Ch. 31..40

Chapter 31: You Kissed Me

Hazel told Joshua about her concerns, but she didn’t have any hope. She had not expected Joshua to call the restaurant downstairs and find out that Sarah was there.

Joshua and Hazel found Sarah and gave her a simple explanation of the situation. Sarah and Hazel had a good friendship, so she was willing to help.

Suddenly, Hazel recalled another memory, it was of an unhappy look that Joshua had earlier.

Forget it and don’t think about it, she told herself.

She touched her hot cheeks. Each time she thought of Joshua, the missing fragments related to him continued to come to her mind.

She actually… had she really done so many shameful things? She was truly embarrassed to show her face around him.

Just forget about it! She was squeezing her lips tightly together with embarrassment.

Even after Hazel got home from the restaurant, she cleaned her room, thinking it would help to distract her before bed. However, it was harder to forget these things than she thought. She tossed and turned all night.

Although she was exhausted, Hazel still had to go to class. She struggled to climb out of bed.

When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she saw Jaxson waiting by the door.

Seeing Jaxson, Hazel still felt a bit guilty about hitting the wrong person. Even though she had already apologized, she felt she should do it again.

“Mr. Hunk, I just want to apologize again. Is there a reason you are here?” She was so embarrassed she could hardly speak.

“Miss Crowe, Mr. President sent me to see how you were feeling,” Jaxson said politely, “If you are not feeling well, he would like me to take you to the hospital.”

“I am feeling fine, I’m not sick,” Hazel asked awkwardly. “Why would he randomly ask how I am feeling?”

“I am not completely sure.” Jaxson frowned. “But Mr. President has a fever today. It’s quite serious. He didn’t even go to work. He requested that I come to check on you.”

“Ah?” Hazel felt extremely guilty. Joshua had a fever, and it could have been because of her?

After all, yesterday, she forced him to take a cold shower with her.

The weather was getting colder now, and it was easy to catch a cold.

“Miss, why don’t you come to see Mr. President with me?” Jaxson proposed. Hazel has some hesitation, “but I still have to go to class…”

“Miss, Mr. President was looking for you yesterday. He came back with a fever,” Jaxson said with a dignified look. “I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but the president is sick because of you. If you don’t go see him, don’t you feel you are a little ruthless?”

Hazel bursts into tears. She really didn’t know how to face Joshua. But… she owed him a big favor, there was really no reason not to go.

“Okay…” She looked at Jaxson, “but you have to promise to bring me back.”

“Of course,” Jaxson agreed. “The president is ill. If he wants to send you home, I will not make you uncomfortable.” Hazel nodded and followed Jaxson to his car.

Joshua lived in the Clear River Residence Community, a special wealthy villa area of the city.

Hazel was standing outside awkwardly. She was not mentally prepared when Jaxson rang the doorbell.

An old woman with graying hair opened the door. She doesn’t look young, but her spirit is not bad.

“Jaxson, are you coming in? Are you here to see Joshua? Come in.” The old woman said with a smile, he was apparently well-known to her.

Jaxson walked in with Hazel, and the old woman’s eyes fell on Hazel’s body. She was inexplicably stunned. “This is…”

“Hello, my name is Hazel. I am Joshua’s friend…” Hazel hesitated and finally said.

The old woman’s eyes got bright. Almost all the people who come here are called Joshua Mr. President. Only Hazel called him by his name.

“Hello, I am the servant here, you can call me Nanny Carter.” Nanny Carter smiled and asked, “Hazel, how old are you?”

“22,” Hazel replied truthfully. Nanny Carter was very kind to her, and she did not feel any hostility.

“22…” Nanny Carter seemed to be a little sad. If the child were still alive, it would be this age.

“Nanny Carter?” Hazel looked at her nervously. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” Nanny Carter regained her awareness, and she smiled. “I was thinking of some things. Come with me, I will take you to see Mr. President.”

Hazel felt awkward and wanted to refuse, but Nanny Carter had already taken her by the arm, and she could only follow Nanny Carter upstairs.

“This is the room of Mr. President.” Nanny Carter knocked on the door, and she suddenly said, “Oh, I just remembered, the fire in the kitchen is still on. Hazel, can you help me by taking this medication for him and you must watch him take it. He is not afraid of anything except taking medicine.”

As she said that, Nanny Carter put the medicine into Hazel’s hand and rushed back downstairs.

Hazel was standing in the doorway of Joshua’s room, and suddenly the door opened. She looked up into his eyes.

Joshua looked at Hazel standing at the door, and he was stunned. He reached out and pulled Hazel in, and closed the door.

“Joshua,” Hazel handed the medicine to him, “Nanny Carter let me… Emm!”

Before she could finish her words, Joshua leaned down and kissed her lips abruptly.

Hazel was angry. She tried to push him away, but he held her tightly to him.

The warm kiss was a little overbearing, and he kept twirling on her lips. So, she bit hard on his lip!

“… um!” Joshua sighed, took a breath, and let go of her, looking a little surprised and stunned, “Hazel?”

“Asshole!” Hazel raised her hand in anger.

But before her palm fell on his face, Joshua lost his strength and leaned on her.

“Hey… you!” Hazel was so angry she could have strangled him. After kissing her, this guy fainted, did this make any sense?

She helplessly moved Joshua to the bed.

Looking at his closed eyes, Hazel reached out and slapped his face. “You kissed me, you kissed me…”

Hazel stopped and frowned, she reached out and touched his forehead. His forehead was hot, and it seemed that he actually fainted.

“I guess I owe you!” Hazel said angrily. She turned around and walked into the bathroom.

Hazel wetted the towel with cold water and placed it on his forehead.

Joshua grunted and slowly opened his eyes. He was surprised and looked at Hazel in front of him, then unconsciously extended his arm.

Smack…Hazel did not hesitate to hit his groping hand. She said sharply, “If you try to touch me, believe it or not, I will kill you!”

Joshua looked even more confused. He said something that Hazel was not expecting, “I am not dreaming?”

