Ch. 181..190

Chapter 181: Should I Tell My Parents About My Real Identity?

Hazel was instantly heartbroken.

She had no memory of living with her biological parents, so she felt distant even if she kept asking Joshua more about them. But, as she stood at their tombs, she felt what blood was thicker than water.

How sad were they when she was gone? And how hopeless must have felt when they had to accept her absence? They had suffered for so many years, but she had no idea.

She didn’t even see them until they were dead, and they didn’t even know she was alive. How remorseful were they when they passed away?

“Dad, Mom, I’m Hazel. I can assure you that I am living a happy life…”

Her throat seemed to be blocked, and Hazel trembled slightly as she couldn’t resist sobbing. Joshua reached out and held her in his arms. Hazel leaned against his chest, with more and more tears falling.

After crying for a while, Hazel said a lot in front of the graves, and the sense of distance from them diminished little by little.

It was getting colder and colder, so Joshua whispered, “Well, let’s go home.”

“But…” Hazel looked at the graves, reluctant.

“We can come again another day, and you don’t want them to see you sick, right?” Joshua comforted her in a low voice.

Hazel nodded and left the cemetery with him.

As she got into the car, she was silent as if thinking about something.

“Joshua, do you think I should tell my parents about my real identity?” She looked at him.

“Do you want to tell them?” he asked quietly.

“Yes…” she struggled as she said, “They’re very nice to me, and I don’t want to hide something so important from them. But if they do know, I’m afraid they’ll worry about me. Did you want to tell them the truth about my birth when you had them stay?

Cocking his brows, he did not deny it. “I did have such a plan.”

There was a flash of shame on Hazel’s face. If she hadn’t broken up with Joshua and hadn’t said she would like to be Hazel Crowe for her entire life, he wouldn’t have changed his plans so quickly.

“But I also think maybe ordinary life is more suitable for them.” He continued, “Besides, whether they know the truth or not is up to you.”

“Me?” Hazel was a little overwhelmed.

“Yes.” He nodded.

Hazel sucked in a deep breath. “Well, you’re right. I’ll think about it carefully. Even if I want to let my parents know, it should be when I’m strong enough to protect them…”

Her voice trailed off, and he couldn’t hear it in the end, so he asked in surprise, “What?”

“Nothing.” Hazel shook her head hastily. “Get me back to school.”

Joshua got her back to Quantum University and stopped under her dormitory building.

“Here you are, Hazel.” Joshua took out a black card and put it in Hazel’s palm.

Hazel’s eyelids twitched, and she shook her head quickly. “No, no! Why are you giving me this? I don’t usually spend much money…”

“It’s the money from your parents, and it originally belongs to you,” he said quietly. “If you don’t take it, they’ll think you are unwilling to spend their money, and they’ll definitely be sad.”

She was speechless, why would Joshua even talk such nonsense? She was not a child. She knew Joshua deserved all the credit for the success of the Denmark family.

“Keep it, and it might come in handy,” he continued.

Hazel’s heart softened. Because she did not accept anything, Joshua always tried his best to think of a good reason why he gave her a gift.

It was just a bank card. Even if she accepted it, she might not need to use it, but at least it would make Joshua feel at ease.

“Okay.” She took the black card and put it in her purse.

He gave her a shallow kiss on the forehead and left.

At Denmark Residence, Joshua looked at the two strange cars parked in the garage and frowned slightly. There were guests in the house, but he was not expecting anyone.

The cars were in front of the house, though, so Nanny Carter must know them and let them park there.

Joshua’s eyebrows were slightly raised, and the figure he had met immediately came to mind.

As he came near to the living room, a figure came running toward him. “Cousin—”

Joshua’s eyes were a bit cold as he listened to the sweet voice.

Sure enough, the guests were none other than his aunt Sunny and the girl next to her, who was running towards him now, presumably his legal cousin Susan Edwards.

Noticing Susan was about to fling herself at him, he edged past her.

Susan, who he ignored, stiffened in place instantly and looked even paler.

“Aunt Sunny.” Joshua walked straight to Sunny.

“It turns out that what I saw was really you,” said Sunny in surprise. “You’re more and more mature now. I thought it was you, but I didn’t recognize you.”

“I didn’t expect to see you near the cemetery, either,” Joshua said quietly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize you, either. Did you go to my parents’ graves?”

“Well.” Sunny nodded a little sadly. “I haven’t been home for years, so I visited their graves on the way.”

“On the way?” Joshua’s eyebrows were slightly tilted as he could hear the point.

“Mm,” Sunny said, “I came back mostly for Susan. Susan, come here.”

Susan came to her senses, and a sweet expression replaced the angry expression on her face, and she quickly came to Joshua. “Cousin —”

Joshua held out his arm to prevent her from coming forward before she came near. “Miss Edwards, please respect yourself.”

Susan’s face became very embarrassed instantly. But the next moment, she looked at Joshua with a sense of grievance. “Cousin, you know that I grew up abroad.”

“I’m sorry,” Joshua said quietly. “I grew up in our country. When in Rome, please do as the Romans do.”

Susan looked even more unsightly because Joshua’s words show her any respect at all. She couldn’t help but look at Sunny, “Mom! Look, Joshua is so unfriendly to me! Are you really going to let him look after me?”

What? Joshua knitted his brows and looked at Sunny with some pleasure. “Aunt Sunny?”

Sunny glared at Susan and said calmly, “Your cousin is right. Since you decide to come back here for a career, don’t treat this place as Country D.”

Susan looked away in anger while Sunny said apologetically, “Joshua, Susan wants to come back for a career, and I hope she would experience something. But I’ll not sleep at night if I entrust her to others…”

 

Chapter 182: Never Mind

Joshua’s eyebrows were slightly raised, and his eyes were indifferent. “Susan wants to stay here to further her career, and you would be going back?”

“I am used to living abroad, and the business in Country D cannot be done well without me for the time being. But Susan always wanted to come back to her hometown.”

Sunny shook her head and continued, “However, Susan has her heart set on the entertainment circle. But you also know the circle is extremely messy, and I’m afraid she’ll suffer, so I hope you can protect her.”

Joshua still wore an indifferent expression. Sunny’s request was not too much, but his reaction was not very pleasant.

“Mom, I don’t think my cousin is willing at all,” said Susan unhappily. “He didn’t even give me a hug. Do you expect him to take care of me? Besides, it’s not my first day in showbiz. Who would do anything to me?”

“It used to be because your father and I have taken you under our wing,” Sunny said with displeasure. “Joshua didn’t hug you because he has a girlfriend. Of course, he needs to avoid suspicion.”

“Does my cousin have a girlfriend?” Susan asked in shock.

“Was the one with you today your girlfriend?” Sunny looked at Joshua.

“Yes.” Joshua looked a bit deeper. Sunny had met Hazel, and they talked little.

“I saw her once at the flower shop,” Sunny said as she gave Joshua a meaningful look. “She seems like a nice kid.”

“Yes,” Joshua said quietly, “so I took her to see my parents.”

The meaning of what he said was obvious. Sunny was okay, but Susan’s face looked very unsightly.

“Cousin, what does your girlfriend look like? What is she like?” Susan kept saying, “You’ve got to be careful. I think the women who get close to you are all aiming for your money…”

“Never mind,” Joshua interrupted calmly. “I have plenty of money.”

