《Take Me Away》 Chapter 1 Graduation Speech (Part One) Chapter 1 Graduation Speech (Part One) In S City, Z Country... It was mid-June, and the tall mulberry tree was in bloom once more. Fiona Ji looked up and down at the trees. With a sigh, she went on her way, thinking that she ought to be on her way to school. The high school auditorium was jam packed with people. It was graduation day, and all the students and parents waited excitedly for the opening ceremony to begin. It was another year, and another set of fresh graduates. The students had just finished their college entrance examinations, and were about to set off to a new milestone in their lives. Backstage, Fiona Ji was waiting behind the curtain to deliver her speech. Fiona was undoubtedly beautiful. Her smooth, ck hair fell elegantly on her shoulders. It made her fair skin stand out even more, which had a faint, pinkish glow. Fiona''s eyes were big and bright--with one nce, they appeared to have a million things to say. Her thick and longshes often cast shadows over her eyes, making her look all the more lovely. She straightened out the school uniform she was wearing and adjusted the bow knot tied at her cor. Mumbling to herself, she practiced her speech onest time as preparation. "Fiona, you''re up. Come here and get ready to get on the stage," one of her teachers whispered to her. "Yes, Miss Zhou." "Everyone, please wee this graduating ss'' most outstanding student, Fiona Ji!" Taking a deep breath in, Fiona strode out to the center of the stage and onto the podium. Apuse filled the entire auditorium. Some of the naughtier students whistled when they saw Fiona make her way to the center of the stage. A lot of male high school students saw Fiona as a goddess. Beautiful and intelligent. What was more, she was rather cold towards other people, which made her all the more mysterious. Most of the students did not dare to get close to her because of this. What they didn''t know was that Fiona used to be such a happy little girl, always smiling andughing. Obviously, those days were no more... "It was three years ago when we started high school. We were innocent and naive. At that time, it was easy to imagine all the things that we could be. But, we have yet to decide what we really want to be, what we are passionate about, what kind of life we can achieve for ourselves. We will soon be able to grow and find out more about ourselves in the next chapter of our lives. Luckily, our elders will be there to guide us every step of the way. As we enter college, let us also not forget to make deep and meaningful rtionships. There is no need to go through any hurdles alone. High school may seem like the best time in our lives, but I say that the best is yet toe. When we leave this school, let us all do everything we can to achieve all our dreams. Congrattions to everyone! Thank you." When Fiona finished her speech, some of the girls were already sobbing with sadness. There was also a tinge of sorrow rising from the bottom of Fiona''s heart. She wanted to go back and see the mountainous tree at the school grounds. When the ceremony ended, students said their tearful goodbyes to each other. Some were taking photos with their parents. Some were chatting away with their favorite teachers. Some were boasting loudly about what they would be doing next. It seemed as if Fiona was the only one who came to the graduation alone. It has been almost ten years. ''Father, mother... How are you up in heaven? Have you seen how I''ve grown up? Are you proud?'' "Hi, Fiona!" As she was thinking quietly to herself, someone behind her suddenly called her name. Fiona turned around and found it was one of the ss leaders. "What''s up?" Fiona asked politely. "Oh.. Ah, nothing," he stuttered as heughed nervously. The boy was so shy that he scratched his head and said, "I heard that you ranked second in the college entrance examinations in our city. That''s so awesome! Which school did you register for?" "D University." "Wow. D University is a great school! That''s in M City, right? It''s pretty close so it''ll be convenient for you toe home!" "Yes," Fiona replied with a slight smile. M City was her mother and father''s hometown, and was her hometown until she was about eight years old. For her, her home wasn''t where she was right now--it was in M City, the ce where most of her happiest moments happened. "What major?" he asked, smiling widely. "Jewelry Design, major in Art Department." "That''s so cool!" The boy said with admiration. "You are so talented. I''m sure you''ll be able to design a lot of beautiful jewelry!" "Thank you," Fiona replied in a grateful tone. "Well, then. If you''ll excuse me," she said as she turned to walk away. "Hey, wait!" the boy called after her hurriedly. "What''s wrong?" Fiona stopped in her tracks and looked back at him. "I was wondering if I could ask you out tomorrow?" "What for?" Fiona asked, her brows furrowing. "Fiona, it''s just that... Can you go out on a date with me? I like you!" After saying his confession, the boy''s face flushed red. N?velDrama.Org content. "I..." Surprised, Fiona blushed and shook her head. "Look... I''m awfully sorry, but I''m not interested in dating anyone for the time being." "But we can start with friends!" the boy insisted. "We''re already friends. I''m sorry," Fiona declined with an apologetic smile. "Okay..." The boy put his hands in his pockets, his head down low. Fiona brushed past all the other people and got on a bus. With a sullen mood, she gazed out the window, looking at the trees that zoomed by. Ten years ago, when she was only eight years old, her parents passed away. When they died, Fiona moved here to S City to live with her aunt. Soon, she was going to study at a university in M City, the ce where she and her parents used to live. There was still a bit of reluctance in her heart to leave S City. "We''re now stopping at the XJ Garden. Again, stopping at XJ Garden." Fiona grabbed her bag and got out of the bus. When she got off, she saw a familiar car that seemed to be waiting for her. ''Isn''t that Grandpa Wayne''s?'' Thinking of this, Fiona quickened her pace. She got into the car and was soon on her way to her aunt''s house. As soon as she entered the house, Fiona saw Wayne Cheng''s assistant, Victor Zhang. The other people there--her aunt Jenny, her uncle Mike and her cousin Ang-- were all looking stiff and tense with Victor there standing at in the living room. Chapter 2 A Promise For Marriage (Part One) Chapter 2 A Promise For Marriage (Part One) The Cheng family was perhaps the most powerful and influential family in M City. The eldest member, Wayne Cheng, was a man of great power. Although he had retired long before, many people of high social status still respectfully called him Mr. Wayne Cheng. The current head of the Cheng family, Ethan Cheng, had also inherited his father''s glory and high status, and his son Spencer Cheng also held the same amount of potential. The Cheng family and the Ji family had a very close rtionship with each other that hadsted for a long time. After Fiona''s parents died, Fiona had never gone back to see any of the Chengs. Only Wayne came to see her from time to time. As Fiona sat in the backseat of the car, she shook her head and decided that the best thing she could do was to let the past go. ''As soon as I get to M City, I''ll visit Grandpa Wayne first. Then, I''ll go look for a ce to live. After that, I''ll have nothing to worry about other than going to school when the semester finally starts. That''s it, '' she thought to herself with determination. A few minutester, her lids began to grow heavy. With a yawn, she leaned against the window and took a nap. What she didn''t know, however, was that this trip to M City was going to change everything... After a three-hour drive, she had woken up. They finally arrived at M City. The sight of M City caused a lot of fragmented memories to sh through Fiona''s head. The memories were distant as she nced up at the warm, orange sky. Laughter of children ying in the courtyard, refreshing morning exercises, her mom''s voice calling her home for dinner, the way her dad chuckled... "We have arrived, Miss Fiona," Victor''s voice came from the passenger seat. As soon as the car pulled over, somebody opened the car door for Fiona. Taking a deep breath in, she grabbed her bag beside her and got off the car. She looked around and saw that they had stopped in a "Victor, are we in the wrong ce?" Fiona was confused. From her understanding, they should have been either at the hospital or at the family vi. "No. We are where we''re supposed to be. It was Mr. Cheng''s order. He told me to bring you here before going to the hospital. This is where you will be staying--your new home, if I may say. You are situated on the tenth floor. Everything has been taken care of, and your name is already on the property ownership certificate." "What?" Fiona was taken aback. "No, Victor, this is too much! Tell Grandpa Wayne I can''t take it!" "Miss Fiona, it''s only half an hour''s ride to D University. It''s a very convenient ce for you to live. Mr. Cheng knew that you wouldn''t want to live in the family vi. And so, he bought it for you," Victor exined. "But I can''t ept such an extravagant gift," she murmured, biting her lips. "Mr. Cheng said that if Miss Fiona doesn''t take it, he would tie you up with a rope! If Miss Fiona chooses not to live here, we will go to the school and wait for you there every day, making sure that you Fiona was speechless for a while. What a stubborn man! "Miss Fiona, please!" "¡­¡­ All right. " Fiona sighed heavily and followed him upstairs. The tenth floor apartment was already decorated. It was simple yet had a touch of elegance and modernity, which suited Fiona''s taste quite well. All of Fiona''s luggage were ced neatly in the living room. "Miss Fiona, where should we ce the piano?" Victor asked. Just then, Fiona remembered that her mother used to y the piano near the window. Every time she yed, warm light would hit her lovely face. Fiona looked around and saw that there was a balcony. "Put it over there at the edge of the balcony, leaning against the wall." "Right away!" Fiona put down the bag she was carrying on the floor. It was already getting dark outside. "Where is Grandpa Wayne? I want to see him now, Mr. Victor," she said. "Of course. Let''s go, Miss Fiona," Victor nodded and left with Fiona. Outside the ICU of M Hospital, all of the members of the Cheng family were looking over Wayne anxiously. Soon, Victor arrived with Fiona. "Mr. Ethan, Miss Fiona is here!" Ethan turned to look at Fiona, and a smile of relief appeared on his face. As Fiona approached, he greeted her warmly, "Ah, Fiona! You''re all grown up! You look as beautiful as your mother." "Hello, Uncle Ethan!" Fiona greeted back, vaguely remembering what Ethan looked like. "How have you been doing all these years?" "Good, I would say," Fiona replied with a slight smile. "Oh my goodness! Is this Fiona? You are so beautiful!" An elegantdy in her fifties stepped forward and took her hand. "Did you have any troubles getting here, my dear?" she asked. Fiona shook her head with a smile. "This is your Aunt Anna," said Ethan. "Pleasure to meet you, Aunt Anna!" Fiona said. She knew the woman was the second wife of Ethan. Wayne had told her about it once. "What a polite girl!" Anna eximed cheerfully. "Is Grandpa Wayne awake?" asked Fiona, looking into the ICU ward with concern. "Not yet. But the doctor said that he would be fine after his medication." At the moment, a man came from the other end of the corridor. It looked like he had just arrived at the hospital, and there was a tired look on his face. "Mr. Spencer!" Victor called out, bowing slightly. "Mr. Spencer," some others said simultaneously. Fiona turned around and saw a man in his early twenties approaching. The man, Spencer, was wearing a sharp looking uniform and a pair of ck, leather boots. He walked towards them with big strides. Spencer was tall and had a well-toned body. His skin had a light tan to it. But what was so remarkable about his appearance was his face. His face was angr, his lips were This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. thin, and his cold eyes were framed perfectly with his thick eyebrows. Fiona had never seen such a handsome man in all her life! "Ah, good. Spencer''s here," Anna called out. ''I see. So this is Spencer...'' Fiona frowned imperceptibly. Spencer was only walking up to her and she already thought that his personality was too strong for her liking. Although she had heard a lot about Spencer from Wayne, she had never met him until now. He was a little older than Fiona was. When she was born, Spencer was already starting school. Chapter 3 Why Didnt You Die Chapter 3 Why Didn''t You Die Suddenly, Fiona''s eyes widened and she stared at Spencer, unable to move. "Great! Ahem..." Wayne cleared his throat. He was finally relieved. "Fiona, what do you say?" "I..." Fiona stammered. "Grandpa Wayne, I''m still quite young!" "Not at all. I think you''re old enough. Spencer''s grandmother was almost the same age as you when she married me." "Yes," Anna smiled. "Spencer is older than you. He knows how to take care of you." Fiona nced at the man in front of her. She was highly doubtful about his ability to take care of her. "Fiona, Spencer has already agreed. All you have to do is say yes. Please," Wayne said with a hopeful expression. Fiona felt a rush of anxiety. She knew that her aunt Jenny as well as her family would have given her a hard time if it wasn''t for Wayne''s help all these years. Now Wayne was sick and he only had one wish. Fiona was supposed to say yes to marriage. However, it was such an important decision and a big fetched notion for her! "My dear girl, Spencer is a good boy. Trust me. I will feel so much ease knowing he is taking care of you!" Wayne coaxed. "You''ve been living alone for so many years. You will have Cheng family to look out for you after you get married." Fiona didn''t look convinced. She was still hesitating. "Fiona, I know there''s something on your mind, but your parents have promised your marriage to Spencer," Wayne exined, his wrinkled face wrought with emotion. "They certainly don''t want you to be alone. If you don''t say yes, I can''t exin this to them after I die." Biting her lips, Fiona finally relented, "I...I agree." "Oh! Good girl, good girl!" Wayne burst into peals of joyousughter. He held Spencer''s and Fiona''s hands. "You can get married at the Civil Affairs Bureau on Fiona''s birthday!" "Okay," Spencer said. "Hasn''t Celine arrived yet?" Wayne inquired, ncing around the ward. Spencer''s left eyelid twitched when he heard the name. "Celine...umm..." Anna tried to find an excuse. "She''s still studying abroad. She..." "Humph!" Wayne interrupted her angrily. "I don''t care!" Fiona knew that Celine was Anna''s daughter and she was one year older than Spencer. Wayne had never liked her. Soon Wayne fell asleep and everyone in the ward walked out quietly to let him rest. Ethan left in a hurry because of some emergency business. Fiona''s palm was sweating, as the warmth from Spencer''s palm was still lingering. "Fiona," Spencer called out. "Hmm? Yes?" Hearing her name, she snapped out of her reverie. She looked around and found nobody in the corridor other than the two of them. "What''s up?" "So when is your birthday?" With one hand in his pocket, Spencer was staring at Fiona, seeming a little impatient. "There are a few months left," she replied somewhat curtly. "I want the specific time!" he demanded, incensed by her short reply. Fiona nced at him and answered, "October 8th!" "Let''s get married on that day," Spencermanded, leaving no room for discussion. "What? Get married? Are you really going to go ahead with this marriage?" She didn''t want to get married so soon! "Do I look like I am kidding?" Spencer asked, curling his lips. "But we have only just met," Fiona responded in a mix of confusion and shock. "I think you have misunderstood this entire thing," Spencer snorted. "I am marrying you only for the sake of my grandpa. I can''t refuse his request. I will marry you just to set his mind at rest." "And then what?" Fiona asked. Instead of getting panicked, she felt relieved. "What are you trying to say?" "I won''t fall in love with you." Spencer''s eyes were cold. "Grandpa''s health is deteriorating by the day. The doctor said he probably only has three years or so. If grandpa passes away, our engagement will be canceled." "Okay, that sounds like the best option." Fiona acquiesced. There was really no better solution to this predicament. "Grandpa Wayne has been taking care of me for so many years. I will try my best to fulfill his wish," she continued. "But I have one condition." "What condition?" Spencer asked raising his eyebrow. "The bracelet will still be mine," Fiona stated coolly. She had been wearing that bracelet ever since she was a child. She had great interest in jewelry design because of her mother, which was why she had chosen it as her major. She wouldn''t allow anyone to take it from her! Spencer silently nced at her slender wrist and at the dark golden bracelet shining on it. "Your mother gave it to me." Fiona took a deep breath, trying to convince him. "So, you don''t have the right to take it back." "Don''t talk about my mother!" All of a sudden, Spencer punched the wall behind Fiona, his eyes was red with anger. "Who the hell do you think you are?" Fiona, who was leaning against the cold wall, shivered in fear. "What''s wrong with you?" "What''s wrong with me? Have you forgotten about the car ident ten years ago?" Fiona was frightened. She was looking at Spencer as if he was the devil. "They all died in the car ident ten years ago! Why didn''t you die?" Spencer yelled, clenching his fists. "Because of that car ident, my life haspletely changed. Fiona, it was your mother who killed my mother!" Her eyes widened as Spencer''s words stabbed into her chest like knives. He had used her mother of being a murderer! "I hate your entire family and you are the only child left in the Ji family. Fiona, you will have to pay for what your mother has done!" Spencer strode away fuming, but his words hung heavy in the air. Anna asked Fiona to stay, but thetter determined to leave. She returned to the Four Seasons Scenerymunity in Victor''s car. When she was back in the room, she went straight to the bathtub andy there until the water became cold. Standing in front of the mirror, Fiona wiped the fog off the mirror and turned around expressionlessly. She saw two ugly scars on her back in the reflection. The scars almost stretched along her entire back. This was the indelible mark left by the car ident on the day when her fate had turned around. Her mind wandered back to that horrible day. "Mom, where are we going?" Sitting in the back seat of the car, an eight-year-old Fiona was watching Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org. the rain outside the window. "We''re going to my house!" answered Spencer''s mother, who was in the passenger seat up front. She turned around to look at Fiona. "Today, Spencer wille home. Fiona, you''ll definitely like him!" Fiona sweetly smiled back at her. "It''s a pity that the weather is so bad. I''m a little scared driving in such heavy rain," said Fiona''s mother, who was driving the car. "It doesn''t matter. You can drive slowly!" Fiona''s mother''s mobile phone rang, when they were driving on the River Road. "You focus on driving. Let me answer the phone for you! I''ll put it on speaker so that you can hear as well," said Spencer''s mother and answered the phone. "Hello?" "Mrs. Ji, something bad has happened!" It was Fiona''s father''s assistant. "Something has gone wrong during the mission..." "What?" The two women cried out in unison. Fiona''s mother was clutching the steering wheel hard and her face was pale. She turned to the phone and yelled, "Which hospital are you in? Tell me!" "In M City¡ª" "Watch out!" Before the assistant could finish his sentence, a gut-wrenching scream was let out by Spencer''s mother. It was so loud that it almost pierced Fiona''s eardrums. Bang! The assistant''s voice was drowned out in the crash. Without understanding what had happened, Fiona felt that she was flung to the front seat and toppled a few times as the car spun out of control. Then she was thrown out of the car and fell down on the side of the road. She thought she might be dead as the pain in her back was unbearable. But she survived. "Mom?" Fiona sobbed as she struggled to sit up. Her head felt heavy and the torrential rain mmed against her body. Wiping away the tears on her face, she looked at the car. Smoke was rising from it a dozen meters away. The car was upside down and the front of the car was totally smashed. There was a mixture of blood and rain on the road. Tears trickled down Fiona''s face. She got to her feet somehow and tottered towards the car. But she crumpled to the ground when she took a small step. "Aahhh..." Standing in front of the mirror, Fiona sighed heavily as she jolted back to reality. She closed her eyes and opened them again. After wiping the water off her body, she walked into the bedroom. "They all died. Why didn''t you die?" Spencer''s words echoed in her mind. Fiona sneered. There was someone in the world who truly loathed her. But was Spencer entitled to throw this usation at her? Later, Fiona found out that her father did not make it either on that day. Both her parents were snatched away from her in one night. Her father was killed when trying to protect Spencer''s father. So Spencer had no right to hate her family! Chapter 4 My Granddaughter-in-law Chapter 4 My Granddaughter-inw Fiona stood at the entrance of the graveyard of the western suburb of M City. She was dressed in ck and was holding a bunch of chrysanthemums. She slowly trod towards her parents'' graves. Their tombs were right next to each other on a hillside from where one could see the entire M City. After walking for more than ten minutes, Fiona spotted the tombstones. Thest time she came here was at the end of February. The school had a lock-down of 100 days because of the college entrance examination so the students couldn''t go out. "Dad, Mom." Fiona gentlyid two bunches of chrysanthemums in front of their tombstones. Lowering her eyes, she plucked the weeds out of the cracks of the stones and said, "My exam results are out. I have ranked second in M City and have applied for D University. The offer hasn''te yet, but I''m certain that I''ll get admitted. Is your daughter awesome?" Grandpa Wayne has been in poor health recently, so I have moved to M City. When I was in middle school, I wanted to go back to M City and live in our former house. But our house was pulled down. I was so angry at the time. Grandpa Wayne has bought me a house near the college. So I can visit you more often from now on. Dad, Mom, you had arranged my betrothal. Why didn''t I know that? You should have told me earlier! When Grandpa Wayne suddenly told me about it, I freaked out! Spencer is such an asshole, and he looks so old too! He is nine years older than me. I don''t want to marry him. Why did you do this?" Fiona stopped and smiled before continuing, "Don''t worry, I am justining. I won''t refuse to marry him." A long time passed before Fiona realized how long she had been sitting there. She had so much to say to them. After saying goodbye to her parents, she walked in another direction of the cemetery with the remaining bunch of chrysanthemums. Not far awayy the tombstone of Spencer''s mother. Walking over to the tombstone, Fiona gently put the flowers down. Looking at the beautiful young woman in the photo, she sighed, "Aunt Sandra, I''m so sorry. Please don''t me my mother for what happened at that time. She would be very guilty if she had known about the consequences of her actions back then. I don''t me Spencer at all because I know how painful it is to lose one''s parents. Grandpa Wayne told me that Spencer became antagonistic since his father married Aunt Anna. N?velDrama.Org owns this. It''s all right if he mes my mother, but Aunt Sandra, please forgive my mother." A gust of wind made her eyes water. Thinking of Cheng family always reminded her of her dead parents. For so many years, she had been trying to run away from the Cheng family. She thought she would not need Wayne''s help anymore when she reached adulthood. But she still couldn''t escape. When Fiona left the cemetery, Victor was still waiting outside. "Hey, Victor! Thank you so much." She strode over to him quickly. "It''s my pleasure. I just follow Mr. Cheng''s orders," Victor answered politely. "Please get in the car." "Okay," she replied, sitting in the car. "Victor, will you always go everywhere with me? You are Grandpa Wayne''s assistant and I feel uneasy knowing that you will follow me all the time. Besides, this car is just too luxurious." "Don''t worry," Victor smiled. "Mr. Cheng told me that you have recentlye to M City and are unfamiliar with the ce. He has asked me to be your driver for a few days. Once you be familiar with the ce, my job will be done." Fiona breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, all right. Thank you, Victor." She then asked him to take her to the hospital. Wayne seemed better today. "Grandpa Wayne!" she greeted excitedly as soon as she entered the ward. "Fiona, you are here!" Wayne smiled and beckoned her over. "Come over here!" Fiona sat on the edge of the bed and took out a blue meal box. "Grandpa Wayne, I made you some lunch. Would you like to taste it? It may not be very delicious." The smile on the old man''s face widened. "Of course! I believe my granddaughter-inw is a good cook," he remarked. Hearing this, the nurse quickly set up a small table on the bed and took the food container from her hands. Fiona''s face turned a little red, as she felt awkward when she heard Wayne call her "granddaughter-in- "Fiona, just call me Grandpa as Spencer does," Wayne said. "Umm... okay." Fiona nodded. The doctor had said that Wayne tended to get irritated easily so she had to obey him. There was a click of the door knob. Then, the door was pushed open to reveal Ethan, Anna and Spencer. Spencer was still in his uniform, looking extremely handsome. "Oh, Fiona, you havee so early today!" Ethan said with a warm smile. "Uncle Ethan! Aunt Anna!" Fiona got up from her seat without looking at Spencer. He in turn shot a cold re at her, pretending as if nothing had happened yesterday. He walked over to the bed and called, "Grandpa!" "Spencer!" Gesturing to the dishes on the small table before him, the old man said to everyone, "Come here, and have a look. My granddaughter-inw has brought me lunch. Three dishes and one soup. They are so delicious. Spencer, what a good girl Fiona is! You are so lucky to have her!" Fiona merely smiled at Wayne''s words. She was feeling a bit disgruntled inside because Spencer was here. "Exactly. Fiona is both pretty and capable," Ethan nodded graciously. "Compared to the masterful dishes cooked by Fiona, I''m too embarrassed to show you all my cooking skills," Anna chimed in with a smile. "Aunt Anna, I''m the one who''s embarrassed," Fiona replied politely. "I always cook by myself. I''m not a good cook, and the food I made could only be described as edible. I''m afraid that Grandpa won''t like it." Hearing this, Wayne''s face suddenly darkened. He remembered what Fiona had suffered, so he held her hand and said lovingly, "If you want to eat anything, just tell me. If you don''t want to cook by yourself, I will send a chef to cook for you. I will help you with everything from now on. You just name it." He had been protecting her this way for the past ten years. Fiona nodded, "You are so nice to me. Thank you, Grandpa." "No need to thank me," he replied. "Come on, Grandpa. Try it." He ate it and immediately praised her. "By the way, Spencer," Ethan began, "have you decided when you and Fiona will get married?" "Yes. October 8th." Spencer spat out the words coldly. "Oh no! Why sote?" Wayne frowned, apparently displeased. "It''s the earliest day we can manage," Spencer said. "Fiona''s birthday is on October 8th." "That will be amazing!" Anna said with a smile. "October 8th is a good day. I believe the wedding will cheer you up, Dad." "Spencer," said Wayne, "you need to apply for the marriage certificate as soon as possible. Ethan, you''ll arrange the wedding ceremony." "Yes, Dad, of course." "Yes, Grandpa, I will." "Fiona, there is still some time before the new semester begins. What are you nning to do?" Anna inquired. "I..." Fiona was about to say that she wanted to find a part-time job. But she changed her mind as she knew that Wayne wouldn''t agree to that. So she said, "I''m going to hang about in M City. I''ll do sketches while I get familiar with the city." "Do sketches?" Anna asked intrigued. "Are you learning art?" "Yes, I have always been practicing," Fiona replied with a modest smile. "I majored in Jewelry Design." ''Jewelry Design?'' "Spencer, one day I will be the most famous designer in the world!" "Then I''ll take your first piece of work!" "Okay! It will be yours!" Fragmented memories suddenly echoed in Spencer''s mind. He felt as if his heart was being tugged lightly by feathers, making him return to the present. "Fiona, you and Spencer are going to get married. So you both should get to know each other better. What do you young people call that?" Wayne was confused as he tried to recollect. "Oh, yes, you should date each other!" "You do know a lot about young people, Dad," Ethanmented. "I have too many things to deal with right now. I don''t have the time," Spencer refused. "There aren''t more important tasks than this. Leave them to your men!" Wayne spat. "As your grandpa, Imand you to date Fiona! No arguments." "Yes!" Spencer immediately stood up and saluted. "Grandpa!" Fiona was stunned at this reaction. Chapter 5 Ill Be Your Guardian Chapter 5 I''ll Be Your Guardian "What''s your phone number?" Spencer asked as he stepped out of the ward. "I can''t give it to you. I don''t have a cellphone," Fiona replied nonchntly. "You don''t have a cellphone? How do you contact people then?" Spencer stared at Fiona suspiciously. "I''m the only child left in the Ji family. I don''t really have anyone to call." "Seriously?" Spencer squinted. He felt his anger rising up in his chest but quickly stopped himself. "You''re such a smooth talker." "Thanks to you. Spencer, we''ll be spending a lot of time together. You should try not to hate me too much. In case you forgot, my father saved your father''s life. You have no reason to hate me." "Nonsense! It''s natural for people like them to sacrifice in the battlefield!" Spencer''s eyes burned with anger. "You are so stubborn." Fiona nced at Spencer''s sullen face before she shook her head and left. "Who said you can go?" Spencer grabbed Fiona''s wrist and threw her against the wall. With his face only inches away from hers, he said through gritted teeth, "You are such a disobedient girl!" Fiona could feel a dull pain in her back. "I am not your subordinate!" Fiona tried to fight back. "I don''t need to listen to you!" "Really? From now on, I''m your guardian," Spencer dered. "And I have the right to discipline you." "What makes you think you can do that?" Frustration rose in Fiona''s mind. "Because I''m your fiance," replied Spencer. With a sigh, he looked up dramatically. "s, it''s really troublesome to marry a young girl. It seems like I''d have to act like her parent too." "You don''t have to do it." "I promised Grandpa that I will take good care of you!" The smile on Spencer''s face disappeared. He stood up and started leaving. "Buy a cellphone. Trust me. You''ll need it." He left after saying that. His ck boots clicked against the marble floor as he walked away. Fiona took a deep breath, her hands sweating. Confronting Spencer took such a huge mental toll on her. But she did need a cellphone. The next day, Fiona left her house early. She took her sketchpad, paper, and pencils with her. "Victor, please take me to a mobile phone shop. I''ll buy a cellphone and then roam around a bit. I want to find some inspiration to draw. I haven''t done it in a while," said Fiona. "Fiona, Mr. Cheng asked me to protect you." "I don''t need protection," Fiona quipped. "I can protect myself." "Fiona, I only follow Mr. Cheng''s orders." Fiona was speechless. "Okay, give me your phone then," she remarked. "I''ll call Grandpa and tell him myself!" "Okay." Victor dialed the number. "Hello, Mr. Cheng. Fiona wants to talk to you," he said over the phone. He then turned to Fiona to hand her the phone. "Thank you." Fiona took the phone from him. "Hi, Grandpa!" "Hey, Fiona, what''s up?" "Grandpa, I want to go out today. Could you please tell Victor to leave me alone for a bit? I don''t like him hovering around me. I can protect myself," said Fiona sweetly. "No way. I will never allow that. You just arrived here. You are not familiar with this ce." "Grandpa," Fiona sighed. "I''m not a child anymore. I''ll be fine." Wayne paused to consider. "Okay, I know. Take care of yourself." "Alright. Thank you." Fiona shed Victor a victorious smile as she handed him his phone back. "Okay, Mr. Cheng." Victor hung up and turned to look at Fiona. "Alright. Let me send you to the nearby mobile phone store." In the ward, Spencer was standing beside his grandpa''s bed. He could hear the conversation between Wayne and Fiona. "Didn''t I ask you to go out on a date with Fiona?" Wayne asked and put the phone aside. "Why did she go out herself?" "I don''t have time. It''s Monday tomorrow. I''m leaving this afternoon." Spencer began to peel an apple. "You''re such a stubborn boy!" Wayne shook his head. "Take Fiona with you. She wants to do sketches. The scenery where you work is great." "Our base is full of men. What do you want her to do in there?" Spencer asked with a frown. "She is your fiancee! If you don''t date her, then how am I supposed to get a great-grandson?" Smiling, Spencer handed the peeled apple to his grandpa. "Grandpa, eat this apple. I''m going to take Fiona to the base and won''t let her disappear from my sight. I''ll take her with me during the training too." "You bastard! How dare you! Let her take a ride when you''re training." Spencer chuckled. "I''m leaving, Grandpa." He stood up and walked out of the ward. When he reached the door, he turned to look at his grandpa. "When Ie back next week, it will be time for you to leave the hospital." Johnson Sun, Spencer''s assistant, was patiently waiting outside the ward. When he saw his superior The smile on Spencer''s face hadpletely disappeared. It was reced by a stern and cold expression. "Let''s go," he ordered. "Yes, sir!" Johnson followed promptly. One moment ago, Spencer wasughing heartily with his grandpa. But the moment he stepped out of the ward, allughter from his eyes disappeared. No wonder they called him "moody" in private. "We need to pick someone up first," Spencer said. "Yes, sir!" Johnson Sun had questions in his head, but he couldn''t do anything about them. He just nodded politely and agreed. Who were they going to pick up? In one of the busiest streets in the M City. Fiona got out of the car to buy herself a cellphone. As she stepped out of the car, her eyes were caught by an advertisement on the bus stop ahead of her. "ZR Company''s jewelry designpetition is about to begin. We invite you all to participate. The champion will receive a million dors and will be a member of ourpany. No fancy education is needed. What are you waiting for? Join now and fulfill your dreams." Fiona began to write down all the information in the advertisement. She decided to take part in the A young man in his twenties sat in a ck car across the road, staring at Fiona, who was in front of the bus station. "Mr. Wen, what are you looking at?" the driver asked the young man. Fiona finished writing down the information. Her lips were pressed slightly and her eyes shone with eagerness. "Andrew," the young man said softly. "looks like someone saw our advertisement." "Mr. Wen, many people have seen our advertisement. Several hundred people have already signed up for thepetition." "Oh? Really?" the young man replied tly, his eyes still gazing at Fiona. He was about to say something when he noticed her walking away. His expression changed. He rolled down the window and began to look for her among the crowds. "Mr. Wen, what are you looking at? Aren''t we leaving yet?" "Yes, we''re leaving!" The young man sighed silently and leaned back in resignation. ''We will meet again. I won''t forget you,'' he thought to himself. As she walked along the street, Fiona did some calctions in her head. She had little money left. If she won thepetition, she wouldn''t have to worry about money and her future job. The idea thrilled her. She finally had a way to turn her dreams into reality. Spencer got out of the fancy SUV, folded his arms and waited for Fiona. N?velDrama.Org owns this. ''So I had to park the car here just because Spencer is waiting for that girl?'' Johnson wondered. He found Fiona to be a very beautiful girl. ''Could she be Spencer''s sister?'' "What are youughing at, Fiona?" Spencer called out to Fiona, who was walking towards him absently. "Are you really pretending not to see me?" Hearing the voice, Fiona stopped in her tracks and looked up. The smile on her face faded. "What are you doing here?" Spencer raised his eyebrows in response. "Oh my God! He''s so handsome!" "He looks so manly!" The crowd whispered around them. Spencer furrowed his eyebrows, trying his best to ignore the muttering. He walked towards Fiona and grabbed her by the arm. "Let''s go to the base," he said. "Are you crazy?" Fiona struggled desperately. "If you don''t want to be carried on my shoulder in such a busy street, then quit struggling and just go with me," Spencer warned. He just wanted to get in the car and leave as soon as possible. He did not want to attract the public''s attention. "Why should I go to the base with you?" Fiona asked. Spencer dropped her in the car''s back seat, while he himself got in the passenger seat. "I''m your guardian. You have to listen to me." When everyone was settled, Spencer ordered Johnson to drive the car. "Yes, sir!" "Hey!" Fiona reached out to open the door, but stopped when the car started to move. "Just quit struggling! I don''t want to deal with a girl like you." Spencer gave Fiona a cold stare. "What on earth are you trying to do?" Fiona asked hysterically. "I''ll take you to the base. It''s a date!" Spencer replied, stressing thest word. Johnson pursed his lips. ''Great news!'' he thought! "How dare you!" "It''s Grandpa''s order," interrupted Spencer. "You have no choice." "I haven''t even bought a phone!" Spencer adjusted himself in his seat and snorted, "Women are so troublesome!" Fiona decided to give up. She knew fighting wouldn''t get her anywhere. She turned her head to look out the window. The car was quiet as it ran towards the west. Johnson drove steadily, and Spencer had a good sleep. Feeling bored, Fiona took out the sketchpad and started to paint. She signed the painting and affixed the date on it. After, she wrote "Let it be!" on it. Chapter 6 First Time In The Base Chapter 6 First Time In The Base Along the way, the scenery outside the window was bing more and more deste. From high-rise buildings, it turned to country roads before transitioning into a forest that looked devoid of human trace. Spencer groaned as he woke up from his sleep. With eyes still closed, he asked, "Johnson, what time is it?" "It''s four o''clock. We''ll be there in an hour." ''An hour?'' Fiona couldn''t believe what she heard. Were they going to sell her in some remote vige? "Find me a bottle. I have to pee," Spencer casually said after a bit of stretching. Fiona''s face turned red. ''What did he just say? He wants to pee? Here?'' The questions in her head were numerous. ''Hasn''t he realized that I''m in the car with him? How could he say something like that?'' "Spencer," Johnson faltered. "I don''t think that''s a good idea. Your...date is sitting in the back." "What?" Spencer eximed. He opened his eyes and turned around. He was already expecting the look on Fiona''s face, but the coldness in her stare still caught him by surprise. "I almost forgot! Stop the car then. I can''t hold it in anymore. Women are always troublesome!" The car pulled over along a forest path and Spencer and his assistant stepped out. "Would you also like to go?" Spencer turned to Fiona and asked. "No, thank you," Fiona said coldly as she looked away. Spencer could only shrug his shoulders as he walked into the forest, whistling. At this point, the base was in an uproar because of Johnson''s message. "What? Did you say a woman ising to the base?" "It''s true! It''s what Johnson said!" "Who''s the woman? Is she beautiful?" "She must be. But she''s Spencer''s date, so don''t even think about it!" "Date?" "That''s right!" "Then I have to tell the others! N?velDrama.Org content. This is big news!" "Right! Everyone must know." "Breaking news!" "Major news!" Little did Spencer know the news was spreading like wildfire in the base. The off-road vehicle drove straight to the base deep in the mountain just as the sun was setting. Fiona looked around at the towering trees and the mountainousndscape, and thought that everything looked amazing. It was really a wonderful ce to paint. It was a good thing she brought her sketchpad and pencils. They drove until they reached the gate, where their arrival was met with a whistle. The base was guarded by armed men who immediately raised their hands and signaled for them to stop for inspection once they saw Spencer''s car approaching. Spencer took out his certificate from his pocket and handed it to them. "Spencer!" The guards gave Spencer a salute and opened the gate for the car to pass. "So this is the base?" Fiona asked. "Yes, this is our base. Spencer is respected here for being very powerful and valiant..." "Cut the crap!" Spencer roared as he swatted the back of Johnson''s head. "Just drive the car!" "Yes, sir!" Johnson closed his mouth and focused on driving. Fiona was surprised. She had heard that Spencer worked in a special ce, but she didn''t know that it was this base. Fiona recalled Johnsons'' words when he spoke of his superior. ''Powerful and valiant?'' She couldn''t help but sneer. It was Fiona''s first time at the base so everything looked fresh to her. She remembered asking her father to take her to the base when she was just a little girl. Her father always promised that he would when she had grown