“Come, take your medicine first, and then you will know if you are dreaming.” Hazel handed the medicine to him.

 

Chapter 32: Spilled Water

Joshua pretended not to hear her, and he calmly turned his head.

Hazel was stunned, and she suddenly couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you terrified of taking medicine?”

Joshua looked gentle and steady, giving her the feeling that he thought he was profound and invincible, but he is actually afraid of taking medicine?

His eyes flashed. “Not afraid, I am annoyed by taking it.”

“That’s the same.” Confirming the assumption in her heart, Hazel laughed louder.

Seeing her laughing and being so happy, Joshua felt somewhat vulnerable.

“If you are sick, you should take medicine. Otherwise, how will you get better?” Hazel smiled and handed the medicine to him. “Nanny Carter told me to make sure you took it.”

Joshua’s eyebrows lifted. “Have you met Nanny Carter?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“What did she say?”

“You mean Nanny Carter?” Hazel looked at him strangely. “She was very nice, she didn’t say anything.” Joshua grimaced.

Hazel looked at him, frowning. This guy is not going to shift the topic to avoid taking medicine deliberately, is he?

“Open your mouth, ah,” Hazel suddenly said, “Let me see what is going on.”

“You can tell?” Joshua smiled.

“My dad is a doctor,” Hazel’s voice contained a proud tone. “I have been learning about these things since childhood. This is an easy situation, of course, I can handle it.”

Joshua was suspicious, but he was still obedient and opened his mouth.

Hazel took the opportunity to throw the pills in his mouth.

Joshua closed his mouth and looked at her, disheartened.

“Do not spit them out, hurry up to swallow them.” Hazel handed him a cup.

Joshua took the water cup weakly, but his hand shook, and he could not hold the cup steady. The water in the cup spilled on the sheets and Hazel’s chest as it fell to the ground.

“Ah!” Hazel screamed. The water was not hot, but she was startled by it.

Joshua still had not swallowed his medicine. He felt very uncomfortable, and Hazel’s cheeks turned red, but there was nothing he could do to fix this.

He quickly grabbed a tissue from the table next to him and placed it on Hazel’s chest to help her wipe the water.

Hazel intuitively wanted to push him away.

“Mr. President, your secretary has a few documents that you need to sign…” Jaxson pushed in and behind him followed Joshua’s secretary.

Jaxson raised his head up from the documents he had been reading, he looked at the scene in front of him. What was he seeing? Was Joshua, like a pervert that just reached out and touched Hazel’s chest? And he did this even after Hazel seemed reluctant?

“I didn’t see anything! You continue, we will come back later.” Jaxson quickly closed the door.

Hazel pushed him away angrily, “It is all your fault!”

Joshua finally swallowed the dry pills and saw Hazel was getting ready to leave. He grabbed her wrist. “You are going to leave like this?”

Hazel looked down at the water stains on her chest. “What do you suggest I do?”

“I have clothes in the closet, you can change into something of mine,” he said.

Hazel opened the closet door, she saw rows of men’s clothes hanging inside.

“You will let me wear one of these?” Hazel said curiously.

“You find something to put on,” Joshua said. ” Then I will get Nanny Carter to dry your clothes.”

“Okay.” Hazel picked a t-shirt and went into the bathroom.

The t-shirt was too big for her, and the neckband kept slipping from her shoulders.

Hazel thought for a moment and simply pulled the t-shirt below her shoulders and tied the two sleeves in front of her with a simple bow.

It was as if the plain t-shirt had become a beautiful dress. The water also spilled on her pants, so the dress worked out perfectly.

Hazel picked up her pile of wet clothes and walked out of the bathroom.

Joshua’s eyes lit up.

“What are you looking at?” Hazel watched him with awareness. “Your clothes are too big. So, I hope it is okay that I am wearing it like this.”

“It doesn’t matter, it looks good.” He whispered.

“Oh…” Hazel was glad. She thought he would reprimand her for changing his clothes.

There was a knock on the door, and Hazel ran to open it.

Nanny Carter stood outside the door, and she smiled. “Mr. President said that you would like me to dry your clothes.”

Hazel handed her clothes to Nanny Carter. She managed to stutter, “Tha…thank you.”

“You are welcome. I know it is Mr. President’s fault.” Nanny Carter looked at Joshua with blame. “You are still sick, and you don’t know how to stop! Can’t you wait until you recover? What if you scared Hazel?”

Joshua did not reply, and it was obvious that Nanny Carter had misunderstood what happened.

“Well, your secretary is here,” said Nanny Carter. “Do you need me to bring them up?”

“No, I will go down to see them,” Joshua whispered.

“Okay.” Nanny Carter nodded. “Did he take the medicine?”

“No need to worry, I took it.” Joshua was weak.

Nanny Carter gave Hazel a strange look and praised her without reservation. “Hazel, you are really clever!”

Hazel was a little embarrassed. She obviously used deception, how can this be the answer, though?

Joshua saw that Hazel was following behind Nanny Carter to leave with her. Joshua asked her to stop, “Hazel.”

“What?”

“Come and help me get a coat.”

“You can’t get it by yourself?” Hazel was hesitant.

“I have no strength.” He said in a low voice.

“Then you can let them come in…” Although she was reluctant, Hazel went to the closet and helped him pick a suit jacket.

“I don’t like other people coming into my room.” He said.

Hazel’s body was slightly stiff, and she was somewhat embarrassed.

“Except you,” Joshua added.

Hazel’s cheeks were red, and she threw a coat at Joshua. “Here you go!”

He put on his jacket and got out of bed, but he was still a little unstable.

“I guess I owe you!” Hazel helplessly spat and walked over to help him.

Joshua smiled, and he naturally reached out and grabbed Hazel’s shoulder.

Hazel’s cheeks were a little redder, but he could see that she could help support his weight. He wasn’t just taking advantage of her, he clearly needed the support, so Hazel didn’t say anything.

They quietly walked downstairs, with Hazel helping Joshua.