Susan was choked and unable to speak. She looked at Sunny with anger. Didn’t Sunny say Hazel was very kind and good-natured? Why did he look so bad now?

“Susan! Your cousin can handle his relationship. He doesn’t need you to worry about it!” Sunny glared at Susan, and she saw that Joshua had a soft spot for his girlfriend.

Susan let out a “hmph,” her eyes flashing with resentment.

“Joshua, Susan has been spoiled by us since she was a child, so she has a quick tongue. But she’s not a bad girl. Please don’t mind her,” Sunny said.

Joshua didn’t think Susan had a quick tongue.

“Aunt Sunny, if Miss Edwards wants to settle down at the imperial capital, I’d be happy to help,” Joshua said quietly. “However, the Denmark family did not get involved in the entertainment industry. I’m afraid that I can’t help.”

Susan’s face looked even more unsightly. Joshua didn’t want to help.

She was about to lose her temper, but Sunny was the first to say, “Joshua, don’t worry, I’ll handle the business in Country D soon, and I’ll come to discipline her myself. You don’t have to do anything for her. You just have to keep her from being taken advantage of.”

Sunny had already said so, if he refused, it would be inhuman.

“Aunt Sunny, no one would dare to bully your daughter,” Joshua said quietly. “I wouldn’t stand by if that were the case.”

“I’ll thank you first.” Sunny smiled.

“Cousin, you agreed? Great!” Susan said happily, “I’ll go upstairs and get a room…”

Joshua frowns with displeasure. He didn’t seem to say anything to get Susan to move in.

“There’s a sea view villa in Denmark Group,” Joshua quietly interrupted. “It should be nice of you to live there.”

The smile on Susan’s face suddenly froze. She didn’t expect that Joshua would be so inconsiderate and so disrespectful to her.

“Mom!” Susan looked at Sunny angrily.

“At your cousin’s disposal,” said Sunny quietly, and Susan let out a snort of anger.

Sunny had a brief chat with Joshua and left with Susan.

After they got in the car, Susan couldn’t help complaining. “Mom, what a terrible person my cousin is, I’m his cousin, why can’t he accommodate me and take care of me? It looks like he doesn’t want to be close to us. How could he?!”

“Does he owe you anything?”

Susan let out a “hmph” and said in a deep tone, “I’ve met Joshua a few times, and I know him pretty well. He has a detached personality, not close to anyone. Don’t think of him as one of those pursuers who keep after you all day. Your identity as a cousin is nothing different to him than that of a stranger. You can only obey him if you want to stand beside him!”

“All right, I get it.” Susan curled her lip, but she didn’t take it seriously.

***

When Ariel and Summer returned to their dorm room and saw Hazel, they, with surprise, “Didn’t you go out on a date with Charming Prince?”

“It rained, so we came back.” Hazel also looked at them in wonder. “Didn’t you go to the movies? Why are you back so early?”

“Don’t mention it, we watched a big-scale, embarrassing piece of crap!”

Ariel couldn’t help but a joke, “What big scene? What big production? The hype was so awesome before it was released. But the leading actress’s acting was so awful and embarrassing that we couldn’t stand it! Besides, the story is dramatic and very unappealing. Summer and I put up with it for twenty minutes. When we couldn’t stand it any longer, we came directly home and considered it as a lesson learned.”

“Isn’t that a little exaggerated?” Hazel laughed despite herself.

“No,” Summer said with a sigh of relief. “When we left, the people in the cinema were empty, but it was the premiere today.”

“Where do you think the director found the actress?” Ariel kept complaining, “Her appearance is at least B-list in the entertainment industry, and her acting skills are not good enough. I went for the leading actor, but the idol cannot make me stay!”

“It seemed to be said she grew up in Country D,” Summer said, surfing on the Internet with her phone.

“It’s these people who are ruining the domestic film market!” Ariel said as if she was concerned about the country and the people.

“Who are you talking about?” Hazel was curious.

“She’s a newcomer to the entertainment industry, called Luna, whose real name is Susan Edwards,” Summer said.

“I’ve never heard of her.” Hazel shook her head.

“Someone on the Internet said that her backer is Denmark Group, that she was Joshua’s person!” Summer spoke in surprise. “Isn’t that ridiculous?”

 

Chapter 183: What I Am For Is Not Important

“Let me have a look!” Ariel took the phone away and tutted. “This woman is really good at publicity, she is actually claiming to be connected to Prince Charming! Hazel, why don’t you get the Prince Charming to ban her?”

“I don’t think so,” Hazel said, her lips twitching. “There’re so many women advertising by mentioning Joshua Denmark. Can I ask Joshua to ban them all?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be forgotten in a while, and there’s no need to hype her up.” Summer agreed.

“I’m just saying.” Ariel stuck out her tongue.

Hazel wasn’t concerned about Susan, she had her problems.

***

Hazel promised Joshua that she would continue to be his secretary. She knew it was a scam just because Joshua wanted to make it easier for her to learn everything about Denmark Group.

When Hazel arrived at Denmark Group, she did not even have time to walk in the door before someone stopped her.

“Are you Joshua’s girlfriend?” Susan looked at her up and down, a little haughty. “You can’t deny it. I’ve had your ID checked.”

Hazel looked at her warily. “Who are you?”

She didn’t pay much attention to celebrities, and Susan was wearing big sunglasses and a mask over her mouth. Her face was almost completely covered. Hazel didn’t recognize her at all.

“Me.” Susan removed her sunglasses and quickly put them on.

Hazel shook her head. “I don’t know you.”

Susan became furious instantly, so she took off the mask as well and said in disbelief, “How could you not know me? I’m very famous these days!”

“But I really don’t know you.” Hazel looked more blankly. Then she asked a passer-by, “Do you know her?”

Susan let out a scream and hurriedly put on her sunglasses and mask.

“No.” The passer-by shook his head and walked away.

Susan’s face turned very sullen, and she gave Hazel an angry stare. She didn’t believe that Hazel didn’t know her. In her opinion, Hazel was deliberately humiliating her!

“Who the hell are you?” Asked Hazel, she could feel Susan’s hostility through her sunglasses.

“I’m Susan!” Susan gritted her teeth in anger. “Do you know now?”

Hazel frowned. Wasn’t that the name Ariel mentioned as a sleazy actress? However, why was Susan looking for her?

“We don’t know each other, do we? Why are you looking for me?” Hazel asked. She never thought she’d run into Susan so quickly and that she would come on her own accord.

“I want to talk to you,” Susan said with a smug smile.

“Sorry, I’m not free.” Hazel quietly walked past her.

“You…!” Susan was fuming. Why did Hazel walk away without asking her? She hurried to catch up with her, “It’s about Joshua! Don’t you read the entertainment news? You really don’t care about my relationship with Joshua?”

Hazel stopped abruptly. She is looking straight at Susan, who had undisguised smugness on her face.

“I don’t care. Are you satisfied?” Saying that Hazel left.

Susan was livid with anger. She even doubted whether Hazel was really Joshua’s girlfriend? Who wouldn’t care about their boyfriends’ gossip? Hazel must be fooling her!

At the thought of this, Susan got even angrier and directly caught up with Hazel. “I’m Joshua’s cousin!”