up. It was unfortunate that he couldn''t wait for her to grow up. The base''s dormitory area had many three-story buildings. There were also fields for football and basketball. After passing these, there was arge yground at the back and a trench. Fiona could hear the intense training going around. They finally stopped in front of a building for military families. Spencer got out of the car and told Fiona, "This is where you''ll be staying." "For how long exactly?" Fiona stepped out too. "Five days!" Spencer turned to her and gave her a cold stare. "From Monday to Friday, everyone is forbidden to go out of the base!" "Am I free to walk around at least?" Fiona''s gaze turned to the mountains in the distance. Spencer pursed his lips before ordering his assistant, "Johnson, tell her! I''m done talking here!" "Yes, sir!" Johnson gave him a salute and watched as he left. Once Spencer was out of sight, Fiona turned to Johnson and asked, "Where shall I stay, Johnson?" Johnson was shy upon hearing her soft voice. "You can select any room in this building. It''s mostly vacant these days," he said. Fiona nodded. Everything seemed settled until a thought urred to her. "I didn''t bring anything with me..." "Don''t worry. We have everything here." Johnson patted his chest. "Thank you." It was then that Fiona heard the sounds of a gathering crowd. What she saw when she turned around surprised her. More than one hundred people were swarming towards her. They were all dressed in camouge and they were encircling her. Scared, she took a step back and asked, "What...what are they doing here?" "Don''t be afraid. They mean no harm." Johnson turned and yelled at the men, "You bastards! What are you doing? You''re scaring her! There are even people on the tree. Get off there, quickly!" ''On the tree?'' Fiona looked up and saw two people squatting on a branch of a lush tree. They were smiling as they looked at her, sizing her up. Upon Johnson''s orders, they quickly leaped off and dropped in front of Fiona. Fiona didn''t know whether she should cry orugh. "They all heard that a woman wasing so they wanted to get a look. It''s my fault. I shouldn''t have told them," Johnson exined. "It doesn''t matter." Fiona shook her head. She looked at the crowd around her and said politely, "Hello, everyone! My name is Fiona Ji. This is my first time here. So I hope you''d be nice to me." After hearing her speak, all the men started making noise. "You have nothing to worry about!" "We will take care of you!" "Wee to the base!" "You have a nice name!" "You''re so beautiful!" Fiona nodded and beamed, "Thank you, everyone!" "How old are you?" someone asked out of nowhere. "I''m eighteen," Fiona replied. "I''m older than you then. I just turned neen!" "What should we call you?" "We should call her madam!" "Ha-ha..." "Please, call me Fiona," she urged. "What''s on your back?" "It''s a sketchpad. I like drawing," Fiona answered. "Can you draw me?" Others also chimed in, "Draw me, too! Draw me!" "And me!" "Draw me first!" "What''s your rtionship with Spencer? Are you his girlfriend?" "Is that why you''re here? Are you on a date with him?" "Can you tell Spencer to not make us run too much tomorrow?" "What''s all thismotion about?" There was a shout from behind the crowd and everyone went silent. They turned around and instantly saluted. "Spencer!" The crowd automatically cleared a path for him. As soon as she looked up, Fiona saw Spencer striding towards her. His stare was cold. "Why haven''t you gone inside the building? What are you still doing here?" he asked in a harsh tone. "I''m going inside now," Fiona said coldly. Then she turned to the crowd and said, "Goodbye, everyone. I have to go now." With that, she followed Johnson into the building. "Bye!" "Bye!" The men waved at her as they said goodbye. Spencer turned around and kicked the one who was nearest him. "What are you looking at? You''re drooling. Wipe yourself clean!" "Yes, sir!" "And you, what are you doing here?" His face was livid. "Have you never seen a woman before? Go back to your exercises. You''ll be running fifty moreps tomorrow!" The group retreated quickly after hearing his words. The front of the building was instantly empty again. "I''ll stay here, Johnson," Fiona said, pointing to a room on the second floor. "Okay." Johnson opened the door for her. "I''ll have my men bring you toiletries soon." "Thank you!" Johnson was about to leave when Fiona asked, "Do you have extra clothes here?" "Well, we have plenty of men''s clothes." "Johnson, go get her the smallest set of camouge uniform we have," a voice said. It was Spencer, who was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. "Yes, sir!" Johnson rushed out of the room, leaving only Fiona and Spencer. "So, what do you want to do for our date?" Spencer asked as he went inside the room. "I don''t want to go out on a date." Fiona turned her back to him and started organizing her things. "Since Grandpa isn''t here, you can stop pretending that you enjoy talking to me." "Had you been one of my men, I would''ve had you thrown out and fed to the wolves," Spencer snorted. "If you were my boss, Spencer, I''d rather be unemployed," Fiona mocked. "Now, please do me a favor and leave. I''m going to bed." "Watch your smart mouth, or I''ll have your teeth pulled out one by one someday!" He turned around and left. Fiona watched Spencer as he walked out. Was this man really brave and strong? Given the way he bullied her, he seemed like a boy in high school. Chapter 7 Who Is This Pretty Girl Chapter 7 Who Is This Pretty Girl Light had started to peek through the window into the bedroom as Fiona, still sound asleep, heard the loud ying of a bugle. She woke up in a trance from what felt like a long dream. "Left, right..." She could hear the soldiers training from afar. Fiona rubbed her eyes, picked up the camouge uniform from the bedside table, and put it on. On the vast yground, a uniformed Spencer stood tall, hands behind his back, as he watched everyone run. "I heard that a young girl named Fiona came here yesterday. Why didn''t you bring her here?" Eric Yuan said with a smile. "How did you find out?" Spencerughed. "I¡¯m actually thest one to find out about it. The whole base was buzzingst night. They were talking about how pretty she is." "The whole base?" Spencer frowned. "Who spread the news?" As Eric was about to say something, he heard everyone speak over one another. "Fiona is here!" "Look, look!" "She looks so beautiful in camouge!" "Who is talking?" Spencer bellowed. "You! Run twenty moreps!" Eric stared, mouth agape. He turned around and poked Spencer''s waist with his finger. "Is that Fiona?" Spencer turned around and looked coldly at Fiona, who stood at the entrance of the yground. She had put on the smallest-sized uniform avable, but the sleeves still sagged on her shoulders, while her trousers were rolled up. She wore white canvas shoes, exposing slender ankles. To top it all off, she tied her hair into a clean ponytail. One would look at her and think capable and young. As the breeze passed through, a strand of hair fell on her face ever so gently. "She''s so beautiful!" Eric murmured. Spencer didn¡¯t utter a word. Fiona seemed to be looking for him. As the dawn sun shone from above, she raised her arm to block the sun and stood on tiptoes to look among the crowd. At that moment, he stared at her gentle profile and didn''t look away. It was difficult to find someone among a sea of people wearing the same uniforms. She eventually sighed and gave up. As she was about to leave, however, she heard a strong and powerful voice roar her name. "Fiona!" It was Spencer. "Ahem!" Eric coughed as Spencer saw him cover his mouth, trying to hide a smile. Spencer gave him a stern look and then kicked Johnson. "Go and ask her toe here!" "Yes, sir!" But before Johnson walked away, Spencer pulled him back. "Never mind, I¡¯ll go find her myself." "Yes, sir!" "Where is the phone you bought yesterday?" Spencer presented his hand. "Give it to me." "I have it here!" Johnson hurriedly handed him the box. "Okay." With a nod, he took the box and strode towards Fiona. Fiona watched him as he did so¡ªfrom a distance. She couldn¡¯t see him clearly, but he was as tall and handsome as ever. "Catch it!" As Spencer got close enough, he tossed her the box. "What?" Fiona tried to catch it, but it hit her corbone. She winced in pain. "Stupid! Have youe here to see me?" Spencer gritted his teeth. Fiona frowned, stroking the spot that had just been hit. "If I knew someone else here, I wouldn¡¯t have." He snorted. "So, what is it?" "A phone?" Fiona then noticed that Spencer had handed her a phone. "Is this for me?" "Yes. Remember to call Grandpa regrly. Don¡¯t make him think that I bullied you or something." He turned around and looked at the soldiers. He pointed at one of them. "Didn¡¯t you have enough sleep Fiona felt an insane ringing in her ears. "What do you want from me? Don''t make me ask again." He turned back to Fiona again. "I just wanted to ask where the canteen is. Can I ask Johnson here? I want to follow him and familiarize myself with the ce," she said. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! "He¡¯s my assistant! Why is he going with you?" Spencer retorted. "You..." "Just follow me," he said impatiently. "Look at you! You¡¯re so short! I won''t be able to see you if you stand in the middle of these soldiers." ''Huh? I''m one hundred sixty seven centimeters in height. Am I short?'' Well, every time she stood next to Spencer, she had to raise her head so she could look him in the eye. The horns suddenly set off once again. "The morning exercise is over. Let''s go for breakfast." Spencer started to walk away. Fiona jogged as she tried to catch up to him. The dining hall was a ruckus, but when a group of people noticed Fiona follow Spencer inside, they stopped in their tracks and smiled quietly. Spencer pretended not to notice those who teased him and winked. Fiona, as nice as ever, smiled back politely. "Are you trying to tempt my men by smiling like that?" Spencer suddenly said. Her smile disappeared. "Do you have eyes on the back of your head? And by the way, what you said was unbelievably harsh." After grabbing some food, she found a corner and sat down. She¡¯d rather join anyone else¡¯spany than look for Spencer again. He was even the one who¡¯d insisted shee here! The nerve of that man! "Do you think I wouldn¡¯t find you if you sit far enough?" Fiona didn¡¯t even need to look up to know that it was Spencer¡¯s stern voice. He sat next to her, bowed his head, and began to eat. "Spencer!" "Spencer!" A few more voices called for him. He raised his head, looking at all of them coldly as several officers came over. "What are you doing here?" Spencer red at them from head to toe. "May I sit next to you, Fiona?" Without waiting for an answer, Eric did so. The rest were not as bold as him. Instead of sitting next to Spencer, they rushed to the next table and stared at Fiona, eyes full of mischief. "My name¡¯s Eric Yuan. I grew up with Spencer together and we are good friends. Howe I¡¯ve never seen you before?" Eric asked. Fiona didn''t know what to say. "She is from the Ji family." Spencer ate thest scoop of rice from his te and stood up. "I¡¯m leaving." Eric was stunned for a moment. He then immediately stood up and saluted her. "You..." Fiona stuttered. She couldn¡¯t understand why he did so, but as she was about to stand up, he put his hands on her shoulders. "Please don¡¯t," Eric said. "You are Mr. Ji¡¯s daughter. From now on, you can ask me whatever you don¡¯t understand. I once worked for your father and consider him a hero. I admire him very much." "Thank you." Fiona nodded gratefully. "Is your father''s tomb not in the martyrs¡¯ cemetery?" asked Eric. "No, it wasn''t there." Fiona shook her head. "My father was buried with my mother." "Oh, okay." Eric smiled and said nothing more. Fiona wanted to go back to her room as soon as breakfast was over. As she left, however, she decided that she wouldn¡¯t hurry and allowed herself to wander. Beside the residential area stood a white building, equipped with an infirmary, offices and a rear-service room. Was Spencer working here? Fiona raised her eyebrows and walked toward the building. Through the window, Fiona saw an empty room, with a huge mirror on one wall and a piano by the corner. She pushed the door open and approached the piano. Ayer of dust left the piano gray, as some patches had turned yellow. It clearly hadn¡¯t been used for a long time. Before she became aware of what she was doing, she had opened the piano and pressed a key. As Spencer was walking back to his office, he saw a group of onlookers flocking around the first floor of the building. They leaned against the window quietly, as if intoxicated in some dream. "You guys..." Before he could ask, he heard the melodying from the room. Who was ying the piano? Fiona? "Get out of the way!" He barreled his way to the front of the door. His stern expression slowly turned gentle. Sitting in front of the old piano was Fiona, whose slender fingers flowed so naturally along the ck and white keys as the sound reverberated softy on the deck. The sunlight shone on her face through the window frame, forming a gentle shadow on her soft, delicate features. Hershes flickered ever so slightly as she closed her eyes to feel the soft, wonderful melody. Spencer didn¡¯t know what she was ying, but he waspletely mesmerized. ''This is the second time today. The second time I felt warmth because of her,'' he thought. As soon as Fiona finished ying, she smiled in satisfaction. The piano, no matter how old, still produced the most beautiful sounds. "Bravo!" Someone outside the window shouted, followed by a round of apuse. Fiona gasped and turned around, finding herself in front of a crowd outside the window pping loudly. "Fiona, you yed so well!" "One more, please!" "Yes, y once more!" Fiona blushed. "I didn¡¯t know you guys were here. I..." "Why aren¡¯t you all training?" Spencer bellowed. "If you all have time to listen to the piano, you have time to focus on training!" "We have free time!" someone in the crowd muttered. "Yes!" "Exactly!" "Who said that?" Spencer shouted. His eyes darted over the crowd like an eagle''s. "If any of you can defeat me, they will be given a day off, and will be listening to her ying the piano." Everyone went quiet as the air suddenly became thick. Fiona pursed her lips, feeling as she had been broken a rule somehow. "Fiona," Spencer called out. "Come with me." "Okay." Fiona followed him out. Chapter 8 Kristen Is Here Chapter 8 Kristen Is Here "From now on, you will stay with me all the time," Spencermanded as he strode in front of her. "Don''t just hang around like that. Look at those silly guys. They are all captivated by you." "Just send me back." ring at Spencer''s broad back, Fiona trotted to catch up with him almost out of breath. He stopped suddenly, causing her to stumble and almost crash into him. "Hah! You wish! I know you don''t like to stay with me, but I want you to stay so that I can torture you," he answered. "What?" Fiona fumed. ''Spencer, you are torturing yourself as well!'' she thought to herself. He took Fiona to the open-airbat field. Dust was rising from the ground and two people crashed into each other viciously. Daniel Li ran up to him, saluted and said, "Spencer, we haven''t fought for a long time. Do you want to fight me? I''ve heard that if I can defeat you, I will get the opportunity to listen to Fiona ying the piano." Fiona raised her eyes and looked at Daniel. He was a big, dark guy, half a head taller than Spencer, and he looked earnest and stout. "Who told you that?" Spencer demanded, ncing at the battle ring. "Spencer, please!" Daniel pleaded. Eric came over andughed. "Spencer, Daniel worked harder after thest time when he lost to you. He won''t give up until you give him a chance to redeem himself." Thatrge man had lost to Spencer? Fiona was shocked. She couldn''t believe it. When Spencer turned and met Fiona''s gaze, he felt like he had been insulted. Was he being looked down upon by a girl? She didn''t seem to believe that he could beat Daniel! "Okay!" he said finally. "Keep your eyes open. I''ll let you see how capable I am." "Oh God. You are a really violent guy!" Fiona snorted in disdain. He didn''t bother to respond to her usation; instead he just took off his coat and threw it towards Eric. Now he was only wearing a fitted ck vest leaving his strong back and angr arms exposed to the elements. He had a nice, athletic body. That was all she could say about him. He was certainly not her type though. She liked men who wore white shirts and smiled brightly. N?velDrama.Org owns this. When the people at the base heard that Spencer was going to fight again, the news spread fast. Soon, the training ground was full of people, who were watching in rapt attention. Spencer and Daniel stood in the open space in the middle of the battle ring a few meters away. Fiona was standing right in the middle of the crowd. Daniel roared and charged towards Spencer with his fist raised. But Spencer dodged him and waved his fist. In a sh, the two figures were intertwined, punching and kicking each other. Their movements were smooth and efficient. "Nice! Good one!" The crowd around them cheered and apuded excitedly. Spencer was as flexible and strong as a tiger. Every time Daniel was about to attack, he dodged it swiftly. Daniel missed each time. Fiona, who was watching the fight keenly, now had more respect for Spencer. It looked like he had some good skills, apart from bullying girls. Daniel tried to kick but failed. He mocked, "Aren''t you feeling embarrassed to hide from me like this? Come on! Attack me! Otherwise, you''ll lose." "You must be kidding me!" Spencer reached out his hand and struck a deadly blow to his opponent. Daniel hurriedly dodged and quickly leaned to one side. Then he raised his right elbow with lightning speed and tried to hit Spencer''s back. "Oh no!" Fiona cried out unconsciously. Hearing her voice, Spencer turned to look at her and said, "Look, Fiona!" Fiona was shocked. How could he still talk when he was in such a dangerous position? Wouldn''t he make a fool of himself? Everyone held their breath and stared at Spencer. When Daniel''s elbow was about to fall, Spencer suddenly moved behind Daniel, stooped down and gave him a sweep leg. Daniel fell to the ground amid a cloud of dust. "Superb!" "Woohoo! Spencer won again!" The crowd burst into a hearty apuse. Just as the corners of Fiona''s mouth were about to turn up, she noticed Spencer looking at her expectantly with raised eyebrows. Her eyes met his and the smile disappeared immediately. ''Such a show off!'' she thought derisively. "Spencer," Daniel shouted as he jumped up from the ground. Ignoring the dust and dirt on his body, he moved close to Spencer. "You were so fast right now. How did you get behind me?" "Just turned around." Spencer patted the dust on his body. "But you turned around much faster than I did!" Daniel was burning with envy. "Let''s have another bout next time!" "Let''s talk about thatter. Now, proceed with your men training!" "Yes, sir!" Daniel straightened his back and saluted him. The crowd dispersed in an orderly manner and started going back to their assigned ces for training. Fiona remaining standing where she was and Spencer marched over to her. The corners of his mouth rose slightly and his breath was uneven as he approached her. She could smell the mixture of soap and sweat on him. "So how is it going?" Spencer asked behaving as though Fiona had just witnessed an amazing spectacle. "Not bad," Fiona replied coolly concealing her true emotions. "Hah! Women always say yes and mean no." Spencer was not angry perhaps because he just won. "Let''s go, I''ll take you to somewhere else." "Can I go back to get my sketchpad?" Fiona requested. She could even do sketches in case she encountered some wonderful scenery on the way. "Oh, is your sketchpad made of gold? Do you have to carry it with you no matter where you go?" Spencer said as he snorted disdainfully. "Painting tools are necessary for artists, just like weapons are necessary for soldiers like you. Will you take your weapon with you wherever you go?" Fiona countered. Staring at her for a moment, he responded, "I hate talking to you." "That''s because what I say makes sense and you can''t deny it." "Argh! You are even more annoying now." Fiona was speechless now. However, Spencer asked Johnson to fetch it for her. Fiona felt reassured once she had the sketchpad. Bang! Bang! Bang! The sound of the shooting in the training field was deafening. "Wait here. I need to go and have a look." Spencer walked to the training ground and saw a young man who had missed the target. He kicked the clumsy man twice. Fiona shook her head in disgust. No one could escape this guy''s temper. When Spencer arrived at the training ground, he lost track of the time. The neers stood there obediently as he scolded them. Then he turned around and walked back angrily. As soon as he turned around, he spotted Fiona. It appeared as though he was aware of the fact that she was watching him the whole time. She was sitting on the bench outside the yard and sketching. Her gaze was stuck on something far away, and she tucked a few loose strands of her hair behind her ears. Her every movement, every look, and every action were so gentle. Looking at her, he felt that the girl in front of him was the same as the one in his memory. "Please sit down, Spencer! I want to draw a portrait of you!" "Okay!" "Great. Now don''t move, understand?" "Okay." "Your eyes... Spencer, it''s really difficult to draw your eyes!" "That might be because you are the only one in my eyes." "Spencer? Spencer!" "Yes, what is it?" Hearing someone his name, Spencer was jolted back to the present. He turned around and saw the puzzled expression on Johnson''s face. He frowned and asked, "What''s up?" Johnson saluted him again and announced, "Kristen is here." "Why has shee here again?" Spencer''s expression darkened. "Er, well..." Scratching his head, Johnson looked at Fiona who was concentrating on her painting before saying, "Kristen heard that Fiona was here, so she insisted oning over to have a look." Spencer cast a nce in Fiona''s direction. Suddenly, a smile formed on his lips as he said, "Let''s go! Take me to see her." Chapter 9 An Unexpected Guest Chapter 9 An Unexpected Guest Fiona was drawing the cliff across the training ground. She looked down at the sketchpad and suddenly felt a ck shadow blocking the sunshine. She guessed who it was even without looking. "Fiona, you aren''t even looking at me!" Spencer spat. "I''m drawing!" she replied shortly. She wiped the spot that she was unsatisfied with and continued drawing. She still didn''t look up at Spencer. She got the feeling that he was making a mountain out of a molehill. "Well stop drawing. A guest has arrived at the base. Come with me." As he spoke, he took the opportunity to quickly peep into her painting. Finally, Fiona raised her head. From this point of view, she felt that Spencer looked unusually beautiful. His angr chin, long neck, and slightly protruding Adam''s apple gave him a dreamy appearance. "Ahem!" Embarrassed at herself for ogling at him, Fiona turned her face away pretending to cough. "I''m also a guest!" "What kind of a guest are you?" Spencer grabbed her hand and pulled her away. "Oh, no! My sketchpad! Stop!" Fiona struggled. "Stop it! Don''t grab me!" "Johnson! Hold those things for her!" Spencer ordered. "Yes, sir!" Johnson immediately picked up her stuff and followed them. "Let me go!" Fiona''s tiny hand was captured by Spencer''s big one. She was ufortable with such intimate contact. "Let go of me, I can walk by myself!" "Why? This could be a date. Don''t you need to hold my hand if we''re on a date?" Spencer clutched her hand even tighter. It felt good to hold her delicate cold hand! "Bah! Who wants to date you? Just let go of me now!" Fiona wriggled, desperately trying to get out of his grip. She had always been soft, but now she couldn''t help but howl. Spencer stopped abruptly and released her hand. "Phew!" Fiona breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her swollen hand ring at him. Damn, he was too powerful! But before she couldpletely rx, her body suddenly became lighter, and her feet were off the ground. In an instant, the sky and the earth were spinning, and she could smell Spencer''s musky scent. ''He is truly crazy!'' Johnson, who was standing behind them, was astonished. How could Spencer actually carry Fiona on his shoulder! "Wow! You look small, but you are a little heavy," Spencer grunted and smile wickedly. Fiona came to and wobbled on Spencer''s shoulder. She frantically twisted her arms and legs. "Put me down this instant! Spencer! Now!" "It''ll only take a few steps to get there. Don''t worry, I''m not tired." He was determined to not let her go. ''I can fix you!'' he thought. As he crossed the shooting field, the yground and the fight field, the image of Spencer carrying Fiona on his shoulder was seared into everyone''s mind. With her head hanging in the air, Fiona felt like the blood was going to cause her brain to burst. Unaffected by the stares he was receiving and Fiona''s constant wriggling, Spencer continued striding along and soon arrived at the white building. When Kristen Qu saw the tall figure approaching not far away, the light in her eyes faded a little before she could smile. "Spencer! Come on, put me down!" Fiona cried desperately. "All right, all right. I''ll let you go! You so annoying!" Spencer wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her down from his shoulder and set her down. When her feet touched the ground, Fiona shook her head. Her face was red either due to the insufficient oxygen supply or perhaps humiliation. When she regainedposure, she noticed several women standing not far away from her. ''Are these Spencer''s guests?'' she wondered. The leader was a woman in uniform with two bars and three stars on her shoulder, which indicated that she was a colonel. Fiona secretly measured her. She was tall with ordinary features. Her uniform couldn''t hide her excellent figure. Her neat crew cut made her look heroic and cool. "Spencer!" Kristen called out. "Come, let''s go meet her." Spencer grabbed Fiona''s hand and shoved her in front of Kristen. "How "I just came here to have a look." Kristen unconsciously eyed Fiona. Sensing the slight hostility in Kristen''s eyes, Fiona greeted her and ignored the ill-feelings. "Hi." "This is...?" Kristen saluted and asked Spencer. "Didn''t youe here because you knew that Fiona was here?" Spencer asked as a sly smile appeared on his face. "Spencer, you...!" Fury was written all over Kristen''s face. She was taken aback at being caught. It suddenly dawned on Fiona. She stared at her hand, which was still in Spencer''s, wanting to bore a hole into it with her gaze. ''Is he using me as an excuse?'' she spected. "Let me introduce her to you, Fiona." He gestured towards her with his chin and said, "This is Kristen Qu." "Hi, Kristen." Fiona nodded. "And this is Fiona Ji, she is my..." With a frown, he turned to look at her emotionally and asked, "What are you to me, Fiona? My date? My girlfriend? Or... my fiancee?" "Fiancee?" Kristen turned pale. "Yes!" Spencer put his arm around Fiona''s shoulder, pulling her closer. ''Oh dear! He is going to crush my shoulder!'' she cried inwardly. "Yes, I''m going to get married to Spencer," Fiona replied casually, enduring the pain. Kristen clenched her teeth and stared at him in disbelief. "Why are getting married all of a sudden? Howe I didn''t hear anything about it?" "Well, why should I tell you that I am going to get married?" Spencer asked as he deliberately caressed Fiona''s hair. Actually he wanted to touch her face right now. It was indeed soft and gentle. "But I like you..." Before Kristen could finish her sentence, Spencer interrupted her. He was looking at her coldly. "If there''s nothing else, you can leave now." "I..." Kristen stammered. She was talking to Spencer but she stared at Fiona as she yelled, "No! The military exercise ising up. I''m going topete with you!" "What''s thepetition?" "Shooting!" Fiona wasn''t interested in their sillypetition. But unfortunately, someone wouldn''t let her go. She had just been carried here from the shooting range, and now she had to go back again. How boring! "Can you let me go first?" she asked as Spencer dragged her and walked in the front. Fiona could feel Kristen staring daggers at her. "I''m in a bad ce," said Spencer, raising his eyebrows. "Fiona, please cooperate with me right now." Fiona sighed, "Fine. Just this one time. I want to thank you for buying me a cellphone." She could feel the warmth emanating from his hand. She felt that the heat from his body might singe her. One couldn''t me her. It was her closest encounter with a man in the past 18 years. Meanwhile, at the shooting range, Johnson asked someone to clear the space, while Spencer answered a phone call. Now Kristen and Fiona were standing alone side by side. If it weren''t for the fact that Spencer looked very serious when he answered the phone, Fiona would have suspected that he was deliberately hiding from this woman. "May I know what business you''re in, Fiona?" Kristen suddenly asked curtly.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Stunned, Fiona responded, "I''m just a student." "A student?" Kristen raised her voice and snorted. "You''re just a student! How dare you dream to marry him! Do you really think you deserve a man like Spencer?" Spencer was on the phone but he heard Kristen''s words from a few steps away. He stopped talking, curious to hear how Fiona would respond. Lowering her head, Fiona smiled sardonically and asked, "What do you like about him?" Kristen was stumped now. "You...!" "Do you like him because he is handsome, talented and holds a position of power? Is that so?" Fiona asked. "Yes!" Kristen replied straightforwardly. "He is young and promising! You are a student and you don''t certainly deserve him. Anyone who hopes to stand by him must be as outstanding as him." "So you think you are the one who can stand beside him?" Fiona asked arching her eyebrows. "Even if I''m not the one, you are not the one either!" Kristen warned. "If you''re smart, you''ll get away from him." ''Wow! What a brave woman!'' she thought. "Why don''t you say something? Are you scared?" Kristen asked with augh. "Or do you want to wait for Spencer toe back and snitch on me?" "Kristen, you are so young. Why are you wasting your time on him?" Fiona asked seriously. ''What the hell! What does she mean by that? Is it a waste of time to love me?'' Spencer thought. "What do you mean?" Kristen asked angrily. Fiona shook her head. Since Spencer had not returned yet, she didn''t need to be polite. She continued, "Kristen, you just said that the person who was to marry Spencer should be as outstanding as him. If he was choosing a colleague, I would agree with you. However, what he is looking for is a life partner, someone with whom he will spend his entire life with." Spencer was listening to Fiona in rapt attention, patiently waiting to hear what she was going to say. "All he needs is a warm family. A person who will worry about him when he is on a mission, cook for him when hees home, and support him and take care of him." Something tugged at his chest. He couldn''t help thinking about what Fiona just said. "Kristen, do you understand what I''m saying?" As soon as Fiona finished her words, she looked at Kristen. Kristen said weakly, "That is just wishful thinking on your part." "Well, I''m his fiancee, and my thoughts are his thoughts." Fiona dropped another bomb. "Oh, and by the way, our marriage was decided by his grandpa in person. His father, too, readily agreed. Nobody will stop me from getting married to Spencer, and what''s more, even if I tried to break it off, nobody will let me." "You..." With hurt and humiliation bubbling up inside her, Kristen cursed. She yelled like a crazed woman, "What do you mean? Are you threatening me?" "Kristen, rx. What are you shouting for?" Spencer finally made up her mind and walked out. Both of the two women turned back to stare at him. "I will go to the training ground now!" Kristen stomped her feet and stormed towards the training ground. "I can finally see the benefits of having the gift of the gab." He walked towards Fiona leisurely. "You heard everything?" She was a little surprised. "Yes," he said with a nod. "Well, I''m sorry you had to hear my nonsense." She pressed her lips. "Nonsense?" he repeated, raising his eyebrows. "In fact, I think you and Kristen make a good match. I was just talking nonsense back there." Chapter 10 A Gunshot Chapter 10 A Gunshot Looking at Kristen''s receding figure, Fiona said, "I also think that you should find someone who is a good match for you. The marriage arranged by our parents is a burden on both of us." "A burden? You mean to say you don''t deserve me?" The triumphant smile on Spencer''s face faded a little when he heard what Fiona said. Without knowing why, Fiona nodded and replied, "You''re right. I don''t deserve you. You deserve someone better." Squinting his eyes dangerously, Spencer took a step forward as Fiona raised her head and looked at him. She saw the storm in his eyes and found herself trapped firmly. "It''s good that you''re aware of this. I''m going to marry you just for Grandpa''s sake. Don''t ever expect me to fall in love with you." He stalked past Fiona and bumped into her shoulder as he went. There was a lot of tension in the air. Fiona scowled and turned around. She found that Spencer was walking farther and farther away from Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! her. On the training field, Kristen was testing her weapon. Spencer marched over, stood beside her and shouted to the coach, "Give me the best weapon!" The coach was taken aback, but handed the weapon to him. ''What the hell does Spencer want to do?'' he thought. Spencer looked stern as if he wanted to freeze the entire training ground with his icy aura. Suddenly, soft footsteps approached behind him. A hint of coldness shed in Spencer''s eyes. He held up his weapon and immediately turned around, pointing it at the spot between Fiona''s eyebrows. She stopped short and her back went stiff. ''Does he want to kill me?'' "Spencer! What are you doing?" the coach cried out. "Just shut up!" Spencer demanded in a dangerous tone. Everyone around him, including Kristen, held their breath and kept mum. They couldn''t understand why he was suddenly brandishing a weapon at Fiona with that awful look on his face. Spencer waved his hand gently and stared at her. "Fiona, apologize!" he said coldly. "W-what?" Fiona couldn''t help but stutter. "Apologize to me, Fiona!" he repeated. Fiona opened her mouth. She felt like her heart was about to jump out of her throat, but she forced herself to be calm. "Did I say something wrong? If so, I apologize. I''m sorry." She ought to be more sensible in the face of a life-and-death situation. Her voice was so meek that even Spencer couldn''t help but feel sorry for her. "The marriage arranged by our parents is a burden on both of us." "You''re right. I don''t deserve you. You deserve someone better." Fiona''s words echoed in his mind. Suddenly, he realized that he was angry about this. He did not move for a while. After a long time, he squeezed the trigger just a bit, and his arm slowly dropped. Just as everyone felt relieved, Spencer suddenly raised his hand again and looked at Fiona. Swoosh! The sound of the gunshot echoed in the air! "Spencer! No!" Screams of horror fell in Fiona''s ears. Her brain went nk. She had no time to think, let alone react! She felt something slipping past her right ear; it almost hit her head. Suddenly, something smacked onto the ground behind her. She turned around and saw a sparrow at her feet. It was dead. There was a hole in the bird''s head. He was warning her. ''So if I annoy him, will he kill me too?'' Fiona thought to herself. He suddenly spun around and started shooting at the moving target several hundred meters away. It was in to see that he was venting his anger. "Put it away!" After shooting the target, he tossed the weapon to the coach. Then he said to Johnson, who was standing next to him, "Send Kristen away after a while." "Yes, sir!" Johnson said and saluted him politely. Fiona stood still as she watched Spencer walking towards her. She was about to say something, but he passed her by and continued walking straight ahead as if he hadn''t seen her. Meanwhile on the training ground, Kristen took great pleasure in Fiona''s misfortune, but she too felt terrible when Spencer got angry. So she didn''t say anything. She turned around and asked the coach, "What were Spencer''s results?" "His bullet hit the bull''s-eye." ''What?'' Fiona was shell-shocked. She was finally regretting agreeing to Wayne''s request. In the base, night fell. Spencer walked alone towards the canteen. It was time for dinner. There was a separate kitchen in the white building, but he didn''t want special privileges. Unless there were guests at the base, he would always dine with everyone else. He had been reflecting on his behavior the whole afternoon. No one had dared to disobey him like this before. It must be because of the enmity between Fiona and him that he wanted her to suffer. That must be it! The canteen was noisy. Everyone was discussing Spencer and Fiona after today''s fiasco. As soon as they saw him walking in, everyone immediately went silent. Spencer didn''t bother to say anything. He just served himself the food and started eating by himself. "Why didn''t you bring Fiona with you?" Eric asked fearlessly. "It''s none of your business," Spencer snapped without raising his head. Eric shrugged and asked, "So shall I take her dinner to her ce?" "How dare you!" Spencer was livid at Eric''s suggestion. He immediately raised his head and stared at him fiercely. "Doesn''t she have hands or feet? You don''t have to take food for her. Just eat your own food!" "All right, Spencer!" Eric saluted and sat next to him. Spencer ate very slowly through the dinner and he raised his head at the sight of anybody entering the canteen. But s, none of people who entered was Fiona. She didn''t show up for dinner at all. After dinner, he took a detour, which took him past the building where she was living. He observed that the light in Fiona''s room had been turned off. Anger rose in his heart all of a sudden. He waved his hand and continued strolling. ''To hell with you, Fiona! I won''t care about you anymore.'' The next morning, no birds were singing, no blue sky or sparkling water. All you could hear was the sound of training. Spencer was ring at everyone like a hawk. If someone displeased him, he would yell, "Run with weights, 50 kilometers!" "What''s wrong with Spencer today? He''s in foul mood." Everyone gathered and whispered to each other. "Fiona must have made him suffer a lot!" Daniel remarked confidently. "Is it because Spencer wanted to sleep with her, but was kicked out? It seems like he''s taking out his anger on all of us." "It''s very possible!" Ericmented with a mischievous smile. "Ha-ha!" They all snickered secretly. Spencer turned around and narrowed his eyes. "What are you morons "Well, nothing!" Everyone exchanged nces with each other and scattered like frightened birds. Soon they had escaped from Spencer. Spencer was enraged. The morning exercise was done and Fiona was still nowhere to be seen. Anger had been boiling within him the entire night so he stomped towards her ce. Fiona was in deep sleep when there was a loud bang outside her bedroom. It sounded like someone had kicked the door in. "Fiona? Fiona! Come out right now!" Spencer marched towards the bedroom and called out her name once more. Fiona quickly scrambled up on her bed using her hands to support her body. Before she could say anything, Spencer kicked the bedroom door open. He stood at the door and stared at her like Satan. "What''s wrong? What happened?" Fiona was terror-stricken. "What is the time right now? Are you still sleeping?" Taking a step inside, he squinted intimidatingly at Fiona and barked, "Get up and follow me!" "What? Where are we going?" Fiona frowned. "I...I''m not feeling well. Can''t you wait for a moment?" "Not feeling well? Oh?" The expression on Spencer''s face softened a bit. He noticed her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes. "What''s wrong with you?" "I..." Fiona''s face turned red. "It''s nothing. I just have a stomach ache." "Stomach ache?" he repeated. "There''s an doctor at the base. Let''s go and see him." "No, thanks!" Fiona waved off his offer. "I''m fine..." "What''s the matter? Why are you hesitating?" Suddenly, Spencer stepped forward and grabbed her arm to pull her out of bed. "Oh my God! What are you doing?" Totally unprepared for this move, Fiona almost tumbled into his arms. The moment she stood up, she felt a rush of heat from her lower abdomen. ''Oh, I''m so screwed.'' Spencer was about to curse when he saw a small bloodstain on the bed sheet. Realizing what was happening, he asked, "Do you have your period?" Fiona was mortified and her face turned red. She stared at Spencer astounded and asked, "How did you know?" He pointed in the direction of the bed. Fiona''s eyes widened in surprise as she realized what had happened. She turned around and rushed to the bed to cover the bloodstain with her quilt hastily. She spluttered, "Well, go out! I''lle right away!" Spencer didn''t say anything; instead he took off his coat and stepped forward to put it on her shoulders. Before Fiona could react, he gently lifted her up in his arms. "Oh no! What are you doing? Put me down!" she cried, hiding her face. "You also have some blood on your butt," Spencer remarked calmly. Chapter 11 Dont Smile At Others Chapter 11 Don''t Smile At Others "You have blood on your butt," Spencer said calmly. "What?" Fiona was flustered. She grabbed Spencer''s coat and used it to cover her butt. Looking at her pale face, Spencer forgot all his intent of teaching Fiona a lesson. Caught in his arms, Fiona grabbed his cor and shouted, "Put me down! I can walk by myself!" "Why are you so stubborn?" Spencer nced at the woman he was carrying. "I know it''s troublesome when women have their period." "I''m not being stubborn. Do you even know how improper it is for a man to touch a woman like this? Put me down! I can walk!" "Don''t move!" Spencer held her tighter to keep her from