Jaxson and Janet Flores, Joshua’s secretary, sat on the sofa in the living room and saw the two coming downstairs together. Jaxson laughed and said that Janet was acting unfriendly about the whole situation.

“Jaxson, don’t just look and laugh, go to help Mr. President.” Janet said, “Don’t make Miss tired.”

“Oh, oh.” Jaxson hurried forward, and Hazel escaped from Joshua’s arms.

Joshua looked at Jaxson deeply as if he had done something wrong. He obviously just wanted to help.

Sitting on the sofa, Janet asked with concern. “Mr. President, are you okay?”

“Small illness, I will be fine after two days,” Joshua said.

 

Chapter 33: Janet’s Hostility

“Mr. President, I have some things from work…” Janet looked at Hazel.

“That… if there is nothing else, I will leave to go home.” Hazel said.

“You are going to leave wearing that?” Joshua’s eyes flashed with disappointment.

He really did not want anyone else to see Hazel looking so beautiful and vivacious.

“Em… How long does it take for my clothes to dry?” she asked.

“It’s still early.” Joshua said calmly, “Let Nanny Carter take you to the lounge while you are waiting for them. We can have lunch together at noon.”

Janet’s face became even more ugly.

“This isn’t inconvenient, is it?” Hazel frowned.

“Nanny Carter’s expertise is excellent,” Joshua said. “Or do you want to take it out?”

“…” She didn’t mean it at all!

“Or can Miss Crowe help me with a favor first?” Janet suddenly said.

“Ah?” Hazel looked at her blankly. “What favor?”

“In addition to bringing information to Mr. President today, I also heard that he was ill, and I want to make him a bowl of ginger soup.” Janet’s eyes flashed. She looked over at Joshua, “What if Miss Crowe helped me to make the soup and then brought it to you?”

Joshua frowned unhappily. Janet clearly wanted Hazel to misunderstand their relationship.

“Ah?” Hazel said awkwardly. “But… I don’t know how to cook.”

“Miss Crowe, you didn’t know how to cook?” Janet’s voice was a bit more scornful. She giggled twice. “As a woman, how can you not know how to cook? You can’t get married without knowing how to cook.”

Hazel uncomfortably lifted her eyebrows. Janet said in a joking tone, but the words clearly contained provocation.

“Does one have to know how to cook if she wants to get married?” Hazel said, “Does a man really want to get married, or does he actually want to find a babysitter?”

Joshua smiled.

Hazel did not know how to cook, which made him a little unhappy, but it just meant he would not be able to eat a meal she made on her own. It did not matter to him, though.

Janet’s face was slightly stiff, and she suddenly sneered. “I guess, Miss Crowe, you are an only child? Your parents must really love you. They spoiled you and didn’t even bother to teach you basic life skills!”

Hazel was extremely angry. People can criticize her, but she would absolutely not allow them to criticize her parents!

“You guessed wrong, I am not an only child, and I have a brother.” Hazel said, “My parents said they were raising a daughter, not a domestic maid for others. With take-out, it doesn’t matter if I learned to cook. If not being able to cook is why I can’t get married well then, I won’t get married.

My parents and brother are willing to help me for my entire life if I need help. You will not have to make me a meal. So, Miss Secretary, you have nothing to worry about.”

Janet’s face became very ugly.

“Hazel.” Joshua suddenly said.

“What? I will not expect you to make me a meal either!” Hazel said with self-reliance.

She did not look at him with a beautiful, calm expression, so is he going to lecture her now?

“I just want to say,” Joshua, “You are always welcome to eat here.”

“… ah?” Hazel was stunned. Joshua was really…How was she supposed to answer?

Jaxson laughed and almost spat the tea he was drinking out of his mouth.

Janet felt even more resentful toward Hazel. The meaning of what Joshua had said did not need to be explained!

“I’ll go to find Nanny Carter…” Hazel swiftly stood up and ran upstairs.

Seeing that Hazel had run upstairs, Joshua appeared to have regained composure and said, “Janet, I hope that you know there is no other relationship between us. We have a working relationship. Don’t do anything extra!”

“… Yes.” Janet nodded her head to show she understood, but her heart was full of reluctance.

There had never been another woman around. Janet was his secretary and was said to be the person closest to him.

How can she not have some feelings for Joshua after working with him for so many years?

Hazel, who randomly appeared, certainly made her feel nervous.

Hazel found Nanny Carter, and she took her to a guest room. She was feeling restless, so she picked up a book and sat on the sofa to read.

After a while, she heard a slight sound of a footstep behind her.

“What are you looking at?” Joshua leaned over and asked. His warm breath was on her ear.

Hazel trembled and moved over. “You.. you don’t get too close to me…”

“What’s wrong?” Joshua.

“You are sick, what if you infect me…” Hazel said shyly.

Joshua nodded and sat down. “Next time, let’s have Nanny Carter take you to the study to read. There’s no coffee table here, it is inconvenient.”

“Next time?” Hazel asks, stunned.

“You don’t like it?” Joshua raised his eyebrows. “Then place a table here.”

“…” Hazel was speechless, she didn’t mean this at all!

Why is it always so difficult to communicate with Joshua? It is obvious that she did not mean things the way he thought she did. He liked to tease her deliberately!

“Why did you come to find me?” Hazel had no choice but to change the topic.

“Came to bring you the clothes,” Joshua laid her dry clothes beside her. “By the way, let’s go down and get something to eat.”

“Okay.” Hazel nodded. Then she looked at Joshua awkwardly.

“Why aren’t you changing?” he asked.

“You need to get out.” Hazel smiled. He had been standing there, how could she change?

“Okay.” He lifted his lips.

Hazel changed her clothes and saw Joshua waiting outside the door.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I feel a lot better now,” Joshua said. “Just feel a little dizzy and weak.”

“That’s the effect of the medicine. Don’t do too much after eating, get a good sleep. When you wake up, you should be fine.”

“Well, I will listen to you.”

Hazel and Joshua walked into the dining room, Jaxson and Janet were sitting at the table.