Hazel was caught off guard and stopped. She was completely shocked.

Was Susan really Joshua’s cousin? That would also mean the woman in front of her was probably her cousin?

“Can we talk now?” There was full of arrogance in Susan’s eyes.

Hazel agreed with Ariel’s words. Susan’s acting was so bad that she couldn’t even hide her emotions.

“Okay.” She agreed. She didn’t want to talk about Joshua but wanted to know what kind of person Susan was precise with because, after all, she was her cousin.

Susan’s gaze smugly swept over a nearby corner where a man was hiding and taking photos secretly.

They went to a nearby coffee shop. When they entered a private room, Susan took off all her sunglasses and mask.

“Did you say you were Joshua’s cousin?” When Hazel looked at her, she didn’t feel any kinship, but just awkwardness. Additionally, she sensed that Susan had hostility toward her.

“Yes,” Susan said. “My mother and his mother were sisters. Why, didn’t Joshua tell you?”

It turned out that her mother was the daughter that Joseph had adopted, but Joshua didn’t really tell her about Susan.

Susan was even more pleased by her silence. “Oh, right, it’s our family business. How could he tell you, an outsider?”

Hazel’s eyebrows were slightly raised. Why did she think Susan’s hostility towards her was as a love rival? Was it her imagination, or did Susan take a fancy to Joshua?

She could not help shaking her head and tried to drive the absurd idea out.

“I have a great relationship with Joshua,” Susan continued, “We met when we were kids, and he took good care of me…”

“Isn’t it right for a brother to look after a younger sister?” Hazel interrupted peacefully. “I’m sorry, I have to go to work, and if you have nothing else to say, I think it’s time for me to leave.”

Seeing she didn’t want to listen to her anymore, Susan felt as if her sudden blow had hit the air, Hazel did not care.

“Hazel, you’re not going to face reality!”

“What reality?” Hazel’s eyes turned a little cold. She had nothing to do with Susan, and there were no feelings between them. Even if Susan was her blood sister, she wouldn’t like her.

“Tell you what! Joshua and I are not really cousins. We have no blood relation!” Susan shouted.

“So what?” Hazel looked at her sarcastically. “What do you want to say? Do you want to say that you like each other or that he likes you?”

“You…” Susan was so irritated that she couldn’t speak. Why wasn’t Hazel surprised and concerned at all?

Hazel continued indifferently, “Let me guess, are you going to say I’m not good enough for Joshua and force me to leave him? How much is the check that you will offer me?”

“You are really with him for money!” There was a flash of contempt in Susan’s eyes.

“What I am for is not important, what matters is what price you can offer,” said Hazel.

 

Chapter 184: How Much Did She Afford?

Hazel didn’t have a shortage of money with her black bank card, and if she wanted, the whole Denmark Group would be hers.

She was purely curious. Vanessa Young had offered her money to leave Joshua by money, but she seemed to be scared by her words “at least eight figures.”

However, Susan was different. Joshua told Hazel simply that her aunt Sunny had married very well and was also a famous, wealthy businessman in Country D. Susan should be a bigger spender than Vanessa.

Susan looked even more contemptuous. She directly stretched out her palm.

Looking at her five raised fingers, Hazel casually guessed, “Five billion?”

Susan shook her fingers in fright. Her parents didn’t even give her five hundred million dollars to start her own business, but Hazel said a number she couldn’t afford. The most she could give Hazel was just fifty million!

When Hazel saw her face, she knew what she meant. She could not help asking, “I said it casually. After all, this number fits your identity. You know you’re paying Joshua’s girlfriend to make her leave him. You should offer me a number that will impress me, shouldn’t you?”

Susan, feeling pissed off, shouted at Hazel with shame. “Hazel, are you kidding me?”

“No, no, I’m just being honest,” Hazel said, a little uncomfortable. Why did this sound so familiar? It seemed that Vanessa also had said the same thing when she pissed her off. Hazel realized that she seemed to have a great talent for irritating people, it made her feel a little more uncomfortable, but she kept smiling.

Susan was about to lose her temper when the private room door suddenly opened, and Joshua walked in.

In an instant, the anger on Susan’s face all turned to shock.

“Cousin,” she said softly, her voice was so numb that it gave Hazel goosebumps. But Joshua acted as if he didn’t hear it and went straight to Hazel.

Susan’s face darkened instantly.

“Why are you here?” Hazel asked, a little surprised.

“Jaxson said he saw you at the door of the company, but I didn’t see you come in. I was worried about you, so I went out to look for you,” Joshua whispered. Since Hazel was in danger last time, he had been paying much attention to her safety.

Hazel felt her heart warm, but she was still a little angry. “I am fine. Why are you worried?”

Joshua’s eyebrows were slightly raised. He looked at Susan and asked in a low voice, “What did you talk about?”

For fear that Hazel might talk nonsense, Susan said ahead of him with a grievance, “Cousin, I just want Miss Crowe to know more about you and tell her about your real birth. Miss Crowe seemed to have misunderstood me. She thought I took fancy to you and asked me for money, saying she would leave you… But I think she’s joking. Don’t you mind, cousin?”

“Is that so?” Joshua looked at Hazel and couldn’t help but frown.

Hazel was taken back. At first, there seemed to be nothing wrong with what Susan said. She was really overwhelmed by Susan’s ability to distort facts.

“Maybe…” she said.

“Please don’t show up to see me later,” Joshua said, looking coldly at Susan. “I don’t want Hazel to misunderstand.”

Instantly, Susan was dumbstruck. Did Joshua get the point right?!

“I think you’re wrong,” Hazel said. “Your concern should be that I’m with you for your money, not that I misunderstand you.”

Though Hazel asked what she wanted, Susan still clenched her teeth. Hazel must be showing off in front of her!

“How much did she afford?” he asked.

Hazel reached out a palm.

“Could five billion dollars buy you off?” Joshua frowned more tightly. “Hazel, you know, I can give you more than that.”

Susan tumbled. She thought Hazel was exaggerating enough. How could Joshua be more exaggerated than she was? What made her even more puzzled was why Joshua was not angry at all?! Hazel clearly was with him for his money, but why didn’t he care at all?

“… That’s a scary number,” Hazel was a little embarrassed. “Can she afford it? Why did you say a random number?”

“You…” Susan’s eyes turned red. Either way, she thought it was Hazel trying to humiliate her! The next moment, Susan stormed out of the door in anger!

“She’s gone. Why didn’t you chase her?” Hazel said, faintly smiling.

Joshua was in a daze, and then his lips were raised slightly. “Hazel, are you jealous?”

“You have too many wooers!” Hazel growled.

She just tried to talk to Susan, to begin with. After all, Susan was her cousin, but she turned out to be a rival in love. How could she be angry?

“She’s not a wooer,” Joshua said peacefully. “She’s just using me, to be exact.”

“Do you mean she’s around you for your money?” Hazel was astonished. “Isn’t her family wealthy?”

“But they are not as rich as Denmark Group,” Joshua said quietly.

“Aren’t you afraid that I am also with you for your money?” Hazel blinked.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s all yours.” He smiled a little, and his eyes softened a little. “I only hope you won’t forget who makes money.”

“Poo—” Hazel couldn’t help laughing. “Why do you look like my employee?”

“Hazel, you’re only half right.” Joshua chuckled.

