?” I asked in confusion. Without waiting for his reply, I continued, “If there’s anything you need help with, I’ll definitely offer my aid!” Of course, such an opportunity might not present itself in my entire lifetime. I sighed inwardly, but Eric did not respond and continued to stare unmovingly at me. Again, I said tentatively, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be getting out of the car first. There are still many things I have to prepare for tomorrow, so I have to rest early.” Something seemed to flicker in his eyes. He finally retracted his hand, nodding calmly at me. I took this as my cue to get out of the car and dart into the villa. Before closing the door, I happened to see Eric getting out of the car as well. I didn’t know what he was thinking about, but there was a thoughtfulness to his gaze. He really had a strange way of thinking. Even if our current relationship was indeed more ambiguous than before, why was he bringing up the topic of abandonment? He made me feel as if I owed him something. I shook my head, trying to clear away my chaotic thoughts. I then quickly washed up and went to sleep. The next morning, I finished the design drafts I was working on before glancing at the time and realizing that it was about time to head to the airport. Not long after arriving at the airport, I saw a fashionably dressed blond man wearing sunglasses walk out. When Levi saw me, he waved excitedly as he dragged his suitcase over to me. “Long time no see, Jane!” he called out. Before I could say anything, he suddenly reached out and gave me a giant hug. I almost suffocated in his embrace and hurriedly tapped him on the back. “Alright, no need to be so enthusiastic,” I said in a strangled voice. “If you hug me any longer, I’m going to pass out!” Levi chuckled before finally letting go of me. “I was just too excited to see you, Jane. Oh, that’s right! I’m hungry, so how about we have…” I nodded and instructed the driver to send his luggage to my house. I then led Levi to a restaurant where I had made reservations. During our meal, Levi asked why I had suddenly returned to the fashion industry, so I briefly explained the situation to him. After hearing my story, Levi angrily slammed a hand on the table.

Chapter 90 Abandoning Him for My Junior’s Sake

“Jeremiah went too far!” he yelled indignantly. “You wouldn’t have left the studio all those years ago if not for him, yet he dares to treat you this way! If I ever see him later on, I’m definitely going to give him a beating and show him who’s boss!” His words brought a laugh out of me. “Why would you beat him up?” I asked in amusement. “Wrongdoers will always get their just desserts, so even if we don’t do anything, he’s not going to be able to swagger around for long.”