Janet looked up and down at Hazel’s figure, then suddenly smiled and asked, “What do you plan to do after graduation?”

“I want to apply for postgraduate school.” Hazel picked up the chopsticks.

“Oh?” Janet relaxed a little bit and let some of her hostility towards Hazel go. “And after that?”

“Apply for public service,” Hazel replied truthfully.

“Being a public servant is good, and you will never lose your job.” Janet was even happier.

As long as she does not want to enter the Family Group, then she will have little contact with Joshua, they will certainly not have results.

“Do you want to be in the public service?” Joshua lifted his eyebrows, “I thought you would want to be a police officer or a doctor.”

“If I wanted to be a police officer or a doctor, I would need to go to school longer,” Hazel said. “And my parents said…”

 

Chapter 34: Did She Want Money So Desperately?

Hazel said with a troubled expression, “They have told me it is too dangerous to be a police officer or a doctor. If I dare do that, they will break my legs. In their opinion, it’s better to be a civil servant, so they want me to get a good education and have a fulfilling career.”

“What about you?” asked Joshua, “What do you want to be?”

“Me?” Hazel thought for a while and shook her head, “I’ve never thought about that.”

“Then think about it.” Joshua spoke to her softly, “Don’t worry about anything else, just do what you like.”

Hazel nodded her head in agreement.

Janet held the chopsticks tighter when she heard what Joshua said to Hazel.

Hazel obviously did not understand what Joshua meant. What he truly meant was that he would deal with everything for her while she did what she liked!

Was Joshua serious? Thinking about it, Janet felt the need to do something.

After the meal was over, Joshua asked Jaxson to drive Hazel back to her school. Janet followed behind them.

Joshua watched them leave and then turned to Nanny Carter and asked her, “Nanny, what do you think about Hazel?”

“Miss Hazel is a simple and good girl. You need to watch out for Miss Janet. She likes to come here when she has time off. She looks devious. I am afraid she may do something bad to Miss Hazel.”

Nanny Carter stopped talking suddenly. She then said in a sad voice, “I am sorry, Mr. Joshua. I said too much. Miss Hazel is somewhat like Mrs. Denmark in character and even looks. I feel the need to take care of her.”

“Maybe it’s because I am old, but recently I always think of them.” Nanny smiled bitterly. “Mr. Joshua, please do not mind me talking this much.”

Hazel and Jaxson just reached the gate, and Janet yelled at them.

“Jaxson, don’t you have to attend a meeting for the President?” Janet spoke to him, “There may not be enough time for you to take Miss Hazel home and make it back. What about if I drove her back to school? Miss Hazel, will you mind that?” She proposed.

“Well…” Jaxson hesitated and looked at Hazel.

“It’s alright. Go to your meeting, Mr. Jaxson.” Hazel replied.

“Okay. Thank you then, Janet.” Jaxson nodded to them and drove away.

“Miss Hazel, my car is parked nearby. Please wait for me here. I’ll go get the car.” Janet pointed in the direction of the parking lot.

“Don’t bother.” Hazel shook her head, “I will take a taxi.”

She wanted Jaxson’s company to come here because she was afraid that she might have been in danger. Now, she did not want to bother him anymore, so she agreed to a drive from Janet.

Hazel knew Janet disliked her; therefore, she also did not want to bother her.

“How could I let you take a taxi?” Janet said jokingly. “If the president and Jaxson know I failed to keep my promise, they would blame me. You can’t put me in that situation.”

Hazel had to agree.

Janet went to the parking lot to get her car. However, Hazel waited for a long time, and she still had not come to pick her up.

Hazel furrowed her eyebrows and then decided to look for her.

After a few steps, Hazel saw Janet was leaning on her car and talking on the phone.

She heard her name from Janet’s mouth just as she was about to turn around and leave.

“Hazel? I saw her today.” Janet raised her voice when she noticed Hazel from the rearview mirror of a nearby car.

She sneered as she spoke, “You mean the president likes her? How is it possible? She is just one of the girls who have passed the preliminary selection for surrogate mother. Mr. President just wants to get in touch with her and figure out what she is like. After all, what if the candidate for the surrogacy is unwilling to leave in the end and asks to marry the president to get the property?”

Hazel was taken back by her words.

It turned out that the reason Joshua was trying to get close to her was because of the surrogacy?

More importantly, she was just one of his options!

The marriage that he spoke of before was to test her! He had not slept with her just in case she trapped him. He had never mentioned surrogacy to her because he did not want her to be aware of the situation.

She had always wondered why Joshua chased after her all the time even though she was not an extraordinary girl. Now everything made sense.

However, it was a horrible feeling to know others have fooled you.

“Well, when I saw her today, I couldn’t help but have words with her. She did not suspect anything because of the President’s help.”

Janet continued, “But after she left, the President praised me for helping him to test her character. It is an important matter regarding the offspring of the President. I couldn’t be too cautious.”

Hazel lowered her head. She had always felt that when she was with Joshua, he seemed to be hiding something. Everything he had done was to test her?

When Janet saw that Hazel was about to leave, she whispered a few words and then got into the car. She started it immediately to catch up with Hazel.

Janet stopped the car beside Hazel. She rolled down the window and said to Hazel, “Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to answer a call. Get in, I can take you back now.”

“I will get back on my own. You must be very busy. Don’t bother!” Hazel shook her head and declined.

“That’s okay.” Janet smiled a rather kind smile. “And I have something to tell you.”

Hazel wrinkled her eyebrows.

“Get in.” Janet urged her.

Hazel hesitantly got in. Janet looked ahead, saying, “Miss Hazel, I heard that the President had bought you clothes?”

Hazel replied yes.

Janet was lost in thought. How could she get a hold of the items from the President?

She held back her anger and smirked, “I would like them, can you give them to me?”

Hazel was disappointed upon hearing that. She even knew about this! It must be Joshua who commanded her to get back what he bought.

Fair enough, she told him that she would pay for the clothes. Maybe he was embarrassed to ask for the money himself.