“What?” She was lost.

“Try replacing the ’employee’ with ‘husband.'” There was a sparkle of tease in his eyes.

Hazel said subconsciously, “Husband…”

Only then did Hazel realize what she had said, and her face was faintly blushed.

“Mmm.” Joshua laughed very happily.

“Fuck you!” She pushed him away, shy and aggravated before she turned toward the door.

Joshua was about to catch up when his phone rang. It was Jaxson. He frowned slightly and answered the phone.

“President, the media has received revelations about Miss Crowe, and photos of the confrontation between Miss Crowe and Susan have started to appear online,” Jaxson said truthfully, “But these just appeared on the Internet, and I’ve had them removed.”

“Well, tell the press I don’t want to see any news about Hazel,” Joshua said quietly.

“I’ll handle it right away.” After that, Jaxson hung up.

As Hazel walked out of the café, she saw Susan standing nearby on the phone. Hazel walked over to eavesdrop on her conversation.

 

Chapter 185: What Are You Looking At?

“What’s the matter? Do you mean all those photos on the Internet have been deleted?” Susan bellowed through the phone in a fit of rage. “Didn’t you say you’ve got a publicity team, and you were going to make it big?”

The voice on the other line said, “You can’t blame me. As long as any information about Hazel comes up, whether it’s words or photos, it is being deleted. I contacted the media, but none of them wanted to report it. Susan, there’s something wrong. Did Lord Denmark do something behind the scenes…”

“Impossible!” Susan growled, “Joshua has never been concerned about these affairs. How could it be him…”

Having said that, Susan felt shocked and uncertain in the heart. In the past, Joshua didn’t really care much about this, so she dared to advertise using Joshua’s reputation. Joshua always ignored, but why did he suddenly make a move now?

Was it because of Hazel? Susan clenched her teeth at the thought of her embarrassment in the coffee shop just now.

Joshua indeed didn’t care before, but there had been people using the media to hurt Hazel, and how could he get her involved in all this since he must follow the three rules of the Crowe family?

The person on the other end of the line continued, “Besides, the theaters suddenly reduced the projection times of the movie you just filmed to less than three percent. Additionally, as for the few advertisements and several TV series, it seems the other party would like to back out…”

“What?!” Susan felt cold completely.

She could now be sure that it was Joshua who had done all this. Nobody else could do so much in such a short time. Joshua was warning her.

Taking a deep breath, Susan said, “Got it. I’ll handle it.”

Hazel watched from afar, regretfully. Although Susan looked very angry, she kept her voice down, so Hazel couldn’t hear anything.

Noticing Susan hung up the phone and was about to drive away, Hazel reluctantly walked out to the corner.

Just then, a middle-aged man suddenly rushed towards Susan and grabbed her arm.

“Miss Edwards, you mustn’t do that!” The man said with grief and anger, “You are forcing me to die!”

“Let go, you mistake me for someone else!” Susan looked around in a panic lest anyone recognize her.

“Miss Edwards, no kidding. How could I ever mistake you?” The man’s face was full of despair, “We made a deal, but how can you back out at this point? What do you want me to do? Do you want me to jump from a building?”

Susan, seeing Joshua from a distance, felt even more nervous. She pushed the man away hard and scolded him fiercely. “What do you want from me? You need to get away from me, even if you want to die. Don’t involve me again!”

She got into the car and put her foot down on the accelerator, and left the man standing there, frustrated.

“What are you looking at?” Joshua came to Hazel.

Hazel came to her senses and shook her head regretfully. “Nothing.”

Joshua’s phone rang, and his eyebrows were slightly raised. It was Sunny.

He answered the phone, “Aunt Sunny.”

“Joshua, I have something to talk to you about. Can you come over?” Sunny spoke.

Joshua nodded. “Okay.”

“Bring your girlfriend with you so I can meet her,” Sunny continued.

“Don’t bother, Hazel’s shy with strangers,” said Joshua quietly.

“Well, then…” Although Joshua’s reason was unreasonable sounding, Sunny did not insist.

“It looks like I did meet her last time.” Hazel mused.

“Well, she asked me to come to her home,” Joshua whispered as he hung up, “Hazel, let me take you to the company first…”

“It’s just a few steps away from the company.” Hazel was speechless. “I’m not a kid, and I can go to the company myself.”

Joshua chuckled. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.”

Hazel nodded. Suddenly, she looks at him suspiciously, “You didn’t tell her… my identity, right?”

“No.” Joshua’s eyes turned deep. “The fewer people know about this, the safer you’ll be. I don’t trust anyone except you and me.”

Hazel was greatly touched. Joshua was so careful with her safety.

As Joshua drove away, Hazel was already at Denmark Group’s building but couldn’t resist turning her head around.

She saw the man who had stopped Susan, walking down the street in a trance. When he was almost being hit by a car, and even the driver swearing at him, he didn’t respond.

Hazel furrowed more tightly. Somehow, she thought the man looked a little familiar as if she’d seen him somewhere.

He looked as if he really didn’t want to live anymore, and he had such a fight with Susan. He didn’t really want to commit suicide?

Hesitating for a few moments, Hazel quietly caught up with him.

The man went to the nearby mall and took the elevator to the top floor. Hazel caught up in another elevator. When she got to the roof, she saw the man desperately leaning over the railing, as if he were about to jump off!

In an instant, she got nervous. No, no! She had to say something to stop him from jumping!

“Are you Susan’s boyfriend?” she cried hastily.

Hearing Susan’s name, the man felt a shock and abruptly came to his senses. The next moment, he turned his head around in anger and glared at Hazel. “What nonsense? I have a wife and a kid; how can I be that kind of woman’s boyfriend?”

Hazel heaved a long sigh of relief. She just tried to distract his attention. He was plain looking, and a bit disheveled, and he was really not the type Susan would like.

“Then you should at least think about your wife and kid. If you jump down now, who would take care of them?” Hazel tried to persuade him with emotion.

“My wife has long since divorced me, the child lives with her,” the man said with a wry smile. “I have accomplished nothing all these years, and I did not dare to meet my son, he will not recognize me now…”

Hazel felt embarrassed. Her emotional persuasion didn’t work at all, but it strengthened his decision to jump off the building.

Then she asked directly, “What did Susan Edwards do to you that made you take it to heart and even want to kill yourself?”

The man glared at her. “Why should I tell you? Are you trying to stop me?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll never stop you. If you really jump and the police ask me, I can tell them the reason for your suicide.” Hazel spoke, “Besides, you’re not afraid to die. Why are you afraid to tell me that?”

 

Chapter 186: Let’s Get Down To Business

The man was silent as if he did not know how to speak.

Hazel asked incredulously. “Have I seen you before? You look very familiar.”

“My name is Mathew, I’m a director. If you watch movies a lot, you would know my name,” he said.

“Oh, I know you,” Hazel snapped. “My dad loves your movies, but I think your movies are too specialized at a minority of people, and that’s why they’re popular but don’t appeal to the audience …”

Hazel broke into a cold sweat and stopped talking.

Because of Harry, Hazel had little knowledge of Mathew. Most of the films he made more than a decade ago had won numerous awards, but back then, the film market was stagnant, so he only got the positive public to appraise.