struggling. "Where are we going?" Fiona asked anxiously. "The infirmary." "I don''t need to go to the infirmary. I swear, I don''t!" Fiona pleaded, with embarrassment and anger quelling inside her. "I''m begging you, please put me down. If you continue carrying me like this..." A surge of dizziness overpowered her before she could finish her words. She struggled to continue her thoughts. "Then what?" Spencer didn''t care about her threats. He had already walked downstairs while carrying her. "We''re going to get married soon. It''s normal for us to be intimate. You have to get used to it." "Why should I get used to it?" Spencer''s body made Fiona feel warm all over. She quickly turned away from his face. "Our marriage is fake. You''ll live your own life while I''ll keep to my studies. We will not interfere with each other." "Well, it''s you who want to live with me. I don''t even want to give you the chance. I''m not interested in you. Plenty of other women are fit for these arms. It''s just the circumstances that require me holding you," Spencer said. "Then put me down! You''re holding me too tight. I can''t move." "That''s exactly what I''m going for." A smile appeared on Spencer''s face. "You..." There was nothing Fiona could do but furrow her brows and remain silent as Spencer carried her to the infirmary. "What''s wrong? Do you feel pain?" Spencer asked. "Yes," Fiona answered reluctantly. "So you didn''t go to the canteen to have dinnerst night?" "How do you know that?" "I guessed," Spencer said without looking at her. He kept his gaze ahead. "Why didn''t you call me?" "Why should I call you?" Fiona asked. "You..." Spencer stopped in his tracks and nced at Fiona. "Grandpa asked me to take care of you." "I can take care of myself," Fiona said as she lowered her eyes. She didn''t know how she could possibly live with a temperamental man like him. Spencer held his breath and continued, "Don''t think that I have no idea what you''re thinking about. Don''t do anything that will make me angry in the future." Fiona''s eyes widened in disbelief. "How could I possibly piss you off?" "If you don''t piss me off, would I have treated you that way on the training ground yesterday?" Spencer responded in a stiff tone. Fiona still felt a little scared after what happened yesterday. She whispered, "I don''t know how I irritated you. Did I say anything improper to Kristen?" "Do you think so?" "No." Fiona shook her head and pulled herself closer to him. "Can you put me down?" "No." Fiona sighed and said, "Can you stop treating me like this, Spencer? If I do something wrong, tell me and I''ll change." "Just keep being obedient and I won''t be angry." "Spencer!" "Spencer!" As the two walked along, they met several people who stopped and saluted Spencer. "Hmm." He clung tighter to Fiona and kept on walking. The people who saw them could barely hide the smiles on their faces, which made Fiona''s face turn red in embarrassment. She closed her eyes and pretended to have passed out. ''I will nevere back here again,'' she thought. It was then that Spencer lowered his head and saw that Fiona''s eyes were closed. Some strands of hair were gently resting on her face and her longshes were slightly fluttering. There was a flush on her face that made her cheeks look rosy. He thought that she looked very beautiful. It felt nice to see her obediently lying in his arms and surrendering to his control. Fiona had a glimpse of how strong the arms that carried her were as Spencer brought her all the way to the white building. His breath kept steady and they were able to reach the infirmary in a short matter of time. "Oh, what brings you here, Fiona?" There was only a male doctor in his forties in the infirmary. Seeing Spencer walk in carrying Fiona, he quickly stood up. "Is her foot injured?" "You know me?" Fiona asked, confused. The doctor chuckled and said, "I only heard of you but didn''t know how you looked like. People who came in today were talking about you and you''re finally here." "Enough with the chatter, Jim. What''s wrong with her?" Spencer blurted out, interrupting the doctor. "Well, well. How are you feeling, Fiona? Do you feel sick?" Jim approached her. Spencer carefully ced her on the hospital bed and said, "Tell him." "I... I''m fine." Fiona blushed and sat on the bed. "I just need to drink warm water." "Yes?" The doctor turned to Spencer. "She got her period and she''s in terrible pain!" Spencer shouted angrily. Fiona raised a hand to her brows to hide her flushed face. Spencer was a fool! "Well, there''s nothing I can do about that." The doctor shook his head. "Just rest and drink some warm water." "What are you saying?" Spencer gave the doctor an incredulous look. "You''re a doctor, aren''t you? You should find a way to make her feel better, or I''ll have my men make a target out of you for practice shooting." "Please forgive me, Spencer!" The doctor sat beside Fiona with a frown on his face. "When did it start hurting?" "Last night." "Have you ever felt this way during your past cycles?" Fiona shook her head and said, "I just felt a bit of pain, but I feel much better now." Spencer didn''t say a word as he stood beside the bed. ''Did I frighten her too much yesterday?'' he wondered. "Maybe it''s because you''re not used to the climate here. Have more rest, eat on time, and don''t run around." With that, the doctor turned to Spencer. "There''s really no cure for that, Spencer. I just told her everything I know." "Then what''s the point of keeping you here?" Spencer glowered at the doctor as he picked up Fiona and carried her out of the room. "Spencer!" Fiona cried. "Put me down! My leg isn''t broken. I can walk by myself!" "Fuck! Don''t you even realize that a lot of women would dly trade ces with you to be carried like this in my arms? You''re so ungrateful." Spencer snorted. "Then, carry them. I don''t need your kindness." Fiona tried to push him away, but her touch felt powerless against the firm muscles on his chest. Spencer wouldn''t budge. "Don''t struggle for no reason." With a triumphant smile, Spencer brought Fiona to his apartment on the second floor of the white building. Fiona was stunned to see Spencer''s two-bedroom apartment. The ce was not like anything she had imagined. It looked more like a proper condominium unit than a dormitory room. Keeping true to Spencer''s style, it was furnished well,plete with a bar counter. "Is this your home?" Fiona muttered. There was sadness in Spencer''s eyes as he put Fiona on the bed of the guest bedroom. "Yes, this is my home," he replied. "You can clean up first. There are clothes in the wardrobe you can use." Once Spencer had left the room, Fiona leapt out of bed and pulled down her trousers to have a look at the stain. What should she do? Should she leave Spencer''s ce? She desperately needed sanitary napkins! As she struggled with these thoughts, Spencer knocked on her door and it swung open. Seeing the distressed look on her face, he smiled and threw something in her direction. "Catch!" "What is this?" Fiona caught the bag and looked inside. There were sanitary napkins! "What? How did you get them?" Fiona''s eyes widened. The blush on her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment. "We use them." "Huh?" Fiona''s eyes almost popped out. She looked at him like he was a pervert. It was the first time that he had seen such an expression on Fiona''s face. He stepped closer to her, raised his eyebrows, and said, "Yes, they''re very useful. We put them in our shoes and hats to soak up the moisture." Fiona nodded in understanding, but she couldn''t help but imagine Spencer putting a huge piece of sanitary napkin in his hat. She burst intoughter. The corners of her mouth pulled into a soft smile and her face flushed with spirit. She looked more beautiful with a smile on. Spencer held his breath when he saw the happy grin on Fiona''s face. The smile blossomed like a flower in his heart. He narrowed his eyes and warned, "Fiona, don''t smile at others, okay?" "Why not?" The smile quickly faded on Fiona''s face. In the blink of an eye, she waspletely expressionless again. He answered coldly, "Because it''s ugly. Stay here today while I work in the next room." Spencer mmed the door shut as he left. Fiona collected herself. She hadughed with all her heart. As he was about to leave, it urred to Spencer that it was almost time for lunch. He turned to Johnson and said, "Go and ask the chef to make some iron-rich dishes for Fiona." "Yes, sir!" Johnson immediately went downstairs after hearing his order. Restless, Spencer went to Fiona''s room. Opening the door, he saw her lying in the bed, sound asleep. Her ck hair wasid out on her pillow. Her breath was steady, and she looked very serene and beautiful.N?velDrama.Org owns this. Lost in thought, Spencer kept himself from entering the room. ''If my mother hadn''t died, you''d have been like a sister to me. What should I do now, Fiona? You''ve changed a lot since you were a kid.'' Chapter 12 A Special Gift Chapter 12 A Special Gift Spencer stood at the door for some time. He grew nervous in an instant as Fiona moved a little in her sleep. ''Fiona, I was the same age as you when my mother died. The happy life I''d dreamed of at eighteen was quickly destroyed. Do you have any idea how much I hate you? I don''t know who else to hate.'' Suddenly, the phone rang in the living room. With a frown, Spencer regained hisposure and went to answer it "Hello? Okay, I get it. I''ll be right there." The noise interrupted Fiona''s slumber. Hoping to figure out what was going on, she slowly got out of bed and tiptoed her way to the open door. She got there just in time to catch Spencer on his way out in a hurry. "Where are you going?" Fiona blurted out. He stopped, turned around, and said, "There''s an emergency I have to deal with." "Are you leaving?" Fiona frowned. This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. "Yes." When Spencer went to open the door, she stopped him. "What about me?" she asked, a little anxious. Spencer stared at her for a few seconds and said, "You can stay here. I''ll be back before the weekend and take you to the city." Fiona nodded, "Okay, be careful." He cleared his throat and said, "Hmm." With that, he finally opened the door and walked out. Fiona found her way to the balcony. Looking down, she could see Spencer striding forward with Johnson by his side, a serious look on his face. He then took out his mobile phone purposefully. Sure enough, the man looked devastatingly handsome. She pursed her lips as a thought suddenly urred to her. Perhaps she could design a ne for men. It would be the perfect entry for the ZR Company''s jewelry designpetition! With that in mind, Fiona rushed downstairs. As soon as she was out of the building, she caught sight of Johnson. "Hi, Johnson!" Fiona called out. "Hi, Fiona! Why are you out here?" he asked, smiling "Oh, I''m going back to my room." She gave him a faint smile. "Has Spencer left?" "He just left," he said and scratched his head. "Fiona, Spencer said that while he is away, you''re to stay in his ce. We will be moving your things here soon. You won''t have to move back." "I''m staying here?" Fiona asked in surprise. "Yes. You''ll be staying in Spencer''s house and that your meals are to be brought to you. If there''s nothing else, you shouldn''t go out. Otherwise..." Speaking of this, Johnson suddenly stopped and smiled dryly at Fiona. "Otherwise what?" Fiona was confused. "Nothing! Spencer asked me to keep you safe," he said hurriedly. ''Did he really say that?'' Fiona thought with a frown. She hadn''t expected him to say something that sweet. Johnson was relieved when Fiona didn''t ask him any further questions. Because what Spencer had really said was, "Look after her. Tell her not to go out unless it''s necessary. Also, don''t let her seduce people like you!" Once she was back to the second floor, they started bringing up the dishes from the canteen, filling the table. There were many dishes on the table, all of which were to help revitalize the blood. "Why are there so many dishes?" She was a little taken aback by the sheer number. "We''d originally nned this meal for both you and Spencer. But since he has something to do, he left without eating his share. Fiona, please make sure to eat these dishes. They are good for your health," the chef responded absent-mindedly. "Did Spencer ask you to do cook these dishes?" Fiona wondered. "Yes." "Why don''t you invite others to dine with me? It will be a waste considering I can''t eat them all," Fiona pointed out. "That''s not possible!" He shook his head. "Spencer doesn''t like othersing here. Please enjoy yourself, Fiona." After saying that, the man ran away as if being chased. "s..." With a resigned expression, she sat down at the table and began to eat alone. Looking at the dishes on the table gave her pause. Did Spencer tell the cook to cook all these dishes? Why would he do that? The man was making her more and more confused as the days went by. Sometimes it felt like he wanted to kill her; other times, it felt like he cared about her. ''What are we supposed to do now, Spencer? How am I supposed to face you in the future?'' It was very quiet in the house. The night was as cold as the water, with the stars sparkling in the sky. Sitting in front of the window, Fiona held the sketchpad and came up with her design. In the past, she drew things from her own imagination and her knowledge of jewelry design. Would it be good enough for thepetition? At first, she couldn''t put brush to paper. After some room to breathe, she gave it another try. "Phew!" Taking a deep breath, she started her project. For three consecutive days, Fiona did nothing but draw inside the house. The dishes were frequently served on time, making it needless for her to leave the room. She sat leisurely in her room as the ne''s prototype began to take shape. She asionally found herself thinking of Spencer, wondering how he was doing. Early the next morning, Fiona turned over in her sleep, only to find her quilt damp. Was it raining? She rubbed her eyes, opened the curtains, and saw that it was indeed raining outside. The smell of the wet earth hitting the air, even through the ss barrier. She caught sight of men in groups running around the white building. It seemed that the rain didn''t put a stop to their training. Fiona frowned. She hated rainy days the most. Those days she could feel her the scars on her back ache. Of course, she was aware it was a psychological effect, but there was no stopping it. Grabbing a corner of the curtain with a sigh, she turned to close it. Only it wouldn''t budge. She tried harder, but this time the curtain came crashing down. Fiona looked up to find she''d broken the hook it had hung on. What should she do now? ''Rainy days are really not my days,'' she thought. The ringing cellphone interrupted her thoughts. She put down the curtain, walked over to it and picked it up. It was the first time she''d used the phone. "Hello? Who''s this?" "Me," a calm voice answered from the other end of the line. "Spencer?" Fiona asked with uncertainty. "It''s me. I''m on my way back. Are you still staying in my ce?" "Yes, I''m here." "Good." With that, Spencer hung up the phone. Fiona looked at it with a frown. ''Why did he call?'' she wondered. As soon as she put down her phone and turned around, she was frustrated to see the curtain on the floor. What if he med this on her when he came back? No way. She had to do something about it before he returned! After hanging up the phone, Spencer closed his eyes and rubbed his brow. "Spencer, where are we going?" "My ce." This time things had gotten a bit more troublesome. Spencer hadn''t slept for two days and felt exhausted. A whileter, they were back at the white building. "Here we are, Spencer." "Okay." Spencer nodded, opened his eyes, and then strode out of the car. Johnson hurried to hold an umbre for him. "It''s raining..." He looked up along the side of the umbre and inadvertently nced up to the second floor where Fiona was. As soon as he saw her, his eyes contracted. What was she doing? Why was she standing on the windowsill? His breath caught, and he started to bellow, "Fiona! What the hell are you doing?" He took off through the rain and rushed to the second floor. Once there, he stood in horror at the sight of Fiona. She was holding onto the curtain with one hand, while the other was holding onto the window frame. But that wasn''t what had him so horrified. She was standing on her tiptoes on the windowsill, trying to restore the curtain to its ce. He narrowed his eyes and shouted, "Fiona, do you want to die?" Fiona''s body stiffened. She hadn''t expected him to be back so soon. She was a little embarrassed to be caught in this position. She turned to him and said, "Oh hey, you''re back? Ahh!" She''d tried to turn but failed. Her body shook on the windowsill, making her lose her bnce. "Watch out!" Spencer quickly ran to the window and held her in his arms. As he brought her down to his chest, their lips identally touched. Fiona drew back from the contact, terrified of looking at the face in front of hers. Spencer swallowed hard trying to brush aside this idental kiss. But Fiona''s stiff posture told him she was having a more difficult time doing the same. "So is this your way of weing me back? A gift for my safe return?" His sudden smile slowly breaking the tension. Chapter 13 Ill Kiss You Chapter 13 I''ll Kiss You Fiona didn¡¯t know how she got out of his embrace, and if she¡¯d even blushed or struggled. She only knew that when she finallyposed herself, she stood by the basin in the bathroom, about to wash her hands. As she breathed in, Spencer¡¯s smell, a somehowforting mix of rain and smoke seemed to linger. Along with the unmistakable tension that filled the room was a sweet, if not subtle tenderness. And yet, it was horrible for a man and a woman to be alone together. Fiona resolved to note here next week. Fiona took a deep breath as she felt her face flush. As she walked silently out of the bathroom, she heard a contented sigh from the living room. She found Spencer in an unorthodox position. Hey down on the sofa, but was too tall that one of his legs dangled out and rested against the floor instead. Despite this, he slept soundly. He¡¯d fallen asleep in just a few minutes. He must be exhausted. Fiona quietly approached him and took notice of his slight frown and undisguised fatigue. She wondered if she should wake him up. N?velDrama.Org content. "What are you looking at? Do you think I¡¯m handsome?" As he spoke in a hoarse voice, Spencer opened his eyes. Fiona, startled, stepped back in surprise. "You weren¡¯t asleep?" "I was." He sat. "I woke up when I heard your footsteps." He always stayed alert. Fiona was a little embarrassed. She noted to herself that keeping any kind of secret from him in the future would be unwise. "Breakfast is served. Do you want to have some first?" she asked after a pause. "Yes." Spencer smiled at her. "Then have some breakfast, take a shower and go to bed. You¡¯ll feel morefortable." She stared back with confusion as she saw Spencer''s burning eyes boring into her. "What''s wrong?" "Don''t you think you''re a bit too chatty?" "I..." Fiona opened her mouth, but closed it again before saying anything. She turned around and walked to the table. "It''s time for breakfast." Spencer looked back at her as she did so, and put a hand in his pocket. ¡®Fiona, don''t you think you look like a wife who was waiting for her husband toe home?¡¯ he thought. "We¡¯ll go back downtown first thing tomorrow morning," he said in between eating. "Okay." Fiona nodded. "By the way, I don''t need toe here next week, right?" He stopped eating. "No, you don''t," he replied. ''Great!'' Fiona smiled. "Hide your smile a little, won¡¯t you?" Spencer stared at the food in front him, not even daring to cast a nce. The smile on her face disappeared. "I''m happy. Aren''t you happy? You don''t have to see me. You should be happy. At least now, no one is going to interrupt your training or lurk around." "Yes, I am happy," he murmured, paused for a second, and stood up. "I''m full. I''m going to take a shower." "Wait a minute!" Fiona stopped him. "Does this mean I can go back and sleep in my room now?" "We¡¯ll be leaving tomorrow. Won¡¯t it be me more troublesome for you?" He frowned. "I haven''t hung up the curtain yet. You know, I wonder how I can sleep at night like that." "Women are trouble." He nced at her impatiently and then strode towards her bedroom. She stared at his back for a few seconds before realizing what he was doing. She quickly pushed the door open and found him stepping on the chair, curtain on hand. "Be careful!" Fiona shouted. "Do you think everyone is as clumsy as you?" Due to his stature, he was able to easily draw the curtain. "This is the first time I¡¯ve done this, Fiona." "Thank you very much, Spencer." "Thank me more sincerely." He jumped off the chair and drew the curtain to make sure that it wouldn¡¯t fall down again. In a sarcastic tone, he remarked, "How hard did you pull the curtain down? Seems like you bore a grudge against it!" "I don''t know." "I hope you¡¯re aware that you are nothing but trouble." Spencer turned around and walked out of the room silently. "I''m going to shower. Don''t peep at me." Fiona didn''t know how to retort. ¡®How can a 26-year-old man be so childish?¡¯ After showering, Spencer felt a burning pain on his left shoulder. He looked in the mirror and saw a began to sting as water ran along. Fiona drew the pictures, having forgotten that Spencer was still there. Bang! A loud noise echoed across the living room. Fiona¡¯s eyes widened with shock, and she ran out with her sketchpad to check. "What¡¯s wrong?" She saw Spencer standing in front of the mirror as he held a cotton stick and clumsily wiped the blood on his back. Beside his feet was a stool that had been kicked over and a medicine box whose contents were scattered all over the floor. "What are you doing? Wouldn¡¯t you rather go the infirmary so they could treat your wound properly?" Fiona asked in a disapproving tone. "It''s none of your business," he snapped at her. He felt her eyes pierce through him, as if she was looking down upon him like an idiot. She nced at his wound again, frowned, and walked back. "Fuck you! Come back here!" Spencer kicked the medicine box. He turned around and stared at Fiona. "Apply some medicine on it." "No, I won''t." Fiona clenched her fists. She didn''t want to touch him. His eyes grew stormier as he strode towards Fiona, who noticed him and hurried back. "Are you trying to escape?" With a sneer, Spencer quickly caught up with her, grabbed her thin arms, and threw her mercilessly on the sofa. Her sketchpad fell onto the floor. She stared at him. "What do you think you¡¯re doing?" He smiled and started to move closer to her. He propped his hands on each side of her head. He stared at her more intently, and in a slow voice, he murmured, "I will kiss you if you don¡¯t apply the ointment for me." "Are you crazy?" Fiona stuttered in disbelief. "You made me do this." Spencer pursed his lips. "I hope to never see you again." Fiona turned her head away. "Get out of my way. I''ll put some ointment on your wound." "Somehow, I suddenly don¡¯t want to." He drew closer to her, still smiling. "You seem to hate my being close to you." "I¡¯m d you realize that." "You shouldn¡¯t be!" He sighed deeply. "You had just thrown yourself on me and kissed me, and now this?" Fiona''s face turned red. "That was an ident!" "Was that your first kiss?" He asked the question as if he already knew the answer. "That does not count as kissing!" she stammered. "Really? Then what does?" He went even closer, almost grazing his lips against hers. Fiona could feel his gentle breath on her skin. She knew what he was trying to do, but she couldn¡¯t stop the sweet smell suddenly infiltrate her senses. "Stay back!" Fiona shouted, pushing him away with her eyes closed. "I told you to get out of my way!" Spencer stopped abruptly in his tracks as he felt their skins touch. As he looked at every inch of Fiona¡¯s frustrated expression, he wanted to teach her what a kiss was. "Spencer, don''t kiss any other woman! You can kiss only me for the rest of your life!" "Okay." As he was about to kiss Fiona, a scene suddenly popped into his head. It was startling enough that his eyes widened and he pulled back instantly. Fiona squirmed as she continued to shut her eyes. She didn''t know what to do, but then she felt the pressure in front of her suddenly lift. She opened her eyes. Spencer stood up straight and said sarcastically, "Did you really think I was going to kiss you? Apply the medicine for me." "Phew!" Fiona¡¯s whole body, which had been rigid and tense just a moment ago, suddenly rxed. She knew that he was just intimidating her. Spencer sat on the chair as she walked up behind him. As she bore her eyes on his wounded back, her fingers trembled. "Hurry up! I''m going to bed!" he said. "Yes, of course," Fiona replied and immediately started to apply the ointment. It hurt a little when the medicine touched the wound, but it was nothing to Spencer. "You have so many scars," Fiona murmured as she traced them with her gaze, one by one. "They¡¯re a symbol. For men, that is." She could hear a trace of disdain in his voice. "Unlike women who wish for a scar treatment from the most insignificant mosquito bite." Fiona stopped abruptly as she felt like a thousand ants bit into the scars on her back. Suddenly, she saw Spencer pick up her sketchpad. "Don''t touch that!" Hurriedlying back to her senses, Fiona stretched out her hand and tried to reach for it. "Apply the medicine!" Lifting the sketchpad away from her, he said, "I might tear this apart if it causes that much distraction." Fiona scowled but said nothing in reply. He scanned her painting and slowly came to appreciate her talent. There were vast mountains and the clearest rivers and... A ne? As he flipped to the next page, there was what seemed to be a rtively new painting of a ne. Three ck strands of thread twisted into a whip-like chain, but there was no pendant dangling from it. "Is this a man¡¯s ne?" Spencer stared at it. "Did you draw this for some certain man?" Fiona''s face darkened. She replied in an icy tone, "No." "Don''t be shy, Fiona." Spencerughed. "If there is, I¡¯ll help you." "I''ve applied the medicine. Give that back to me," Fiona sneered. Spencer presented it back to her. Fiona grabbed it and turned around, walking back to the bedroom without saying another word. "Freak!" Spencer took onest look at her before he also walked back to his bedroom. As he closed his door, his eyes froze with utter confusion. What was wrong with him just now? He even wanted to kiss Fiona. He thought of the past once again. In the next room, Fiona wore a stone cold expression. Spencer always brought up all of the most painful memories. She resolved to stay away from him. Chapter 14 Slap Him Chapter 14 p Him It was a sunny Saturday morning when Fiona and Spencer were seen by public eye getting into a car together. "Fiona, you shoulde next time!" Eric smiled with a wave of his hand. "Yes, please. You muste again next time!" Daniel echoed. "I wasn''t able to hear you y the piano!" Fiona smiled politely and said her goodbyes. "Take care, everyone. I''lle back when I get the chance." "Can we leave now, Fiona?" Spencer snorted. He was tapping his foot impatiently. "Sure. Let''s go," Fiona said, settling in her seat. "Let''s go," Spencer ordered the driver. Fiona wondered why Spencer sat in the back seat. She was about to ask but Johnson beat her to it. "Spencer, why did you sit in the back seat?" he asked. Spencer reached out to pat his head. "It''s none of your business," he replied patronizingly. "This is my car. I can sit where I like" "Yes, sir!" Johnson told himself to remain quiet for the rest of the trip. ''It''s a good thing I wasn''t the one who asked. He''d probablysh out at me as well,'' Fiona thought. After that, Spencer restedfortably in his seat and cleared his throat. "The front seat is too small for me," he exined. "Maybe I should buy a new car." ''At this rate, he might as well buy a truck,'' Fiona thought. As the car drove in the thick forest, an idea struck Fiona. She rummaged through her bag to find her sketchpad and continued to design the ne. Spencer rubbed his temple as he stared at Fiona. He watched her draw when he found himself yawning. Fiona felt Spencer''s judgmental eyes looking at her. She looked up to stare at him and then continued working on her drawing. "Don''t look at me like that!" Spencer patted the sketchpad with his hand. "What''s that look in your eyes?" Fiona ignored him and turned her back to him to face the window. "Fiona!" he snarled. "Don''t y dumb with me. Turn around!" Fiona turned to look at Spencer. "I can just sit in the passenger seat. That way you get enough space to sitfortably," she said. "How dare you?!" He grabbed Fiona''s sketchpad. "You''re wasting so much time painting the entire day! What''s taking you so long? Is this your first piece of work?" Fiona frowned. "Give it back to me!" she demanded. She tried to reach out to take it back. "No way!" Spencer opened the car window and stretched out his hand so the sketchpad dangled outside the window. "Answer my question first," he said cheekily. "What?" Fiona''s eyes narrowed. "Is this your first piece of work?" "Yes." Fiona nodded. He turned to look at what Fiona painted. It was a ne. "Why did you design this?" "It''s none of your business!" Fiona raised her voice. "Give it back to me!" He waved the sketchpad outside the window, threatening her. "Do as I say or else I throw it away. If you dare¡ª" Spencer wasn''t able to finish his words. Fiona suddenly screamed and her eyes widened with horror. "My paintings!" she gasped. "Hmm?" He turned around only to find the paintings gone. In his hand was the sketchpad alone. He craned his neck outside the window and saw Fiona''s paintings scattered underneath a towering branch. "Stop the car!" Fiona pushed the door open and prepared to jump out. "Are you fucking crazy? What were you thinking?" Spencer looked stressed out. He pulled Fiona back to her seat and then shouted at Johnson, "Stop the car!" "Yes, sir!" Johnson abruptly stepped on the brakes, his heart pushing fast out of shock. Fiona red at Spencer, pushed him away, and stepped out of the car. "Damn it!" He pushed the door open and ran after her. The paintings were enmeshed in twigs scattered on the ground. Fiona walked over and picked them up one by one. She felt terribly upset for all her hard work was destroyed. Some of the paintings fell into puddles and got wet, while the others were stained with soil or hanging up on the tree. "Let me help you," Spencer said as he reached out to take a painting off one branch. He was about to hand it to Fiona when the drawing caught his attention. It was the drawing of the ne. "Give it to me." Fiona grabbed the paper and was shocked to see it poked with a hole. "I didn''t do it on purpose. It was an ident!" Spencer exined, feeling guilty. Fiona did not say anything as she walked away. The painting was clenched in her fist as her hand trembled slightly. "It''s just a piece of paper, and you can easily draw it again." Spencer followed and put his hands into his pockets. It seemed that he was careless. Spencer''s cold words angered Fiona. She turned around and stared at him coldly. "If you hate me, find another way to torture me," she said. "Don''t touch my paintings!" Anger shed in Spencer''s eyes too. He raise his voice and said, "No one dares talk to me like that!" "It''s my honor to be the first one!" Without fear, Fiona raised her head and looked at him straight. "You''re the one who did something wrong. Is this really how you express your guilt? Spencer, what''s wrong with you?" "I did something wrong?" Spencer chuckled. "I''ve never made a mistake in my entire life." Fiona clenched her fist tighter. "Agreeing to marry you is the biggest mistake of my life," she said coldly. "You disgust me." Heughed grimly in reply. His eyes were red with anger. Through gritted teeth, he said, "Well, that''s a relief! I''ll torture you this whole life, yet you can''t get away from me. I don''t care about your stupid paintings!" Fiona was furious. "I''ll make sure Grandpa knows about this!" she shouted. "I no longer want to get a marriage license with you. I''ll find another way to pay him back!" With that, she stomped towards the car. She was not going to marry him? Spencer narrowed his eyes as he stared at Fiona walking away As soon as Fiona got in the car, Spencer joined and ordered Johnson, "Run back to the base." Fiona turned to look at Spencer with her big eyes. "Fuck off!" he roared, the blue veins popping out on his neck. "Yes, sir!" Gritting his teeth, Johnson got out of the car. Bang! Spencer squeezed into the back seat and mmed the door shut. He stared at Fiona with predatory eyes. His lips curled into a sinister smile. "Do you think you can easily get away from me?" "Spencer!" Fear gripped Fiona''s whole body. With her lips trembling, she asked, "What do you want?" "Don''te any closer!" "Do you realize I can fuck you right here?" With brute force, Spencer grabbed Fiona by the shoulders and forced her to lean close to him. He sped her head and forced her to look into his eyes. "Do you think you can still refuse our marriage after that?" "No!" Fiona shrieked. She shook her head desperately and struggled to retreat. But Spencer was too strong for her. The two looked at each other angrily. Fiona raised her leg and attempted to kick Spencer, but he simply grabbed her leg mid-air. He grabbed her legs and flipped her around, inserting his own body between her legs. Fiona screamed in horror. Spencer was pressed heavily on top of her. Her hands were mped and her legs were forced to hold his waist. She was so scared she was barely breathing. "This is your fault, Fiona. You gave me ideas as to how else I can make you suffer," Spencer whispered in her ear as he bent down against her. "For example, I could fuck you right here and right now. That way, we''ll perform our duty as a couple." "Spencer, don''te closer!" Fiona struggled desperately. She closed her eyes, trying to hold back her tears. She didn''t like crying in front of anyone. She hadn''t done it in a long while. Spencer was an exception Fiona felt his warm breath against her skin as Spencer swooped in closer. "Spencer, please let me go!" she begged. "Toote!" In one swift motion, he grabbed the cor button of her shirt. With her hand released, Fiona suddenly pped Spencer across the face. Pak! A crisp sound echoed in the car. Spencer froze. His face was burning as he looked at Fiona in disbelief. Even Fiona was surprised at what she did. She gasped. Her eyes were red as she held back tears. Spencer''s phone rang. He shivered and rushed out of the car, ready to answer it. It was his grandpa''s exclusive ring tone. "Hello? Grandpa, what''s wrong?" Spencer tried to speak as normal as possible, even if the left side of his face burned. After he got out of the car, Fiona sat up in a corner and clenched her clothes. "Spencer, didn''t you say you''d be back today? What time is it now? Why haven''t you arrived yet?" Wayne''s voice came through the other end of the line. He sounded more energetic thanst week. "I''m on the way. I''ll be back soon," said Spencer in a low voice. "Okay. Is Fiona with you? Did she say anything?" Spencer thought of his reply. He looked back in the car and frowned. "She''s asleep," he answered. "She must be tired!" Grandpa sighed. "Alright, then I won''t bother him. Go home now, please. Be nice to Fiona!" "I know, Grandpa. I''ll hang up now." "Alright, be careful." After hanging up the phone, Spencer looked at Fiona''s empty expression. He went back to the car and sat in the driver''s seat. "Fiona, don''t even dare jump out of the car to kill yourself. I won''t let you seed." The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. ''What if she does something stupid? How will I exin that to Grandpa?'' he thought. Fiona stared at the window quietly. Why would she kill herself? She had survived the past ten years This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. with courage and strength. She''d do anything to live well for her parents'' sake. Chapter 15 Got The University Offer Chapter 15 Got The University Offer The car went all the way to the downtown area. The atmosphere inside was very depressing. Silence hung heavy in the air. For a moment, Fiona found it hard to ept the fact that her work had really been destroyed. She just sat there, still, hugging herself. She was traumatized. Spencer was really insane! She couldn''t imagine what he would do if they actually went ahead and got married. He had an awful temper. She was in big trouble now! What should she do now? Call off the engagement and save herself from a life of misery? Spencer was driving fast, and he couldn''t help biting his lips in remorse. He nced at Fiona from time to time through the rear-view mirror. When he saw the despondent look on her face, he felt ashamed of himself. Why was he reduced to forcing a little girl? It was the first time he had done something so despicable. However, on second thought, he thought Fiona deserved this. He hated her in the first ce. So he should be happy to see her upset. This was exactly what he wanted, wasn''t it? Fiona didn''t know where they were now. Suddenly a bird cried out from a tree outside. She subconsciously turned her head to look out of the window. Seeing her movements, Spencer breathed an unexpected sigh of relief. Her eyes were so pure and innocent that it made him feel like an asshole for hurting her. They arrived at the hospitalte afternoon. Wayne had been transferred to the general ward. He looked energetic now. As soon as Spencer and Fiona entered his room, he was overjoyed. "Grandpa!" Spencer went to his bedside. "Grandpa." Fiona followed him and stood on the other side of the bed. "You''re finally here! My poor Fiona." Grandpa turned to look at her and asked concernedly, "How is it going? How are you? Tell me, did Spencer bully you? If he did, I''ll help you teach him a lesson." Determined to spill the beans, Fiona plucked up the courage and opened her mouth. Her palms were full of cold sweat. "Grandpa, I...I want..." When he heard the words "I want", Spencer''s eyes dimmed. He had already guessed what she would say next. His heart trembled. ''Fiona wants to call off the engagement! She really wants to go back on her promise of marriage! And she couldn''t wait to tell Grandpa as soon as she entered the room!'' Spencer was a little anxious. "Fiona, what''s wrong?" Old as he was, Wayne was very sharp. Looking at Fiona''s hesitation, he knew that she wanted to something to tell him. "Don''t be afraid. Just tell me!!" "Dad!" The sudden sound outside the door broke the silence. Spencer''s father arrived! Ethan strode into the ward in a sprightly manner with a folder in his hand. He smiled when he saw Spencer and Fiona standing there. "Looks like I''m here just in time." "Hi, Uncle Ethan," Fiona greeted and swallowed her words. "Dad!" Spencer also greeted his father but kept a close watch on Fiona the whole time. "What is that in your hand?" Wayne asked. "This is for Fiona," Ethan said with a smile. He handed the folder to her. Fiona took it doubtfully. Ethan said, "Go on, open it and have a look." Under everyone''s curious gaze, Fiona opened the folder and saw a lot of paper materials inside. The "An offer?!" Fiona''s eyes lit up. She quickly drew out D University''s offer Letter, and eximed, "Grandpa, I''m going to D University!" Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! "Great!" Wayne let out a heartyugh. "Fiona, you''re awesome!" Seeing the joy on Fiona''s face, Spencer couldn''t help but smile. He was about to congratte her when suddenly the light in her eyes dimmed. She turned her head and hid her expression from him. He cursed inwardly. "Thank you so much, Uncle Ethan!" Holding up the letter, Fiona almost jumped for joy. "My pleasure," Ethan said. "The principal of your university is my friend. I happened to have some work with him, so I brought back your offer and materials." "You''re so kind to me, Uncle Ethan." Fiona was touched by his gesture but felt a little guilty inside. Everyone in this family was so nice to her except for Spencer. How could she tell them she wanted to call off the engagement. "I have some work to finish, so I''m leaving now," Ethan said. "Dad, have a good rest. I''ll visit you again when I''m free." "Okay, go ahead." Wayne waved his hand. "You can leave now since my grandson and granddaughter- inw are here!" Ethan smiled tenderly at his old man and left. Turning to look at the files, Wayne said, "Fiona, you have got a very high score in the college entrance examination. It says here that you are the second best in the city!" ''The second in the entire city?'' Spencer touched his nose. ''How can this girl be so intelligent?'' "As long as we work hard, anyone can get good results," Fiona replied with a modest smile. "Look at this certificate and all these awards," Wayne tossed the materials in front of him. "Spencer, see? Fiona is such a good girl. You won''t find another girl better than her. You should treat her well." Spencer didn''t say anything, but he picked up the files from the desk and started to read them page by page. There were certificates for piano ying, painting,position writing, etc. An idea popped into his mind suddenly. If she was such an all-rounder, was it possible that she had a long line of young suitors chasing after her? Wayne''s voice suddenly interrupted his musings. "Good girl, what were you saying just now?" "I..." The corners of her mouth twitched. "I was about to tell you that I was hungry and I was worried that you wouldugh at me." After hearing her words, Spencer suddenly felt a wave of relief wash over him. He wanted to go to her and envelop her in a big hug. "Oh my, what time is it? You haven''t had dinner yet?" Wayne was so upset that he smacked his grandson gently on the back and asked, "What''s the matter with you? Why didn''t you bring Fiona to dinner beforeing here? Take her to dinner now!" "Yes, sir! Right away!" Raising his head high, Spencer saluted him. "Fiona," said Wayne, holding Fiona''s hand. "Go have dinner with Spencer. I should rest too." "Have a good rest, Grandpa. How about I bring you lunch tomorrow?" she offered sweetly. "Well, that''s a very good idea." Wayne nodded and winked at his grandson. Thetter shrugged and walked over to Fiona. "Let''s go," he said tly. "Okay," Fiona replied before following him out. "So what do you want to eat?" He walked side by side with Fiona in the corridor of the hospital waiting for her answer. "Nothing. I''m not hungry!" Fiona snapped. "Fine. Let me drive you home then," Spencer said, without any expression or emotion. "I can go back by myself!" With that, she quickened her pace and walked away. She didn''t want to be around him a moment longer. Spencer silently followed her out of the hospital. He kept looking at her for a long time while she waited to get on the bus. Just then his phone rang. He stared at the bus and answered the phone, "Hello?" "Have you returned?" A man''s voice came from the other side of the phone. "Terence, now you have time to call me?" When the bus turned the corner, he then looked away. "I''m free, but it''s you who never has the time. Come to my office now. I need your help," Terence said. "Ipetent man!" Spencer snorted. "I''ll be right there." Chapter 16 He Met Her Again Chapter 16 He Met Her Again By the end of June, the campus of D University was filled with lush, green trees. Boys were sweating it out on the basketball court and the football field, couples were whispering intimately to each other on benches under the trees and other students were sitting around the smallke and the hillside, preparing for their exams. It was a flourishing and beautiful scene. Getting off the bus, Fiona entered the main gate of D University. Clutching the straps of her mini backpack, she strolled around the campus taking in the scenery. After leaving the hospital yesterday, she had returned to the Four Seasons Scenery. She had been looking at the university offer for a long time. Eventually, she decided to go and check out the university where she would live for the next four years. With every step she took, she felt much better. "This is the library, this is the canteen and this is the art school building," Fiona muttered to herself, trying to create a mental map of the university campus. "Hello, Ryan. Look! I saw a pretty girl." Two tall boys walked out of the dormitory building and ambled over o theke besides the art school. The dark-skinned boy was holding a basketball in his hands. He nudged the other boy at the waist. The boy named Ryan was holding books in his arms. He didn''t bother looking at who his friend was pointing at. He just patted his friend on the shoulder and smiled, "Everyone is beautiful in your eyes." "No, I''m serious about this one. She''s like a fairy-tale princess!" he insisted. "The other girls in our college are not good enough for you. But just look at this one! She is a good match for you! Ryan, I promise that you will never regret it if you just take one look at her!" The smile on Ryan Wen''s face widened. He finally agreed and looked up. His bright eyes widened in surprise when he saw the girl standing on theke shore. ''It''s her!'' he thought as his heart skipped a beat. It was the girl who was standing before the advertisement at the bus station the other day! "See? Isn''t she beautiful? Hey! Ryan! Where are you going?" Fiona was enjoying her stroll along theke. The gentle breeze was caressing her face. She walked up to an empty bench. Just as she was going to sit down, someone called her. "Hi!" Ryan''s gentle voice rang in her ear. Startled, Fiona turned around. Her heart missed a beat as she saw a handsome young man before her. He had bright, smiling eyes and a straight-edged nose. He looked like a warm person. He was holding some books in his arms and panting. He was wearing a spotless white shirt, and his overall persona was clean and sunny. "Hello," she greeted back. "Are you talking to me?" "Yes, I am." Ryan nodded as he got the chance to see her at close quarters. His heart was thudding against his chest as he introduced himself. "My name is Ryan Wen. "Ryan Wen..." Fiona repeated his name softly. She was about to ask him why he had introduced himself so enthusiastically when suddenly another boy showed up. "Hello, nice to meet you!" The boy who was with Ryan earlier also ran up to Fiona. With a friendly and honest smile, he said, "My name is Sam Zhao. What''s your name?" The direct question caught her off guard. Seeing her reaction, Ryan panicked and hurriedly assured her, "We are not bad people! We are junior students here at D University! If you don''t believe me, I can show you our campus cards!" He took out his campus card from his pocket. Holding the campus card in his hand, Ryan stared at her earnestly. The corners of Fiona''s mouth curled up into a smile. His heart melted at this moment. "It''s all right. I trust you. I don''t need to look at your campus card. So what do you want from me?" Sam Zhao swallowed and said, "We just want to get to know you. I''ve been here for three years and I''ve never seen anybody as beautiful as you. And I''ve never seen you on our campus before. My God, N?velDrama.Org content. am I nearsighted?" Fiona blushed. She opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came out. "Hey, listen. Sam was just being straightforward. Don''t take it to heart," Ryan Wen exined nervously. Fiona shook her head and said, "It''s fine. Doesn''t matter." Sam Zhao was embarrassed now. He scratched his head and said shyly, "I''d better keep my mouth shut. Ryan, you say something." "Are you a student here?" Ryan Wen asked. "Howe I haven''t seen you before?" "I have got admission to D University this year. I will start school in October. By the way, I''m Fiona Ji," she said with a smile. He finally got her name! Ryan clenched his fists secretly, trying to hide his ecstasy. He continued the conversation. "So you are a freshman here! We study in the economics and management school. What about you?" "Oh that''s nice. I''m in the art school." "No wonder you are so beautiful and elegant like a masterpiece!" Sam Zhaomented. "Well, it''s nice to meet you." "Yeah, nice to meet you," Ryan Wen parroted. "Nice to meet you too," Fiona replied, just as her phone buzzed. She pulled out her phone to check the caller ID. Grabbing this opportunity, Sam snickered and whispered in Ryan''s ear, "What do you think? She is a freshman. I will take the initiative if you don''t like her." Ryan immediately smacked Sam''s stomach with a book and whispered back, "You have no chance, buddy." Sam rubbed his belly andughed. He knew Ryan was interested in her. Meanwhile the caller ID on Fiona''s phone showed it was Spencer. She disconnected the call without hesitation. "Fiona, is it your first time here? How about we show you around the campus?" Sam enthusiastically offered, seeing that Fiona had hung up the phone. "We have nothing to do anyway, right? Ryan?" Looking at the books in his hands, Ryan smiled and said, "Yes, we''re free." "Well, I..." The phone rang again, but Fiona hung up again with a frown. "I''m sorry." She looked up from her phone and apologized. "Well, I have something else to do at noon, but thank you for your invitation. I hope we can meet again next time." A strong sense of loss arose from the bottom of Ryan''s heart, but he still tried to y it cool. "That''s okay. We will still have plenty of chances to meet each other in the future. If you need any help at school, feel free toe to me." "Thank you so much. That''s very kind of you," Fiona said, waving goodbye to them. Her phone rang again in her hand. "Bye!" Ryan smiled as he gazed at her gorgeous hair, slim shoulders and slender figure. He had the satisfaction of knowing that he would meet her again. "Hey! Hello? Are you out of your mind?" Sam waved his hand in front of Ryan to make him snap out of his trance. "For three years, girls in our school have been chasing you, but I''ve never seen you have a crush on anyone. But this time, it looks like things are not going well for you." "Huh? What''s wrong?" Ryan asked, the silly smile still stered on his face. "Someone is falling in love!" Sam grinned and started running towards the basketball court. "Ryan, hurry up and go study. I''m going to y basketball. I''m counting on you for the final exam!" "I''ll y basketball with you tonight!" Ryan yelled back at him and shook his head beaming after his encounter with Fiona. He had just started towards the library when something urred to him. He took out his phone and dialed a number. "Hello? Yes, Mr. Wen. What can I do for you?" "Andrew, do me a favor. Please check whether a girl named Fiona Ji is participating in ourpany''s jewelry designpetition." "Yes, Mr. Wen." "Okay, that''s all. Tell Dad I''ll be back next week." "I know, Mr. Wen. I''ll inform him." Ryan was all smiles when he hung up the phone. He looked at the school gate, grabbed his books and briskly walked to the library. ''Really nice to meet you, Fiona!'' The thought echoed in his mind. On the other side, Fiona was walking in a hurry. She answered Spencer''s call, hoping to make it a quick conversation. "What''s the matter, Spencer?" "Where the hell are you? How dare you cut my call?" he barked, sounding a bit annoyed. "Well, I was busy just now." Fiona was a little impatient and hence she was being short with him. "What is it?" He snorted. "Didn''t you say that you would bring lunch for Grandpa? Why haven''t you She checked the time on her phone, and said, "It''s just ten o''clock in the morning!" "So what?" Spencer said brashly. "When will you reach?" "12 o''clock at thetest." Her lips were pressed into a thin line. She knew that Spencer was at the hospital so she decided to save his face. "All right. Don''t forget to bring me lunch too. I''m leaving this afternoon and I have no time to have lunch because I''m staying at the hospital to take care of Grandpa." But it sounded as if he was taking it for granted, which annoyed Fiona. "And why should I do that?" she demanded. "Because then I won''t bother you the next month." "Really?" Fiona''s voice rose up several notches in excitement. "Yes, of course!" His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "I''m going to be very busy the next month. I don''t have time to y game with you." "All right." Fiona nodded happily. "I''ll bring the food as soon as it''s ready." "Hurry up and don''t leave me starving!" "Okay." Fiona hung up and walked towards the bus station, pleasantly surprised at this turn of events. Chapter 17 A Great-grandson (Part One) Chapter 17 A Great-grandson (Part One) At the M City Hospital After hanging up on Fiona, Spencer walked into the ward and called, "Grandpa!" "Spencer!" Wayne turned his head and watched as Spencer approached. Noting the absence of Fiona, he asked curiously, "Didn''t Fionae with you?" "She''s busy preparing lunch for you, but she will definitely follow soon." Spencer sat on the chair beside the bed. Exhaustion was written all over his face. Wayne looked at him and asked, "Did you stay with Fionast night?" "Of course not." Spencer shook his head. "Why do you ask?" "You look tired." The young man smiled as he remarked, "Grandpa, you''re thinking too much." "Why keep it from me, Spencer? I know everything," the old man said with a mischievous grin. "Although you two haven''t gotten your marriage license yet, there''s nothing wrong with living together. You don''t have to hide it from me. In fact, I''m looking forward to having a great-grandson soon!" "I''m not hiding anything from you, Grandpa. I was at Terence''spanyst night and I was helping him with his program. I was working all night." With a trace of impatience in his tone, Wayne asked, "So when am I going to have a great-grandson? I can''t wait for you forever. Even if you get Fiona pregnant now, the baby won''t be born until next year. s! If you don''t hurry up, I''m afraid I won''t even get to meet him." "Don''t say such things, Grandpa! You''ll live a long and happy life," Spencer said. "Don''t worry. Soon enough, you''ll be surrounded with not just one, but a whole bunch of great-grandchildren, who will badger you to tell them stories about your heroic deeds." Wayne was amused by the prospect. Heughed as he said, "They''re going to be just like you when you were a child. I never expected that you''re going to marry so soon." To this, Spencer only smiled and said nothing. "Ahem!" Wayne looked at his grandson and asked in a low voice, "Do you me me for sending Celine abroad?" The smile on Spencer''s lips turned into a straight line. With bitterness, he replied, "No, I don''t me you." "I had no choice. You have to trust me. I did it for your own good." The old man''s expression softened N?velDrama.Org owns this. as he spoke. "Even if I didn''t send her abroad, you''d still have to marry Fiona." His words stirred old feelings of resentment in Spencer. Old memories of powerlessness and hate resurfaced and were trying to take over his head. The past felt like smoke that might have dissipated, but wouldn''tpletely leave the room. These memories had left a permanent mark in his heart. He disliked Fiona, but he was destined to marry her. And even though she regarded him with equal displeasure, she also had to marry him. Was it fate that entangled the two of them together? Spencer wondered who was going to suffer more. Knock! Knock! Knock! Someone knocked at the door just as he was struggling with his thoughts. "Come in!" Spencer shouted. "It''s time to take medicine." A nurse walked into the room, pushing a cart with a tray of pills. "Okay." After acknowledging the nurse, Spencer turned to his grandfather and said, "Well, Grandpa, I''ll just make a quick trip to the restroom while the nurse checks up on you." "Okay, you may go." But Spencer didn''t go to the restroom. Instead, he walked out of the hospital building and went straight to the garden, where he found a bench to sit down on. Before his grandfather fell ill, Spencer''s life was carefree and he didn''t feel pressured about his future. He didn''t entertain any fantasies about his future wife. He cared much less about love because except for that person, he had never felt it towards anyone. But suddenly Wayne told him that he was going to get married, and that person must be Fiona. The whole idea was upsetting. He reached into his pocket for the pack of cigarettes Terence gave himst night. He lit one up with his lighter and took a long, deep drag. After finishing two sticks, Spencer felt bored. He stood up and was about to go back to the ward when he saw a person rushing into the building, carrying two lunchboxes. "Fiona..." Spencer quickly followed her inside. ''Fiona, Grandpa wants me to have a baby with you. What should I do? Will you agree?'' he thought. Fiona entered the ward carrying the lunchboxes. She was surprised to see that Spencer wasn''t there, but she didn''t let it show in her expression. "Hello, Fiona!" "I''m here, Grandpa!" Fiona approached his bedside with a smile. "I hope you''re hungry. I brought you lunch." Smiling, the old man said to his nurse, "I''m so lucky my granddaughter-inw brought me food. I''m sure it tastes better than any hospital food." "For sure, Mr. Cheng," the nurse replied with a smile. "I''m certain your granddaughter-inw prepared your meal with love and care. Our hospital cook can''tpete with that." "Ha-ha..." Wayne chuckled at the nurse''s reply. Fiona handed one of the lunchboxes to the nurse to serve and put the other on the cupboard beside the bed. "Why did you bring two?" Wayne asked. "Oh, this one..." "That''s for me!" It was then that Spencer opened the door and came in. "Grandpa, I''m hungry. I came so early in the morning to take care of you that I didn''t have time to eat." With a meaningful look, Wayne responded, "Oh, I promise you''ll feel better once you''ve tasted Fiona''s cooking." "Don''tpliment her too much, Grandpa! It''ll go straight to her head!" Spencer snorted and strode into the ward. He took a seat on the bench and casually ordered Fiona, "Open the lunchbox!" Fiona could only sigh. ''Since Grandpa''s here, I might as well y along.'' A delicious smell filled the room when Fiona opened the lunchbox. It wasn''t like any food Spencer had had at the canteen; it smelled like home. Spencer found no other way to describe it. He had always thought that the phrase "the taste of home" was nothing but sentimental gibberish. But now, he too felt a bit strangely sentimental. Chapter 18 An Exhibition Of Paintings Chapter 18 An Exhibition Of Paintings While Spencer was away, Fiona felt carefree andfortable. She thought it convenient that she could easilymute from the apartment to the hospital every day. She had been used to being alone during thest ten years. She had mainly stayed at school even on weekends. When she couldn''t do that, she would stay in the art studio during the day, only going to her aunt''s house to sleep at night. She felt mostfortable immersed in her quiet thoughts and didn''t appreciate being disturbed as much as possible. But Spencer... Fiona couldn''t help but feel annoyed as she looked at the half-finished details of the ne she was drawing. Why did she suddenly think of him? It was almost noon when she checked her wristwatch. She put down her pencil and decided to leave the house to buy lunch. The pavement released its heat in waves, fanning an asphalt wind over the city that pulled at the throat and sat in the lungs like a fume. ''I should''ve stayed at home,'' she thought. There was a slightly cool breeze just as she arrived at the supermarket. But before she could enjoy it, a small piece of paper that flew by her feet. "Summer Vibe: The summer dream of contemporary art masters." The words caught Fiona''s attention. She stooped down to pick up the flyer and read more. "Treat yourself to an exhibition of paintings unlike at M City Art Museum." Fiona gasped. It was thest day of the exhibition She had kept to herself at home and didn''t even know that there was such an event. Fiona decided that she could skip lunch for the meantime and see what the exhibition was all about. Thanks to the hot weather, there were only a few people inside the museum despite it being thest day of the exhibition. Just across the road from the gallery, a ck car was parked. In it was none other than Ryan and his driver. "Mr. Wen, it''s almost noon. Do you still want to wait?" Andrew asked. "Yes!" Ryan quipped without taking his eyes off the museum entrance. "s!" Andrew sighed. "You''ve been here since the first day of the exhibition, but you wouldn''t even go inside. Are you waiting for someone?" The agitated look on Ryan''s face was instantly reced with a smile as he spoke. "Yes, I''m waiting for someone." "Who is it?" Andrew sounded annoyed. "Is it someone with a noble status? Making you wait like this is impolite!" Ryan shed another smile. "Andrew, I don''t mind waiting. The person I''m waiting for doesn''t even know that I''m here. I just came to try my luck." "Why didn''t you make an appointment with this person?" Andrew asked, confused. N?velDrama.Org owns this. "There''s no need for that. She loves paintings so much, I don''t think she''d miss this exhibition." With a look that was half happy and half sad, Ryan asked, "By the way, Andrew, didn''t a girl named Fiona Ji participate in thepetition?" "No. I already asked someone to check, but Fiona Ji hasn''t signed up for thepetition." "I see." Ryan lowered his head in disappointment. Andrew looked at him from the rear-view mirror. He wondered what kind of girl he was waiting for. The frustration of waiting made Ryan feel hot despite the car''s air-conditioning. ''Isn''t sheing? If only I asked for her number that day!'' With one great sigh, Ryan took one long look at the museum and dered with finality, "I''m done waiting, Andrew. Let''s go!" "Yes, sir." But just as the car was about to drive off, a familiar figure caught Ryan''s notice outside the window. He shouted, "Andrew! Stop the car! Stop the car!" Ryan kept his gaze fixed on the girl getting off a bus. As soon as the car stopped, he quickly opened the door and ran out. "Mr. Wen, where are you going?" Andrew called out. "I''m going to the exhibition!" Ryan shouted excitedly. "Don''t wait up for me. I''ll call you when I''m ready to go home." With that, he dashed across the street to the museum''s entrance. Despite the hot weather, the sight of the girl made Ryan feel refreshed and cool. Sure enough, his waiting had not been in vain. After getting off the bus, Fiona wiped off the beads of sweat on her forehead and walked to the ticket booth. "Fiona! Fiona, hi!" She stopped in her tracks when she heard someone call her name. When she turned around, Fiona saw Ryan running towards her. Ryan was wearing a clean, white shirt yet again. His eyes looked bright and he looked quite dashing as he ran. "Ryan? Why are you here?" she asked. "You still remember my name. I''m d!" Ryan eximed. "I''m here to see the art exhibition. I saw you as soon as I got here. What a coincidence!" Fiona smiled politely and replied, "Yes, what a pleasant surprise." Seeing the sweat on Ryan''s forehead, she fished for something in her bag. She took out a silk handkerchief and handed it to him. "Please use this to wipe your sweat." "Thanks!" Ryan took the handkerchief from Fiona at once and wiped his face. "I''ll return it to you after I have it washed." "No, it''s fine. You can keep it." Fiona waved her hand. The truth was she owned many handkerchiefs so she didn''t mind giving one away. "Let''s go in, shall we?" Ryan cut her off before she could finish her words. "I''m sorry, it''s so hot out here!" "Ah, yes." Fiona nodded. She was surprised by the sudden turn of events. She hade alone to the museum, yet somehow she ended up with Ryan forpany. "Have you been learning painting?" "Yes." "Then you must know a lot about these artworks," Ryan said. "Can I ask you if there''s anything I don''t understand?" "Well, I''m not really an expert," Fiona replied modestly. "Besides, everyone''s taste is different." "I trust your judgment." Seeing Fiona''s gentle smile, Ryan felt his heart skip a beat. He had never felt this ted in thest twenty years. Fiona took her time looking at the paintings one by one and Ryan tagged along silently. Because of his family''s influence, he was deeply knowledgeable about art. He would always go to art exhibitions every chance he got, but that day, it seemed as if Fiona was the centerpiece of the gallery. She was more beautiful than any artwork. But Ryan''s attention to her was lost on Fiona, who waspletely taken in by the many portraits and "What do you think of the colors in this one?" Ryan asked in a low voice, attempting to engage Fiona in conversation. Fiona looked up and replied, "Well, green is mostly associated with growth, as seen here on the branches and leaves. Red could have been used to depict the summer heat. I think the use of such strong contrasting colors clearly disys the artist''s strong feelings towards summer!" Ryan nodded his head slightly. Seeing the confident expression on Fiona''s face made it difficult for him to not stare at her. ''What is wrong with me?'' He had only met her twice and he only knew her name. He even waited days for her to show up at the exhibition. Could it be what they call love at first sight? Did he like her? Ryan silently asked himself despite knowing the answer. Yes! He adored the sweet smile that graced her lips every now and then, the serious and determined look on her eyes, and her unique and pleasant temperament. They took their time at the art exhibition before finally walking out side by side. They headed to the bus station. "Oh, Ryan, I''m so d to have seen the art exhibition with you today. Thank you!" Fiona said politely. "Well, I guess this is where we part ways. I''ll wait for the bus here. See you around." "Well," said Ryan hesitantly, "I was wondering if you''d like to go somewhere else with me." "What?" Fiona was caught off guard, but she smiled back at him then. "Are you always this friendly with everyone?" Ryan instantly regretted his words. He wondered if he came off too strong. "I just thought that it was a happy coincidence we ran into each other here. It could be fun to chat more elsewhere," Ryan smiled. "But if you have other ns, it''s totally fine. Forget I asked." Fiona nodded, "I''ll see you next time, Ryan." "I''ll look forward to it." At that point, the bus that Fiona was waiting for arrived. She said to Ryan, "Well, I''m leaving now." "Wait! Wait!" Ryan stopped her. "May I borrow your phone?" Despite the unexpected request, Fionaplied and reached into her bag for her phone. "What do you need it for?" Ryan took it and quickly dialed a number. Just then, the phone in his pocket began to vibrate. Handing back her phone, he said, "This is my number. If you have any questions about the school, feel free to call me!" "What? Oh, okay." Fiona could only nod as she took back her phone. "Well, I have to get on the bus now." "Yes, please go ahead. Keep safe on your way home." Fiona got on and walked to the back of the bus. She saw that Ryan was waving at her from out the window so she waved back before taking her seat. ''What a kind-hearted guy!'' Fiona smiled as she looked at the new name on her phone. Chapter 19 I Am Hungry Chapter 19 I Am Hungry Time flew by. More than half a month had passed and the deadline of the jewelry designpetition approached. She found herself forgetting to eat or drink in favor ofpleting the design. The neprised threeplex ck threads twisted into a braided chain. At the endy an obsidian pendant encased with a lifelike dragon miniature. She called this ne the Dragon. Unfortunately, Fiona had been too busy with the design that she''d lost track of time. She''d just sent a digital version of the design to ZR Company''s email when she''d taken a look at the clock. Rushing to the hospital, she headed towards Wayne''s ward. Once she got there, she smiled at him and said, "Grandpa, I''m sorry for beingte." "Oh, Fiona, you''re here!" Wayne was reading a newspaper when he heard her call out. "You''re notte, you''re right on time. Thank you foring here every day." "It''s no big deal." Fiona shook her head and smiled. "Time to eat, Grandpa." "Okay." Wayne nodded. "Has Spencer contacted you recently?" "No," replied Fiona gently, shaking her head. Wayne sighed, displeased with his grandson''s behavior. "He''s too focused on his work and forgets everything when he is busy. When hees back, I will have a good talk with him. Don''t worry about it." "It''s okay, Grandpa. I understand." Having no contact with him was probably for the best. "It''s been almost a month. I expect he''ll be back soon. How about you two live together after hees back? It will help you get closer to one another." Fiona froze and didn''t know how to respond to that. Wayne was the one who bought her this house. Did she really have the right to refuse? But she really didn''t want to live together with Spencer. "Fiona, didn''t you promise me you''ll be working hard on your rtionship with Spencer and getting pregnant as soon as possible? It doesn''t matter if you''re going to college. When you get married, I''ll let everyone in M City know that you''re a member of Cheng family." Fiona was at a loss with what to say. A blush stained her cheeks in embarrassment. Agreeing to get pregnant were nothing but stalling tactics. ''What should I do, Spencer?'' she cried inwardly. "Fiona, should I take your silence as a yes?" "What?" His words startled her back to the conversation they were having. "Let Spencer live with you." When she walked out of the hospital, she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She wasn''t on board with Wayne''s n, but she also couldn''t turn him down. If she and Spencer got married, Wayne would keep a close eye on them. Would both she and Spencer be able to stand that? At midnight The sudden noiseing from the living room forced Fiona out of her sleep. She bolted upright in fear. How could anyone be out in the living room when she''d made sure to lock up tight before she''d gone to sleep? Was it a thief? A robber? The heavy footsteps slowly approached her bedroom. In the dark, Fiona could hear her heart beating at a crescendo. An idea urred to her, and she immediatelyy back in the bed, pretending she was asleep. A thief wouldn''t try to approach her. The sound of a click warned her that someone opened her bedroom door. A glimmer of light appeared from the gap, hitting Fiona''s eyes. Her eyelids couldn''t help but jump up. Her entire body breaking into a cold sweat. For a moment, there was no other sound except that of two people breathing. Fiona could feel the gaze of whoever had entered fixed on her. "Fiona, are you asleep?" A familiar male voice sounded in the quiet room. It was Spencer! Her eyes shot open and she turned to N?velDrama.Org owns this. look at the man standing at the door. "Spencer?" Fiona quickly sat up with her hands on the bed. She wasn''t sure if she was more relieved or surprised to see him. "You scared me to death." "Sorry, it''s me." The clothes he wore were dirty, wrinkled, and crusted in mud. His voice even sounded hoarse. "You''re back?" Turning on the lights in the room, Fiona was finally able to look into Spencer''s face. It had been a month since they''dst seen one another. His skin seemed more tan, and he looked thinner. His face had be more angr. With one hand propped against the door frame, he announced, "I''m hungry." His voice sounded tired and barely recognizable. Hungry? Taking a step forward, Fiona continued, "But why are you here? What am I supposed to do about that?" Spencer looked at Fiona. She stood there in a sheer nightgown, its hemline resting just above her knees. His eyes raked over the soft hair that hung over her shoulders, her slender neck, delicate vicles, to her slender legs. Even with the cute bear on her nightgown, he still found her enticing. "Ahem!" He then looked away with a frown. "Grandpa drove me here. Since I''m hungry, you have to cook for me!" "Grandpa sent you here? Why would he decide that so suddenly?" Feeling both confused and helpless, Fiona took a look at the clock hanging on the wall. It was past midnight. The corners of his mouth lifted into a smirk. Looking at Fiona, he asked, "Do you know what he said?" Fiona shook her head. "He said that you promised him a great-grandson," said Spencer his smile growing bigger. "That was probably why he was so impatient to get me here." "You..." Her face turned scarlet, she floundered as she tried to exin, "You know I didn''t mean that! Before you left, you told me to do everything I could to make him happy, so I..." "How would I know? For all I knew you could have changed your mind." With a charming smile on his face, Spencer continued, "You know I''d be happy to lend you a hand and help make that happen." Even after a month''s absence, he was still just as shameless as before. Fiona stared at him angrily. "Don''t say that again. I''m not going to have a baby. Go away!" "You haven''t made me food yet." Spencer took a step back. "I''m going to take a shower first. You can take that time to make me dinner." How could he so brazenly boss her around like that? "Did you hear me?" Spencer asked when he didn''t get a response. Fiona spread out her hands. "I don''t have anything here for you. I only have my own clothes and necessities. Are you sure you want to take a bath here?" As soon as she was done speaking, she took note of the smug smile forming on his face. With a raised brow, he pointed at the bag by the door. "Guess what''s in there?" She looked at the bag with a frown. "What?" "My clothes and daily necessities." He turned around and walked to the bag. "Grandpa has already made up his mind. He had all my belongings packed up and gave me the key to this apartment. So, here I am. No need to worry about me, I have everything I need." No wonder he knew where she lived! That was how he''d managed to walk in so easily. Seeing Spencer sift through the luggage for something to wear, Fiona scowled at his back. "Do you really want to stay here?" "Do I have any other choice?" he asked with a shrug. "I''m so hungry that I can eat a cow right about now. You better prepare all my meals now that I''m staying here." After that, he swaggered into the bathroom. Fiona stood still and let out a long and exasperated sigh. Things were getting out of her control. Spencer shed a wicked grin as he showered. He found his grandfather''s idea quite genius. Fiona would end up doing all of his cooking andundry. It would be far better than staying at the Cheng family residence. A pleasant aroma wafted from the kitchen. He could smell it the second he was done with his shower as he headed to the source. He dried his hair with a towel on his way to the kitchen. He was surprised to see Fiona in motion as she got everything ready. As soon as Fiona turned around, she froze at the sight of him. He had a bath towel around his neck, and his hair was half wet. He was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, clinging to his incredible figure. He looked more rxed and casual than usual, but his dark and charming eyes were not rxed at all. He was staring at her. "Dinner is ready." With onest look at him, she quickly turned back to what she was doing, trying to control her rapid heartbeats. Spencer didn''t say anything, but went to the table and sat down. Looking at the table full of delicate dishes, he nodded with satisfaction. "Enjoy your meal. I''m going to go take a rest." The second she was done speaking, she started to leave. "Wait! I will sleep in the bedroom next to yours. Go and ready the bed and hang my clothes in the wardrobe. As for the dirty clothes in the bathroom, it''s up to you whether to wash them or not. Once you''re done,e out and have dinner with me." Fiona''s mouth hung open at the ridiculous announcement. "Who do you think you are, Spencer?" He kept eating without looking up. "Why are you asking me that? I would really rather not use force against you, okay?" "But..." He raised his head suddenly and studied her carefully. "You have to learn to get used to it, Fiona." "Get used to it? Get used to what exactly?" "Get used to us living together. Since you promised to marry me, we have to live together. So, from now on, there is no need to avoid me." Fiona slumped her shoulders and asked in anxiously, "What should we from now on?" "Well, we can just have a baby like Grandpa wants." He gave her a sinister smile. "No way!" Her eyes widened in horror. Instead of fighting back, she grabbed his things. "I''ll go unpack up your things." Then she rushed to the door of the bedroom he''d be staying in. Looking at her back, Spencer suddenly lost all sense of taste of the food in his mouth. The smile on the lips disappeared, and his eyes became stormy. Chapter 20 Your Wallet Is Drenched Chapter 20 Your Wallet Is Drenched The room was silent except the sound of Spencer eating his dinner. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room reflected the city lights, the traffic on the viaduct, the colorful neon lights and Fiona''s thin figure. Fiona walked over to the door. Staring at Spencer''s two-meter high parcel, she bent down and dragged it into the bedroom. Spencer ate quickly as he was starving. After a while, the tes were all empty. He started on his porridge while watching Fiona. She took a few steps forward and he crossed his legs, looking at her with a wicked grin. Fiona was reluctant, and yet she couldn''t disobey him, which made Spencer feel veryfortable. ''Spencer, you are so shameless!'' he thought to himself. Standing in the guest room, Fiona removed Spencer''s sheets and quilt cover and began to make the bed. ''Just hold on a little longer. When the new semester begins, I can live in the dormitory room, and if Spencer wants to live here, just let him,'' she thought. He walked barefoot to the guest room and gazed at her back. There was a gentle fluttering in his heart, which made him a little restless. His eyes traveled down her neck all the way to her back, but he frowned and asked, "What''s that on your back? It looks like a scar." Fiona shivered. She quickly straightened up and turned around to face Spencer. She was afraid, but she pretended to be angry. "What are you looking at?" Spencer looked away and snorted. "I just saw it by ident. It''s not like I''m not interested in it! Hey, you should go buy a pair of slippers tomorrow because I forgot to bring mine." "I have no money," she replied shortly. She started removing clothes from his parcel and tried to keep her back out of Spencer''s line of vision the whole time. "How much does a pair of slippers cost? You are so stingy!" Spencer turned around and marched into the bathroom. While he was out of sight, Fiona hurriedly put her hand around her shoulder and touched her scar. Her eyes grew sadder as she thought she couldn''t wear this nightgown anymore. She was lost in thought when she suddenly heard the sound of Spencer''s footsteps. She quickly put her hand down and started hanging up his clothes in the closet. He returned with his wallet and tossed it in front of Fiona. "Here you are. The wallet is loaded." Fiona was taken by surprise when she picked up the wallet, because it was wet. She had a strange expression on her face. She stared at Spencer and asked, "Did you just wash your wallet?" "Of course not. It was in my pocket the whole time." Spencer shrugged. Fiona quickly opened the wallet. Sure enough, the bag was moist. She hurriedly asked, "Spencer, do you have any important identification in this?" "Yes! What''s wrong?" Fiona''s eyes widened. She held up his wallet and said, "But the wallet is drenched!" "What?" Spencer grabbed the wallet and looked at it. "Shit!" It was the first time that Fiona had seen so much emotion from him. He carefully removed everything from his wallet. All kinds of cards and bills were scattered on the bed and the floor. Fiona picked up a card near her feet and said, "This one is fine." However, it seemed that he hadn''t heard what Fiona said, as his eyebrows were still tightly knitted. He shook his wallet rapidly. All of a sudden, a photo, two inches wide, flew out of his wallet, and fell on the floor with the reverse side facing up. Just as she was about to reach out to pick it up, she was stopped by Spencer. "Don''t move!" Fiona was startled. Spencer picked up the photo and carefully lifted it to his mouth. He gently blew it dry. "You may leave now," Spencer said dismissively. "Hmm." Fiona nodded and walked to the door. She turned to look at him and saw deep love and longing in Spencer''s eyes. She was really curious about the identity of the person in the photo. But the next minute, she banished the thought from her mind. In the bedroom, Spencer was standing still, his hand trembling slightly. Sadness was written all over his face. In the photo, there was a boy and a girl. The two of them looked like they were very close to each other. The boy looked cool and was expressionless, and the girl''s head was tilted and she was smiling. He still remembered how his heart had been pounding when the photo had been taken. He had pretended to be cool just to hide his shyness. The photo was a little yellow now. Where was the girl in the photo now? Would everything be different if that terrible car ident didn''t happen? Fiona woke up the next morning and quickly got out of bed to cook. She was annoyed about how hard it was to live with Spencer. Knock, knock, knock! "Spencer?" She knocked on his bedroom door. "Hey, Spencer? What do you want for breakfast?" There was no answer. Fiona tried to turn the doorknob. The quilt and the bed sheet were already neatly folded. ''That''s odd. Where is he?'' Fiona shrugged her shoulders. She rxed as a tiny ray of hope filled her. She ate her breakfast in peace. Then she settled down in front of the French window and began to paint the beautiful coast not far away. Suddenly, a message popped up on her phone, interrupting her drawing. She nced at it absent- mindedly. "There is a new ice cream shop around our college. Do you want to try it, Fiona? It''s my treat." The message was from Ryan. Fiona smiled. Since their encounter at the museum thest time, they had saved each other''s phone number. Ryan would send her messages from time to time. Today was the first time that he had invited her out ''Should I go?'' Fiona was contemting and didn''t realize that a smile had crept up on her face. Ryan''s white shirt and bright smile were exactly what Fiona liked in a man. "Where are we going to meet?" As she was typing the message, she heard a sound behind her. She turned around to examine the source of the sound. Spencer had opened the door and was sauntering in. He had donned sportswear and didn''t look as arrogant as he usually did. In fact, he looked like a teenager¡ªsunny and energetic. "Oh, you''re up?" hemented, looking at his watch. It was just past seven o''clock. Noticing the sweat on Spencer''s face, Fiona asked hesitantly, "Did you go for a run? Have you eaten anything yet?" He pointed his chin out of the window and replied, "I went for a run round the coast and of course I haven''t eaten anything. Have you cooked?" ''If he finds out I ate without waiting for him, he will be upset,'' Fiona thought to herself. "No, I didn''t eat anything either," she lied. Standing up Fiona put her phone aside and asked, "So what do you want to eat, Chinese food? Western food?" "Ugh! Western food? I never eat that!" Looking at the shoe cab angrily, he said, "And don''t forget to buy me slippers after breakfast. I''m going to take a shower." Raising her eyebrows, Fiona watched him walk into the bathroom. She turned to the kitchen. Her phone, which was on the table, dimmed. When he came out of the bathroom, he saw that Fiona was still cooking, so he said, "Cook a little more. I have a good appetite." "Okay, sure!" Fiona replied without looking back at him. Spencer walked to the window as he dried his hair. Looking at her sketchpad, he flipped through the paintings and spotted the ne''s pendant. ''Is this the finished design? Why was she in such a hurry to paint this? Who is she nning to give it to?'' he wondered with a frown. "Spencer! What do you think you are doing? Don''t touch my sketchpad! Get away from it!" Fiona had N?velDrama.Org content. emerged from the kitchen and seen Spencer standing in front of her sketchpad. She was startled. Turning around, he let out a snort at the sight of her panic-stricken face. "I told you it was an ident. Be alert," he remarked dryly. Fiona pressed her lips together and didn''t say anything. She was still on guard with Spencer. She was eating a bowl of porridge at the dining table. Spencer pursed his lips. "Look at your thin figure. You should eat more." ''I''ve already had breakfast,'' she thought. Fiona nodded, gently licking her lips. She raised her eyes and nced at Spencer. "Spencer, I