Chapter 29: Erica’s warning
Nika turned to ask Ansel. “Ansel, do you perceive that young lady running in pursuit of our vehicle?”
Upon hearing your words, Ansel turned to look behind the car. Indeed, Ansel saw Erica running towards them, shouting something incessantly.
“I will stop the car to see what’s going on,” Nika suggested. “We never know; it might be something important.”
“Who knows? What if we’re mistaken? Maybe the girl is chasing after a different car,” Ansel shared his perspective.
“Look, there’s no other car behind us.” Ansel surprised Nika with his astute observation.
“Well, it’s up to you,” Ansel responded indifferently. He wasn’t confident about his decision, so he will follow your lead.
Without uttering a word, Nika swiftly maneuvered the car to the roadside and brought it to a halt. He then patiently awaited Erica’s arrival, who was running towards them. While Nika appeared enthusiastic about finding out what was happening, Ansel seemed completely uninterested, not even bothering to glance at Erica.
Erica started to lose her breath but suddenly felt a surge of energy as the car came to a stop. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, she made an effort to run towards the car. Just as Nika had predicted, Erica stood outside and continuously knocked on the car door.
“It seems like I was right. She’s chasing after us.” Nika looked at Ansel, speaking with a proud expression about himself.
“You’re quite impressive. Congratulations,” Ansel commented casually, showing no interest or attention toward Erica, who was outside the car.
Nika wore a smirk of arrogance as he spoke, saying, “Let’s see what this girl wants from us.”
After speaking, Nika rolled down the car window, revealing Erica’s sweaty face. Erica appeared quite exhausted, evoking a sense of pity from Nika. Meanwhile, Ansel remained unaffected, as if nothing had happened.
“Hello,” Nika said, initiating the conversation.
“Hello, thanks for stopping.” Erica replied, breathing heavily. She wanted to smile but couldn’t. Her face was stiff and exhausted.
“What can we do to help you?” Nika asked politely.
“I have something to say.” Erica took a deep breath to regulate her breathing and heart rate. While Erica was doing so, Nika suddenly had a very practical thought. ‘What is the problem with the girl in front of him?’NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.
“Sorry to ask, but do we know each other?” Nika furrowed his brow with a hint of doubt. “Honestly, I have no idea who you are.”
Erica immediately shook her head, which puzzled Nika even more.
“Do you know her, Ansel?” Nika looked at his friend and asked.
Ansel had his eyes closed, pretending to be disinterested in the world around him. When asked, he responded dismissively without even bothering to open his eyes and look at Erica or Nika.
“I don’t know her.”
“Well, that’s strange, isn’t it?” Nika turned back to look at Erica, intending to say something, but Erica interrupted, providing an explanation.
“In fact, we don’t know each other. Apart from the recent incident a few minutes ago, this is the first time we’ve talked to each other.
Nika looked at Erica’s outfit and suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, so you’re the hotel staff!”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Erica confirmed.
Nika feigned surprise and posed a probing question: “So, what do you need from us…?”
“Erica,” she said, and Nika nodded in understanding.
“Erica, what do you need?” Nika repeated.
Erica shifted her gaze towards Ansel, who still had his eyes closed. Nika observed Erica’s behavior and had some intriguing speculations in mind. Could Ansel’s handsome appearance have enchanted Erica? Or perhaps Ansel’s wealth? If that were true, Nika would have appreciated Erica’s well-thought-out investment in creating an impression of herself, as she dared to chase after a car over such a long distance.
“Erica,” Nika called out as Erica remained silent. This place didn’t allow for much parking. Therefore, Nika felt a slight worry about the possibility of getting fined.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Ansel Brown for the previous incident. You are so kind as to overlook my mistake and speak up for me in front of the hotel manager.”
Erica said it sincerely, with a grateful bow. She waited for an answer from Ansel, but nothing happened. Although Ansel didn’t react on the surface, she silently assessed the situation on the inside. Erica’s decision to chase after the car seemed silly and stupid. Is it merely an attempt to express gratitude? Did Erica intend for people to make fun of her? Or could there be an ulterior motive behind her actions? At least Ansel wasn’t impressed with Erica’s behavior. On the contrary, he harbored a desire to criticize her outrageous behavior.
“Just that?” Nika interjected as Ansel seemed to pay no attention to Erica, who was eagerly awaiting a response. The silence, coupled with Ansel’s closed eyes, made it clear. Ansel could be considered arrogant, lacking respect for Erica. But he had the right to behave as such. No one could blame or forbid Ansel.
“You don’t have to run after us just to say thank you. It doesn’t seem necessary,” Nika commented.
“To be honest, that wasn’t the main reason why I did that.” Erica cut to the chase, deciding to address the main issue directly.
“Oh, really? So what is the main reason then?” Nika asked with curiosity. While Nika wants to have fun, Ansel is very frustrated. Although he didn’t say it out loud, seeing the way Ansel shook his thigh impatiently was enough to understand.
“Ansel Brown. Please listen carefully to what I’m about to say. This is a very serious matter.” Ignoring Nika, Erica looked straight at Ansel, displaying a grave expression. Nika glanced at Erica, feeling a sense of anticipation for what Erica would say next.
“Ansel Brown. You are suffering from cancer. Please go to the hospital for treatment soon, before it is too late. Death will come to you very quickly if you are negligent or delayed.” Erica’s voice was clear and firm.
As soon as Erica finished speaking, something complex and indescribable filled the air. Nika was immediately stunned, while Ansel was deeply impacted. He was completely taken aback and then felt a surge of anger.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Ansel opened his eyes, glared at Erica, and shouted angrily. Although Ansel’s outburst startled Erica, she showed no fear in the face of his hostile and hateful gaze.
“Please believe me; everything I say is true.” Erica remained calm and insisted, “You should seek treatment before it’s too late.”
Ansel was the focus of Erica’s stare, as she hoped for him to accept and appreciate her honesty. Unfortunately, in Ansel’s eyes, Erica appears to be someone who speaks ambiguously, has questionable intentions, and is not trustworthy at all. It is indeed difficult to trust the words of a stranger, especially when they claim that you are about to die. Such a statement can be seen as offensive behavior. Ansel’s fleeting thoughts suggest that Erica may have a grudge against him. This was the first time Ansel had been in such a silly situation.
If Ansel had known in advance that it would lead to frustration, he would not have allowed Nika to stop the car. It would have been better to let Erica run until she was exhausted and then give up. Oh, has Ansel’s kindness been misplaced?