When the film market started to boom, his films were always too academic to make money. Fewer and fewer people wanted him to make films, and he gradually became less and less famous.

Hazel guessed if she mentioned that, though, he would jump faster.

“I know I shoot films that nobody likes to watch. You don’t need to remind me!” Mathew said with shame and irritation.

“Did you ask Susan Edwards to film this time? Did she say yes and then go back out?” Hazel hurried to change the subject.

“How can I take the initiative to find those kinds of artists who have no acting skills?” Mathew said disdainfully.

“What’s that about then?” she asked.

“She wanted to develop in our country, so she came to me and invested a large sum of money, asking me to customize a film for her. I was short on money recently, so I agreed…”

Mathew looked a little embarrassed, and then he said with grief and resentment, “But now the script, the cast, and others have been found, and the filming starts in two weeks, waiting for her, but she suddenly uninvested! I’m owed a lot of money now, and there’s no way to make a movie. This is going to kill me!”

“Why did she un-invest?” asked Hazel curiously.

“She thinks the film is cheap, the other actors are not famous, and the script is not what she wants,” Mathew said angrily. “But I’ve arranged the best of them. No matter the script or the actors, I’ve selected all of them very carefully. How could she insult my painstaking effort like that?!”

“Can you show me the script?” Hazel asked. Mathew was holding the script in his arms. He was trying to convince Susan, but Susan didn’t give him a chance.

He hesitated for a moment but then threw the pages. “Look at it by yourself, after I am dead, it’ll mean nothing to me.”

Hazel bent down to pick up the script and started flipping through it. After reading just a few pages, Hazel’s eyes filled with surprise.

It was a very good script, and it was something that Mathew had worked on. What was rare was that instead of bowing to the market, he had found a perfect balance between the market and art. If it was released, it would definitely be a dark horse at the box office.

“You’ve got a great script,” Hazel praised without hesitation. “If you get the right actors, it’s not a problem to get the awards. But I’m afraid it would be difficult for Susan to make it.”

“As long as she did what I asked, I could not guarantee her the award, but at least I could get her the nomination,” Mathew said firmly, but the next moment he smiled dispiritedly. “What’s the use of saying all of this? I’m afraid there will never be a chance to make a movie out of such a good script… Thank you, Miss.”

“Huh?” Hazel suddenly felt there was something bad.

“I know you’re a kind person. You keep talking to me, trying to stop me from killing myself,” Mathew said, smiling wryly at him. “But I am really in a corner now. If I jump, all of it can be solved with my death…”

“No, no, no!” Hazel said hurriedly, “Isn’t it just a movie? Susan has pulled out, but you can find other investors!”

Mathew looked even more upset. “Where could I find other investors? People have said if someone asks me to make a movie, they should be prepared for it to go down the drain…”

Hazel sighed. He had an extremely miserable life. No wonder Susan asked him to make a movie, and he was willing to use such a precious script.

It seemed that Mathew, who was relying on the movie to turn his career around, was hit hard. There was a reason for him to want to jump off the building.

“If no one invests, I’ll invest it!” Hazel asked, “How much did Susan invest?”

Mathew looked at her in astonishment, then he frowned in displeasure. “Don’t lie to me, little girl. What can you do…”

Hazel took the black card out of her pocket, he stared at her with disbelief.

“Do you think I have no money?” Hazel shook the black card in her hand, and she was really glad she took it, but she didn’t expect that it would actually save a life.

“Are you, are you really going to invest?!” Mathew’s agitated body shook a little, and he asked doubtfully, “You’re not lying to me, are you?”

“What did I lie to you about?” Hazel waved the script in hand. “I’m very fond of this movie. Can you please tell me more about the investment?”

Mathew was still a bit skeptical, and Hazel continued, “Are you really willing to miss this opportunity?”

Mathew was completely touched by this, and he crawled down from the rail tremblingly and walked over to Hazel.

Hazel brought him to Joshua’s office. She wanted to reassure Mathew that she was not lying to him.

Mathew looked around the office with a little trepidation and asked nervously, “Is Denmark Group going to invest in my film?”

Hazel cocked her eyebrows slightly and shook her head. “It has nothing to do with Denmark Group. It’s my decision.”

Although it was easier to do things under the hiding of the Denmark Group, she didn’t want to lie.

Mathew gave her a suspicious look and seemed to speculate about Hazel’s relationship with the Denmark Group.

“Let’s get down to business. How much did Susan invest?”

“Eight million.”

“Only eight million?” Hazel raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“It’s a low-budget movie, and the cast is new, so it doesn’t cost much…” Mathew said with some apprehension, fearing that Hazel would withdraw capital if she weren’t happy.

“Well, I’ll invest ten million dollars,” said Hazel.

Hazel’s quick and direct movement stunned him. Then he looked at Hazel with concern. “Are you going to play the leading lady?”

“I’m not a star. Why do I want to be a leading lady?” Knowing what he was worried about, Hazel didn’t know whether to cry or laugh.

She said seriously, “Director Carter, this is your dramatic turnaround. You can contact me at any time if you have any difficulties, but the quality of the film must be strictly guarded!”

 

Chapter 187: It’s A Good Movie

Mathew was so touched that he didn’t know what to say. What he hated most was when the investors had to act in the films. If he hadn’t been so depressed and wanted to prove himself, he wouldn’t have compromised and agreed to Susan helping to make the film.

He thought that Hazel’s quick investment meant she must want to act as an actress in the entertainment industry. But to his surprise, Hazel didn’t mean to meddle in the movie at all, leaving everything to him.

“Miss Crowe, do you have any requirements for the movie?” Mathew asked gratefully.

“Of course,” Hazel said earnestly. “It’s a good movie. It’s my first investment. I’m a businesswoman now, and I want to see the earnings.”

Mathew opened his mouth as if he was about to say something. Hazel was amazed. “Are you still worried that I’m deceiving you? Don’t worry. I will entrust other people to prepare the investment contract. You can look it over, and if there is no problem, you can sign it…”

“No, Miss Crowe, I believe you, I just don’t know how to thank you…” Mathew reached out and rubbed his red eyes.

In such a short period of time, he experienced the ups and downs of life. He had been desperate to commit suicide, but Hazel pulled him back and offered him so much help. Although he was a sturdy man in his thirties, he could not help crying, touched.

Seeing him wiping away tears, Hazel was so uncomfortable and confused that she didn’t know how to comfort him.

“Director Carter, what about this?” said Hazel. “As for the entertainment industry, I am actually a layman. If there will be such opportunities to make money in the future, you can help me act as a go-between. So, will that make us even?”

“Sure, sure!” Mathew rubbed his eyes and answered solemnly. But Hazel didn’t know Mathew took it seriously, although she just said it casually.

A short time later, Jaxson brought the investment contract here.

Hazel knew herself very well and knew that she didn’t know anything about it, so she asked Jaxson to help. Jaxson knew about Hazel’s relationship with Joshua, so he would naturally do his best.

There was nothing wrong with the contract, and after agreeing on some details, the two individuals signed it quickly. Then Hazel sent Mathew away and called Joshua.

She used such a large sum of money, and she should at least tell Joshua, though there was no reason.

Joshua had met with Sunny and was on his way back. He listened to Hazel patiently, a little surprised.