have something to tell you," she started. "What?" "You are going to live in here, aren''t you?" She tried to speak in an appeasing tone. "Shouldn''t we share the utilities?" "If you want money, just say it," Spencer blurted. Fiona''s face turned red at once. It was not because she was shy, but because she was humiliated by his usation. ''Just tell him if I want money? How humiliating! He''s talking to me like I''m some gold digger!'' "I''m just a student. I don''t have parents to support me. I don''t have much money. I hope you can understand that," she said as calmly as she could. "Anyway, since you only to stay here one day a week, I shouldn''t be asking you for money. Besides, I haven''t returned the money that you spent on buying me the phone to you yet. I''ll give it back to you soon. I''m done! I''ll clean up after a while." He watched as Fiona walked back to her bedroom with her sketchpad. Something twisted in his heart. He couldn''t say a word in response to her tirade. It was not until Fiona returned to her bedroom that she realized that she hadn''t replied to Ryan''s message. Still hurting from Spencer''sment, she decided to hang about with Ryan. "Hi Ryan. Where is the shop? I would like to go and eat some ice cream." Ryan replied immediately, "It''s right near the school gate. Do you need me to pick you up?" "No thanks. Don''t bother. I''ll be there in an hour. Thank you for treating me." "I''m so happy that you cane. I''ll wait for you. See you!" Setting her phone down, she changed into a dress and walked out of the bedroom. When Spencer saw that Fiona hade out all dressed up with her bag in her hand, he asked, "Are you going out?" "Yes," she replied curtly. She walked towards the door. "Where are you going? He suddenly got up from the sofa and stood in front of Fiona. "Hanging around with my friend." "What? You''ve made a friend as soon as you came to M City? Who is it? A man or a woman? Is it a bad person?" ''I can''t believe this! You are the worst person in the world!'' she wanted to yell. Instead of answering him, she made a detour. "Fiona! You are not allowed to go out today!" Spencermanded, stretching out his long arm to obstruct her path. "What nonsense? Why not?" Raising her head, Fiona looked into his eyes defiantly. "Because Grandpa''s birthday ising soon and we have to choose a gift for him today." Chapter 21 A Present For Wayne Chapter 21 A Present For Wayne "Grandpa''s birthday ising?" Fiona asked with a surprised frown. "When?" "Yes. It''s next Wednesday." Spencer answered, jamming his hands into his pockets. "We were supposed to have a party for his eightieth birthday but considering his health, my father and I have decided to invite some rtives and friends to our house for dinner." Fiona nodded, "Oh, I see. But it''s still several days away. I''ll pick up his gift myself. I have to go now." "Fiona!" Spencer bellowed. "I said you are not allowed to leave today!" "Spencer, please don''t make a fuss out of nothing." Fiona looked at him defiantly. "What did you say?" He pointed at the door with his right hand. "Fiona, if you have the guts to leave, go ahead and see if you can get out of the door without my permission!" "What the hell is your problem?" she asked, biting her lips. "I told you we have to buy a gift for Grandpa today. The gift must be from both of us. Grandpa ns to introduce you to everyone on his birthday! Do you understand?" There was a bitter smile on Fiona''s face. She was rigid for a while before she let out a breath and said gently, "Let''s go and buy the gift." "Don''t pull a long face. I hate this arrangement more than you do," Spencer remarkedughing sarcastically. Then he took out his phone and demanded, "Johnson,e to the Four Seasons Scenery in twenty minutes." Fiona also pulled out her phone to send a message to Ryan. "Ryan, I''m sorry. Something urgent has In the cool interiors of the ice cream shop near the main gate of D University, Ryan was waiting for her after he had invited her. When he had received the text from Fiona saying she woulde, he had almost jumped up excitedly. Even though he detested waiting for someone, it was worth it for Fiona. Now a new message popped up on his phone. He panicked and swiped on it to unlock the screen with a bright smile on his face. But after he read the message, he was sad. "It''s okay. but remember to treat me next time!" Ryan felt that his fingers had run out of strength. Fiona''s phone rang just as she just walked out of the house. She nced at it, smiled but didn''t reply. Spencer raised his eyebrows and stole a nce at her phone screen but he was unable to see anything. There was a Hummer parked at themunity entrance. Since it had an ordinary license te, Fiona thought that it might not be Spencer''s car. "Sir!" Johnson stepped out of the Hummer and saluted to Spencer. "Hmm." Spencer nodded and walked over. "You can go back. I''ll drive by myself." "Yes, sir!" Fiona followed him to greet Johnson and then she turned to Spencer. "Is this your car?" "Of course!" he replied gruffly. "Now get in!" She was just to get into the back seat when Spencer yelled, "Sit next to me!" Fiona shrugged her shoulders and got into the car from the other side. "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking about," Spencermented before started the car. "Okay, so what am I thinking about?" "Humph!" Spencer snorted. "I bought this car with my own money." "I''m not interested in your business at all. You don''t have to give me any exnations." Turning her head to look out of the window, she saw Spencer''s reflection, who was ring back at her. Spencer then took out his Bluetooth headset and put it on. He dialed a number. "Hello?" Terence''szy voice sounded from the other end of the line. "Why are you still asleep? What did you dost night?" Spencer asked contemptuously. "Hey! I was working overtimest night! I''ve been busy with a case recently. Anyway, what are you calling for?" asked Terence sullenly. "Is the Chinese chess set I asked you to order finished?" Spencer asked. "Why are you so worried? It''s already finished." "Great! Tell me the location of the store and I''ll go fetch it now." "All right. I''ll send the location to you on WeChat. You can just tell them my name and they''ll give it to you." "Got it. I''ve got to go." "Hold on!" "Yes? Anything else?" This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. "Is Fiona by your side?" Terence asked grinning from ear to ear. "Yes, she is. Why? What''s wrong?" "Take a picture of her and sent it to me." "Get lost! I''m driving!" "Tsk! So petty! Anyway, I''ll meet her at Grandpa Wayne''s birthday dinner. There''s no use hiding her from me." "I am not hiding her!" Spencer was irritated. "Whatever! But you are so many years older than her. Aren''t you ashamed of yourself? She is such a young girl!" "I am a teenager for heaven''s sake! Go lost!" He pulled the headset off and threw it away. Fiona didn''t want to eavesdrop on his phone conversation, but when she heard hisst sentence, she couldn''t stop the slight twitching of her lips. They arrived at the store soon. Fiona followed Spencer and the two of them entered the store. The shop was chock-full of all kinds of antiques. The shop owner was in front of a wooden cab in a long robe. When he saw theme in, he hurriedly walked up to them, bowed politely and asked, "What would you like to see?" "Terence He has asked us to collect something from here," Spencer replied, taking in the store. "Oh, you must be Spencer Cheng!" "That''s right." Spencer nodded. "Okay, please follow me upstairs!" The shop owner gestured towards the staircase. The staircase was too narrow for them to walk up together, so the shop owner led the way while Spencer trudged behind him impolitely. Shaking her head, Fiona followed Spencer. She took a step carefully but didn''t realize that she missed one step. She staggered backwards. "Ahhh!" Spencer heard her cry and immediately spun around to see Fiona iling. She was about to have a nasty fall. He frowned and instantly grabbed her arm and tugged her towards him. She felt his warm chest while her hands were subconsciously draped around his firm waist. In that moment, she was so close to him that she could hear his strong heartbeat. The faint smell of him filled her nostrils. "Lady, are you okay?" the store owner asked with concern. "I''m so sorry I forgot to tell you to watch your steps. I was so careless." "It''s not your fault. She was too stupid." When she heard Spencer''s jibe, Fiona stopped herself from expressing gratitude. Seeing that Fiona wasn''t moving, he assumed that she must be frightened. So he put his right arm around her waist and lifted her up. "Hey!" she snapped. "What are you doing? Put me down this instant! Spencer! Are you out of your mind?" "You''ll be steadier on these steps with me holding you." He continued climbing the stairs with heavy steps. In the room upstairs, the shop owner took out a square box from a carved rosewood shelf. He brought the box over to a wooden table and said, "This is the Chinese chess set Mr. He asked us to make. Please have a look." Spencer finally let go of Fiona and walked over to the box to inspect it. Rubbing her waist, Fiona, too, followed suit and saw the wooden chessboard and a set of chess pieces made of the same material in the box. There was a faint fragrance in it. "The chessboard as well as the chess pieces are from the maple tree. The color is pleasing to the eyes, the texture is smooth and wless and it feels exquisite to touch. It took my master three months to create this new chess set by hand. Mr. He is our regr client. He always wants the best." Spencer nodded and turned to look at Fiona, asking, "Well, what do you think? Would it make a good birthday present for Grandpa?" Running her hand over the beautiful chessboard, Fiona nodded slightly. "Very good!" "Did Terence pay you already?" Spencer inquired. "Yes, he has made the payment." "All right, then we''ll take it with us. Please pack it up," he requested. "Okay, right away." "Thank you!" "Didn''t you say you wanted to select a gift? Why did you ask me to apany you when you had already arranged for it?" Fiona asked in a low voice. "I told you this must be from the both of us. You are also part of this. Of course you shoulde along," Spencer said brusquely. Fiona ground her teeth in anger thinking, ''You jerk!'' She asked, "So you allowed other people to pay for the gift?" Putting his hands into his pockets, Spencer retorted, "I already gave Terence the money and asked him to order it for me. Do you think I''m someone who''s greedy enough to take advantage of others?" "How much is this chess set?" Fiona asked. "Not much!" He turned to look at Fiona and continued, "Besides, if Grandpa asks you, you can tell him that the chess set was your idea, and I asked someone to order it." "Okay, but you have to tell me the price of the chess set. I''ll pay you back." Spencerughed. "I said something wrong in the morning, and you just wouldn''t let that go, huh?" "It''s not that. This is my principle," Fiona said holding her head up high. "A hundred grand. Are you going to give me fifty grand?" Spencer said with a smug smile and raised his eyebrows. She swallowed and blinked. "Are you lying to me?" "I have no reason to." "Then..." Fiona stuttered. "I''ll pay you back after I have enough money. I owe you fifty grand." The chessboard set was packed and brought to them. He took it and said, "Let me carry you downstairs." "No need!" she huffed. ring at him, she carefully held the railing of the stairs and started going down one step at a time. "Hey!" Spencer suddenly shouted behind her seeing her nervousness. Fiona turned around and shot him a dirty look. Spencer shrugged. Chapter 22 Like A New Couple (Part One) Chapter 22 Like A New Couple (Part One) Spencer didn''t return to the base for the next five days. Instead, he stayed at home, mostly working on hisputer. Fiona had no idea what he was doing. Because of the uing birthday party, Wayne was taken back to the Cheng family residence. Since then, Fiona hadn''t been able to visit him. Fiona was sitting in front of the window as she painted. She wore an apron to avoid getting the paint on her clothes. She drew thendscape she was working on with utmost care. "Fiona," Spencer called out. He set hisptop down. "The clothes will be arriving any moment now. You better stop painting." "What clothes?" After putting the brush down, she turned to him and wiped the sweat off her forehead with her arm. Spencer held his breath as he looked at her. There was something in her appearance that he always found dreamy. "The clothes for the party tomorrow." He stood up from the sofa and stretched. "You can''t just wear a pair of jeans." "What will you wear?" Fiona asked. Spencer raised an eyebrow. "I''ll be wearing a suit." Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Fiona hurriedly took off her apron and went to open the door. "Hello! Is Mr. Spencer Cheng here? Mr. Terence He asked us to send clothes here." At the door stood a stylish young man, wearing a pair of white-framed sses and a floral shirt. Fiona looked at him doubtfully. It was only after Spencer called to let him in that she showed him the Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! way. Once he received permission to enter, the man waved to his back and several men entered the house, pushing in racks of clothes. Fiona happily watched them unload, not because she loved clothes, but because she was intrigued by their design. Meanwhile, Spencer could only furrow his brows once he saw the man with the floral shirt. "Why are there so many clothes?" Spencer walked in between the racks and pulled out a low-cut evening dress held together bycy straps. His face darkened as he asked, "What is this?" "Mr. He said he didn''t know which style suits Miss Ji best, so he told us to bring quite a few dresses." The man pushed his sses up his nose as he spoke. "These are from Ralph Russo''s spring and summer collection. It''s haute couture!" Flowers, cut-outs, see-through... Spencer was so fascinated by the choices that he took his time checking the pieces one by one. He then pointed to a dress and said, "That one!" "This one!" Fiona said at the same time as she pointed at the same outfit. There was a brief pause after they realized they both chose the same dress. After a couple of seconds, Spencer lowered his hand and a faint smile spread on his face. Fiona was a bit surprised. Could she and Spencer share simr taste? "Well, that makes things easier. Since you both chose this, it''s the winner then!" The man in the floral shirt took the dress off the rack. "This will look very beautiful on you, Miss Ji." Fiona took the dress from his hands and examined it. It was a white satin sleeveless dress with a modest neckline. There were delicate flowers embroidered around the waist, and the cut of the skirt widened around her knees. It looked very conservative, yet elegant. She chose this specifically to hide the scars on her back. With eyebrows raised, Spencer asked, "What about my clothes?" The man waved his hand again and his assistant came forward with a suit. "This was chosen for you by Mr. He." Seeing that he wasn''t offered several options, Spencer cursed, "Damn it! Why did you give Fiona so many dress options as to fill the entire room and yet you only brought one for me?" "But Mr. He said..." The man muttered. "Alright, fine! I''m not that kind of person!" He then turned to Fiona. "Go get changed. See if it fits you." Fiona nodded and brought the dress with her to the room. "Miss Ji, let my assistant help you get dressed. You may need assistance zipping yourself up," the man called out. "I''ll be fine, thank you." With that, Fiona hurried to the room and closed the door behind her. Spencer, on the other hand, stared at the suit in front of him. He wondered how it would fit him. It took Fiona a while to put on the dress. It was her first time wearing something described as "haute couture." After a long good look at the mirror, she opened the door and stepped out of the room. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Spencer had also juste out of his own bedroom. The straight-cut suit he was wearing emphasized Spencer''s tall figure and short hair, making him look more handsome than usual. The suit was a bit tight in several areas and Fiona could clearly make out his sculpted chest and biceps. The dark suit alsoplemented his eyes. It was impossible to tell his expression just then. Spencer was struggling with his tie, but he looked up when he heard the door beside his open. At that moment, the awkwardness on his face was reced with admiration. ''Howe she looks like a different person? It''s as if she turned into a noble princess after changing into that dress,'' he thought. "What a perfect couple!" The man pped his hands as he walked over, his eyes filled with awe. "The clothes fit you well and you make a fine pair, if I may say so." Spencer and Fiona snapped back to reality and turned their eyes to the man. "So be it!" Spencer dismissed all of them with a wave of his hand. "I guess I''ll wear this tomorrow." The next morning, the man who brought the clothes came back with a makeup artist to help Fiona prepare. Fiona wore the white dress with a pair of high-heeled shoes. Her long wavy hair fell delicately over her shoulders, and she asked the stylist to keep her makeup light. She looked fresh and refined. Chapter 23 Im In Love With Someone Else Chapter 23 I''m In Love With Someone Else The Cheng family residence was vast, if not the best residence of its kind. Not only did it have three massive floors, its front yard was as big as the vi itself. In fact, the front yard currently amodated quite arge crowd. A sea of smiles greeted Spencer and Fiona as soon as they walked in together. Spencer gave them a small gracious nod to acknowledge their greeting, then turned to Fiona and whispered, "Grandpa has already announced our rtionship, so everyone knows about you. When someone says hello, just keep up with some light conversation." "Got it." Meanwhile, Wayne sat on the living room sofa, chatting with the younger visitors. He was wondering why Spencer and Fiona hadn¡¯t yete when he saw them approaching. He gestured towards them and hurriedly said, "Fiona,e here!" Fiona walked to him and squatted down, greeting him with a smile. "Grandpa, you¡¯re in high spirits today. We wish you good health and many happy returns." Wayne took her hand and replied softly, "Thank you." "Grandpa." Spencer had soon followed ande over with a gift in his hand. "This is a gift Fiona and I bought together for you. I hope you wille to like it." "It¡¯s from my grandson and granddaughter-inw. I''m sure I will love it!" "Your granddaughter-inw is so pretty. She and Spencer seem like such a perfect match!" Choruses of agreement rose around them, and Wayne couldn¡¯t help but smile. He opened the box and his eyes lit up at the gift. "I love it. Spencer, I¡¯m inclined to think this is all Fiona¡¯s idea." Fiona smiled but remained quiet. Instead, it was Spencer who spoke. "Grandpa, are I your grandson or not? All praises seem to be with her, after all." "How can you possiblypare yourself to Fiona?" Wayneughed heartily. "She is going to have my great-grandson!" Fiona froze for a short moment, the smile on her face disappearing. ¡®Ugh! Grandpa just won''t forget about this.'' Spencer pressed his lips into a tight smile and said, "Fiona, please keep Grandpapany while I will go out and greet the other guests." "Okay." As he walked out of the living room, Victor came over to him, a box in his hand. "Spencer!" "Yes." Spencer nodded at him. "What''s in the box?" "Celine had sent this. A gift from B Country." He stared at the box before nodding. "Okay, go ahead." "Yes." And as Victor''s footsteps slowly echoed away, Spencer took a deep breath. His felt his heart miss a beat. Celine... He proceeded to the yard, where he walked over to Ethan and Anna, who were talking with guests. "Father, Aunt Anna." "Spencer." Ethan nodded. "Spencer!" Anna smiled. "Where''s Fiona?" "She¡¯s keeping Grandpapany inside." He turned to the other guests with a polite smile. "Mr. Gu, Mr. Zhang, nice to meet you." After staying in the living room for a while, Fiona was driven out by Wayne, who asked her to stay with Spencer. She had no choice but to walk out of the living room. Someone told her that Spencer was in the garden. Fiona, too, went there for it was quiet. Just as she was about to step in, she saw Spencer and Kristen side by side under the shade of a tree. Nobody else seemed to be around to know what they were talking about. One thing was clear, and that was Kristen was not in a good mood. "Spencer, do you like Fiona?" Kristen asked. He lowered his head and looked at the grass underneath his feet. "It doesn¡¯t matter whether I like her or not, she¡¯s going to be my wife." "See, this isn¡¯t like you! Where has the cruel and resolute man gone? When have you be so obedient to your family? A marriage must be based on love!" Kristen said with nothing but anger. He raised his head and smiled at her. "Kristen, are you lecturing me?" "I¡¯m not joking." Kristen gritted her teeth. "Don¡¯t you think we¡¯d make a better match than you and Fiona? I..." "I know what you¡¯re going to say, but I''m in love with someone else," Spencer cut her off in an icy tone. Kristen stared at him in disbelief. In the distance, Fiona gazed at them for a few more seconds, sighed, and turned back. "What are you looking at, Fiona?" Terence walked to her from a few steps away, hands thrown in his pockets while a wide smile framed his face. Fiona seemed to take a deep breath before whispering softly, "Enjoy the view." Terence raised his eyebrows and nced at the direction Fiona had attended to. "Do you want to talk to me about it?" Even though they had just met, he gave her the impression that he was like a brother, someone who could be trusted. "Spencer told me everything about you. Whatever reason it is for two people to get married, it is fate. I suggest you have a try. Maybe your marriage turns not to be as repulsive as you think. I know very well This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. that Spencer has a knot in his heart. You may be able to solve it with your warmth, and in time, help him move on." "I don''t think I have neither the interest nor the ability." Fiona gave him a smile. Terence returned the expression. "Spencer is right. You are a cold and indifferent girl." She turned to look into his eyes. "I am, however, curious about what has been troubling him." "Fiona, Terence. Why are you two together?" They turned their heads and saw Spencer striding over from where he had been standing earlier. "What are you talking about?" Terence shrugged. "Nothing." Spencer narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Terence patted his shoulder. "If it weren¡¯t for me, Kristen would have definitely kept following you. Why would youe to suspect me now?" "Humph!" "Spencer!" Victor ran over, slightly out of breath. "Your grandpa wants to see you, Fiona and Terence." "Got it." Spencer turned to look at Fiona and said, "Come, let¡¯s go back." Terence feigned a sad expression and shook his head. "They say a man will neglect his friend after getting married. I didn¡¯t expect it to be true!" Spencer looked at him with a tinge of amusement, but didn¡¯t reply. Instead, he looked at Fiona, and in a loud voice, said, "Don¡¯t talk to Terence in the future. He¡¯s a sly fox and he will trap you one way or the other." "Ha-ha..." Terenceughed as he followed them into the living room. At the dinner table, Wayne waved his hand, asking Spencer and Fiona to drink a toast to the guests. They truly looked like a newly married couple. "This is Mr. Zhao." "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhao." "This is Mr. Yan." "Nice to meet you, Mr. Yan." "This is..." They walked around the party hand in hand, smiling at everyone. "I''m so tired!" After finally sending thest guest out, Spencer pulled his tie as he walked back to the living room. "It feels so strange to wear this suit." Fiona silently nodded in agreement. The high heels she wore all day long definitely took a toll on her. "Spencer, how about you and Fiona staying here tonight?" Anna said as she saw theme in. "Yes," Ethan agreed. "Especially since you both seem quite exhausted." Spencer stopped in his tracks. A sly smile spread across his face. "Oh, Fiona, what do you think?" Fiona froze in ce. She stared at Spencer deadly quiet, but her eyes teemed with annoyance. He feigned ignorance on having thrown a difficult question on her. Wayne smiled and turned to Fiona. "Spencer is right. Fiona, do you still n to leave?" "I..." Fiona looked conflicted. "Well, I think it would be better..." "Just stay here. It¡¯s okay, you will live together in the future anyway," Anna chimed in. Fiona bit her lip, still silent. After seeing her squirm for a little longer, Spencer finally felt satisfied. He walked towards his grandfather and whispered a few words in his ear. Wayne¡¯s eyes brightened immediately. "Let someone send you back. You should go as early as possible!" On the way back, Fiona was sitting in the passenger¡¯s seat. She asked as coldly as anyone could, "What did you just say to Grandpa?" "Are you sure you want to know?" He smiled proudly, while Fiona frowned. "I told him that we¡¯re trying to have a baby, so it''s inconvenient for us to stay in there." ''Damn it!'' Fiona cursed inwardly. Her face flushed into a deep red as she red at Spencer for a few intense seconds, before eventually turning her face away from his direction. Chapter 24 A Hero To The Rescue Chapter 24 A Hero To The Rescue Spencer immediately returned to the base and went back to work as soon as Wayne''s birthday party was over. He could only return to the Four Seasons Scenery for an overnight stay on Saturday evenings. By mid-August, Fiona started preparing for school. Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Ryan, telling her when the D University freshmen would start registering. He was able to disseminate the information faster than the university did. Fiona held the phone in her hand and thought of what to reply. "Ryan, I was busyst time and wasn''t able to join you for ice cream," she typed. "Would you want to join me today? My treat." Ryan''s reply came in merely two secondster. "I''m free. I''ll wait for you at the entrance of D University. Don''t miss it this time!" N?velDrama.Org owns this. "Okay. I''ll be there in an hour." Ryan was resting under a tent inside a tennis court near the Wen family residence. The moment he received Fiona''s message, he took off his hat and ran excitedly to his home. He ran like a child, his short hair flying against the wind. "Andrew, give me the car keys. I''m going to the university," Ryan said with a big smile on his face. "I''m going to take a shower." "Mr. Wen," Andrew started. Ryan quickly ignored him and ran to the second floor. Andrew shook his head with a smile. Ryan went into the bedroom, took a cold shower, put on clean clothes, and ran downstairs. "Mr. Wen, here you go," Andrew said, cing the keys in Ryan''s hand. "Have a safe drive." But when Ryan was about to take the keys, he suddenly realized something. "Andrew, can you drive me there?" he asked. "Okay." Andrew nodded without questions. Ryan pursed his lips. He didn''t want to frighten Fiona by driving the car himself. He didn''t know much about her family, but he didn''t want her to think that he was using his family background to attract her. A ck car stopped in front of the west gate of D University. Ryan opened the door and stepped out of the car. "Andrew, you don''t have to wait for me. Just go home," he instructed. "Okay, Mr. Wen. Be careful." "I will." Ryan nodded and walked towards the main gate. Andrew was parked at a corner 500 meters away from the main gate. It was the same spot where he would park to wait for Ryan after his sses. He drove Ryan to and from school for three years during his college years. Meanwhile, Fiona took the bus. Only a few people were walking around. She suddenly realized that students were out for summer vacation during August. There shouldn''t have been any students in school. She wondered what Ryan was doing there. "Hi, Fiona." Her deep thought was disturbed by someone calling out her name across the road. When she turned to look, she saw Ryan''s smiling face. Ryan had always been such a positive person to be around with. His smile was infectious and could easily melt away all the sadness in the world. "Ryan!" Fiona shouted loudly from the other side of the road. "Let mee to you!" "No, stay there. Wait for me," Ryan said firmly. "It''s too dangerous to cross the road. There are too many cars. Just stay put. I''ll be there!" As he spoke, he looked warily at the cars passing by and walked towards Fiona. Fiona did as instructed. She stood still in the same ce waiting for Ryan. Suddenly, a girl ran past her. Fiona wasn''t able to see her face clearly, but she heard her sobbing under her breath. The girl was about to cross the road. Beep! A white car approached, and yet the girl didn''t notice. She stood in the middle of the road, ignoring the driver''s warning. Fiona turned pale. "Be careful!" she shouted. "Watch out!" Ryan, who was crossing the road, screamed in panic. He rushed forward a few steps and held the girl in his arms, narrowly avoiding the car. A loud squeak filled the air. The car lurched forward and its tires noisily rubbed against the ground. "Fuck! Are you blind? You are crazy!" The car owner craned his head out of the window. He cursed at them and quickly drove away. Across the road, Ryan tumbled across the ground with the girl in his arms. Fiona stared at the car driving away and then turned to look at Ryan. "Are you all right?" Ryan was lying t on the ground, his shirt stained with dust. He had a deep frown on his face as he stared at the girl in his arms. "Are you hurt?" The girl was shocked. She shook her head and erupted into tears. "What about you, Ryan? Are you hurt?" Fiona asked and offered a hand to the girl. "Are you okay?" The girl stood up timidly. Fiona grabbed Ryan''s arm and pulled him up. "I''m fine!" Ryan shook his head and smiled tofort Fiona. "You''re bleeding!" The girl gasped at the sight of Ryan''s hand. She looked down and found that his white shirt was torn. Arge bruise covered his arm. Tears streamed down her face. She began to look for something in her purse. Fiona closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She then quickly took out a handkerchief from her bag and covered Ryan''s arms with it. The girl had also found her tissue papers. But when she saw Fiona hand Ryan the handkerchief, she hesitated. She could see gratitude in Ryan''s beautiful eyes as Fiona helped him out. When Fiona put her hand on Ryan''s arm, he felt a warm current course through him. Ryan''s arm was painful, but his heart fluttered with warmth. ''Is Fiona worried about me?'' he wondered. "We are going to the hospital," Fiona said. "There''s no need. I''m fine." Ryan shook his head and smiled. There was fear lingering in Fiona''s heart as her mother was died in a car ident. She took a deep breath and gulped. "Ryan, I''ll take you to the hospital," she insisted. Ryan was stunned at her persistence. "Alright." Ryan nodded and looked at the girl next to her. "How are you? Did you get hurt? Do you want to go to the hospital with us?" "I''m fine!" The girl quickly waved her hand and politely turned them down. "Thank you, but I''m not hurt. I''m really sorry for this. Please do let me know how much your medical expenses would be. I can pay for them." "I''m fine. It''s just a bruise." Ryan shook his head and chuckled. "Be careful next time." "I will." The girl bit her lips and looked guilty. "Well, Ryan, let''s go get your wound dressed," Fiona chimed in. "Yes, let''s go." Fiona helped Ryan walk. A few steps in, they realized that the girl was following behind them. Ryan turned around and asked, "Do you need anything else?" That girl shook her head, then she perked up. "You saved me. I think I should go to the hospital with you." Ryan gave her a polite smile. "You really don''t have to. What matters most is that you''re fine. You must be freaked out. Go and take some rest." After that, he hailed a cab that was nearby. He and Fiona got in the car and left. The girl stood still. With her eyes still swollen from crying, she stared at the white man inside the taxi. Fiona and Ryan left the Affiliated hospital of D University around sunset. "I''m so sorry for what happened today, Fiona," Ryan said with an apologetic smile. "I didn''t expect this to happen. Are you scared?" "No, I''m not. Thank God you''re fine." "The ice cream..." "I''ll treat you next time." Ryan nodded enthusiastically. Suddenly, Fiona''s phone rang. She froze, realizing who it was. On Saturdays, no one else called her except for Spencer. "Why aren''t you answering it?" inquired Ryan. Fiona shook her head. "I don''t have to answer it. I''ll be home soon anyway." A hint of disappointment shed through Ryan''s eyes. He was hoping he could buy her dinner this evening. Fiona continued, "The doctor said that your injured arm can''t get wet. You better go home and get some rest. Maybe it''s time for us to say goodbye." Ryan looked at Fiona and didn''t say anything. "What''s wrong?" Fiona looked into Ryan''s eyes. "Are you always this cold to everyone, Fiona?" Ryan asked slowly. "You are never bothered whenever we say our goodbyes. Or did I do something wrong?" Fiona looked shocked. She waved her hands and said, "No, no. It''s not like that! This is just who I am. I can be pretty cold. It''s not your fault. I''m sorry for hurting you. I really am. You''re such a nice guy." "Is that true?" asked Ryan. "Of course it''s true." Fiona stared at Ryan''s arm. "You''re so warm and friendly to everyone. You''re also very brave. I really admire you." Ryan shed a smile. "You must have been terrified today. You better go home early." "Hmm. Rest well, Ryan." "I will." Ryan stared at her as she hailed a cab and left. After she was gone, he stood quietly, deep in his thoughts. ''Fiona, I will only be your hero from now on. Since you are cold and I am warm, I will melt your heart with my warmth. Fate brought us together, don''t you agree?'' he thought to himself. Chapter 25 Freshman Starting School Chapter 25 Freshman Starting School At Four Seasons Scenery As soon as she got off the bus, Fiona tried to make a phone call to Spencer but he didn''t pick up. ''He must be angry,'' she thought. She quickened her pace towards her apartment, trying her best to dismiss the thoughts in her head. After opening the door, she hung her bag on the rack and turned to check the vacant room. She called out, "Spencer? Are you here?" Spencer was in the kitchen getting a drink of water when he heard Fiona''s voice. After hastily swallowing his drink, he came out to the living room. "Aahhh!" Fiona was shocked to see Spencer standing before her, casually holding a cup of water. She couldn''t say anything for two seconds, after which she could only scream, "Spencer! Why are you..." There was no other word to describe Spencer aside from naked. He stood in front of her stripped down to his underwear. ''How dare he show himself in the living room only wearing his underwear!'' Fiona thought. Her face turned a bright red. Without saying anything more, she ran straight to her bedroom. The corners of Spencer''s lips curved into a mischievous smile. "What? I''m not naked!" "Shame on you!" Bang! Fiona mmed the door loudly behind her. But Spencer wasn''t going to let her get off that easily. He ran after her and knocked on the door of her bedroom. "Hey! Can you hear me?" N?velDrama.Org content. Fiona was sitting on the edge of her bed. She tried her best to calm herself down but her heart wouldn''t let her¡ªit was racing! She took a few deep breaths, choosing to ignore Spencer. "I just stepped out of the bathroom! You didn''t answer when I tried to call you and you arrived just when I finished showering," He exined further. "You came in too quickly. I didn''t even get the chance to say that I was only wearing underwear." Fiona put her hands to her ears and shouted, "Well, don''t just stand there! Go and put on some clothes! I don''t want to listen to your excuses!" On the other side of the door, a mischievous grin yed on Spencer''s lips. "Be honest, did you see my body? Am I in good shape?" Fiona couldn''t believe what she just heard. She gritted her teeth and shouted, "Spencer..." "Ha-ha..." Spencer whistled away as he walked to his own room. He was in such a good mood even as he put on his clothes. At dinner, Fiona kept her head down and didn''t speak. "Hey, Fiona!" Spencer said as he tapped his te with his chopsticks to get her attention. "You never talked much before, but now, you''re even quieter. It wouldn''t hurt you to make some noise. Could it be that you''re still thinking about our little incident this afternoon?" Fiona merely snorted. After a few moments, she said, "It must be my terrible luck I saw your body earlier." "Oh,e on! Plenty of women would kill to see this body. You just won the lottery!" ''How shameless!'' Fiona thought. "Don''t talk with your mouth full!" she reproached. She kept her gaze on the food, trying not to mind Spencer. She had only caught a quick glimpse of his body earlier, but she was able to take in a good look. The memory of it all was still fresh in her mind. Every line and muscle on his body were in its right ce. He looked like he was in much better shape than most models. This was probably because he had been training from an early age. Hearing no response from Fiona, Spencer pursed his lips. Trying his best to start a conversation, he asked, "Where''s your sketchpad? Have you finally decided to quit painting?" "It''s because the new semester is about to start. I put it away to take it to the university." "The semester''s about to begin?" Spencer raised his eyebrows. "When?" "I''ll be leaving next weekend." Fiona bit on her chopsticks as she tried to organize her thoughts. "I''ll be boarding at school from then on. Since you''ll be living here alone, you have to learn how to take care of yourself." Spencer mmed his hand on the table and said, "I can take care of myself. I''m not a kid." "That''s great to hear." "You..." Spencer red at Fiona. "If you want to go to school, go to school. But since you don''t have sses on weekends, you have toe back every time I''m here. You have to take care of me." "I won''t being back on weekends," Fiona dered. "I will go to your college personally to drag you back if you won''te on your own." "I won''t see you." "Then I will announce to the entire school that you''re my wife." No retort came from Fiona and it seemed as if Spencer had spoken the final word. Dispirited, she kept to her te and only opened her mouth to say, "Don''t spread that kind of nonsense at my college." "I will if you don''t behave properly." After finishing his meal, he stood up and ordered arrogantly, "Wash the dishes!" Fiona furrowed her brows as she thought that Spencer was the most despicable person on earth. When the end of August came, D University opened its doors to a fresh batch of students. The entrance was adorned with colorful banners and balloons. The entire school was buzzing as seniors prepared to wee the iing freshmen. The private cars and the buses the school sent to pick the students up were entering the gates one by one. Some of the freshmen came with their families to share the important asion. Every face was brimming with joy. After all, D University was one of the country''s most prestigious universities, and it was a great matter of honor and pride to be admitted in. Ryan was part of the weingmittee of the economics and management school. He stood there, joined by three of his roommates who were mostly there to keep an eye on him. Ryan''s eyes were focused on the entrance as he waited for a certain girl to make an entrance. But after minutes of not seeing Fiona, he told his friends, "Wait here. I''ll just check out how the other schools are doing." Sam, one of Ryan''s friends, leaned over and gave him a meaningful look. "Which school are you going to? Could it be the art school? Am I right?" "Ryan is the president of the student council. Of course, he should check out the other schools!" said a thin man wearing sses. It was Warren, also one of Ryan''s roommates. He turned to Ryan and said, "It''s fine, Ryan. You go ahead and check on the art school. We''re going to wait here, just in case Fiona drops by." "What kind of a girl is Fiona? Why hasn''t shee yet?" asked the third guy named Luke. Ryan only looked at them and chuckled. "Enough! If Fiona doese here, don''t scare her away, okay?" "Of course. You can trust us, Ryan!" Sam said in high spirits. He ced his hand over his chest as he patted Warren on the shoulder. "I think our boy has finally turned into a man. We weren''t even nning anything and Ryan''s already overprotective of her." Warren smiled. "For years, many women have cried over Ryan and yet he stayed indifferent. I even thought he was gay. But it looks like I was wrong." Ryan gave Warren a mocking smile. "You''re such a dog, Warren!" "That''s right!" echoed Sam. "Look at Warren! He pretends to be a refined gentleman, wearing those sses when he''s actually a scum!" "Ha-ha..." The menughed together. The road to the university entrance was packed with cars. Somewhere amid the traffic, Victor was in the driver''s seat of a SUV, Fiona in the passenger seat. Being stuck outside in the hot weather made him a little bit impatient. "How long do we have to wait? I''ll ask someone to clear a path for us to drive through. This traffic is hopeless." But Fiona thought that attracting too much attention was not the best way to start school. "Don''t, Victor!" Fiona tried to stop him from taking out his phone. "I can go to the university by myself. I only have one suitcase so it''s no trouble at all." "No way!" Victor shook his head. "I can''t let you do that. Mr. Cheng is not in good health so he has entrusted you to me. I take this responsibility very seriously. I have to personally see you in." "Victor, I can do it myself. I''ve been to the university before and I already know my way." Fiona then opened the door and jumped out of the car before Victor could protest. She took out her suitcase from the trunk. Albeit reluctantly, Victor stepped out of the car too. Shaking his head, he remarked, "Mr. Cheng will definitely me me for this." Both of them were standing in the middle of the road, but no one dared honk after seeing the license