“Will you buy them at the original prices?” Asked Hazel.

Hazel would give Joshua the money as promised.

“What?” Janet was surprised.

Should she feel depressed after hearing what she said? Why would she sell them? Did she want money so desperately?

“Then what about I give you a discount? 1% off?” Hazel asked her in a tentative voice.

 

Chapter 35: Would He Buy A Fake?

Hazel had originally planned to give her a 10% discount. However, after calculating, she would still have to pay 10000 dollars herself. That was still too much for her, so she finally decided to give her 1% off.

That would leave Hazel with 1000 dollars to pay. She had just received the payment for attending the Surrogacy Competition several days ago, which was exactly 1000 dollars.

Thinking of that, she could not help but complain that capitalists were all money-hungry vampires. He even wanted the 1000 dollars back!

“I’ll buy at the original price. Period!” Janet sneered and looked at her contemptuously.

She really thought Hazel was just a greedy woman who loved money. How much could a dress and a pair of shoes cost? She was Mr. Denmark’s secretary, it would be a piece of cake for her to buy them.

However, Janet regretted the moment Hazel gave her the dress and the shoes.

She just heard that Joshua had bought Hazel clothes; she had never expected they would be so expensive!

“The price is totally about 97000 dollars, forget about the bit extra,” Hazel said to Janet. After all, she did not know the exact difference.

“Are…are they quality products?” Janet was in deep regret now.

She thought the prices would be 20000 dollars at most. Now it was almost 100000 dollars!

“Joshua bought them for me.” Hazel replied in a puzzled look, “Would he buy a fake?”

Of course not, Janet thought, but this was a lot of money for her.

She said embarrassedly, “I did not bring enough money with me.”

“That’s OK. You can transfer the money to me via PayPal.” Hazel said, “Do you want the password for our WIFI?”

Janet now understood the feeling of being in a position with no way out.

Watching that Janet did not react, Hazel asked suspiciously, “You can’t afford them?”

“How is it possible? Of course, I can afford them!” Janet screamed out. “My money is invested. It may take time to transfer it to my account. Hold on, I will transfer the money to you now.”

Janet had been trying hard to make Hazel misunderstand Joshua. If Hazel suspected her at all, then her efforts before would be wasted.

Janet transferred the money to Hazel. Looking at her account, Hazel felt somewhat unreal. Now she could return the money to Joshua, and they would no longer have any contact.

Janet got the dress and shoes and left without saying anything.

Hazel walked back to the dormitory, and suddenly her cell phone rang.

It was Joshua, she was so confused as to why he would be calling.

She hesitated for a while, but she finally answered her phone.

“Hazel, have you made it back to school?” Joshua asked her in a low voice.

“Yes. Anything wrong?”

“Nothing. I was worried since I had not heard from you. It’s good that you made it back safely.”

Hearing his voice, she was even more confused.

He was still playing his role! He sounded so sincere, and she was about to believe he cared! How could he regard her as just an object when it was convenient for him?

“Is this your private number?” Hazel suddenly asked him.

“Yes. It is.” He replied in a soft voice. “You can call me at any time.”

Hazel furrowed her eyebrow, “Have a good night.”

Her phone rang again the moment she hung it up.

This time Hazel did not hesitate to answer, it was Ivan calling.

“Hazel, you told me before that your classmate had some clothes to sell?” Ivan asked.

“Sorry, Ivan.” Hazel apologized, “She already sold them. Thank you for your help, though.”

“Already sold? That’s fine.” Ivan continued, “By the way, tomorrow, one of the tutors would like to take us to M State to sing folk songs. We are actually going to have a road trip. Would you like to join us?”

“Am I allowed to go?” Hazel was exhilarated.

“Yes.” Ivan said, “Our tutor has already confirmed the number of people going. Unfortunately, one of our classmates is unable to go. We all think it is a pity to let the spot go to waste. Can you go with us?

“Really?” However, Hazel was a little worried, “Will the others agree with me attending?”

“Rest assured, they will not care. I have told them that you are my sister.”

He said. “We will be gone for three days. Tomorrow is the weekend; you should have time then?”

“OK. I will be ready to go tomorrow morning!” Hazel was relieved. She needed some time away.

Perhaps she would avoid the annoying invitations from Joshua if she was gone for a few days. He was a smart person and should naturally understand what she meant.

Early the next morning, Hazel packed her luggage and waited at the school gate.

Ivan pulled up in front of her, he got out of the car and helped her with the luggage.

Hazel looked at him suspiciously, “Ivan, why are there only two of us?”

“The others will take the bus.” Ivan explained, “I did not want to take the bus, so I planned to drive. Let’s go.”

Hazel got in the car.

She took her phone out and transferred the 97000 dollars to Joshua. Then she found his number and added it to her blocked contacts.

She did not return the money yesterday because she was afraid that he would directly go to the school and find her. Now even if he wanted to find her, he did not know where to go.

Thinking for a while, she sent messages to her roommates saying she would be away for a few days and that they should not worry about her.

“What are you doing?” Ivan asked.

“Telling my roommates that I would be away for a few days.” Then she turned her phone off. “I was in a hurry yesterday and forgot to tell them.”

Ivan was surprised and asked her, “Why did you turn your phone off?”

“Well, they ask me a lot of questions, and I just want some quiet time.” Hazel smiled.

Ivan wrinkled his eyebrows.

Hazel had a good relationship with her roommates. Why did she not want to tell them that she was going with him? Ivan felt she had something on her mind that she was reluctant to tell him.

Joshua just walked into the office when he heard an alert coming from his phone.

Janet handed him a cup of water. She could not help asking, “Mr. President, you are still sick? Why did you not rest longer?”

Joshua took out his phone, and he got a big surprise at what he saw.

Why did Hazel send him money? The amount was…just the total price of the dress and the shoes that he had bought her!

“Get out!” Joshua instructed.

 

Chapter 36: He Did Not Believe Her

“Ah?” Janet looked at him surprisingly; she did not know what she did wrong.