“… In fact, I originally wanted Denmark Group to invest, but this would make things more difficult, and it would be difficult to explain, so I’ll invest personally.” Hazel explained, “As for the money, it can be considered as a loan from you.”

Although Joshua always believed that Denmark Group was hers, other directors of Denmark Group didn’t know her true identity. If they could not explain clearly, it might be the reason for others to attack Joshua. Besides, if the money really came from Denmark Group’s account, it would be more troublesome to deal with.

“What loan? It’s your money. Just make up your mind.” Joshua smiled a little. “I’ll ask Jaxson to accompany you to the set and check in to the situation in the next few days. If there is any trouble, you can ask Jaxson to help solve it.”

“Okay.” Hazel’s heart was warm. She asked softly, “Did you handle your business?”

“Yes, it’s done,” he said quietly. “Susan won’t bother you in the future, and Aunt Sunny is going back to Country D.”

“Is it that?” Hazel whispered. Although Sunny was adopted, she was still a relative of her birth mother. She only met her once, and they’re predictably was regret in her heart.

“Mm,” Joshua hesitated suddenly. “Do you want to meet her?”

Hazel was in a daze. Although she didn’t have any bad feelings about Sunny, she didn’t like Susan, who she met today. If she went to meet Sunny, it would not be reasonable, and maybe Susan would make some trouble.

“No. We’ll meet again in the future,” Hazel whispered.

“Okay.” Joshua didn’t insist.

Mathew Carter was very serious about the film, so he had already finished the early work. As soon as Hazel’s funds were in place, the filming would continue immediately.

Hazel watched him work a few times, but she knew she was a layman, so she didn’t get involved in his shooting. She just asked him if he had any problems and left it all to Jaxson.

Mathew was greatly moved. He had met many investors before, but none of them were as kind and supportive of him as Hazel. Hence, he went on to shoot the film with great energy, and the whole crew was driven by his enthusiasm.

***

One day after Hazel walked around the set, she drove directly to Denmark Residence.

When Nanny Carter saw her, she couldn’t resist but said delightedly, “Miss Crowe, you haven’t been here for a long time! Come on in. I’ll help you with the coffee. Do you have anything you want to eat? I’ll ask the cook to make…”

There was warmth in Hazel’s heart. Nanny Carter had been treating her well, almost as if Hazel were her daughter.

“Nanny Carter, please don’t hurry. I have something to do today.” Hazel quickly grabbed her.

“Ah? But Master Denmark is not at home, I’ll call him back now…” after saying this, Nanny Carter went to get the landline.

“No, no, no, I’m coming to you,” Hazel said with some trepidation. “Nanny Carter, do you know what Joshua likes to eat?”

Nanny Carter thought for a bit. “Master Denmark is not a fussy eater. He doesn’t seem to have any particular likes or dislikes.”

“Really?” Hazel frowned. It would be more convenient if he was fussy.

“Nanny Carter, can I borrow the kitchen?” she asked.

“Yes, you can,” Nanny Carter smiled as she said, “You’re free to use it.”

Hazel entered the kitchen and pulled out a homemade cookbook. She came to Denmark Residence today to cook a meal for Joshua.

However, she also knew her cooking skill, so she would sneak over. If it worked, she would surprise Joshua. If it failed… then she would consider it as practice.

Picking out a few simple recipes, she took ingredients from the fridge and started practicing.

Nanny Carter was worried when she heard banging in the kitchen, but Hazel closed the door and wouldn’t let anyone in. She quietly called Joshua to let him know what was happening.

By the time Joshua returned, Hazel had completed the first course.

He opened the kitchen door just in time to see her sighing at the dishes. But when she saw him, Hazel twisted around and hid it behind her.

“Why, why are you back so early?” Hazel asked as if she were a criminal caught in the act.

 

Chapter 188: Cook For Him

“I come straight home after I got off work,” Joshua said blandly. Of course, he certainly would not give Nanny Carter away.

Joshua looked past Hazel but said nothing. He calmly walked up to Hazel.

Hazel asked nervously, “What do you want to do?”

Joshua leaned over to kiss her on the lips, and there was complete confusion in her clear eyes. The next moment, his hand circled her waist, deepening the kiss.

The lingering kiss made Hazel even more confused. Suddenly, Joshua picked her up and spun around.

Something struck her suddenly, and she pushed him away hurriedly. “You…”

Now Joshua had seen her “work.” Hazel was both nervous and upset. Joshua actually threw her off her guard with a kiss.

“Did you do it?” Joshua looked at the spaghetti in front of him. Judging from the appearance… it looked good. But the whole kitchen was a mess as if a bomb had hit it, so it was no wonder that Nanny Carter would call him back frantically.

“Laugh if you want,” said Hazel aggrievedly. “This is my only successful work…”

In fact, she also made other things, but they all failed, and why the kitchen was such a mess.

Joshua picked up a fork. Hazel opened her eyes and snatched it away.

“Are you going to let me use my hands?” There was a touch of frustration on his face.

Hazel felt embarrassed. She didn’t mean it like that.

She said nervously, “It’s the first time I made it. It wasn’t necessarily delicious…”

“Delicious or not, I’ll know by taste.” Joshua smiled. Then he took the fork from Hazel’s hand.

Hazel’s face was filled with dread as if she was about to be hung. She tried to relax. After all, she made it for him, he would need to try it.

Joshua tasted an egg, he had a strange look on his face, but he smiled.

“Is it delicious?” asked Hazel nervously.

“Mm,” Joshua nodded, “it’s very crisp.”

How could eggs be described as crisp? It suddenly occurred to Hazel that many of the shells had fallen into the eggs.

She was so embarrassed that she couldn’t help saying, “I took out all the eggshells… Forget it. Don’t eat it.”

Distressed, she tried to grab the fork, but Joshua raised his hand up. “It doesn’t matter. I will consider it calcium supplements.”

She had been a little sad, but this sentence made her laugh.

Seeing Joshua still wanted to continue, she smiled as she grabbed him. “Don’t eat anymore. What if something happens to you?”

“It’s the first time that you have cooked for me, Hazel, and I’m so happy,” Joshua said, his eyes soft. “I’ll finish, I can’t waste your efforts.”

“If you finish, I’m afraid you’ll die.” Though she hadn’t eaten it yet, she knew her cooking level.

“Will you be willing to eat it, too?” He chuckled.

Her heart missed a beat. “No,” she said shyly. “I’m trying to bribe you today. What if something makes you sick?”

“Bribe?” He was surprised.

“Uh-huh,” Hazel couldn’t help but sigh as she pulled him out of the kitchen. “I now have a thorough understanding of myself, and I will never enter the kitchen again.”

“Mmm, I’ll take over in the kitchen,” he whispered.

Hazel’s cheeks were flushed. Joshua’s whispers of words were always so sudden that they would make her flush with shame.

Nanny Carter had already taken servants to clean up the kitchen while Joshua took her to the sofa to sit down. “What’s the matter?”

“I want to quit my job as a secretary,” Hazel said. “I’ve been too busy lately. Although I work for you, it has a negative impact. I am late every day, and I leave early. There is bound to be gossip.”

“Indeed,” said Joshua, nodding, “You’ll be my assistant instead. An assistant doesn’t have to follow me all the time, and you won’t be afraid that others’ gossip.”

She looked at him, speechless. She said helplessly, “But I don’t want to be an assistant.”