te on the car. "Victor, don''t worry," Fiona said with a smile, "Spencer will be meeting me here so you can head back now. It''s okay." "Is Spencering?" "Yes." Fiona nodded. "He said that he woulde here from the base. He knows this is an important day for me." Victor smiled and scratched his head. "I see. You should''ve told me that earlier. Well, since Spencer is be very happy to hear that." "Yes, I''m sure he will." Fiona nodded. "So there''s nothing to worry about. You can leave now." "I will. Please call if you need me for anything." "Thank you, Victor." Fiona waved and bid him goodbye as he got back in the car. After seeing him turn the vehicle around, she took a great sigh of relief. When she was sure that he was gone, she yfully stuck her tongue out. The truth was Spencer wasn''ting. She was lying to Victor. Had she not, she wouldn''t have gotten rid of Victor, would she? Fiona thought it best to not attract attention on her first day at school. She walked toward the entrance, dragging her suitcase behind, oblivious to a girl standing nearby underneath a huge tree. The girl had a round face and a pair of big, wide eyes, and she looked quite frail yet gentle. It was the girl Ryan rescued on the road the other day. She had been watching Fiona since she stepped out of the car. The shadow of the tree''s foliage mostly kept her unnoticeable. As she watched Fiona deal with Victor who treated her with utmost politeness, a curious expression fell on her face. Chapter 26 An Acquaintance Chapter 26 An Acquaintance "Excuse me, is this the reception of the economics and management school?" Ryan barely heard the timid voice behind him, as he joked andughed with his friends. He turned around and found that the girl stared at him with a suitcase in tow. Ryan nodded and answered, "Yes." "Hi, there! I''m Sam, a senior student. Is there anything I can help you with?" Sam said excitedly. But the girl did not reply. She even barely spared him a nce. She then turned to Ryan and asked, "Excuse me, can you send me to the dorms? I am a bit lost, you see." Warren and Luke almostughed out loud after he heard what girl said to Ryan. Sam angrily made his way back to their table as he red at his friends. "Sam, she obviously likes Ryan. You don''t stand a chance, man." Warren tried to console the sulking Sam as he patted his shoulder. "Shut up!" Sam grumpily swatted Warren''s hand off his shoulder. "I hate girls who only care a person''s appearance. I''m the captain of our school''s basketball team. Ryan is not better than me! She doesn''t have good taste when ites to men!" Sam turned around only to see a familiar figure at the entrance of the university¡ªFiona. "Oh, look who''sing," Sam said with a smirk. "Let''s leave Ryan to deal with that girl. Fiona''s here, so we should greet her now without telling him!" Sam wasted no time. He stood up and ran towards Fiona. Both Warren and Luke also stood up and followed him. On the other hand, Ryan tried his best to deal with the pretty girl who carried her suitcase. "Sorry, I''m quite busy at the moment. Is it okay if I find someone else to guide you back to your dormitory instead?" he said apologetically, as he rubbed the back of his neck. He turned around and found the three other men gone from their table. He looked around the area. He was about to give up looking for his friends when he saw a dreamy figure from the corner of his eye. He thought his eyes were just ying tricks on him so he blinked again before he looked at the figure. It was indeed Fiona! She really stood out in a sea of people because of her good looks. But what puzzled Ryan was why his three friends were standing so close to Fiona. He suddenly felt annoyed at his friends. How could they leave him alone to deal with this girl when Fiona arrived? He patted the nearest person next to him and said, "Hey, you. Send this girl to her dormitory. I need to take care of something. I''m leaving." The other guy and the girl didn''t even have time to react because Ryan already rushed to get to Fiona. He realized it was already no use to resist since Ryan already left. "Well then, we better get you to your dormitory." He turned to look at the girl only to find her eyes never left Ryan''s retreating figure yet. At the university''s gate, Fiona walked towards the reception of the art school with her suitcase in tow. Suddenly, she heard someone shouting her name. She turned around and found Sam. "Sam!" Fiona''s eyes widened. "Yes, it''s me! I''m d you still remember me." Sam grinned, ttered and happy that Fiona remembered him. He pulled both Warren and Luke next to him. "These are my roommates, Warren and Luke. We all live in the same dormitory as Ryan." Fiona already knew that Sam could be a bit energetic when she first met him. She nced at the people beside him and decided to introduce herself too. "Hi, my name is Fiona." "Wow, what a pretty girl!" Luke swallowed. Warren subtly kicked Luke and silently asked him to stop scaring Fiona. Fiona tried to make sense of the situation and the boys before her. She lowered her head a little and gave them a shy smile. "Come on! I''ll take you to the art school!" Sam offered and retrieved the luggage from Fiona''s hand. "Thank you, Sam!" The three boys apanied her to the art school, while Sam held onto her luggage. "Hey! Fiona!" Ryan jogged towards Fiona and his group of friends who previously abandoned him. He took the suitcase from Sam''s hand, although thetter resisted a bit. "Did my roommates frighten you?" he asked with an apologetic smile. "What do you mean?" Fiona asked, confused at Ryan''s question. Before Ryan could answer her, his roommates defended themselves. "Hey! We''re not like that," Luke said, obviously unhappy at his roommate''s distrust. "Exactly! We are trying to be friendly here." Warren nodded and agreed with what Luke just said. "You''re really something!" Sam shook his head in disbelief. "How could we scare her? We were just trying to help her get to the art school." Fiona was about to speak in their defense when Ryan''s arm caught her eye. "Is your arm okay?" she asked with concern. "It was just a bruise, and it''s healed," he said. Fiona gave him a smile. The two of them, along with Sam, Luke, and Warren talked as they made their way to the art school. Teresa Zhao, the president of the art school''s student council, immediately spotted Ryan. She ran to meet the group, her eyes full of joy. "Ryan, what brought you here?" "Hey, Teresa!" Ryan greeted her back. "I got a new student for you. Her name is Fiona Ji." Teresa turned to look at Fiona. Her smile faltered a bit at the sight of the new student. She felt so ufortable that she started to lose herposure. "Hello, Teresa," Fiona greeted her with a smile. She noticed the sudden change in Teresa''s expression, but chose not toment on it. "Hello." Teresa greeted back. She handed Fiona a booklet and a pen. "Do the registration first." She turned to look at Ryan again. "Aren''t you busy taking care of your school? Why did you send her here?" she asked in a cold voice. As Ryan was about to speak, Sam said, "Because she is very special to Ryan." Sam bumped Ryan''s shoulder and he looked at him with his eyebrows raised. "Isn''t she?" Fiona''s face turned red as she heard that. When she raised her head again, her eyes identally met Ryan''s. With no intention of denying how he felt, Ryan looked at Fiona with passionate eyes. "Yes, she is very special to me." Amid the mor and the boisterous crowd around them, all Fiona could hear was the beat of her heart as it went faster and faster by the minute. ''What did he mean by that?'' Fiona thought to herself. ''Am I really special to him?'' Teresa forced a smile despite her pale face. She turned to Fiona again and said, "You''re Fiona Ji, right? Everything is done. You can go to your dormitory now." "Let me send you to your dormitory," Ryan offered with a smile. He bid Teresa goodbye and left for Fiona''s dormitory building with her luggage. Sam, Warren, and Luke immediately followed after them. Fiona unconsciously bit her lower lip. ''I''m going to be Teresa''s enemy because of you, Ryan,'' she thought. After a few minutes, they found themselves in front of Room 315 at the art school''s dormitory for girls. All of them stood in front of the door and waited as Fiona knocked. "You cane in! The door''s not locked," a girl shouted from inside the room. Fiona slowly walked in and explored the room more. As she looked around, she realized that there were four beds inside the room. Each bed had a desk and a wardrobe next to it. Like Ryan, she shared the room with three more people. She saw an empty bed near the window. That must be hers. There were already two girls inside the room,zily lying on their beds. One of them had short hair while the other had long, curly hair. They were both beautiful in their own way. When they saw Fiona, they looked at her curiously. "Hi, I''m Fiona Ji and I''m also assigned to this room. It''s a pleasure to meet you," she said with a smile. "There are a few seniors outside who helped me carry my luggage. Would it be okay to let them in?" The short-haired girl responded quickly, "Yes, of course! Please ask them toe in." She got off the bed and walked towards Fiona. "I am Sophia Su." The other girl also came over to introduce herself. She wore revealing clothes and her face was adorned with delicate makeup. "My name is E Yang." Fiona smiled at them politely. Already feeling well-acquainted with her roommates, she turned to look at Ryan and his friends. "Guys, pleasee in!" Out of curiosity, Sophia turned her head and saw Ryan as he entered the room with a suitcase. Her eyes lit up as she rushed over to the boy. "Ryan!" She quickly enveloped Ryan in a hug. He was so surprised that he didn''t even see who came over and embraced him. Everyone in the room was surprised that Sophia suddenly hugged Ryan. No one spoke as they exchanged confused nces with each other. Warren decided to break the silence. "What is going on here? Do you guys know each other?" "Damn it! Ryan, you lucky guy!" Sam had started to get jealous of all the attention Ryan gained from different girls. "Sophia?" Ryan called out as soon as he saw the girl''s face. He pushed her away and asked, "Why are you here?" "I''m here to study, of course!" she said proudly. "You are surprised, aren''t you? We''re in the same school now!" "But your parents wanted you to stay at N City, right? What are you doing here at M City?" Ryan asked. "I ran away from home. Please don''t tell my parents yet!" Sophia realized that the whole room was silent. She looked at everyone and realized that all eyes were on them. "Why is everyone looking at me R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only like this?" "Are you Ryan''s girlfriend?" Warren asked. He failed to keep his curiosity at bay. "No! Please don''t get it wrong! Ryan is like my older brother. I have no feelings for him at all." Ryan nodded, "Our parents get along well with each other." He smiled at everyone while he patted Sophia''s head to emphasize their point. "Sophia is just like a sister to me. I''m sorry for surprising everyone just now." Ryan stared at Fiona while he exined it, which got her flustered. She turned her head towards the room''s door as she tried to avoid his eyes. That was when she saw a girl with thick bangs. The girl just stood outside the open door. Fiona''s eyes widened in surprise. "It''s you!" Fiona eximed. "What are you doing here?" Everyone looked at where Fiona''s gaze was. Then, E said, "Ah, that''s Leona. She''s our roommate too." "Roommate?" Ryan said as he looked at Leona. He turned to Fiona and said, "Looks like you are already acquainted with one of your roommates. What a coincidence!" ''Leona is the girl who was rescued by Ryan that day!'' Fiona thought to herself. Leona got shy from the attention everyone in the room gave her. She lowered her head and greeted, "Hello, everyone. My name is Leona Lin." Then, she looked at Ryan with a small smile on her face. "Thank you for saving my life that day." "Ah, so it was you who was saved by Ryan that day!" Sam eximed. Chapter 27 Have Dinner Together Chapter 27 Have Dinner Together ''Ryan, so that''s his name.'' Leona repeated the name in her mind. "Ryan, what happened? She was saved by you? Tell me, please!" Sophia pleaded. "Come on!" Ryan pinched Sophia''s nose yfully. "I''ll tell youter after I help Fiona unpack." "Alright. Let''s help her," said Sophia, sticking her tongue out at Ryan. "Thank you." Fiona made sure to show them her gratitude. "Hey, hey," Luke whispered as he gathered the boys. "Look at the four girls in the dormitory. Fiona is an absolute goddess. Sophia is super cute. Leona looks lovely. E is smoking hot. They''re all so beautiful!" "That''s right." Warren nodded and turned to Ryan. "You know three of them, right? Who do you want the most? Let us know so we can pursue the others." Ryanughed. "Come on! You make me feel like I''m an emperor who''s going to select a concubine." He nced longingly at Fiona. ''Even if I have someone I want, will she want me?'' "Which one do you like?" Ryan''s thoughts were interrupted by Warren''s probing. He shed him a bright smile. "You didn''t know?" The other three boys exchanged a knowing smile. Fiona had just finished unpacking her stuff. She wiped the sweat on her face and said, "Thank you all for your help today. I''ll treat you to dinner some other day." "Why another day? Why not today?" Sophia said and jumped up. "We''re so lucky to have met each other! Why not have dinner together today? Let''s bring Leona and E so we can all bond." Hearing Sophia''s words, the boys nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Fiona''s phone rang. She took it out from her pocket and saw Spencer''s name on the screen. "Hello?" Fiona ran to the balcony as she answered the phone. She did not notice Ryan''s eyes following her. "What are you doing? It took you so long to answer the phone!" Spencer''s annoyed voice filled the other end. "I''m unpacking," Fiona whispered. "Have you moved to the dorm?" "Yes." Spencer was quiet for a few seconds. "I''m calling to tell you that I can''t go back this weekend," he stated. Fiona was thrilled. "I see," she said over the phone. "Don''t get carried away. I''ll see you soon. "I''ll teach you a lesson by then," he threatened. Fiona rolled her eyes. ''He''s bluffing,'' she told herself. "Are you going to have dinner with us or not, Fiona? We''re waiting for you," Sophia called out from inside the dorm. "I have to hang up now!" Fiona hurriedly told Spencer. Before he could say something, she hung up. "Hey! Fiona! I will go to¡ª Damn it!" Spencer threw his phone away when he realized the call was disconnected. "Leona, you didn''t respond when I asked you to have lunch with me this noon. Now that the boys are here, you''re willing to join us. What do you mean?" E''s sarcastic voice weed Fiona as she stepped into the dorm. "What do you mean, E? Don''t think that you can bully Leona as you like. I won''t let you get away with this," said Sophia, stepping in front of Leona. "What did I do? Am I not allowed to speak anymore?" E ced one hand on her waist. "Oh my God," Sam murmured. "Girls are so troublesome." "Shut up!" Warren patted Sam. Fiona stood in front of them to interrupt. "Why are you all still here? Aren''t you going to have dinner?" Ryan smiled. "Are youing with us, Fiona?" "Sure." Fiona smiled softly, suppressing the difort in her heart. ''The girls don''t seem easy-going.'' With a triumphant smile, Sophia grabbed Fiona''s arm. "Alright, let''s go! Are youing with us, E?" she offered. "Yes!" E nodded. They packed up their things and walked towards a restaurant near the school. "Sophia, tell us about you and Ryan," Sam said during dinner. "Howe we''ve never heard of you?" "My parents have been friends with Ryan''s parents for many years," Sophia replied as she picked up a mouthful of food. "I haven''t been to M City in thest three years. That''s why you don''t know me." "How did you get admitted to D University?" Ryan looked at Sophia intently. "I thought your father didn''t allow you to leave N City." Sophia gave him a sly smile. "I''m my parents'' only child. My father always wants me to stay in N City. But I managed to run away from home." "Aren''t you afraid that your father will ask you to return?" asked Luke. Ryan chuckled. "Oh, Sophia can deal with her father. Believe me." "What does your family do, Sophia?" R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only "They are businessmen. We have a few small businesses." Sophia bit the tip of her chopsticks. "Fiona, you are so pretty. You look like a fairy. What does your family do? I guess you are from a well-off family." Ryan turned to look at her with curiosity and affection in his eyes. With a faint smile, Fiona said, "My family is just ordinary. I''m not a fairy, Sophia. You are ttering me." ''An ordinary family?'' Leona thought. ''She got out of a luxurious car at the entrance.'' "Leona, what does your family do?" Sophia asked again. Leona raised her head and blushed. "I''m from the countryside." "The scene there must be very charming. Maybe we can visit your home someday," Ryan said with a smile. "Alright. Soon." Leona nodded, he heart full of gratitude for Ryan. E raised her eyebrows and looked around. "You''ve asked everyone already. Can I answer too?" "Go ahead!" Sam responded with a smile. "My family is a family of schrs," E said proudly. "My father is in the Education Bureau of M City." "Oh God!" Warren reacted exaggeratingly. "I failed in three subjects thest semester. Can you help me with that?" The others burst intoughter. "In your dreams!" Sam teased. "Fiona, have some shrimps." As they busily chatted andughed, Ryan was stealthily picking up some food for Fiona. Fiona bit her lips shyly and raised her head. "Thank you, Ryan," she said softly. Ryan''s heart melted at the sight of Fiona''s smile. He gulped and remarked, "You don''t have to be polite with me." Fiona blushed. "Hey, what are you talking about?" Sophia suddenly chimed in. "There''s something fishy between the two of you." "Stop it, Sophia!" Ryan''s face was also a little red. "Just eat your food." "Fine!" Sophia pouted. After dinner, they walked towards the university. Fiona walked slowly. With one hand in the pocket, Ryan followed her pace. Fiona raised her head and looked at Ryan who was staring at her. They smiled at each other without any words, but their eyes showed a deep understanding between them. "It''s said that it''s easiest to make friends at the dinner table," Sam stated. "See, now we know each other better." "That''s right," Luke agreed. "Maybe we should all go singing tonight while everyone''s in high spirits. What do you think?" "Stop making a fuss!" Warren patted Luke''s shoulder. "It''s the first day at school for these girls. Don''t make them break the rules!" "Exactly!" Sophia said. "We''ll start military training the day after tomorrow! We need to rest well." "Ah, the thought of military training gives me a headache!" E frowned and rubber her temple. "A month of military training! What should I do if my skin gets sunburn?" "This is the first test for you from the university!" Sam clicked his tongue. "Come on,dies!" The boys dropped the girls off at the dormitory gate. As they said their goodbyes, Sophia stood beside Ryan and whispered in his ear, "Do you have a crush on Fiona?" Ryan raised his brows. "You''ve grown up, Sophia. That''s very insightful of you." Sophia rolled her eyes. "Don''t worry about it. I''ll help you get her! Just tell me how I can help." Ryanughed. Sophia''s face turned serious. "Please tell my father that you''ll look after me here in D University so that he won''t take me back." Ryan paused for a while. "No problem," he finally agreed. "Great. That''s done!" Sophia patted Ryan''s back and ran to the dormitory building. "Fiona, wait for me!" she called out. As the girls ran away, Ryan''s eyes remained affix on Fiona''s slender figure. ''Fiona, even Sophia can see that I like you. Why can''t you?'' he thought, his heart sinking. Chapter 28 The Arrogant Drillmaster Chapter 28 The Arrogant Drillmaster The hottest days of autumn usually fell in thest week of August and went on until the first week of September. Coincidentally, this was also when the freshmen of D University would begin their military training. At precisely seven in the morning, the students, dressed in military training uniforms, marched out of their respective dormitory buildings and flocked to the training grounds. "Wait for me!" Just outside the dormitory for art students, Sophia shouted as she ran. "Fiona! Leona! Wait for me!" Behind her followed E, who was casually taking her time. "Why are you running? We cannot possibly bete!" Fiona turned to her roommates and said, "Come on! The training program''s about to start. The instructors and drillmasters are already there!" "You heard Fiona!" Sophia told E. "Hurry up so we can catch up with her and Leona!" Leona looked back at Fiona and saw that she had tied up her hair into a little bun and tucked it inside her hat. Only her face was exposed so she looked neat and fresh, like a fairy. In the open-air stadium, instructors from various schools were directing their students to their designated areas. Among them was the art school instructor, a woman in her thirties named Hilda Han. "Students, listen up! The university president, the school officials, and the general drillmaster of the military training will be presiding over the mobilization meeting. Remember to stand alert and pay attention," she dered. "The military training will start right after the mobilization meeting and will conclude after a month." "What?" "Oh my God..." The studentsined loudly as soon as Hilda finished speaking. "I thought we were only having the mobilization meeting today!" Sophia took off her hat and fanned herself with it. "Oh, no! I can''t believe the actual training starts today!" "But I didn''t even put on sunscreen this N?velDrama.Org owns this. morning!" E ranted. Fiona kept her silence. Looking at their uniforms, she suddenly remembered Spencer. "Okay, everyone! Stay in your designated areas and don''t make any unnecessary noise!" The instructor raised her voice. "The purpose of this military training is to teach all of you discipline. For theing weeks, it''s important that you listen to your drillmasters. You mustplete every task that they will give you." The meeting began with the singing of the national anthem, after which the university president and other school officials took their seats on the stage. "On behalf of the school officials, I would like to congratte and wee our new students. You''ve done well in the college entrance exam and we couldn''t be more proud to have you joining us here today..." More than a thousand students listened to the university president''s speech under the scorching hot sun. Nearby, the sound of cicadas was really annoying. "Why is his speech so long? It''s too hot in here!" Sophiained. "And so, please help me wee the general drillmaster, George Ye!" With those words, all of the students looked up the stage in anticipation. The man named George Ye casually walked up the stage and took the microphone from the university president. In a deep voice, he addressed the students, "Good morning, everyone. I hope that you will all conduct yourselves well, practice self-discipline,mit to your training, and listen to your drillmasters in theing month. As for us, you have our word that we will do everything our position requires and provide you the training that you need. Thank you!" "He''s so handsome!" "Is he going to be our drillmaster too?" The students began whispering among themselves as soon as they saw how young George was. "Wow! He''s definitely my type!" Sophia could barely contain her excitement. She turned to Fiona and said in a low voice, "I like George very much!" Fiona only gave her a faint smile but didn''t say a word. Right then, another person took the microphone to make an announcement. "And that concludes our mobilization meeting. Please proceed to your designated areas so we can proceed with our military training." "And our nightmare begins!" With a heavy heart, E followed her group to the training grounds. Sophia looked back at the stage and said, "If I get to see George every day, I don''t care if they extend training for another month!" "You saw him once from afar," Leona chimed in. "Don''t get carried away." "This is the power of love! It was love at first sight!" Sophia said with overflowing confidence and determination. "I''ll do my best to get close to him in the next month and make him fall in love with me!" Fiona couldn''t help but chuckle as she heard them. She knew that Sophia had always been an active and headstrong girl but she was rarely motivated to do anything. With her like this, she thought that military training wouldn''t be boring after all. Fiona''s ss was in the same group as the girls majoring in interior design. They stood in line waiting for the arrival of their drillmaster. "Left, right..." A loud chanting could be heard as a dozen drillmasters in uniforms marched towards the stadium. The students held their breath as they waited for their designated drillmasters. "They''reing! I''m so nervous!" Sophia ced her hand over her chest. "I wonder if our drillmaster is scary. I mean, actual army officers give us the military training, right?" "The only concern I have about this training is whether or not our drillmaster is hot!" E announced as she stood in front of the line. "It would be so good to train under a handsome drillmaster. Don''t you think so, Fiona?" Fiona only nodded and gave her a polite smile. Many drillmasters marched in front of them but no one stopped in front of their group. "Huh? What''s happening?" After a few minutes, several students started voicing their confusion. "How "Where is our drillmaster?" "Is ours missing?" "What could''ve possibly happened?" Sophia pointed at the other groups and said with surprise, "Look! Others have already started. Where''s our drillmaster?" "Maybe we''re exempted from training?" E said happily. "I don''t think so." Leona shook her head. Even Fiona began looking around at the other groups as she wondered what was going on. "Sir!" Someone in their group called out to one of the drillmasters passing by. "Do you know where our drillmaster is? Did he forget about us?" The drillmaster turned around and said, "Yours will be arriving soon!" Right then, the sound of a car engine announced an approaching vehicle. A loud voice called out from the stadium, "Salute!" All of the drillmasters stood straight and saluted. They looked at theing car and greeted loudly in unison. "How cool!" "Wow! What a big shot!" Everyone looked expectantly at the approaching vehicle. Only Fiona frowned as she wondered who the arrogant man in the car could be. She remembered clearly that Article 206 of the school regtions stated that no motor vehicles were allowed to enter the stadium. "It''sing towards us!" "The car ising here!" The girls in Fiona''s group couldn''t help but squeal. Sure enough, the vehicle stopped in front of their team. Click! The car door swung open and out stepped a pair of legs wearing standard army boots. The slender and well-toned figure of a tall man then appeared in front of them. Fiona stood on her toes to get a better look from the second row. As soon as she saw who it was, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She felt as if her heart was about to leap out of her throat. Were her eyes deceiving her? Spencer? She rubbed her eyes and took a second look. It was really Spencer! ''I''m doomed!'' she cried inwardly. Chapter 29 Set Her Up (Part One) Chapter 29 Set Her Up (Part One) As Spencer stepped out of the car, he immediately caught the attention of the girls. He steadily walked towards them. As he looked ahead, his eyes were dark and his lips were pursed. His strong aura was undeniable. Still in disbelief, Fiona wondered what he was doing here. Soon after, a man came out from the back seat of the car. Fiona nced at him only to find out that it was Eric. ''Are they really both here?'' "Oh my God! He''s so handsome!" "I can''t breathe!" Everyone was in utter admiration of the handsome man. Meanwhile, Fiona had broken out into a cold sweat in fear. As soon as Eric stepped out of the car, the first thing he saw was Fiona. Just as he was about to call her, he seemed to have realized something and decided against it. He then just merely smiled at her. In response, Fiona bowed her head. Since Leona was standing behind Fiona, she couldn''t help but notice the smile on Eric''s face. Frowning, she nced at Fiona. Spencer pressed his lips together, his face cold. His handsome face and forceful aura were what made him a hit among thedies. He cast a cold nce at Fiona before turning to look at Eric. "Go to your team." "Yes, sir!" Eric made a salute, clenched his fists, and ran away quickly. In his boots, Spencer walked towards the girls. He halted right in front of Fiona. "Good morning, everyone. I''m your drillmaster," he said in his deep voice. Fiona flinched as soon as she heard Spencer''s voice. How could he be their drillmaster? It waspletely unnecessary for him to be a drillmaster, but here he was. It didn''t take a genius to figure out that he was here for a reason. Was he here for her? The very thought of this sent a shiver down Fiona''s spine. He continued, "In the next month, I''ll be leading you inpleting your military training mission. I hope you will obey the orders and cooperate with me." As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd shouted in unison, "Okay!" "Sir, what''s your name?" "Sir, how old are you? Do you have a girlfriend?" A group of girls approached Spencer and asked him one question after another. "He is so handsome!" Sophia whispered in Fiona''s ear A smile tugged at the corners of E''s mouth. "I''m wondering what rank he''s at. If it''s high, I''ll consider him." "Humph," Sophia sneered. "You think he''ll fall for you? In your dreams." Spencer roared, "Shut up!" The girls all gasped in astonishment except for Fiona. "First of all, myst name is Cheng," he said. "As for the first name, you don''t have to know. You can call me Mr. Cheng. Besides, I''m married. I''m not interested in any of you. Stop asking questions about my personal life." "He''s married! What a pity!" "He looks so young. How could he be married?" Meanwhile, Fiona didn''t dare look up. ''He said he''s married.'' As soon as she thought of this, she couldn''t help but feel bashful. "All right, the military training begins. Let''s adjust the team arrangements first." After pacing around the girls for a few rounds, he suddenly pointed at Fiona and said, "You, go to the first row!" Fiona''s heart skipped a beat. She raised her head to protest, but when she saw the look on Spencer''s grim face, she froze. ''Was I wrong to assume he came here for me?'' Deep in thought, she slowly walked towards the first row and stood in the middle of the line. "You, to the right! And you, thest row. And you..." After adjusting the positions of several other students, Spencer nodded approvingly and began to give orders. "Alright. Attention! Now, let''s start the first lesson of the military training. Stand in a military position!" "What? Oh my God..." Upon hearing theints, Spencer turned to the girl who had spoken and said coldly, "If anyone makes any sound again, run around the yground for 20ps." As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd fell into a thick silence. Seeing the group quiet down, Spencer said expressionlessly, "The main point of standing in the military position is making sure that..." As he spoke, he walked around to ensure everyone was standing correctly. He walked up to This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Fiona and tapped her right hand. He said, "Your hand should be tightened!" When his rough hand touched hers, she stiffened. Upon seeing the look on her face, Spencer thought to himself, ''Silly girl, are you scared? I still remember how you hung up on mest time. Now your life is in my hands. Let''s see where this takes you!'' "Everyone, keep your posture. Chest out, stomach out, head up, eyes straight ahead, and shoulders back out. Don''t move unless I tell you to!" The sun was scorching hot. Having been standing underneath the heat for about five minutes already, everyone was sweating buckets. Spencer wandered around leisurely, looking at Fiona standing straight. He was annoyed and wanted to cause trouble for her. When he touched his pocket, an idea came to him. In the dead silence, someone''s phone suddenly rang. Spencer then yelled, "Whose phone is ringing?" Feeling the vibration of her phone in her pocket, Fiona felt her heart sinking. Before she could even react, she saw Spencer walking towards her. In a cold tone, he asked, "Was that your phone?" Chapter 30 Make The Bed for Me Chapter 30 Make The Bed for Me The sun drooped from its throne, casting colors in its departure. Clouds soaked in wine, like cotton absorbing blood from a wound, plunging the world in an eerie and mysterious glow. "You all may be excused!" the general drillmaster announced to the freshmen of D University. Loud exmations of tion apanied by groans of exasperation boomed across the stadium. "After such grueling hours that we endured, finally, we''re free!" "I''m too exhausted to even open my eyes. My whole body is protesting with every move I make." "The training just started and you''re alreadyining. How will you even survive the whole month?" In the midst of the crowd stood Fiona, cracking her neck and wincing from its stiffness as she approached the canteen along with the rest of her peers. She caught Spencer out of the corner of her eye. The drillmasters seemed to have gathered and were in the middle of a heated discussion. "Fiona! What are you looking at? Let''s go. We''ll miss dinner if we dally much longer." Sophia linked their arms together and dragged her forward. "Alright." Fiona smiled and moved forward with Sophia. "Hey, Fiona!" Fiona turned and saw Ryan approaching her with a few bags in his hands. "Hi, Ryan!" Sophia greeted him. Ryan paused, catching his breath and said, "I brought supper for the four of you. I didn''t know your preferences, so I bought everything I think you would like." "Thank you, Ryan." E relieved him of his burden and gave him a smile. "Your efforts are admirable." Pursing her lips, Leona offered a shy smile. "Thank you for putting us in consideration, Ryan," Sophia said. "Are you trying to earn our favor, Ryan? Your actions may lead us to think that you''re trying to impress one of us. Will this be a regr urrence?" Smiling slyly, she settled her nce to her friend, Fiona. "You''re holding me too high, I am not that considerate. Consider this event as a one-time-thing," Ryan jokingly replied. "Many thanks, Ryan." Shyly, Fiona nodded her head in thanks. Ryan''s eyes softened as his gaze fell upon Fiona. "Are you weary?" he gently asked. "I am not." Fiona shook her head. "Howe you only ask her, Ryan? Do you not care whether I''m weary or not?" Sophia asked, her voice teasing as a smirk yed on her lips. "You seem more alive than drained." They were immersed in their conversation as the drillmasters rushed towards the canteen except for Eric and Spencer, who walked leisurely. "Can I give my greetings to Fiona, Spencer?" Eric asked. "Oh? What is it you wish to say to her? Are you well-acquainted with each other?" he replied. "Do you have a reason as to why you pretend that you are a stranger to her when you want to be her drillmaster?" Eric murmured. Spencer''s eyes darkened slightly. "Seems like I would not be greeting Fiona today," Eric sighed. He rubbed his nose exasperatedly. "Our drillmaster must hold a high position," Sophia said seriously as she red at Spencer. "No one disciplined him even when he was unexinably rude and unruly." "I agree with Sophia," E nodded. "If he wasn''t so handsome, I would have mauled that arrogant, self- centered and vigorous man. He didn''t even give us his name." Listening to their conversation, Ryan turned to look at Spencer. Intimidation and dominance filled the air as they sized up each other. One was gentle, the other fierce. Silence reigned over Fiona. Her anxiousness growing every second as she hoped Spencer wouldn''t call her name. Slowly, Spencer inched closer to Fiona and her group. Every step shortened the distance separating them. E noticed him first. Raising her hand to wave at him, she said, "Hello, Mr. Cheng!" Fiona flinched, recing her bouts of anxiety to annoyance. Spencer stopped his approach when he heard the greeting. He ran his gaze through the girls and then stared at Ryan. He nodded and walked away. Sophia let out a giggle as they passed the by. "He is so cool," she said. Fiona rolled her eyes secretly. ''He is a monster!'' she thought to herself. Suddenly, Ryan''s phone rang. He excused himself and looked away as he answered the call. "Hello? Hmm...I see. All right. I''m on my way." "What''s up?" Sophia asked. Ryan exined briefly, "I have to leave. The members of the student council are rehearsing with vigor for the uing celebration that will be held in two weeks. We will give you our sincerest wee then." "Are we able to participate in the said event? I have quite a talent for dancing," E said with her eyebrows raised. "I can do ssical, folk and jazz." "You are most certainly wee to participate," Ryan warmly replied. "The more participants, the more festive the celebration will be." "Do you have any special talent worth mentioning, Ryan? A lot of girls gush over you. You are quite the stage," Sophia said. "I don''t think I''m as good as they say I am." Ryan chuckled. "It seems that I''ll cut our time short. I must leave now." As he bade goodbye, he nced at Fiona and said, "Please eat your dinner and get proper rest tonight." Fiona agreed with a nod. Timidly, she nced up as his eyes and he smiled. She felt her blood rush to her cheeks. She felt like a flower, blooming and nourished at the mere sight of him. Leona observed their interaction with a bitter heart and bile in her mouth. As the four girls retired to their dormitory for the night, all fell victim to their exhaustion and fell onto their beds. A chime resounded in the room. Fiona reached over to the phone to look over the message. It read, "Room 201, Building 8. Come here now." It was from Spencer! Fiona groaned. With a huff of indignation, she get off her bed, albeit unwillingly. "Do you have somewhere to be, Fiona?" Sophia asked. She groaned, exhausted. "I''ll he heading out for a moment." Fiona quickly put on her shoes and rushed out of her room before anyone could ask more questions. The location was a bit far from their dorms. It housed foreign students and teachers alike. The drillmasters resided in the building as well. As she arrived, Fiona let a sigh of relief. As she trudged up to the second floor of the building, she could make up two people standing at the door to Room 201. They nodded to her in greeting. Fiona replied with a nod, steeled herself, and opened the door. Inside sat Spencer, busy going over some files. Not even giving her a nce or a greeting, he said, "Make the bed for me." "I beg your pardon?" Fiona froze at the door, questioning if she heard him right. "Is this what you summoned me here for?" "Problem?" Spencer asked as he put down his pen and fixed his gaze towards her. "Did you assume that I would ask you to sleep with me?" "What?" Fiona geared up to give him a full retort when she was interrupted. "Alright." Disregarding whatever the retort Fiona was about to unleash, he continued, "If you have any ns to stay, the bed is big enough to hold the both of us." Fiona gawked. Closing and opening her mouth like a goldfish, she eximed, "Shameless!" Spencer shrugged, his posture aloof with false resignation. "The bed won''t make itself if you just stand there. Consider it as punishment for ying with your phone during today''s drills." "Need I remind you that you were the one who sent me that message? I was not ying with my phone." "I did send you the message, but it was the phone in your possession that rang." "What is the reason behind all of this? Why did you want to be a drillmaster?" Fiona didn''t even bother to hide the anger in her tone as she spoke. "Will it be hard to believe if I say that I''m here for you?" He approached Fiona slowly. "Are you happy to hear that?" Fiona backed away, only for her back to hit the wall. Frowning as she was trapped by Spencer, she scoffed, "No, not happy at all. Did Grandpa send you here?" Spencer''s only reply was to raise his eyebrows. Fiona eyed him skeptically and sighed. "Whoever sent you here, please don''t give anyone an indication that we are acquainted," she said. Spencer''s expression hardened. He expected Fiona to be ted by his presence, that she would be assured that she would be taken care, given the nature of their rtionship. He didn''t expect for her to ask of him to pretend that they didn''t know each other. Spencer sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn," he cursed under his breath. "Are you ashamed to be known that we knew each other?" Fiona avoided his gaze, not willing to show him an ounce of vulnerability as she said, "I find it unpleasant for people to be knowledgeable about our rtionship." "Is that so?" Spencer curled his lips and in a voice so soft and sultry, he whispered, "How do you describe our rtionship?" Her words were stuck in her throat as she struggled to give him an answer. ''Why are you acting like this? Do you have any shame?'' she asked inwardly. As they approached stalemate, the door flung open and Eric entered the room. Startled, Fiona unceremoniously shoved Spencer backwards. "I could turn a blind eye to whatever you two have been doing." Eric recovered from his shock, dismissing it with a wave and a sly smile. Pivoting towards the intruder, Spencer dropped his arms to his sides said, "Do you know that it is quite rude to stare? It is even ruder not to announce your presence with a knock on the door before entering a room." "We were not doing anything, Spencer! Stop giving other people misleading ideas!" Fiona said defensively. Spencer looked at her incredulously and sighed. "You heard thedy, nothing happened." "My lips are sealed," Eric said while making a zipping motion on his lips. Fiona felt her heart lurch, realizing that Eric must have misunderstood them. Spencer cleared his throat and asked, "What urgent matters do you have that you graced us with you presence?" He did not bother to hide the venom or the displeasure in his voice. "It pertains to a ssified file." Eric yfully waved the portfolio in his hand. Spencer reached out for the portfolio and then told Fiona, "Make up the bed." She went and did her work without a fuss. Eric quietly slithered out of the room as Spencer settled back down to his desk. Too immersed with her work, she almost missed the feeling that someone was staring at her. She spun around and caught Spencer''s eyes. "Why are you staring?" she demanded. He wet his lips and said, "Grandpa was sent to the hospital again." "What? Howe? I called him yesterday, and he sounded fine." Spencer rubbed his temples, distress imminent in his features. "He yed chess with his friends. He was furious when his friends all took their grandchildren with them." "Did I hear you correctly? Please tell me that this was one of your jokes," Fiona said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I''m not joking." After saying that, Spencer was deep in his thoughts. "Why are you so silent? How about I go visit Grandpa?" she asked. "No need." With a shake of his head, Spencer added, "His condition is stable. He will be alright." Fiona nced at her watch and said, "Oh my, it''s alreadyte. I''d better leave. I''ll call Grandpa." "Alright." Spencer nodded. "Do you need me to apany you back to the dorms?" "No! I am more than capable to send myself off, thank you!" Fiona squeaked, flustered. She mmed the door a little too loudly in her hurry, leaving Spencer to himself. His mask slipped as he wallowed in helplessness. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! ''Grandpa wants us to have a child as soon as possible. What should I do?'' he thought. Chapter 31 Photos On The Forum Chapter 31 Photos On The Forum Fiona stepped out of Building 8 and considered her next move. After a while, she decided to call Wayne. "Hello, Fiona," Eric greeted as he saw Fiona hanging up the phone and walked up to her. "Are you sure you want to go back to your dorm room? Why not stay?" Fiona looked flushed. She didn''t know how to exin herself. "Eric, we''re in the university, not the base..." "Got it." Eric leaned towards Fiona. "You don''t want outsiders to know your rtionship with Spencer, do you?" Fiona forced a smile. "Well, I''m leaving," she said. "Okay. Take care." "I will." Fiona nodded and left hurriedly. The next morning, the loud chattering of freshmen filled the yground of the D University. Arge group of girls outside were looking at the area where the art school freshmen were. Spencer, who was guiding them, looked at the girls staring at them and asked, "What are those girls looking at?" "They''re looking at you," Sophia answered.. The girls around her erupted inughter. "What are youughing at? I''m being serious!" Sophia said, raising her eyebrows. "Why are they looking at me? I''m not a panda or something," Spencer retorted. "Because you''re handsome!" one of the girls said, causing a burst ofughter. "Am I handsome?" he asked the girls. "Yes!" the girls answered in unison. "What about you? What do you think?" Suddenly, Spencer stepped in front of Fiona and looked at her intently. "Why didn''t you answer my question? Am I handsome?" Fiona felt her cold temper subside at the sight of Spencer''s warm smile. She forced a smile, took a deep breath, and said, "Yes." Spencer nodded with satisfaction and straightened up. "I admit that I''m good-looking. But being handsome can only take me so far! I can''t make a living out of it. A person must act ording to their ability and perseverance to protect their country. Everyone should do the same. Therefore..." "Therefore what?" Spencer took out his phone and dialed a number. "Get rid of the crowd outside the yground," he said through the phone. "No one is allowed to gather there." "Well done, Mr. Cheng!" "Mr. Cheng, who were you calling?" "Mr. Cheng, can you make small talk with us?" Spencer frowned. "Hey, you three! Get out!" he demanded. The three girls looked shocked. They did not expect to be called out. Their bodies shrank as they walked out of the group in shame. Then, in a softer yet firm voice, Spencer said, "Run twentyps around the yground." "What?" "Mr. Cheng..." "You have three seconds to do as I say." Spencer started counting. "One, two..." Before he could say three, the girls panicked and started doing as they were told. "They deserve it! They badmouthed Fiona yesterday." Sophia smiled coldly. Fiona recognized the three girls. They were the ones who spoke ill of her the day before. Was Spencer giving them a hard time for her sake? She shook her head. She knew that wasn''t possible. "I''ll punish them who talk a lot." Spencer squinted threateningly at the girls as they ranps. "Everyone else can rest." Cheers burst out from thepany. The all sat on the ground as Spencer stayed in his excusive tent. Sophia was starting to feel bored as she browsed the school forum. Suddenly, she saw a familiar face. "Fiona!" she called out. "What?" The others all stepped forward to take a look. The top story was entitled "The story between a freshman and a drillmaster." The post contained a few photos, but it had garnered thousands ofments. A photo showed Fiona and Eric standing in front of Building 8, talking andughing. "It''s really Fiona!" "I saw this drillmaster before!" "Do you know him, Fiona?" Fiona''s brain buzzed. She could feel everyone''s curious re on her skin. She wondered why anyone would take photos of her. "What were you doing here?" Spencer heard all the chatter about Fiona. He walked up to the group huddled together and ordered Sophia to show him her cell phone. Sophia looked hesitantly at Fiona. Before she could decide if she would hand it over, Spencer grabbed it impatiently. When he saw what everyone was look at, his face darkened. What made him angry was not the photos, but thements. "Please give me the girl''s name and phone number." "This is the first time I''ve seen someone look gorgeous in a military uniform. What a goddess!" "Which school is she from?" "I will court her!" All thements were about Fiona. Men were thirsting over her and her contact information. He red at Fiona and called Eric angrily. "Yes, sir!" Eric ran to him cheerfully and asked, "What''s up?" Spencer then showed the phone to Eric. For a brief moment, he looked stunned, but his lips quickly curled into a smile. "Who''s so boring to take those photos?" "Why are youughing?" Spencer patted Eric''s shoulder. "This is not funny at all!" "Sir, do you really know Fiona?" someone asked suddenly. Eric looked at Spencer and Fiona before agreeing. "Yes, I do. Why would I be talking to her if I didn''t?" Fiona pressed her lips and lowered her head. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only "What''s the rtionship between you two? You look so intimate." "I don''t think it''s appropriate to say that we are intimate. She''s like my sister." Seeing the stern look on Spencer''s face, Eric thought he''d better run away as soon as possible. "Quit guessing, will you?" He turned to look at Fiona. Fiona nodded slightly. She thought exining would only make things moreplicated. It was better to remain silent. "Stop spreading rumors. If I hear this again, I won''t be this nice!" Eric raised his eyebrows. "And make sure this post gets buried!" Then he left in a hurry. Spencer chose not to be bothered by Eric. He fiddled with Sophia''s phone before he stared talking to Fiona. "You may know Eric here, but you don''t get any special privileges. Don''t be too arrogant! Complete every task of the training. Understand?" "Yes, sir." Fiona nodded dispassionately. "All right." Spencer then handed the phone to Sophia. Looking at her phone, Sophia said in confusion, "What''s wrong? The post''s missing." "I don''t see it either." The others looked confused as well. "I hacked the post," Spencer said. "Mr. Cheng, you''re getting more and more handsome!" "How overbearing!" "Wow! That''s awesome!" Biting her lips, Fiona realized that Spencer could also be kind. After a whole day of being on their feet, they were finally allowed to leave the yground. Everyone screamed in excitement. Sophia grabbed Fiona''s arm and asked, "Why didn''t you tell us that you know the drillmaster?" "Exactly," E followed. "We''re roommates! Why didn''t you tell us?" Fiona sighed, "Actually, we aren''t that close. We just know of each other." Leona followed them in silence with a skeptical look in her eyes. "What did you talk about yesterday?" Sophia asked with a teasing smile. Hesitating, Fiona answered, "It was just small talk. He asked me if I was tired. I left quickly. I just didn''t expect someone would take those photos." The girls chuckled. With an understanding smile, Sophia said, "A lot of people are asking about you, Fiona. So many guys want to reach you. How exciting!" Fiona pursed her lips. She waspletely unamused. Fortunately, Spencer had hacked the website. Inside D University''s auditorium Ryan was watching the rehearsal of the new program on stage. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Sam. The text read, "Fiona is popr now. Here are the screenshots I took from a post on the school forum. The post is no longer avable." Ryan was a little confused. He scrolled to see the photo attachments and was surprised to see photos of Fiona and Eric. There were alsoments from strangers asking for her information. His heart suddenly tightened. He knew she was a special girl since the first time he hadid his eyes on her. But he did not want too many people to notice her. He thought that he and Fiona just needed more time, but it looked like he needed to do something now. "Ryan? Ryan?" Someone beside him called out to him and waved his hand. "What?" Ryan came back to his senses. "I was just asking if we should stop the rehearsals for today. It''s already half past seven." Ryan nodded and said, "Okay, let''s call it a day. You tell them. I just have something to do." "Okay." Ryan ran out of the auditorium. The cold September air weed him as soon as he stepped out. His heart thumped. He''d never been so nervous yet so determined before. "Are you free now, Fiona? I''ll wait for you downstairs in your dormitory building. I have something to tell you." Fiona stared at Ryan''s message before getting up to change into a simple dress. When she reached the gate of dormitory, she saw a figure running towards her. "Hi, Fiona!" Panting, Ryan ran to Fiona''s side. His breath was very uneven. "Why were you running? Is there anything urgent I have to know?" Fiona asked worriedly. Ryan struggled to catch his breath. With his hands on his knees and his body hunched over, he raised his head to stare into Fiona''s eyes. "I have something to tell you," he repeated in between breaths. Chapter 32 Love At First Sight Chapter 32 Love At First Sight The dazzling moonlight lit up Ryan''s perfect face. Surprised, Fiona asked in a low voice, "So what did you want to tell me?" He slowly stood up and gazed at her face, his heart was beating so hard he was afraid it might jump out of his chest. "Well, there is a post about you on our school forum, Fiona. I don''t know if you''ve seen it yet," Ryan began tentatively watching her reaction. "You''ve seen it, too?" Fiona was a little embarrassed. "I don''t know who has taken those photos." "Well, are you really dating the drillmaster?" he asked anxiously. "No!" Fiona replied shaking her head. "We just know each other. That''s all." "Phew! Thank God!" Ryan said happily, letting out a sigh of relief. "Is that all that you wanted to ask?" Fiona asked feeling amused at the look of relief on his face. "No, actually there is one more thing," he said nervously. "Haven''t you noticed that many people want to get to know you better?" "Me? Why?" Fiona frowned and shook her head. "I saw the post, but I didn''t notice that. Who wants to know me better?" "A lot of people! Mostly boys," Ryan said. "They want to date you." Fiona was very embarrassed. She stammered, "Ryan, I... Let''s not talk about this. The post has been deleted. It''s pointless..." "Yes, of course!" Ryan said hurriedly. "I just found the post to be very interesting because now I understand how lucky I am." Fiona was stumped. It was easier for her to crack a math problem than figure out Ryan. Seeing that she was confused, heughed and confessed, "I love you, Fiona." His words fell softly in her ears like a gentle breeze. She was too stunned to react. Looking into his eyes, she felt so warm and fuzzy inside. She felt like she was floating on a cloud. "But I''m not sure how you feel about me," he continued, running a hand through his hair. "You''re an amazing girl and many boys want to be with you, myself included. I don''t know if the odds are in my favor. But at the same time, I feel I''m lucky to have met you before the others. I''m confessing my feelings to you because I''m afraid that it would be toote if I waited too long." Fiona had often received such proposals and she had refused many times. But tonight was different. She had always wondered why Ryan treated her so well, but she had never expected him to confess his love to her. His confession had caught her off guard. "You know, the first time I saw see you wasn''t near theke in our campus," he said sheepishly. He opened up to her slowly in an attempt to find a way into Fiona''s heart. "The first time I saw you, you were standing in front of an advertisement at a bus station with a sketchpad in your hand. You took my breath away. I thought how could a girl be so beautiful and serene? I fell in love with you at first sight!" Fiona''s loud heartbeat echoed in her ears. It was the first time he had admitted his true feelings to her. "Ryan." Fiona didn''t realize that her face was as red as an apple. After a long pause, she tried to say something but she fumbled, "I... Uh, this is..." "I know, I know. This is all too sudden for you!" Ryan said to put her at ease. He was equally nervous. Proposing to Fiona made him realize how brave those girls, who had expressed their love to him, had been. "You don''t have to answer me right away. I just want you to know that I love you." The atmosphere changed between them. Both of them were breathing slowly and gazing at each other silently. A long moment passed before Fiona said anything. When her heart rate returned to normal, she said, "I understand. But I..." "Fiona, please don''t refuse. At least, not so soon!" he cut in. When he heard her say the word "but," his heart broke. "Please give me one chance. At least think about it for some days?" Looking at the desperation on his face, Fiona kept bit back her protest and nodded. "Great! Thank you!" Ryan was thrilled. His smile was as bright as fireworks in the night sky. "I will try my best to win your heart, Fiona!" he said excitedly. Ryan panicked and didn''t know whether he should make a move or just leave it at that. Eventually, he said hoarsely, "I will definitely convince you to be my girlfriend!" ''Girlfriend?'' Fiona blushed and lowered her head. She stared at her feet and mumbled, "I...I need to leave." "Okay." Ryan nodded. "It''s gettingte. You''d better go back and get some rest." "Bye!" Fiona nodded, turned around and rushed to her dormitory building. Watching her disappear into her dorm, Ryan turned around and walked back to his own dormitory. He started walking faster and faster as a bubble of excitement grew in his heart making him grin from ear to ear. He was nervous when he went to meet her, but thrilled when he returned. The wind was whistling in his ears. He felt like a man who was chasing after a dream and had finally fulfilled a small part of it. When Ryan and Fiona both left the scene, a slender figure emerged from the shadows near the dormitory building. She gazed at him with a crazy obsession in her watery eyes. Meanwhile, Fiona was back in her dormitory room. She climbed into bed. E was applying a face mask when she saw Fionaing in hurriedly. She questioned her, "What did you do outside? Why did you return in such a hurry?" "It''s nothing," Fiona replied automatically. "Humph! You are behaving as strange as Leona. She, too, went out not long after you left. Are you two up to something together?" "Hey! Why are your cheeks red, Fiona? Did you get sunburned?" Sophia asked peering at her rosy cheeks. "No!" Fiona swallowed. "I was just walking fast, so maybe my cheeks turned red because of that. Anyway, I''m too tired today. I am going to bed early!" Suddenly, the door opened and Leona walked in sullenly. She quietly got into bed. "Oh God! Not another one!" Eined when she noticed that Leona was not in good mood either. "Now why are you so upset? And where have you been?" Just like Fiona, Leona, too, remained silent. Sophia muttered, "You''re asking for it. E, you''d better shut up and go to sleep!" "Ugh! This is so boring!" E stretched and went to the bathroom to wash off her facial mask. Fiona finally rxed and leaned back against her pillow. Her face suddenly turned pale as she remembered Spencer. Irrespective of whether it was a fake marriage or a real one, she was going to get married to Spencer. This meant she was in no position to ept Ryan. The blood drained from her cheeks. ''I promised Ryan that I would think about it but that''s really inappropriate on my part. I must make it clear to him that nothing can happen between us. But what should I tell him?'' "s!" Fiona sighed and turned on her side. She was ovee with great self-pity. The past ten years had been very difficult for her. Would her future be just as horrible? She was being forced to marry a guy, who hated her deeply. She tossed and turned in her bed. She thought of Ryan''s gorgeous smile in the moonlight, and desire red in her heart. An inner voice said, "Fiona, don''t get married to Spencer. Ryan is so gentle and considerate. Be with him instead! You have a crush on him, don''t you? And you once considered breaking off the engagement to Spencer, didn''t you?" Feelings of hesitation, confusion and trepidation swirled inside her like a storm. It was the first time she''d felt so helpless. She couldn''t choose the man she liked. She was stuck in the stupid agreement with Spencer. The next morning Fiona woke up and sshed water on her face several times. She had not slept at all. She was exhausted and, on top of that, her period started too. However, it was time for military training so she had to get dressed and leave even though she looked like a zombie! "Hurry up, sleepyhead! We''re going to bete!" Sophia urged, dragging her towards the yground. "Okay, okay, I''ming!" Fiona groaned and put her hand on her belly. On the yground, Spencer had been waiting for the students. It was time to begin, but Fiona was trudging at a cial pace. He roared, "Hurry up! There''s still one minute left. Anyone who iste will run for twentyps!" "Come one! Move it!" Without waiting for a response from Fiona, Sophia yanked her and started running. Fiona didn''t have the time to exin that she felt sick and a little nauseous. Spencer shot her an annoyed nce but said nothing. Then he began the drill. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! Spencer straightened his spine and announced loudly, "First row, call out your numbers!" "One!" "Two!" "Three!" "Four!" "Five..." Fiona tried her best but failed to keep up. Spencer was immediately pissed off. He went and stood right in front of her, squinted and yelled, "Louder!" Fiona took a deep breath and tried to shout with all her might, "Five!" "Count again!" "One!" "Two!" "Three!" "Four!" "Five!" "Again!" Spencermanded. He repeated this drill three times. Fiona could tell the other girls began to hate her. "Either run twentyps or count again! Pick one," Spencer barked at her. He stood with his hands sped behind his back exhibiting an upromising stance. Chapter 33 She Passed Out (Part One) Chapter 33 She Passed Out (Part One) "Come on, don''t get us all into trouble!" "What the hell? She can want do whatever she wants just because she knows the drillmaster?" "Thanks to her, my voice has be hoarse. Damn it!" The girls were so jealous when they heard Spencer. He was about to lose his cool when Fiona said, "Mr. Cheng, I will run twentyps." "You...!" Fiona''s indifference always got Spencer worked up. He bit back the words he was going to say and instead pointed in a direction and ordered angrily, "Okay, go ahead! Twentyps! Now move it!" R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only Fiona forced herself to remain calm as she began running. Although she was in low spirits and had a stomach ache, she was determined not to let him see her pain. Shepleted onep after another. She didn''t know how long she had been running but her feet were sore and she was getting weaker and weaker. "Don''t slow down!" Spencer bellowed in the distance. Biting her lip, Fiona tried to quicken her pace. But after a few steps, everything turned dark around her. Her head was throbbing and it felt like the sky was spinning. The strength had drained out of her body. She closed her eyes and slowly copsed onto the ground. "Oh no! Mr. Cheng, Fiona has fainted!" Sophia shrieked. She had spotted Fiona falling down on the track suddenly. Paying no need to the drillmaster''s rules, she ran towards her friend. "What?" Pushing Sophia aside, Spencer immediately sprinted towards Fiona. He was besides her in a sh. He cursed, "Damn it! Fiona?" Not waiting for her response, he picked her up and ran to the infirmary. Sophia made face at Spencer and ran towards Fiona only to find her in his arms. She stopped and took out her mobile phone to make a call. "Ryan! Fiona has fainted on the track. She is being taken to the infirmary by the drillmaster. Go and check on her!" "What?" he eximed. He was in ss at that moment and was so shocked that he stood up immediately. He said to the teacher on the stage, "Something urgent hase up. I need to leave." He collected his belongings and dashed off, leaving the teacher and students looking at each other in dismay. Meanwhile, Spencer had stormed into the infirmary shouting, "Where is the doctor? Quick! We need help. Examine her now!" A man in a white gown rushed out. He was shocked to see a girl lying limp in the drillmaster''s arms. "What''s wrong?" he asked. "She has fainted!" Spencer''s lips were pressed into a thin line. "Help her!" "Okay, okay! Put the patient gently on the bed." But Fiona woke up as soon as he set her down on the bed. Her face was pale and she looked weak. She opened her eyes feebly and saw the stern expression on Spencer''s face. "What caused the patient to faint?" the doctor inquired. There was no inspection equipment in the infirmary, so the doctor had to question Spencer in order to understand the problem. "She was running on the track and she passed out!" Spencer exined with his arms akimbo. "Maybe she lost consciousness due to a temporaryck of oxygen and dehydration. You should take her to the hospital immediately. It looks serious." "Doctor." Fiona opened her eyes with difficulty. "I''m fine." "Fiona!" Spencer inched closer to her. Turning her head away, Fiona stiffened. This tiny but dismissive movement was caught by him. He frowned and went back to his usual self. One could sense the tension in his body. The entire infirmary seemed to be frozen. "What''s wrong with you this time, Fiona? Spencer asked her impatiently. His fists were clenched as he stared at her. "What? Now you don''t want to talk to me? Who do you think you are? And why are you so angry with me?" Fiona closed her eyes wearily not in the mood for another argument with him. She did not speak, choosing to rebel silently. "I see! You are getting bolder!" He kicked the leg of the bed furiously. She trembled as he dragged her off the bed. "Since you are fine, you can get out of bed and go back to military training." "Sir, please stop! The patient is still weak!" the doctor said frantically. "Fuck off!" He cursed the doctor as he was livid at this point. She squirmed trying to break free from his iron clutch. "What the hell are you doing?" she demanded angrily. "Let go of me!" "No way in hell!" he said through gritted teeth. "You...!" "Fiona? Hey, are you all right?" Ryan had juste running into the infirmary looking worried. When he saw the situation before him, he asked suspiciously, "What happened? I heard that you fainted, Fiona. Why are you standing there? You should be lying down. Get back on the bed!" He reached out to steer her to the bed. Spencer scowled and shoved Fiona behind him all of a sudden. He stared daggers at Ryan and demanded, "Who are you?" Spencer had seen him standing with Fiona once and he didn''t think too much of it. However, now it looked like they were close. "Hello, sir," Ryan greeted politely, getting increasingly confused seeing Spencer holding Fiona''s arm. He didn''tment on it and instead continued, "I''m a student of this university. I heard that Fiona had fainted, so I came to see if she was all right." He then turned his gaze at her and asked gently, "Are you okay?" Fiona shook her head. She did not want Ryan to meet Spencer but her current physical and mental torment made it difficult for her to avoid the present situation. "Your boyfriend?" Spencer looked at Fiona and then at Ryan with a mocking smile. He thrust her into Ryan''s arms and said, "I''ll do you a favor!" With that, he turned on his heel before anybody could react and left. Ryan frowned. ''What did he mean by saying "I''ll do you a favor"?'' A sudden bout of dizziness hit her and she swayed a bit. Fortunately, Ryan managed to support her in time. He lifted her and ced her on the bed. "Lie down," he said tenderly. Exhaling slowly, she said, "Thank you, Ryan." Smiling gratefully, her eyes went to the half-closed door of the infirmary. Spencer had left, but she was sure she would have to suffer afterward. "Do you need to go to the hospital? You look pale. Let me take you there," Ryan offered. "No, thanks." She immediately shook her head. "I''m fine, really. I''ll be all right after some rest." "Here, please drink some warm water," the doctor interjected. A ss of water was handed to her. "Thank you, doctor!" Ryan hurriedly took the ss of water from the doctor and put it to Fiona''s mouth. She was embarrassed for a moment, but when she saw the concern in his eyes, she rxed a bit. She opened her mouth to drink the water. "Did you get into trouble with the drillmaster during the training?" he asked suddenly. "He looked very angry with you." "Maybe he was cross with me because I waste today," Fiona replied, forcing a smile and feeling a bit guilty about lying to him. "Anyway, I''ll stop talking now so that you can get some rest." He helped her lie down. "I''ll be right here with you. Don''t worry." A sense of warmth flooded her. She nodded and closed her eyes. The tense atmosphere in the infirmary disappeared. The doctor left quietly and only Fiona and Ryan were left in the room. Chapter 34 I Will Protect You From Now On Chapter 34 I Will Protect You From Now On "Wronged?" Spencer snorted arrogantly. Suddenly he thought of Ryan and said, "Terence, I think someone likes Fiona." His friend was not surprised at all. "I just met her once, but I can tell that she is an amazing woman. It''s not unusual that someone would be interested in her. It is your reaction that is surprising." "Why is that?" Spencer asked, raising his eyebrows. "You look nervous, jealous even, I would say," Terence remarked shrewdly. "Jealous? Me?" The muscles on Spencer''s face twitched. "You are good at reading people!" This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. "Isn''t it true? Come on. Don''t be so stubborn," Terence coaxed with a smile. "No, I am just excited!" Spencer said with a twinkle in his eye as an evil smile spread over his face. His eyes were like a bottomless pool where a storm had begun to form. "For what?" Terence asked with trepidation. "I''ve found a way to make her suffer!" Terence was taken aback. He looked at him carefully and sat up straight. "So many years have passed. Shouldn''t you let it go now? She did nothing wrong. It was just an ident. She is so young. Are you really going to destroy her?" "Haven''t you always known that I want to destroy her?" There was a menacing smile on Spencer''s lips. "I suffered when I was eighteen. I want her to know what it feels like." "Spencer, your grandpa will not spare you," Terence reminded him worriedly as he held his friend''s shoulders tightly. He was afraid that he would do something terrible. "I won''t let Grandpa find out!" He narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, ''Fiona, I won''t let you be cocky anymore!'' "Spencer..." Terence tried to persuade him to change his mind but was interrupted by Spencer. "Shut up! I know what I am doing." "All right!" Terence said with resignation. "Then, let''s drink!" He was unable to think of a way to help his friend. "Okay!" "Is it okay for you to drink?" Terence asked. "You can''t work as a drillmaster while you''re drunk, can you?" "I am taking a break from that ce for some days. It''s so annoying!" Spencer stood up and followed Terence to the first floor. "Then why don''t youe to my office and help me? We have recently joined hands with a new overseas online gamingpany, and we''re going to test our game. Perhaps you can help us with that." "Let''s talk about itter." Spencer walked over to the bar counter and asked, "Which is your most expensive wine?" Putting his hands in his pockets, Terence replied with a smug smile, "I won''t tell you because then I will have to open it today." "Humph! So stingy!" Spencer looked around the wine cab. "Fine! I''ll find it myself." Meanwhile at the infirmary of D University, Fiona had been asleep for a long time. When she finally opened her eyes, she saw someone sitting next to her bed. It was Ryan. "Oh, you''re up?" Ryan was thrilled to see Fiona awake. He came closer to her and asked gently, "How are you feeling now?" "Have you been here the whole time?" she asked, supporting herself with her hands to sit up. "Yes, I was worried about you," Ryan exined with a shy smile. A warm smile spread on her face. Fiona pursed her lips and said, "Thank you." "No, Fiona," Ryan said abruptly, reaching out to stroke her hair, his eyes full of affection and love. "I''ll protect you from now on. No need to thank me." "Oh, Ryan..." Fiona murmured, averting her gaze. She moved an inch away from him. Ryan sadly took note of this tiny movement. Andrew had sent him all the information about Fiona, but he had not found anything her rtionship with Spencer. But to his surprise, he had learned that when Fiona was eight years old, she became an orphan. No wonder she was so cold, indifferent and intimidating. As he had watched her sleep, he had promised himself that he would take care of her for the rest of his life, whether or not she wanted it. "Fiona!" Sophia''s excited voice broke the silence in the infirmary. Fiona was lost in thought for a moment after hearing Ryan''s deration. Before she could say anything, she spotted Sophia, Leona, and E walking into the ward. "Fiona, you''re awake!" Sophia ran to her bedside and saw Ryan. "Ryan! Here you are!" Ryan nodded and stood up. "Is today''s military training over?" he inquired. "Yes." E put a meal box on the table. "I brought this for you, Fiona." "That''s so nice of you." Fiona expressed her gratitude. "The drillmaster has said that you don''t have to go for military training in the afternoon, but you have to go tomorrow," Leona informed her and then looked at Ryan. "Got it!" Fiona nodded. "Thank you." "I''m d to see that you''re all right. I''ll head back to the dormitory to take a nap now," E said and stretched. "I''m so tired!" "Thank you foring to see me. Go back and get some rest," Fiona urged her three roommates. Just as she was about to step out, Sophia remembered something. Turning around, she grabbed Fiona''s hand and said, "Ryan''s been looking after you the entire morning. When I called him and told him that you passed out, he immediately came to see you. He was even more nervous than his usual self. He cares about you so much. Fiona, you should be his girlfriend. He''s a good man. And you and Ryan make an outstanding pair. It would be a pity if you don''t end up together. You..." "Sophia!" Ryan cut in. He looked embarrassed. "Shut up! Go and take a nap!" He started gently shoving her out of the room. "Hey! Don''t push me! I''m trying to help you, Ryan. Can''t you see?" said Sophia, struggling against him. "No need!" He felt both annoyed and amused at her antics. "Mind your own business! You don''t have to worry about me!" Leona stood at the door of the infirmary, dejected, and thought to herself, ''Fiona''s life is so good!'' Ryan returned to the infirmary and saw that Fiona''s cheeks were a deep crimson color, probably from Sophia''sment. They looked at each other and the color on her cheeks slowly returned to normal. "Just eat!" Ryan said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Sophia is very outspoken. Just ignore what she said." "I know." Still feeling a little embarrassed, Ryan pondered for a while and asked, "How about youe with me to the neers weing party two weekster? You can sit in the front row." Fiona teased with a suppressed smile, "Is that one of the privileges for the president of the student council?" Ryan nodded sheepishly. "Umm...sort of." After a short pause, he asked, "Wait, were you just pulling my leg?" "Sort of!" Fiona smirked and raised her eyebrows as the grin on his face grew bigger and bigger. He was overjoyed at this new side of her. If she wasfortable joking with him, it was a sign that their rtionship had be more intimate. At least that was what Ryan thought. "By the way," he said, taking the opportunity, "I will be performing at the party so you have toe." "What performance?" "I will be ying a variation of Canon along with the president of your art school''s student council. She''s in charge of the piano. I''m in charge of the violin," Ryan said and blushed. "They forced me to do it." Fiona nodded and said, "Oh yes. I muste then. You must be very good at ying violin!" "Okay, but don''t make fun of me. Can you y the piano, Fiona?" Ryan asked her. "Umm...a little bit." She lied. Ryan smiled and didn''t say anything further. ''She was so modest. A level 10 piano yer saying she ys a little bit.'' Time seemed to crawl during the military training ss. The students felt like they had gone through a long, hardcore training, but looking back, they realized that it was only a week. Spencer didn''t show up after he left Fiona in the infirmary. On the one hand, his absence put Fiona at ease. On the other hand, she knew he wouldn''t let go of her so easily. She was worried it might be the calm before the storm. When the weekend arrived, she decided to visit Wayne at the hospital. She was surprised to see Spencer there too. "Hello, Grandpa." Fiona did not dare to make eye contact with Spencer when she entered the ward. Spencer nced at Fiona derisively. ''You won''t dare to look at me because you have guilty conscience, don''t you? You chatted and dined with that guy Ryan. You think I know nothing, huh? Fiona, I will catch you cheating on me red-handed!'' "You''re here!" Wayne said with a broad smile. "How''s the training going? Are you tired?" "I''m fine Grandpa. How are you feeling?" she asked. "Oh, I''m all right." Wayne waved his hand. "Come and sit next to me." Fiona sat on the edge of his bed. Next to her was a silently glowering Spencer. An ufortable silence hung in the air and Wayne sensed it. He frowned and asked, "Spencer, Fiona is here. Why don''t you say something?" "We meet every day. There is nothing new to talk about," he replied distractedly. He was ying with a lighter. Wayne resumed his conversation with Fiona. "I heard he is your drillmaster now. Did he bully you?" ''Why is Grandpa behaving like he just found out about this. Wasn''t he the one who asked Spencer to be a drillmaster? Or was it Spencer''s decision?'' She was confused. Biting her lower lip, she stated, "No." "Ah, that''s good." Wayne smiled at her lovingly. He took both their hands and put them together. "You both should hurry up and give me a great-grandson as soon as possible." Fiona was about to say something to pacify him when Spencer held her hand and rubbed his callused finger on her delicate skin. He grinned and said, "Yes, Grandpa. You won''t have to wait too long." Fiona was startled. Looking at Spencer¡®s meaningful smile, she became more and more nervous. "Ha-ha! That''s good." Wayne thought to himself, ''Now that Spencer has agreed, there is hope!'' As they walked out of the ward, Spencer informed, "Fiona, next week I will resume as your drillmaster." "What? You..." Fiona had so many questions to ask him but she didn''t know where to start. He strode away with a cocky look before Fiona could say anything. She was rooted to the spot. A message popped up on her phone. It was from Ryan. "Hi, I''m rehearsing in the auditorium. Come over when you have time!" Watching Spencer''s disappearing figure, Fiona''s heart sank. The desire to break off the engagement arose within her stronger than ever before. Chapter 35 Take You For A Ride Chapter 35 Take You For A Ride Fiona strolled from the hospital to the university''s auditorium, where busy students bustled about. She dodged and dodged, avoiding bumping into anyone so as not to disturb, and quietly found a ce to sit down. Meanwhile, at the center of the stage, Ryan directed those moving the curtain covers. "Yes, a little higher. Lift that fold right there..." "Ryan, how about this bulletin?" He turned around and put a hand on the man''s shoulder. "Ask some people to hang it there." "How about this..." People bombarded him with questions at a pace that would throw the almost anyone off, but he patiently amodated every single one of them with a smile. As Fiona stared at him, her mind began to wander. "Hey, Fiona is here!" Ryan¡¯s roommate, Warren, was also part of the student council. As he looked back and spotted Fiona, he quickly tapped on his roommate¡¯s shoulder. Ryan instantly turned to catch a glimpse of her sitting quietly not far away. He could not figure out why such a seemingly indifferent expression captivated him. He hurriedly put aside his work and patted Warren on the shoulder. "Watch the rest for me! You can go once things are done. I¡¯m gonna leave now." "Tsk! Tsk! The power of love is indeed immeasurable." Warren grabbed Ryan by the shoulder before he Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! could go too far. "You seem to be head over heels in love with her." "Well, I really am." Ryan smiled slyly before turning to walk towards Fiona. As soon as she caught a glimpse of him, she stood up. "Ryan." "I thought you weren¡¯t going toe!" Ryan smiled at her. "It¡¯s dinnertime." "I went home for a bit. I got backte. The auditorium is so well decorated, by the way." "Really?" The smile on his face grew bigger. "I¡¯m ttered to have beenplimented by you." She smiled, surprised. "How about we have dinner together?" Ryan asked after a long awkward silence. "Are you done with your work?" "Well, the rest is up to somebody else, so..." He nced at Warren, then took out a bike key from his pocket. He waved it up for Fiona to see. "Let''s go for a ride. I have a bike with me this time." "By bike?" Fiona blinked. "Yes!" Ryan stood proudly. "I''m a good biker." Fiona looked amused, but nevertheless nodded and followed Ryan out. nking the D University¡¯s main avenue were dense sycamore trees. Passing through them leisurely were a boy and a girl riding a bike. The boy wore a shirt that clung to his lean body as it pped against the breeze, while the girl with the white skirt wrapped her hands around the boy¡¯s waist for support. It was like looking at a movie. "How is it so far? Not bad, right?" Ryan turned his head slightly to the back. "Do you mean your biking skills or the view?" Fiona looked at him mischievously. "Well..." Ryan feigned annoyance and sighed. "I guess it depends on what you say." Fiona smiled. "They¡¯re both fine." "Ha-ha..." Ryanughed. "I¡¯ll go a little quicker, then. One, two, three, and...here we go!" "Ahhh!" Fiona eximed. She grasped on Ryan¡¯s waist tighter and started tough. Ryan¡¯s face lit up at her beautifulugh. It would have been okay if the road didn¡¯t end and he had to do this with her forever. As Sophia and Leona walked out of the canteen, they saw the two having fun. Instead ofing up to greet them, however, Sophia snapped a photo and immediately posted it on the school forum. "What are you doing?" Leona murmured and lowered her head, just as she noticed Ryan¡¯s wide smile. "I''m helping Ryan!" Sophia smiled. "Let us spread the good news between Ryan and Fiona. I hope everybody finds out." Spencer decided to check in online as he took a break. He turned on hisputer, and as he entered the school forum, he saw the top post. "The most handsome man and prettiest girl of D University are together! What a perfect couple!" His eyes slowly darkened as he clicked for the photo and came across Ryan riding a bike with Fiona. Bang! Spencer pounded the table and gritted his teeth. ''Fiona, are you dating him? Let¡¯s see how long you can be together!'' Chapter 36 The Newcomers Welcoming Party (Part One) Chapter 36 The Neers Weing Party (Part One) The next day, Spencer returned to the university as the drillmaster. Needless to say, he attracted many of the girls'' attention once more. After several days, the girls realized something. All the drillmasters were strict. Thus, they preferred to have a good-looking one since they were all going to be strict either way. Meanwhile, Fiona kept fidgeting in her ce. As she watched Spencer speak and act grimly, she felt as if he was going tosh out at her any minute. The horns rung throughout the yground. After an entire day of military training, Fiona let out a long sigh. Nothing had happened! "Let''s go, Fiona!" Sophia stepped forward and grabbed her arm. "Come on, Ryan''s inviting us to dinner tonight!" Fiona nced at Spencer, watching him walk towards the gathering area of the drillmasters. She thought, ''Did he hear that?'' "Hurry up!" Without giving her a chance to say anything, Sophia pulled Fiona''s hand as they left. Fiona was a little embarrassed. "Sophia, I don''t think it''s such a good idea since Ryan''s been treating us out to dinner these past few days. You can go by yourself. I''m not going." "No way! Ryan''s only treating us to dinner for your sake. If you don''t go, then he won''t treat me," Sophia protested. "You should go. This is normal. It''s how a boy pursues a girl he likes. Ryan''s very rich after all." Fiona was speechless for a while. Just as she was about to say something, she caught a glimpse of Ryan standing not far away. He smiled when he saw Fiona. How could anyone refuse such a smile? Fiona sighed and smiled back. She seemed to be have been reminded of the fun times they spent the previous day. "Spencer, look! Isn''t that Fiona?" Meanwhile, Eric and Spencer had left together. When Eric saw Fiona, he poked Spencer on the waist. "Look! She''s with someone handsome guy." Raising his head, Spencer replied tly, "I see." "Is that it?" Eric prompted. "Are you sure you saw them? What if that guy likes Fiona? Fiona is your..." With a cold smile, Spencer interrupted, "Did you see the look on Fiona''s face? She''s giggling like a maniac. She''s practically throwing herself at him!" He remembered the post he had seen on the forum yesterday. "What?" Upon hearing this, Eric was at a loss for words. He stuck his tongue out. ''Is he jealous?'' Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! "Mr. Cheng!" A girl suddenly approached them. She raised her head and stole a nce at Spencer, her face turning red. "You are...?" Eric asked, raising an eyebrow. "I''m from the publicity department of the student union," the girl said as she took out two invitations from her bag. "We''re inviting you toe to the neers weing party." "When is the party? Are all the studentsing to the party?" Eric asked. "It''s at six o''clock tomorrow night at the auditorium," the girl replied. "The freshmen are required to "So, are we going or not?" Eric looked at Spencer. ncing at the invitation, he replied tly, "Okay." "Great!" The girl smiled at him and nodded. It seemed as if she was reluctant to leave. "Are you sure?" Eric asked, holding the invitation. "Are you going to the party because of Fiona? You haven''t been looking well these past few days. Are you and Fiona fighting? Will she perform at the party? She can y the piano, right?" With the invitation in his hand, Spencer tapped Eric''s head and said, "Cut the crap!" He looked around and found that Fiona had already left. He then headed towards the canteen. "You haven''t answered my questions yet!" When Eric caught up with Spencer, Spencer didn''t even react. He merely shrugged his shoulders and said, "Forget it. We''ll see her tomorrow anyway." As Spencer continued to walk, he thought to himself, ''I heard she isn''t part of the show. If she were asked though, would she choose to y the piano? The solders had been attracted by her at the base. Is she going to seduce the boys here too? If she dares to perform at the party, I''ll pull her off the stage.'' The next evening, posters of the party were hung up around the campus of D University. Just outside the auditorium, students were buzzing in excitement. Meanwhile, all the departments were hard at work for the final preparations. "Everyone, please gather here for the opening dance performance!" "Who hasn''t put on makeup yet? Hurry up! We''re running out of time!" "Adjust the light again!" "Pull this curtain to the left." After training, Fiona came to the auditorium with Sophia. When they saw the mess inside, Fiona asked, "Where''s Ryan? He''s probably very busy. Should we just leave ande backter?" "No, no. We came here to help!" Pulling Fiona''s hand, Sophia walked into the auditorium. She pointed to a spot just in front of the stage and said, "Look! Isn''t that Ryan? Hey, Ryan!" Ryan looked towards the entrance of the auditorium where Fiona and Sophia were and immediately waved to them. "Don''t wave your hands, Ryan!" a boy said anxiously. "Check your program first!" "What''s wrong?" Sophia and Fiona were just approaching Ryan. Sophia asked, "Ryan, what''s wrong with your program?" "Nothing." Ryan said with a faint smile on his face. "It''s no big deal. I have a lot of things to do anyway." "Why aren''t you going to be on the show?" Sophia was shocked. "I was waiting for your show!" "Me too!" Several other girls echoed. "What''s wrong?" Fiona asked gently. "Teresa was setting up the hall and her hand was injured. She''s at the infirmary now. She probably can''t y the piano tonight which means Ryan can''t perform either," someone exined. "We need to find a recement pianist!" Sophia suggested. "Or maybe Ryan can y alone!" "The piece is instrumental ensemble so I can''t y by myself." Ryan looked at Fiona with a smile. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. "We need to find another pianist!" They then started to discuss among themselves. "We only have half an hour left before the opening. Where could we possibly find another pianist? Looks like you''re from art school. Would you like to go to the department of music and see if they have a pianist?" "But we can''t just choose a random person. We need to find someone who''s a suitable match for Ryan too. Otherwise, we''llpromise the quality of the program." Amidst the chaos, Ryan suddenly asked, "Fiona, do you know how to y the piano?" Everyone turned to look at Fiona. Startled, she slowly nodded her head and quickly added, "But I''m not that good. I can only y a little." "What''s your piano level?" "Level ten," Ryan abruptly said before Fiona could finish her sentence. "Level ten?!" Sophia immediately pushed her forward. "You should y with Ryan, Fiona." "What a godsend! Fiona, it really depends on you now! Level ten isn''t something just anyone can reach!" Chapter 37 Being Dragged Into The Civil Affairs Bureau (Part One) Chapter 37 Being Dragged Into The Civil Affairs Bureau (Part One) The pair stepped down the stage and were instantly greeted by a prolonged apuse from the crowd and roaring praise. "Isn''t that girl Fiona? She is so beautiful!" "You know, I actually heard that she and Ryan are quite close. They seem to be together!" "I think they would certainly make a good match. They''re both so talented and their chemistry is undeniable. They look like the perfect pair." Spencer was sitting among the crowd. He could feel his anger rising as he heard the audiences reactions towards Fiona and Ryan. He abruptly stood up and headed towards the backstage. Meanwhile, Ryan and Fiona were alone backstage. He was holding her hand tenderly. "So, how did it feel being on stage?" Ryan asked, breathing shallowly. "Not bad. You yed your violin beautifully," she replied, smiling at him "Thank you. You also yed the piano really well tonight," Ryan said. "I''d love to hear you ying the piano more often." "Hmm," she replied with shyness. "Fiona, did you hear what the audience were shouting after our performance?" He was looking at her intently, and smiled mischievously. "I..." Fiona was blushing. She felt nervous and her palms were sweaty. She looked down and realized that Ryan was still holding her hand. "Ryan, we''re not on stage anymore but our hands..." Ryan held her hand tighter and said, "Fiona. I don''t want to let you go anymore." "What are you saying, Ryan?" Fiona was surprised. She looked at him with confusion, wondering what this all meant. "I want to be with you, Fiona. Don''t you see? Everyone wants us to be together." Ryan''s expression softened. He looked at her gently and continued, "Fiona, I''ve never cared about anyone this much. I love you. Please get to know me. Please give me a chance." He gently took her into his arms in an embrace, and Fiona found herself in a daze. She could feel his heart beat against hers, and they were in the same rhythm. Fiona felt excited hearing the cheers from the crowd, and at the same time, she had never felt so calm than she did at that moment in his arms. She felt so rxed in Ryan''spany. He was considerate, gentle, and cultured. She couldn''t refuse the maic attraction she felt towards him. She buried her head in his arms. Her mind was clear, as she reciprocated his gentleness and wrapped her arms around his waist. Fiona''s response filled Ryan''s heart with so much joy. "Fiona, I..." Ryan said to her softly. Out of the blue, they heard someone pping behind them. Fiona felt her body tense up and she didn''t want to leave the safety of Ryan''s arms. She turned to see where the ps wereing from and saw E, looking elegant as ever. E was walking towards them, smiling. "Congrattions, your performance was amazing. And now I find you both here, backstage, being so sweet. Please doe and join the public!" Fiona''s face was bright red. Ryan, however, kept his calm and asked her, "Why are you here?" "Well, I do have a reason, of course," E said. "There''s someone looking for you, Ryan. Why not leave and have a look?" Ryan nodded. He turned to Fiona and said, "You go ahead and get changed first. I''ll be back soon." "Okay." Fiona nodded and watched him leave. "Good for you, Fiona," E said, giving her a pat on the back. "Go for it. I''m going to go on stage now." "Well, good luck. I''m going to go and change now," Fiona replied. "Don''t worry, I don''t need the extra luck. I can''t be worse than you." E smirked, raised her eyebrows proudly, and walked out the door. Fiona paused. Her heart was pounding. She turned to her mirror to remove her hair clip and makeup. All of a sudden, she heard a click. Someone opened the door of her fitting room. Fiona smiled, turned around, and asked, "What made you decide toe back?" When she saw who was standing at the door, her heart almost stopped. Her face froze, her body suddenly turned cold, and she felt anxiety down to her bones. "Spencer..." "Hi Fiona. Do I scare you?" he asked, as he took a step towards her. He had a slight smile, but it couldn''t hide the gloom showing on his face. "Spencer...what are you doing here?" Fiona instinctively took a step back. She felt the edge of the dresser behind her. She looked at him fearfully. He slowly walked up to her, lookingpletely out of sorts and depressed. "Why am I here? I''ve been here the whole time, Fiona. I was just under the stage. And..." He raised his right hand and pinched her chin firmly. Fiona felt like her chin was about to be crushed. She wanted to turn her head away, but he was too strong and she couldn''t move at all. She could feel his rage. He was so angry, it was as if he wanted to She was shaking. Grabbing his arm, she stuttered, "Spencer... let me go this instant!" He looked down at Fiona in disgust and said, "I saw how you and Ryan were hugging just now." Fiona''s face turned white as a sheet. Her eyes were wide and she couldn''t move. "What you saw..." "So now you''re feeling guilty?" Spencer was angry. Fiona could sense the danger from his voice. "You''ve been so smugtely. I told you to behave yourself, but you went against me. So do you like him, Fiona? Do you like Ryan?" Fiona couldn''t speak. She shut her eyes tightly. "Aren''t you going to give me an answer? You like him, don''t you Fiona?" Spencer said, clearly trying to control his anger. "Well then. You can have a taste of what you want. But you can''t get it!" Fiona finally looked at him with her eyes wide open. She was angry and afraid. "What do you want, Spencer?" "I know you like him. But you can''t be with him. So now, guess what my next move is." Fiona took a deep breath. Suddenly it hit her¡ªshe understood what he meant. "I''ve said it before and I''ll say it again. I''ll never marry you, Spencer!" she yelled. She was sure that she didn''t want to spend the rest of her life with him. She was young and she had so much ahead of her. Spencerughed and said, "Oh, Fiona. You say you don''t want to get married?" He was obviously mocking her as he was speaking. He tightened his grip on her chin, looked her straight in the eye, and said in a cold voice, "Well, that''s not your decision to make, Fiona." Fiona''s mouth was trembling. She looked at him and said, "Tomorrow, I''ll talk to Grandpa!" "Well what a pity! Because it''s toote!" Suddenly, Spencer put both this hands on her shoulders. Her eyes burst open, red with shock and fear. "Don''t even try to struggle, Fiona! You are going to marry me, and you are going to marry me tonight. It''s happening tonight." "What?" Fiona was horrified. All she could do was look at him in terror. He took a good look at her sad face, and he proceeded to grab her and carry her over his shoulders, walking towards the back door. This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. "Spencer! Please stop!" Fiona was screaming. She had never been so terrified. Struggling to get away, she screamed, "Put me down, now! Where are you taking me to? Spencer, put me down!" "We''re going to get married right now!" Spencer kicked open the back door, still carrying her. He was walking towards the dested narrow path behind the auditorium. The echoes ofughter in the hall faded away. No matter how hard Fiona struggled, her efforts were useless. "Spencer, I don''t want to marry you. Put me down! Now!" Without saying a word, Spencer rushed to the parking lot. Johnson saluted him. When he saw what was going on, he thought to himself, ''Is this why Spencer wanted me toe here in such a hurry? To take Fiona back? Why does he look like a robber?'' Chapter 38 Prove Your Innocence (Part One) Chapter 38 Prove Your Innocence (Part One) Bang! The door of the Civil Affairs Bureau swung open all of a sudden. Heads turned to see what the "Mr. Cheng!" Matt, the head of the Civil Affairs Bureau, rushed over, looking disheveled with his tie askew. He quickly wiped the beads of sweat on his forehead before bowing in front of Spencer. "Please With a menacing look on his face, Spencer surveyed the ce before taking a step in. "What the hell are you waiting for? Where''s the registration form? Give it to me now! I want to get married!" Matt pointed to a group of people and shouted, "Bring me the form and hurry up!" With that, the staff scrambled to fulfill their boss''s orders. Spencer dragged Fiona''s hand and walked to the table where one of the workers ced the marriage form. After snatching a pen from a nearby employee, he started filling it out. Next to him, the helpless Fiona, who had been crying too much, merely stood feeling like she had lost all of her strength. She stared nkly ahead, ignoring everything and everyone around her, disbelieving what was happening. "Uh, excuse me." A trembling staff opened his mouth to ask the standard set of questions for such asions. "Do youe here of your own ord to get married?" ''Own ord?'' Spencer red at the man performing the rites who almost jumped out of fear. ''Damn it! Why did he have to ask that?'' he cursed inwardly. He raised his foot and kicked the man on his butt. "No one would think you''re dumb if you wouldn''t talk!" Spencerpleted the form in seconds. He then turned to Fiona and thrust the pen to her hand, almost forcing her to write down her information. It was then that Fiona snapped back to her senses. With sheer determination, she pulled her hand from Spencer''s grip and dered, "I won''tplete this form! I don''t want to fill it out! I was forced to be here!" Spencer''s eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at Fiona, his face full of anger. He grabbed the registration form from her hand and tore it into pieces. "Give me another one!" he shouted. One of the staff quickly handed him a fresh form, which he mmed on the table in front of Fiona. "Fill it out!" he demanded. "I don''t want to!" With clenched fists, Fiona shook her head and resisted. "Johnson!" He called out to his assistant but kept his eyes fixed on Fiona. "Go to D University and bring Ryan Wen here." Fiona turned to Spencer at the mention of Ryan''s name. With pleading eyes, she grabbed the pen and cried, "I''ll fill out the form! I''ll fill it out! Please... don''t bring him here." Spencer''s lips formed a cold and cruel smile. "Then fill out the form." Fiona''s hand trembled as she wrote her information on the paper. But before she could seal the document with her thumbprint, tears fell once again from her eyes. Once she had pressed her thumb on the form, she knew that it was impossible for her to be with Ryan again. Their rtionship had ended before it even started. Once she had ced her fingerprint on the form, she and Spencer would be legally married. She would have no other choice but to be his wife and live with him for the rest of her life. As Fiona entertained these thoughts, Spencer was slowly losing patience. With furrowed brows, he grabbed her hand and pressed her thumb on the form. And done! A tear drop fell on the paper. "Spencer," Fiona said grimly without looking at him, the corners of her mouth twitching. "I hate you." But Spencer was unaffected. He took the form from her and wrote down his information before signing the document with his own thumb print. He then told her coldly, "Hate me all you want, but it won''t change the fact that I''m now your husband." Matt politely took the form from his hand and said cautiously, "Mr. Cheng, now you have to take a group photo." Spencer pulled Fiona close to him and asked, "Did you hear that, Fiona? We''re going to take a group photo. So fix up that ugly face!" She felt like a puppet under Spencer''s control. Obediently, she sat on the studio chair and posed next to him in front of a red backdrop. With one click, their photo was done. Fiona could only look at the marriage certificates in Spencer''s hand. She couldn''t think of anything else. In her head, she was still in denial of her marriage. Meanwhile, Spencer entertained mixed feelings as he looked at the certificates. He ced them in his coat pocket and pressed them against his chest. Sternly, he said to her, "Let''s go!" And without even waiting for her, he marched out of the office. He didn''t look back, much less wait for her. Fiona only stood still as if in a daze. Johnson looked at Spencer before turning to Fiona. "Leave her alone!" Spencer said coldly. The door of the building opened with a creak. The sound was followed by the distant humming of a car engine. With this, a collective sigh filled the room. Matt looked at Fiona and spoke. "Well..." He hesitated for a moment but continued, "Mrs. Cheng, aren''t you leaving?" ''Mrs. Cheng?'' Fiona''s eyes were instantly filled with tears. She only managed a snort before staggering away on her high heels, finding her way to the door. ''How pitiful am I!'' she thought. When she left, everyone in the room began whispering to one another. "How cruel! He abandoned her right after they got married." "He forced her to be his wife." Matt took a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his forehead dry. Turning to everyone, he said, "Now, I don''t want you mentioning what happened here to anyone else. You didn''t see anything, and you didn''t hear anything!" "Matt, who was that man? Is he dangerous? He looks so young!" "Young? For someone so young, he''s terrible!" Matt stared at the person who had asked those questions and said, "He may be young, but he holds a high position. He''s definitely going to be significant in the future! We can''t afford to offend him!" "Whoa!" They gasped in astonishment. It was a cool September night and Fiona had stepped out of the Civil Affairs Bureau wearing nothing but a dress. She wrapped her arms around herself as she looked around, not knowing where to go. How would she live from then on? How long would she have to wait? Fiona wondered if Spencer would let her go once he grew tired of his hatred. But what if he didn''t get over that state? She shuddered at the thought of being entangled with him for the rest of their lives. Meanwhile, at a high-rise building in the residential area of Four Seasons Scenery, Ryan had been waiting for nearly two hours. He had hurried over there as soon as the party was over. He had tried calling Fiona but her phone was off and she couldn''t be reached. He knew that Fiona lived there. But it didn''t ur to him that he would have to pay her a visit under such circumstances. "It''s gettingte. I don''t think Fiona wille back tonight. Let''s go," Andrew advised. "No, let''s wait a few more minutes." Ryan could only pace back and forth in front of the building. He thought he had made some progress with Fiona so he didn''t understand why she suddenly disappeared. Something must have happened! Andrew looked up at the sky. "The sky is getting darker. It might even rainter so we better head back. Are you sure you want to wait more? Your brother has been back at home for days now, and yet you haven''t gone back to see him. Your father must be upset!" N?velDrama.Org owns this. Ryan frowned when he heard this. He was about to say something to his defense when a figure caught his attention. ''It''s Fiona!'' Ryan remembered how it was like that time at the art museum. The moment he felt like giving up on waiting for her, she showed up at thest minute! Chapter 39 Do You Remember This Place (Part One) Chapter 39 Do You Remember This ce (Part One) M City didn¡¯t see a whole lot of showers during the summer, but now the autumn rains had been endless. The torrential rain went on and poured heavily until the next morning, its sound muting everything else¡¯s. Fiona woke up to the storm. She stifled a groan as she tried to move her stiff and sore body from under the thin quilt. Before she could, she felt a heavy arm wrap around her. Spencer was unceremoniously awakened by the ruckus, and as he opened his eyes sharply, he quickly scanned the whole room and immediately happened upon Fiona. In a futile attempt to get out of bed quietly, she grabbed her clothes to cover herself up and tiptoed away as her legs trembled. Waking up fromst night did not elicit shyness, only hatred and humiliation. "Where do you think you¡¯re going?" Spencer sat up on the bed slowly and lifted his eyes inadvertently to take in her features. Instead, he became ck-jawed as he saw the two scars running along her otherwise smooth back. As she heard his deep, booming voice, Fiona stopped for a moment, only to remain quiet. Instead, she continued walking. "Where did you get those scars?" he blurted out before he could restrain himself. Fiona stopped on her tracks and reflexively turned around, trying to cover her back. She met his doubtful eyes with a sad smile. "Don¡¯t you remember asking me why I was still alive the first time we met? I almost died once. The scars, of course, were left on the day of the car ident. There you go. Satisfied?" His eyes darkened as he stared at Fiona. Ten years ago, when he rushed to the hospital and witnessed his mother die, there had been a little girl in the next room, fighting for her life. "Are you satisfied now, with what happenedst night? Are you happy you finally took you revenge on me?" she asked him without a hint of emotion. Spencer finally came to his senses a moment after and looked back at her mocking expression. As he stood up and lifted the quilt, he saw the bloodstain on the sheet. His heart clenched, but he wore a cold smile. "No. I need to teach you how to satisfy me more." She took notice of the blood on the messy bed and her eyes started to sting. She turned away and clenched her fists. In the midst of what felt like a never-ending standstill, Spencer¡¯s phone rang over the tense silence. "Hello. Grandpa, what¡¯s up?" On the other end of the line, Wayne could hear that Spencer spoke differently from his usual harsh tone. In shock, he asked, "Did you just get up?" "Yes." "Where are you?" "I''m at home." He quickly added, "In the Four Seasons Scenery." "Where is Fiona?" Wayne couldn¡¯t help but sound surprised. "She''s beside me." He cast a nce at her. ¡®Beside her?¡¯ "Last night you two...?" Wayne probed. "Yes." Having understood immediately, Wayne said happily, "Take Fiona here this noon. Do you understand?" "Yes, Grandpa." "Put her on the phone!" Fiona¡¯s hand paused on the doorknob as she heard the deep voice on the other end of the line. She could feel Spencer¡¯s presence slowly creep up from behind her. "Grandpa wants to talk to you." He handed her the phone, and as his eyes raked her whole image from top to bottom, he felt a tinge of nervousness. And so, seemingly annoyed, he excused himself and went to the bathroom. Fiona pursed her lips as she held the phone to her ear. "Grandpa..." "Hey, Fiona." Wayne was overjoyed but stopped himself from overreacting. "Today¡¯s the weekend. Come home and see me, all right? Take Spencer with you. I¡¯ll ask the cook to prepare a delicious meal for you both to enjoy!" "Of course," she replied. "Okay. By the way, remind Spencer to drive carefully. It¡¯s raining quite hard today. I¡¯m looking forward to having lunch with you together!" "Okay, Grandpa." After hanging up the phone, she walked back to her bedroom As she soaked herself with warm water in the bathtub, she gingerly put her fingers over where Spencer had touched herst night. As cold water trickled down her head, she shut her eyes, from which tears started streaming down. Meanwhile, after Spencer finished his bath, he found himself unable to find Fiona. He went to her bedroom and was about to knock when felt his feet getting soaked. His eyebrows furrowed, and as he looked down in confusion he saw a stream slowly spilling out of the gap underneath the door. "Fiona!" His eyes opened wide and he started to knock at the door with clenched fists. "Open the door! Fiona, can you hear me?" He was worried something might have happened to her in the bathtub. He kept knocking on the door but heard no response. He pursed his lips and was about to kick the door open, but then he heard the lock click. Covered with a bath towel and drenched from head to toe, Fiona stood at the door and looked up at Spencer. "What are you doing?" "What am I doing?" He pointed at the water on the floor. "Why don¡¯t you check the floor? What did you think you were doing?" "I¡¯ll clean that up." As she was about to close the door, Spencer hurriedly shouted, "Faster! We need to set off in time for lunch!" "Okay." He grabbed her hand as she swiveled around. She was hyper-aware of how much taller and bigger he was as he looked down at her. "I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t you dare kill yourself." "Don''t worry. I''ll keep myself alive until you pay for what you¡¯ve done to me," Fiona replied coldly, raising her head and ring back at him. "That¡¯s great, then!" Spencer let go and made his way to the living room. "Either you get dressed in ten minutes, or I¡¯ll do it myself." Bang! Fiona did not wait for him to finish talking before she shut the door. "Damn it!" Spencer kicked the chair beside him. After it crashed, the room felt a little too quiet. He breathed in slowly and took in the sight of water, spreading on the floor. There was no sign of sunlight peeking through even in the early morning. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only After ten minutes passed, the pair managed to pack up their stuff and go to the garage, driving straight ahead to the Cheng family residence. The air inside the car felt stuffy and sticky. Fiona couldn¡¯t help but frown. Spencer stepped on the gas and drove the car to an empty road, away from the direction of their supposed destination. Aside from a tiny squeak, they continued on looking down the road wordlessly until they finally stopped at a high-speed intersection. Spencer stepped hard on the brake as puddles sshed on the roadside and the tires screeched violently against the cement. Fiona sucked in a deep breath but managed to pull herself together quickly. She propped up against the door and looked out the window. "Do you remember where we are, Fiona?" Spencer said, looking nkly ahead. Fiona''s heart beat faster. The rain obstructed her view, but of all people, she could recognize that road sign from miles away¡ª River Road. Like a virus, the decade-old nightmare started to invade her body, spreading quickly into her cold limbs and heavy chest. And yet, her mind was most affected. Her breathing became even morebored as she started to touch the temples on her head, which suddenly hurt like hell. Bang! Bang! "Help! A car ident!" "Please, help! Help!" "Hello, is this the police? There¡¯s been a car ident in River Road." Chapter 40 Womens Friendship (Part One) Chapter 40 Women''s Friendship (Part One) Spencer''s head drooped slightly as bitterness crossed his features. "Grandpa, it is time for you to take a nap." "I must say, that''s themest excuse you have made to drive me away," Wayne smiled as ced a reassuring pat to his grandson''s knee. "I was not done telling the most crucial parts yet!" "As you wish, Grandpa. Who am I to stop you?" Spencer replied, humor glinting from his eyes. "Please treat Fiona well, shower her with love and make her the happiest woman in existence," Wayne said softly. "You need to hold a grand wedding soon. That''s one of my greatest wishes." "Hmm," Spencer replied. "Fiona tends to easily go down with a fever. Please keep that in mind," Wayne said. "She had a fever once, the worst she had. It was so severe that it lead to cerebral hemorrhage. I never felt so frightened my whole life!" "Cerebral hemorrhage?" "It did." Wayne''s eyes were grim as the memory shed through his mind. "Two years after that tragic car ident, I had a conference at a neighboring province. The projectsted more than a week. Once I was done, I returned to S City, only to find out that Fiona was hospitalized. Her aunt, Jenny and the rest of her family members didn''t care about her at all. Three days! Fiona had stayed in her room for three days, and yet none of them had discovered." Wayne''s voice dripped with frustration and anger as he continued, "Without my constant presence, Fiona lost her only protection. They took advantage of that and mistreated her! Her lips were chapped and bleeding, she fought to stay conscious and lost. It worried me to no end! I asked her if she wanted toe home with me, that I would manage the matters at hand and have everything arranged, but she never took my offer. She resorted to selling bottles she collected from the streets for money. She wanted to learn how to y piano. When I offered to fund her, she turned down my offer. She was a lively child, buzzing with energy like anyone of her age. The ident seemed to have drained it all away. I entrust you with her well-being. She lost her parents overnight Spencer, the mere thought of it pains This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. me!" As Wayne continued to unveil more of Fiona''s past, several emotions flickered through Spencer''s eyes. Never could he ever imagine what Fiona had gone through the past ten years of her life. Anna had checked up on Fiona a couple of times ever since she was brought to her room. Fiona remained unconscious, barely stirring at all. Anna checked her temperature, relieved that the fever had broken after the injection and slowly exited the room. "Uh..." Fiona groaned from her bed, sleep slowly draining away. She felt stiff and sore in her arms. Panic filled her and she snapped her eyes open, seeing nothing as the room was drenched in darkness. She took steady breaths of air as she calmed herself down. In and out, she breathed slowly, slowly regaining control of her bearings. After a moment when all was well, she reached out to flip the Click! As light filled the room, Fiona squinted and raised one hand to shield her eyes. She blinked away the pain, adjusting to the re of themp as her hand slowly dropped to her side. Her eyes swept through the room, stopping at the foot of her bed. Spencer sat there as he looked at her, his eyes nk, devoid of any emotion. "Have you awoken?" Spencer asked, eyelids raised. "I am," Fiona answered, eyeing a ss of water sitting at her bedside. Her throat was parched and she nced at the ss longingly. The only thing she could think of was water. She feebly reached out for the ss, when a hand shot forth to grab it for her. Spencer took the ss and gently tipped it to her lips. Her hands reached around the ss as Fiona took a small sip. "I can do it, myself," she told him. "Alright," he answered, as he loosened his grip from the ss. Fiona gulped the water greedily, relishing the coolfort it brought to her thirst. A choked sound came from her throat. Fiona coughed up a little, having drank too hastily from the ss. She downed the water in seconds. "Need more?" Scarce words left Spencer''s mouth tonight, short and tapered. "I''m fine, thank you." Fiona''s gaze was fixed outside her window, her eyes flitting around the scenery of the house, searching for something. "It''s early evening. You''ve slept through the afternoon," Spencer said, answering her unvoiced question. "Eight in the evening to be exact." "Oh, I see," Fiona replied, a little surprised that she had slept so long. "Would you like to have dinner?" "No. I want to rest more," Fiona said, still weak from fighting off the fever. "I understand." Fiona never thought the day woulde that Spencer would be so agreeable. She was about to let out a sigh of relief with the thought that she would be left alone for the night, but Spencer lifted her quilt and quickly settled in beside her. "What are you doing?" Fiona felt a loss of words as shock and disbelief painted her features. "What do you want?" "Just close your eyes and sleep!" Spencer turned around to face her. Fiona paled as she hurriedly dislodged herself from the quilt, stumbling slightly as she hurriedly got up from the bed. "I''ll sleep in the next room," she announced. "Get back here!" Grasping her arm, he yanked her back towards the bed. Fiona gasped as she fell backwards, hitting her back against the soft mattress of the bed. With her momentarily disoriented, Spencer wasted no time as he rolled over, caging her in with his arms. By the time she recovered, he had her back firmly pressed on the mattress, hovering above her. "Your face has turned white as a sheet of paper," he murmured. "Release me at once!" Fiona struggled against his grip, twisting her arms, trying to dislodge him. "We just got our marriage certificates, and yet you want to live in a separate room. Grandpa is sleeping in the next room. Do you want him to worry about us?" he whispered. "What? Have you told Grandpa that we got our marriage certificates?" "Yes. I see no qualms in telling him. He even asked me to arrange an extravagant wedding." ''An extravagant wedding?'' Fiona let out a snort. She scrunched her face in displeasure. "I see," she finally said. It seemed like they''d reached an impasse. She had no other choice but topromise. ''Would Grandpa be furious if I told him the truth?'' she thought. She weighed her options carefully; she doubted she would be able to free herself from Spencer. A lot had already changed since the day before. While she was lost to her thoughts, Spencer watched her intently. He was about to release her when she said, "Spencer, I am exhausted. I don''t want to deal with you right now," she icily said, keeping her face nk with emotions. "Get off me." "Humph!" Spencer looked at her and sneered. "You think I want to fuck you? You were like a dead fish in bed yesterday." He then rolled over and settled on the opposite side of the bed. Ignoring his presence, Fiona settled to the other side of the bed with her back facing him. If only she could wake up tomorrow and found everything was just a dream. Exhaustion slowly dragged her away from reality and she drifted off to sleep. Spencer turned off the lights with a click. Even with the tempting lull of the rain against the window pane, he couldn''t sleep. He opened his eyes and turned to face her back. His gaze traced the outline of her back, seemingly seeing the scars that marred her flesh under her gown. It was sunny the next day. Fiona remained tucked in her bed because of her illness. She had no idea where Spencer had gone. At dusk, he waltzed in the room with his request for her to resume attending school. "Well, are you aware that tomorrow is Monday? Your attendance will be required for tomorrow''s military training," Spencer said. "I am go back on my own." "Grandpa asked me to drive you to school. I won''t apany you all the way if that''s what you''re worried about." Fiona agreed with a nod. Since the rain had stopped, Ryan had been lingering at the entrance of the girls'' dormitory building. Fiona got out of Spencer''s car at a bus stop located few distances away from the university. As she approached the dormitory, she saw Ryan. She held her breath; it felt like she hadn''t seen him in years and yet there he was. Chapter 41 A Provocation Letter (Part One) Chapter 41 A Provocation Letter (Part One) The next morning, the sound of loud horns was heard in the D University to signal the start of the freshmen military training. When Fiona arrived, Spencer was already standing at the training ground with his hands on his back. The sight of him made her heart beat faster. She ran up to him with her cheeks flushing. ''Can we really pretend that nothing happened after that night?'' she thought. Her face turned pale at the thought. "Good morning, everyone!" "Good morning, Mr. Cheng!" Spencer nodded sternly. He stood in front of Fiona as he addressed the girls, "By now, we are halfway through with the training. Today, we will practice walking and running. First, we should make a gesture of solemnity. All of you! Attention!" Everyone perked up at themand. After two weeks of training, the girls'' postures had improved a lot. "You should kick your left foot outwards but your leg must be kept straight..." The girls followed as Spencer gave out instructions. He red at them and frowned. "Follow exactly what I''m doing." He stepped forward, his arms rubbing against his trousers, and made a crisp sound. "Wow!" "He''s so handsome!" The girls whispered to each other as they watched Spencer with admiration. Spencer looked at them. "Did you see that? Now, do it like I did. All of you, attention!" Their feet brushed against the ground. Everyone walked forward. Spencer nodded with satisfaction. "Yes, you''ve improved a lot. Keep still and don''t move. I have to correct your positions." He then walked up to the students at the first row and started to point out their mistakes one by one. When he walked to Fiona, they stared at each other for a split second before she looked away and tilted her head. "Look straight ahead!" Spencer grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. Fiona''s face turned red. She had no choice but to stare at him. Suddenly, he raised his eyebrows and shed a sly smile. Then, he put his hand on her waist and gently tilted her body. "Take care of your body too," he whispered. Fiona''s body stiffened. It was exactly how he wanted her to react. "Also, fix your hand. Your thumb is on the second section of your index finger." He grabbed her hand and started to move her finger. Fiona''s head was buzzing. It was hard to tell whether it was because of shyness or anger. She could feel herself about to copse. Thankfully, Spencer left her side as he shifted his attention to the girl on the left. "Phew!" Fiona breathed a sigh of relief. After a while, Spencer returned to Fiona. None of those girls deserved his efforts. It had been raining all weekend and so there was still a light breeze in the air, but the sun was scorching hot. Fiona felt ill. Memories from the night they shared haunted her mind. She felt sick. As she stood still, sweat slowly formed across her forehead. Spencer stared at Fiona, unaware of what running through her mind. When he noticed Fiona''s body stagger, he said in a loud voice, "Rest!" With that, Fiona allowed her body to copse to the ground. "Ah, I''m so tired!" "That was much more tiring than just standing in attention!" The girls chattered andined among themselves. Only Sophia seemed calm and rxed. She went up to Fiona, held her hand, and asked her to go out with her that night. "Where are we going?" "To the bar!" Sophia looked excited. "I''ve never been to a bar! I don''t think that''s a good ce to be in." "Why not? We''re just going to have fun. It''s not a big deal!" Sophia persisted. Suddenly, Fiona''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen and saw that Spencer had messaged her. "Don''t go," the message read. She raised her head and saw that, under the tent two meters away, Spencer was looking at her intently. He was shaking his phone in his hand as if telling her to check it. "I''m sorry. I can''t join you today." Fiona looked at Sophia apologetically. "Don''t worry, I won''t ask Ryan to join us!" Sophia started shaking Fiona''s arm. "I heard that there''s bar called Le Bar in M City. It''s safe for women. We girls can go there! I just think you deserve a night of fun and rxation since you''ve been in such a bad moodtely!" "I..." Fiona stammered. Then, her phone buzzed again. It was Spencer again. "Go back to Four Seasons Scenery tonight," he This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. texted. Fiona pursed her lips and put her phone away. "I have something to do at home tonight. I have to go back." "What?" Sophia howled bitterly. "What about tomorrow?" Once more, Fiona''s phone buzzed. "Don''t even think about it," Spencer''s text warned. "What''s wrong with your phone?" Before Fiona opened her mouth, Sophia raised her voice. "How are you getting a message every time I speak? What the hell?" "It''s a coincidence!" Fiona shed a quick re at Spencer. Then, she turned to look at Sophia. "I don''t think a bar is a safe ce for us to go to." "Why not? We''ll have so much fun!" "If we''re in a bar, men will invite us to drink," E chimed in. "Count me in, Sophia. I want to go with you." "Okay, no problem. Leona, are youing with me?" asked Sophia. "What? I..." Leona stuttered I won''t go with you." E rolled her eyes. "Fiona won''t go, and now Leona won''t either." Leona pressed her lips and did not speak. Spencer stood up from the lounge chair and walked slowly towards the team. "All right! Everyone! Stand up! Stop making noise!" The group of girls reluctantly stood up. "We''ll talk about going to the bar after the training," Sophia said and ran back to her ce. Looking at Fiona, Spencer nodded slightly, turned his head away and shouted, "Attention! Let''s start training!" After a few hours, it was almost time for lunch. Eric ran over to Spencer cheerfully. "Spencer!" "What is it?" Spencer turned around and asked. "I received a letter of provocation from D University Basketball Association," Eric stated. "A letter? What is it about?" The girls who were supposed to be standing at attention started whispering with curiosity. "For what?" Spencer asked and raised his eyebrows. Eric chuckled. "They said that they will organize a basketball game this afternoon topete with the drillmasters. Spencer, it''s your call whether to ept it or not." "Of course you will fight!" "Exactly! We want to watch the basketball match, Mr. Cheng!" "I''m going to cheer you up!" "There is apetition between the Basketball Association and the drillmasters. It''s really exciting!" The girls chattered excitedly among themselves. "Stop making excused. You just want to skip military training," Spencer fumed. The crowd burst into