Joshua glanced at her coldly. Janet was scared at the sight of his expression and left without saying another word.

He was annoyed and called Hazel, but as he expected, he could not get it through.

He assumed that she had blocked his number.

Joshua furrowed his eyebrows. He thought it through but was unable to figure out what had happened.

Hazel went to visit him yesterday though it was not on her own. However, she had stayed and eaten a meal with him.

Everything was fine at that time, so why would she do this to him the next day.

Joshua called Jaxson into his office.

“Jaxson,” Joshua said to him in a profound voice, “Was there something unusual when you escorted Hazel back to school yesterday?”

“Sorry, sir.” Jaxson apologized, “It was Janet who drove Hazel back yesterday.”

Jaxson told Joshua what had happened yesterday. He was a little nervous. Did something happen on the way back to the school?

Joshua was in a furious state. It seemed that it was because of Janet.

“Jaxson, go check to see where Hazel’s money came from. And more importantly, contact her roommates to see where she is now.” He commanded.

Jaxson left the office in a hurry. He contacted Hazel’s roommates to find out she was gone for a few days and wasn’t at school. They explained they could not reach her either.

Jaxson was so ashamed now. He realized that something must have happened to Hazel yesterday.

He should not have agreed to let Janet drive her back to school. He thought that being Joshua’s secretary for years, she would know clearly what Joshua expects and would not do anything to make him angry. He never expected her to be so bold.

Janet was wondering what all of the commotions were when they received a call from Joshua. He ordered her to come to his office immediately.

She was surprised and very nervous, but she was not the least bit afraid.

Janet went into the office, she saw both Joshua and Jaxson there looking extremely irritated.

She smiled a professional smile and said, “Sir, how can I be of assistance?”

Joshua told her calmly, “Go to the finance department and get your salary. You are fired.”

Janet was completely caught off guard. She could not believe what she had just heard.

What did the President say? She was fired? No, it could not be true.

“Sir. I don’t know why,” Janet would not be treated like that, “Why would you do this? Have I done something wrong?”

Joshua said coldly, “Why did you give Hazel money yesterday?”

It was indeed what she had expected. She assumed he would ask her about it, but she had never thought that he would fire her because of such a small indiscretion.

A flash of hatred appeared in Janet’s eyes. Then she spoke to Joshua innocently, “Sir, you cannot blame me for that. Miss Hazel told me she had a dress and a pair of shoes to sell and she hoped that I would pay the original price. I was not willing to at first, but she kept begging me. I got the impression that there was an urgent reason she needed the money, so I bought them to help her.”

“They were bought by Mr. President.” Jaxson could not help but say, “Miss Janet, you just met her yesterday, why would she chose to sell them to you.?”

“How could I know?” She refuted, “Maybe she just loves money and wanted to sell them as quickly as possible.”

“If she really wanted money, why wouldn’t she ask our President directly for it? Are you wealthier than he is?”

“Maybe she wanted Mr. President to misinterpret my intentions. See, she was successful.”

She felt mistreated and looked at Joshua, “Sir, I’ve been working for you for five years. How many people have you known that long? Will you actually believe a girl you have only known for a few days over a secretary you have known for five years?

Joshua’s expression became colder.

“Get out,” Joshua said to her emotionlessly. “Go to the finance department now. Jaxson will give you the money you paid for the clothes but remember to return the clothes.”

It was like a basin of cold water was pouring her from head to toe. She was in great agony. She had explained the situation to him, and as his secretary for the last five years, he did not believe her?

“Why, sir? You must explain to me.” She questioned him. “The reason you are firing me is that I bought Miss Hazel’s clothes? It does not make any sense. I am an experienced employee here. Don’t you think such a rash decision would sadden us?”

“Well, it seems that you realize that you are just an employee here.” He squinted at her. He was very impatient now, “You want a reason? You have been my secretary for five years, I did not fire you before because you knew your position. But, now…”

His words were like thunder, making her shake. Her face turned pale, and she staggered backward.

It turned out that Joshua knew all about her life, he knew about her thoughts and her endeavors. She was too naïve and had believed that he would not punish her.

However, she forgot she was just a secretary to Joshua. He was self-disciplined and did not think of her as any more than an employee.

She behaved herself before and did her job well. Now, she made this one mistake, and he ruthlessly dismissed her.

“I only need employees. That has always been the same and will remain that way for a long time to come.” Joshua looked at her coldly and showed no sign of emotion.

She was tormented even more now. She did not expect him to be so determined. She turned around and left the office.

“Sir…” Jaxson felt sympathy for her as he watched her leave.

“I don’t need a secretary that wants to be involved in my personal life,” Joshua said. “Go search for Hazel.”

Jaxson agreed and went to find her immediately. Though he sympathized with what happened to Janet, he also admired Joshua for being so decisive in dealing with this. Janet knew Joshua’s character and still dared to challenge him. Jaxson believed she reaped what she sewed.

Hazel fell asleep while Ivan was driving. After a long while, she heard him calling her name.

“Have we arrived?” She asked in a dazed voice.

“Yes. You can get out now.” Ivan opened the door for her.

 

Chapter 37: You Finally Woke Up

When Hazel got out, she saw that they were at a villa located halfway up a hill. A bus had stopped beside the villa. It was obvious that others had arrived earlier than they had.

Ivan helped Hazel with her luggage; they walked toward the villa and pressed the doorbell when they reached the gate.

The door opened, and they heard a voice before they saw anyone, “Ivan, is that you?”

A well-dressed girl appeared behind the door. Hazel could not help raising her eyebrows at the sight of the girl.

She froze when she saw Hazel. The girl who opened the door was no other than Karla Lee, who said Hazel was a wine whore.

Hazel was a little anxious when she saw the look Karla had when she looked toward Ivan.

She now understood why Karla always aimed at her. She thought before that it was because Karla was a friend of Kyla Lee. Now it seemed that Ivan was the reason.

“Karla, has everyone arrived?” Ivan asked her.

“Yes. Uncle and the rest are cleaning up the rooms now.” Karla replied happily.