“Hazel,” Joshua said, taking her hand lightly. “You’re no longer living here. Do you want to deny me the right to see you every day at work?”

Hazel’s heart melted as he looked pathetic. Suddenly her brain seemed to get dizzy again. “Okay, you have my word…”

Joshua smiled, and he gently kissed her on the lips.

“Wait!” Hazel’s finger was put on his lips.

“Huh?” He raised his frowns slightly. “Anything else?”

“Mm-hmm,” She nodded hurriedly. “Jaxson is a hard worker. Can I use him for a while?”

“Use?” Joshua looked at her, smiling. “Hazel, how do you plan to use him?”

She was about to open her mouth when she realized what he meant, so she struck him with an angry punch. “I mean, he’s very efficient and reliable. What are you thinking?”

“That’s what I’m talking about. What are you thinking?” He chuckled.

Hazel glared at him speechlessly because she was teased by him again. She asked angrily. “Are you going to say yes or no?”

“Yes,” Joshua whispered, “I’ll lend him to you for use, but only for work.”

“Where can I get him to be used except work?” She was both angry and amused.

“Otherwise, use me.” The smile on Joshua’s lips was softer.

Hazel’s cheeks were redder. “You, don’t forget the three rules!”

Joshua looked sad for a moment, and the next moment he kissed her again. After the kiss, he spoke quietly, “Hazel, don’t remind me of such a cruel thing.”

Hazel laughed and punched him. Was that her fault now?!

Just then, Jaxson walked in through the door.

“Talk of the devil, and he shall appear,” said Hazel in surprise.

Jaxson looked at them, puzzled.

“Jaxson, you’ll be around Hazel for a while, and you may leave the work to someone else,” Joshua said.

“Okay.” Jaxson agreed, and he continued, “President, I’ve prepared what you asked me to.”

“Prepare what?” Hazel asked curiously.

Raising his brow, Joshua took Hazel’s hand and calmly said, “Let’s go. I’ll show you.”

Hazel followed him to the garage. Joshua opened the trunk of his car, which was full of presents. There were books, toys and clothes, and so on.

“This is…” Hazel was at sea.

“This is going to be sent to the orphanage,” said Joshua quietly.

Hazel gasped Joshua’s hand lovingly. He was also an orphan. But she only saw him being strong and reliable but completely forgotten he also needed love and care.

“Are you going to the orphanage? Can I go with you?” she asked sincerely.

 

Chapter 189: Are You Free Tomorrow

“Hazel, would you like to come with me?” Joshua’s eyes glistened with anticipation.

“Yes!” Hazel nodded heavily. “When are you going to go?”

She was so busy with her own affairs these days that she never thought about understanding Joshua’s past. She wanted to know everything about Joshua instead of relying on him endlessly.

“I’m going to go tomorrow,” Joshua asked. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“Yes, yes,” Hazel said hurriedly. “I’ll be free even if I’m not available.”

Joshua gave a chuckle, and his eyes twinkled slightly. “Then… you may stay tonight.”

“What do you want?” Hazel looked at him warily. “Don’t forget…”

“I have not forgotten the three rules.” There was hidden bitterness in his eyes. “I just want you to stay tonight, Hazel, so we can go to the orphanage together tomorrow morning.”

“Even if I don’t stay over, you can pick me up tomorrow morning…” said Hazel a little embarrassedly.

“The orphanage is in the suburbs, and it will be time-consuming to pick you up.” He explained patiently. In fact, it would take very little time even if he went to pick her up, he just wanted to find a reason for Hazel to stay over.

“All right, then.” Hazel hesitated and finally agreed.

This was not the first time Hazel stayed at Denmark Residence, so she was comfortable saying she was going to bed early. She wanted to be rested to go to the orphanage.

Joshua gently pushed the door open, but Hazel was already asleep. He walked to the bed and ran his fingers over her cheek.

Hazel was sleeping deeply, and she was completely unaware of it. It looked as if she was sleeping soundly. Joshua could not help but sigh. Did she trust him? After all, he was a normal man. Every time he remembered he had promised the Crowe family about three rules, he felt a little regretful in his heart. He should have fought with them for more, he could only hope that Hazel would graduate soon.

Frowning slightly, Joshua leaned over to pick Hazel up from her bed.

Hazel snorted. His face changed slightly as he thought she was going to wake up. But Hazel just frowned and, the next moment, she leaned closer in his arms.

Joshua breathed a sigh of relief and took her to his bedroom, where he gently placed her on the bed and gently hugged her.

Hazel woke up this morning and started to move around. It was so warm beside her that she could not help but rub against it.

No… Hazel opened her eyes suddenly.

Looking at Joshua’s pretty face so close to her, Hazel’s brain became muddled instantly. Why would Joshua be in her bed?

“Joshua!” Hazel shouted as she freaked out. “Joshua Denmark! This is my room. How did you get in?!”

“Hazel, you have to be reasonable. This is clearly my room.” Joshua opened his eyes, his eyes flashing innocently.

“How can it be? It’s clearly mine…” Hazel looked around, surprised. Was it really Joshua’s room?! How did that happen?

“How did I get here? What did you do to me?” she asked crossly.

“That’s the question I should be asking,” Joshua looked as if he didn’t know anything. “Why did you come here? What did you do to me?”

Looking at Joshua innocently hugging the quilt and looking wronged as if she had taken advantage of him, Hazel was perplexed.

Hazel was irritated. “No! You must have picked me up in the middle of the night, didn’t you?!”

Joshua raised his brows slightly and said with a calm face. “Hazel, aren’t you used to lock the door? How do I get into your room and take you out?”

Hazel was in a daze and speechless. She did lock the door from the inside last night.

“Hazel, you don’t have a problem with sleepwalking, do you?” Joshua held out laughter and quietly misled her.

“No way…” Hazel was blank. She had never had an issue sleepwalking or anything.

“Then how did you get into my room?” he asked. “Is it because— you dreamt what you think about during the day and came to my room?

Hazel was more confused. She had just woken up, her mind was not clear, and Joshua’s wronged, innocent expression made her more confused.

Did it mean she really ran into Joshua’s room? There was nothing unusual about her body, but there shouldn’t be anything between her and Joshua.

“What a dream!” Hazel shyly threw a pillow at him and turned around to get out of bed.

Joshua’s eyes twinkled slightly, and he caught her wrist as fast as he could. Hazel only felt a surge of force on her wrist, and she fell back into Joshua’s arms.

“Hazel, you have slept with me, and you’re responsible for me,” Joshua said seriously.

What fucking responsibility?! Why did Joshua pose as a victim when Hazel was embarrassed?! She didn’t even know what was going on, okay? And how could she be responsible?

The next moment, Hazel angrily pushed him to the bed, saying fiercely, “I like to sleep with others for free and don’t like to be responsible. What do you want to do about that?”

“That…” Joshua chuckled with a spark in the eyes. “How many more nights are you sleeping here?”

“You wish!” Hazel’s cheeks were blushed slightly, and she ran out with shame and irritation.

Joshua chuckled and did not run after her. Hazel was going to the orphanage with him today, and he was not afraid she would run away.

After breakfast, they headed to the orphanage together, and Hazel didn’t talk much on the way.

