The Female Leads Truly Loves You - Chapter 184

Chapter 184: Is this boy so special that he’s got you so captivated?
The sudden ring of the phone was jarring, like an uncomfortable interruption in the midst of casting a spell.

Sam was taken aback, his hand instinctively reaching for his pocket, yet his expression involuntarily shifted towards Sophie.

A clear flash of disappointment flickered through her eyes. She quickly turned her head away, as if to instantly reel in the small fissure in her emotions.

“Go ahead and take the call, I was just about to head back anyway.”

“Oh.”

Sam nodded, watching as Sophie turned on her heel and strode away, her toes pointedly shifting from forward to back.

Her figure still appeared so slender.

Even the moonlight, stretching her shadow long, couldn’t make her seem any stronger.

There was nothing to be disappointed about.

Hadn’t she known this outcome all along? To hold any expectations of others was the beginning of suffering, as if the walls of her heart, already beginning to waver, were being fortified once again.

But why the wavering? Wasn’t the very notion laughable?

Sophie had walked far, far enough that Sam couldn’t see her retreating figure.

She looked up; the moonlight was still indistinct.

“Sigh.”

She let out a soft breath and walked into the night.

Sam picked up the phone. Sophie had walked away quickly, the air seemed to still carry her scent.

It was as if something had been inadvertently missed.

Had he avoided danger, or missed an opportunity?

Sam couldn’t be sure. Until the future arrives, no one can know whether the choices made in the present are right or wrong. One can only walk forward with conviction, to find some solace.

Success is never certain, so it’s best to find joy in the journey.

Life could probably be simple, it’s just that too many people are unwilling to accept that.

The name flashing on the phone wasn’t unfamiliar, just somewhat unexpected—why would she call at this hour?

He walking towards home while answering the call.

“Hello, Miss Alice, why are you calling me at this time?”

Although it wasn’t too late, it was well past school hours, and a call at this time was bound to be fishy.

Soon, a familiar female voice came through the phone.

“What, I can’t call you at this time?”

Sam laughed.

“Can’t I have a little personal space? Besides, it’s after school hours now. Calling at this time is a bit unusual, Teacher Alice.”

He emphasized the word ‘teacher’, as if to remind her of her role.

But Alice understood, yet she certainly wouldn’t comply.

She was that kind of woman, a classic case of knowingly committing the same ‘offense’.

“What if I told you that this call was meant to be unusual?”

“Ah, I’m so sleepy, Miss Alice. I think I’m going to sleep now. How about we talk tomorrow at school?”

“Don’t give me that. I know where you live. Do you believe I’ll come over right now?”

“There’s no need for that, it’s already so late.”

Sam immediately backed down.

He hadn’t forgotten the last time Zoe waited for him in the elevator with a knife in hand—that terrifying scene was still fresh in his memory.

“Now you’re speaking nicely? Hmph, then come out.”

“Come out? Where to?”

Sam almost blurted out that he was already outside.

Fortunately, the street was very quiet, so quiet that apart from his own footsteps and the occasional evening breeze, there were no other sounds.

Alice’s voice came through the phone with a smile.

“I’m having a drink. Do you want to come and join your teacher for one?”

Drinking again?

Sam frowned.

“No, I can’t. I have class tomorrow. Plus, I don’t even like drinking.”

“Really not coming? Aren’t you worried I might run into some danger drinking alone?”

Sam just chuckled.

“If Miss Alice could so easily find herself in danger, then why bother drinking at all?”

“Hmm, you do think things through. Honestly, the reason I can drink without worry is that I have a very reliable friend here. Why don’t you come over and meet her? She’s quite a beauty, too.”

“No, no, I’m a good man, not interested in beauties.”

“I don’t believe that baloney.”

“Alright, enough of this. Miss Alice, I’m off to rest. Enjoy your drink, but don’t let it interfere with tomorrow’s class.”

“Hmph, goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Miss Alice.”

The call ended.

In the softly lit bar, Alice had just put away her phone when a somewhat frivolous voice reached her.

“So, that special student of yours isn’t coming?”

Alice shook her head with a smile, looking at the young woman in front of her who appeared cool and unique.

“I told you he wouldn’t come. Why the sudden interest in meeting him?”

The woman in Alice’s view wasn’t wearing her police uniform today.

Sam would probably never guess that the friend Alice mentioned, the one who gave her peace of mind, was this woman.

Aurora smiled as she looked at Alice.

“It’s nothing, just that the name sounded familiar. I thought I might have seen him before and just wanted to confirm.”

Alice eyed her with suspicion.

“Just seen him?”

Aurora’s expression didn’t reveal anything.

“What else could it be? Don’t worry, not everyone is like you, willing to risk their career for such dangerous endeavors.”

Alice scoffed and took a sip of her beer.

“What’s life without a little excitement?”

“Being a cop is exciting enough.”

Aurora said with a smile.

Alice’s cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, a clear sign of the alcohol taking effect.

“You don’t understand, some people are more interesting than any event or thing… He’s just that kind of special person.”

Aurora was one of the few friends Alice had in Kuhang, and they were very close, sharing everything without reservation.

So when it came to talking about this Sam, Alice had no worries in front of Aurora. Despite Aurora’s appearance as a cop with a strong sense of justice, she wasn’t one to let that get in the way of friendship.