“I have already cleaned yours. You can even see a lake outside when you open the windows. Do you want to have a look now?”

“Thanks, Karla. But please give the room to Hazel. I will select one for myself.”

Karla suddenly changed her attitude and turned to Hazel with a cold look.

Hazel was left speechless. She did not want that hatred for no reason.

“Do you have an empty room?” Hazel asked her. “I don’t care for a room from where I can see a lake.”

“Of course, the basement. Would you like that one?” Karla sneered.

“Karla!” Ivan interrupted her.

Karla made a cold groan and left angrily.

“Sorry, Hazel. She is the niece of my tutor. She told her uncle that she had to come. Her family spoils her a lot. Hope you can understand.” Ivan explained to her. Then he asked her as if he thought of something, “She was in the same college as you, do you know her?”

“Just met once,” Hazel replied casually.

“Okay,” Ivan said. He took Hazel to the second floor. After greeting others, he took her to select a room, “there are two empty rooms left, you can choose one.”

Hazel pointed at one of them casually, Ivan put her luggage inside the door for her. His room was at the opposite end.

“Need me to help clean up?” Asked Ivan.

“No, thanks.” Hazel refused him with a smile. “I can do it myself.”

After Ivan left, Hazel began to tidy the room. The room was small but clean, so it did not take her long to finish.

When she was done, she let out a sigh of relief.

She would not come if she knew Karla was going to be there too. It was torture to live with someone she did not like.

However, since she was here already, it would be impolite to leave. Therefore, she had to stay.

Not long after he left, Ivan knocked at the door and brought her to meet his tutor and classmates.

There were seven people in total, including her and Ivan. Ivan’s three classmates were two boys and a girl, and all seemed to be very nice.

After spending the day exploring, they gathered for a barbecue in the evening. Ivan’s two male classmates were dead drunk, and he helped them back to their room one by one.

When he walked out of his classmate’s room, he saw Karla was outside the room.

“Karla, why are you standing there?” Ivan asked her.

“I saw you have also had a lot of wine tonight. I have prepared you some tea which will make you feel better.” Karla said to him in a shy voice.

“Thank you, Karla.” Ivan took the cup.

“I noticed that Hazel was also exhausted today. Here is a cup of milk that can help her sleep. Can you give it to her for me?” Karla was a little uncomfortable, “and please do not tell her that it is from me.”

“Why?” He was surprised.

“There was some misunderstanding between us before.” Karla lowered her head. “But after talking to her, I think she is nice. You know what I am like. It is awkward for me to show kindness. You are her good friend, so I want you to help me…”

“Okay. I see.” Ivan nodded and took the milk.

Looking at his back, Karla smiled a meaningful smile.

Ivan went to his room and put the tea on the desk. Then he went to knock on the door of Hazel’s room.

Hazel was surprised to see him. “What’s up, Ivan?”

She let him in. Ivan put the warm milk on her desk. “Hazel, you seemed tired today.”

“Ah?” Hazel was indeed in a low mood today. Though she was polite to the others, she still had the thoughts of Joshua drifting in and out of her head.

“Hazel, you are free to tell me your troubles if you’d like,” Ivan said to her.

Hazel was hesitant.

Though she was closer to Ivan than to other male friends, she regarded him as a tutor to her with whom she had a good relationship. However, when it came to love emotions, she would rather tell her female friends.

“Maybe it’s because I’m not accustomed to this place.” She smiled.

Ivan nodded his head and said, “Then drink the milk and have a good sleep. Good night.”

“Good night.” She closed the windows and the door. Then she took her phone but still did not power it on.

She thought about turning it on but decided not to and fell asleep soon after drinking her milk.

She had slept a long time, and the room was full of sunshine when she woke up.

She got up and saw the time from the clock from the wall. It was already 10:30 a. m.

How could this have happened?

Hazel rubbed her temples. She was a little dizzy.

She did not go to bed late last night, and she was always up early. Why did she sleep so late today?

What’s more, they had made an appointment to go out together at 8:00 a. m. Were they still waiting for her?

Hazel quickly washed her face and walked out of her room. But there was no one, not even Ivan.

Had they all gone?

Hazel went downstairs, still in a daze, and saw Karla.

“You finally woke up,” Karla said to her with a cold, gloomy voice. “Ivan tried to wake you but was unable to. They went to the village on the mountain to sing folk songs before it got too late.”

 

Chapter 38: Are You Alright Now?

“Ivan is on the phone, he wants to talk to you,” Karla said, handing Hazel the phone.

Hazel took the phone apprehensively.

“Hazel, I am glad that you woke up,” Ivan said.

“Sorry, Ivan. I have no idea why I overslept.” Hazel apologized.

She could not understand why she had slept so late, she wasn’t that tired when she went to bed.

“That’s okay.” Ivan smiled and said softly, “Are you all right now? You aren’t feeling sick, are you?”

“I’m fine. Thanks,” she answered.

“That’s good. We are not planning to go back until later this afternoon.” He continued, “You can come here with Karla. She knows her way.”

“What?” Hazel was surprised.

With Karla? She wanted to refuse immediately.

“My classmate was forgetful. She left her camera in the villa.” Ivan continued, “Would it be a problem for you to bring it to us?”

“Not a problem.” Hazel agreed.

“Hazel, sorry for troubling you to come here with Karla. I am worried about her coming here alone.”

“That’s fine. Ivan.” Hazel said. “Anyway, I have nothing to do here.”

If there were someone that needed her help, then she would gladly help.

After she hung up, Hazel went to her room and got her phone.

When she came out, she saw Karla had already found the camera, and they left together.

Karla led the way and did not speak a word to Hazel, so she just followed in silence. However, the road they were on was becoming more and more remote.

“Karla, are you sure we are going the right way?” Hazel could not help asking.

“Of course.” Karla refuted immediately. “We are hoping to reach the village at the top before noon. Therefore, I choose to take the shortcut. If it weren’t for you getting up so late, I would not be going this way.”