Apparently, she ignored Joshua, and she still hadn’t quite figured out what was going on. Though she was more suspicious of Joshua’s bad behavior, Joshua didn’t admit it at all, and she had no evidence of it.

When they reached the orphanage, Hazel still wore a straight face.

Noticing she was about to get out of the car, Joshua stopped her, “Hazel.”

“What for?” Hazel looked at him quietly.

“You would scare the kids,” he whispered.

Hazel was in a daze. It was an orphanage they were at. She definitely shouldn’t show the kids an unhappy face.

She quickly reached out her hand and patted her cheeks. She had been angry all the way, so her face was a little stiff.

Joshua chuckled slightly, and he whispered, “Let’s help you.”

He kissed her gently on the lips.

“You…” Hazel was angry and amused. But her expression softened.

“Come on.” Joshua pushed the door open.

As soon as Hazel got out of the car, she saw a girl who was five or six running up to Joshua, happily clutching his leg. “Dad, Dad, you finally come to us!”

Dad?

Hazel looked at the little girl and felt instantly baffled. She looked at Joshua blankly. “Joshua Denmark, is she, is she your daughter?”

Joshua picked the little girl up, and there was a twinkle of banter in his eye, “Yes, this is indeed my daughter.”

 

Chapter 190: She’s Not A Spoiled Child

He continued, “The children in the orphanage are all my children.”

That was a good reason. Hazel glared at him speechlessly as Joshua was teasing her again.

“Daddy, who is this beautiful sister?” The little girl stared curiously at Hazel.

Beautiful sister…

“Poo-!” Hazel was amused.

Joshua’s face darkened as he put the little girl on the ground. Then he said earnestly. “I’m your father. Of course, she’s your mother.”

“Oh! I see.” The little girl appeared very clever. “This beautiful elder sister is father’s girlfriend!”

Joshua looked even unhappier. He squatted down and squeezed the girl’s cheeks. “You mustn’t call her sister but should call her mom.”

“But I have a few moms. Since your beautiful sister is your girlfriend, of course, I should give her a special address!” The little girl said, smiling.

“Call me sister. I like it when you call me sister,” Hazel chirped.

Joshua’s eyes were a bit sad. Was he so old?

“Sister, elder sister,” The little girl yelled repeatedly.

Joshua looked a little unhappier. “Go and call your brothers and sisters to come and get the presents.”

The little girl skipped and jumped happily as she went to tell them.

Hazel looked at Joshua after she mused. “How many moms do they have?”

“Well, we’re all children in orphanages, some of us grew up in orphanages, some of us were adopted by other families, but we always come back here, and we become the mothers and fathers of these children,” Joshua whispered.

Hazel gently held Joshua’s hand softly. He made her feel both loved and adored.

“Uncle, you’re really too sweet.” Hazel’s eyes were sparkling.

“Uncle?” Joshua’s eyes twinkled.

“Of course, you are, Uncle,” said Hazel as she mischievously winked. “You’re much older than me, after all.”

“Hazel Denmark!” Joshua gnashed his teeth.

A group of children ran over and happily, surrounded Joshua. Instantly, they shouted constantly, “Daddy.”

Joshua and Hazel took out gifts to them. In addition to the gifts, Joshua brought a lot of supplies, which were also moved into the orphanage by his bodyguards.

After arranging all the stuff, Joshua took Hazel to the orphanage director.

“Hazel, this is the director of the orphanage, Auntie Jennie.” Joshua gently introduced the two of them, “Auntie Jennie, this is Hazel, my…”

“Girlfriend?” Jennie Collins interrupted him and sized Hazel up and down.

“Nice to meet you, Auntie Jennie.” Hazel hurried to say hello. She had heard from Joshua that before he was adopted by the Denmark family, he and others were raised by Jennie since he was a baby, so Hazel was extremely nervous now as if she was a daughter-in-law.

“Mmm.” Jennie nodded her head calmly, her face still calm. Though she wasn’t critical of Hazel, she certainly wasn’t enthusiastic.

Hazel was more nervous as she could feel Jennie’s alienation.

“How old are you?” Jennie asked.

“Twenty-one,” Hazel replied.

“Five or six years younger than Joshua,” Jennie gave Joshua a look and continued asking, “Can you cook?”

“No,” Hazel replied awkwardly and put her head down.

“Then Joshua, come help me in the kitchen,” Jennie said. “Go to play with the kids, Hazel.”

“Oh?” Hazel was a little fearful.

“Go and play with the kids,” Joshua smiled at her gently. “I’ll help Auntie Jennie cook.”

“Oh…” Hazel said uneasily.

As Jennie turned around to go into the kitchen and Joshua was about to follow her, Hazel tugged at him hurriedly and whispered anxiously, “Joshua, does Auntie Jennie, not like me…”

“Nothing,” Joshua said, patting her hair gently. “Auntie Jennie takes care of so many children, and there are quite a few naughty kids, so she is serious to everyone.”

“I see…” Hazel heaved a sigh of relief and was completely relieved.

When Joshua entered the kitchen, Jennie was sitting on a small bench cooking.

“Auntie Jennie, let me do it,” said Joshua.

“Okay.” Jennie stood up, and Joshua quickly helped her. She reached out her hand to pound her chest and pushed him away. “Nothing. I’m old with old sickness.”

“I made an appointment for your physical examination next weekend. You need to be checked,” said Joshua quietly.

“Don’t bother. How can I leave?” Jennie raised her eyebrows with displeasure.

“The children in the orphanage will go with you,” Joshua continued.

“All right, then.” Jennie nodded. She turned around for plates, but suddenly she said, “Sharon is also coming today.”

“Mmm,” Joshua said quietly.

“She’s still single.” Jennie continued, with some dissatisfaction.

His brows were raised slightly as Joshua said quietly, “Then I’ll introduce a few handsome boys to her.”

“Joshua, why do you pretend you don’t understand me?” Jennie put down the plates. “You grew up with Sharon. You are sort of childhood sweethearts. Don’t you have a great relationship?”

“We do have a great relationship,” said Joshua, still with a calm face. “I have always regarded her as my sister, and I will.”

“Joshua! Hasn’t Sharon been single and waiting for you all these years?” Jennie finally couldn’t resist and had to speak bluntly. “Hasn’t she been working so hard for she could have the qualification to stand beside you?”

“Auntie Jennie, I think you misunderstood.” Joshua calmly cooked. “Sharon is adventurous, and she can’t take a fancy to any man. Auntie Jennie, each of the kids you have raised, is very extraordinary. Do not look at them with conventional eyes.”

Jennie was so pissed off by him that she laughed. “So, are you taking Hazel seriously?”

“Mmm.” Joshua’s eyes softened a little.

At the mention of Hazel, Jennie frowned. “She’s so spoiled.”

“She’s not a spoiled child,” Joshua said quietly. “but I’m glad she grew up in a happy family.”

Jennie looked at him, puzzled.

“Auntie Jennie, I’m sure Hazel is the one. Perhaps you don’t like her very much, but please don’t show it. She cares about you very much, and you should feel it,” Joshua said quietly.

“Is she that good?” Jennie became more confused. She had never seen Joshua care so much about anybody.

“Yes.” Joshua looked out of the window softly. “Auntie Jennie, as long as you don’t have any prejudice against Hazel, you will find she’s great.”