To Alice, Aurora was someone who valued relationships deeply.

Aurora gave a slight smile and took a sip of her beer.

“Is this boy so special that he’s got you so captivated?”

“Captivated? It’s not that serious, I’m not lovesick.”

“Is that so? People who are lovesick often claim they’re not, but who really knows what’s going on?”

“What about you, then?”

Alice looked at her.

Aurora paused.

“Me? What about me?”

“You haven’t found a boyfriend yet, not planning on getting married? How will you explain that to your family?”

Aurora laughed softly.

“Those things depend on fate. I never force it. If I haven’t met the one destined for me, what’s the point in blindly searching and rushing into love? Would that ever end well? Maybe I should borrow your student for a trial run?”

“I definitely wouldn’t lend him to anyone else, but for you… I’m afraid you might not take a liking to him.”

Alice laughed easily, seemingly not worried about such a thing happening.

Aurora’s gaze shifted away; she hadn’t told Alice about the specifics of her encounter with Sam.

How should she put it? Perhaps it was one of her few personal secrets.

One could only sigh at how small a place Kuhang really was…

===

*Ding!*

[Congratulations, Host, for completing the check-in!]

[Congratulations, Host, for receiving a special reward: Master Chef.]

[Master Chef: A B-rank exclusive skill. It grants the Host the ability to create delicious dishes anytime, anywhere. As long as the Host has seen the recipe and has the ingredients, they can replicate the dish to 70% of its highest quality. Those who eat the meals prepared by the Host will have their mood enhanced and feel pleasure. (As the skill improves, the effects will be better and additional benefits will be included.)]

“Why would I get this kind of reward? It’s not like I can’t cook.”

On a weekend morning, Sam woke up and completed his check-in first thing.

The previous few times, he had drawn some rather useless items, so Sam didn’t pay much attention to it.

This time, however, he was given a skill, but he hadn’t expected it to be related to cooking.

Could it be because he had cooked a meal for Sophie before?

If he threw a few punches Sophie’s way, would he be rewarded with a set of combat skills?

Forget it, that thought is too shameful.

But what does it mean to enhance mood and feel pleasure? Is it the kind of effect where clothes burst off after eating?

Or is it like playing an RPG game, where after leveling up this skill, people who eat his cooking will get buffs like increased attack power?

That would be pretty impressive.

Just imagine.

One day Sam eats the chicken wings he made himself and then gains the ability to fly.

No, that’s too childish.

Forget it.

Sam stretched lazily. There was nothing special to do today, no classes to attend, and no work to go to.

It seemed like he could thoroughly enjoy the rare holiday.

But after Sam finished washing up and stood in front of the window, looking at the brilliant sunshine and the cool autumn breeze that had started to blow, he suddenly felt lost.

What should he do? Sure, it was a day off, no errands to run, no need to swing by the convenience store, and no school to attend… but what could he do?

He thought about his usual life, although he flitted between various women and encountered plenty of trouble, he had resolved each issue and felt a sense of achievement and satisfaction afterward.

It was tiring, emotionally draining, but never boring. In fact, it kept him on his toes.

Now that he had some downtime… why did he feel so clueless about what to do?

Sam was instantly bewildered, even tempted to light up a cigarette amidst the chaotic wind to contemplate his life.

Had he become a masochist? Missing trouble when it wasn’t there?

But to make a call or send a message to one of those female leads to stir up some trouble for himself? That was absolutely out of the question.

Forget it, he might as well play video games at home. It had been several days since he last played.

Sam turned on his computer monitor.

As he sat at the computer desk, ready to dive into a gaming session.

*Ding!!*

*Ding!!*

Suddenly, Sam’s phone started ringing.

Sam was taken aback.

Why would he get a call now? He had just turned on his computer; the timing was too coincidental.

Sam took out his phone and saw it was Isabella’s name on the display.

He answered the call.

“Hello, senior, what’s up?”

“Sam, haven’t you left yet?”

“Left? Left for what?”

Sam was puzzled. Left for what? He had no recollection of any plans.

Maybe it was because he hadn’t been to the club room these past few days… Could it be they had discussed something without telling him while he was away?

“Didn’t I mention it in the discussion group? Today’s the special event, we’re going camping. Didn’t you see?”

Sam was completely flabbergasted.

“Senior, you just mentioned such a big event in the discussion group? You didn’t ask for my opinion in person? How was I supposed to know!”

“I would have told you, but you weren’t around either.”

“Oh… right, that’s true.”

“Cut the chatter, hurry up and bring Sophie, then meet at the location I’ve specified. Remember to bring your stuff. Today’s weather is perfect, and there’s nothing more wonderful than camping in the autumn!”

“But, I haven’t agreed yet. I was planning to stay home and play video games…”

*Beep beep beep…*

The sound of the call being disconnected came through.

Sam looked at his phone, then back at the computer that he had just turned on.

Although he had been feeling bored before, now that this sudden situation had arisen…

Why was it so annoying?

*Ding-dong~~*

His phone chimed with the sound of an incoming message.

Sam glanced at it; it was a message from Isabella.

[Sam, I have a special secret mission for you, and you mustn’t tell Sophie, or you’ll miss out on a real treat…]

After reading the message, Sam immediately stood up from his computer desk and shot back a reply.

[Isabella, this has got to be the most reliable you’ve ever been.]