Hazel was left speechless and followed her. She did not know how long she had walked. She noticed that Karla slowed down and kept looking around.

Suddenly, Karla stumbled and almost fell, but Hazel had quick reflexes and reached out to her to catch her. Unfortunately, the camera flew out of her hand.

“Oh.” Karla balanced herself and looked at the camera anxiously, hanging on the bushes located on the edge of the hillside.

“What should we do?” Karla was about to cry. “Hazel, could you help me get the camera back? That camera is worth 30000 dollars. I can’t afford to replace it.”

Hazel furrowed her eyebrows, then moved forward to try and reach it.

The slope was very steep, which would not be easy for Hazel to climb up if she slid down.

The place where the camera landed was treacherous. Fortunately, the camera was protected inside a camera bag.

Karla watched Hazel standing on the edge of the hill, she stepped forward and slowly approached Hazel.

“You can search around to see if there are any strong wooden sticks,” Hazel said to Karla. “We can try to reach the camera with a stick and get it back…”

Hazel unexpectedly felt a touch on her back and moved out of the way, startled.

“Ah!” Karla screamed and slid down the hillside.

Karla grabbed onto the bushes around her, and she hung on.

“Hazel, rescue me.” She was in a panic and yelled.

Hazel went to the edge and watched Karla, who was likely to slip down at any time.

Hazel’s expression became cold, “You wanted to push me down? And you also threw away the camera deliberately, correct?”

Karla bit her lip and did not reply.

She did purposely throw the camera. She planned to throw down the side of the hill and let Hazel get it, but it got caught in the bushes.

When that happens, Karla had to change her plan, so she would push down Hazel when she was distracted. She did not expect that Hazel would have such a rapid reaction, and she would be the one who slid down the hill.

“No, no!” Karla explained. “I just wanted to pick up the camera…”

Hazel squatted and looked at her from above.

“Tell me the truth, and I will pull you up. Or else, I will leave you there.” Hazel stood up and was ready to leave.

“Wait, Hazel, you can’t leave me alone here,” Karla shouted angrily. “Come back and pull me up!”

Hazel looked at her coldly and turned in the direction of the villa.

Karla panicked when it looked like Hazel was leaving. “Hazel. Come back! Yes, I planned to push you down. Why are you so close to Ivan? I like him!”

Hazel came back with a long wooden stick in hand.

“What… what do you want to do? “Karla looked at the stick fearfully. “Do you plan to save me with that stick? Then hand it to me.”

Hazel looked at her with no sign of emotion. She used the stick to reach the strap of the camera bag and got it back.

She took the camera and looked down at Karla. “I ask, you answer.”

“You…” Karla looked at her angrily. With the fact that she was slipping down again, she rushed and said, “Okay. You can ask.”

“What did you give me last night to make me sleep so late this morning?” Hazel asked coldly.

Hazel had a hard time believing that the others could not wake her up unless she had been drugged.

“I added sleeping pills to the milk you drank last night…” Karla said through her teeth.

Hazel was scared. She had been careless. If the things she added were not sleeping pills but some other drug, she could be dead. She was thankful that Karla did not hate her that much.

“Why?” Hazel continued to ask her.

“So that you would be left behind and forced to walk up the mountain with me.”

“After that, you would find a chance to push me down the hillside? Then, what were you going to do?”

“I… I had no plans what to do then. If you got lost, Ivan would look for you. I did not mean to hurt you. I just wanted to leave you here for the afternoon and make you suffer a bit. Then I would tell Ivan that you were careless and got lost,” Karla said spitefully.

Hazel was left speechless but did believe Karla was telling the truth.

Karla was acting like a child and was not thinking of the consequences that her actions may cause. This would be the last time she was naïve enough to think she could call Hazel a wine whore or push her down a hill.

 

Chapter 39: I Will Find You

Hazel took a deep breath and asked, “How do we get to the village on the mountain?”

Karla became a bit more vigilant. She didn’t answer directly. Instead, she said, “I’ll tell you after you pull me up.”

Hazel was speechless. It turned out Karla was worrying she would be left behind after she answered the question. Hazel stretched the stick down in front of her, and Karla hurriedly grabbed it. Hazel pulled her up.

Karla’s body become soft when she got up. She fell directly on the ground and cried.

“Don’t cry. Just tell me how to get to the village?” Hazel asked impatiently.

“Take, take the main road, and you will get there.” Karla was still crying.

“Stop crying already.” Hazel had to say, “Get up. Let’s go back and take the main road.”

Hazel did not cry a lot growing up. She had no idea how to comfort someone who was crying.

“I don’t want to go!” Karla cried even louder, “My foot sprained. It hurts! And my arms and body are scratched all over! I want to call Ivan to pick me up!”

Hazel frowned. She didn’t want to stay here with this spoiled girl.

“Well… you wait here.” Hazel threw the stick around her and said, “I will take the camera to them first. When you are okay, walk holding that stick in your arm.”

After saying that, Hazel is about to leave.

“Are you really going to leave me alone here?” Karla was anxious, “How can you treat a lady this way?”

“What the…” Hazel clenched her teeth, “Hey, you can stop that princess language already! I’m a lady myself! Do you think the world revolves around you? Come on, save it!”

Karla was stunned by what Hazel had said. Hazel turned and left.

Hazel was really annoyed by one thing. Did Karla regard her as not being a woman from the beginning?

Annoyed for a long time, Hazel suddenly stopped and looked around.

“What is this place?” “Hell no. I got lost?” Hazel wanted to cry.

Maybe she should have stayed with Karla and waited for others to find them.

Hazel took out the phone and pressed the power button.

Now she could only do what Karla said, call Ivan Lance and let him pick her up.

Hazel dialed Ivan’s number but couldn’t get through.

Hazel was in a panic. She dialed the number again but still couldn’t get through.

Suddenly, a thought jumped out of her mind. Could it be that her number had been added to the block of Ivan’s mobile phone?

Karla was indeed the one who would do this kind of thing.

Hazel was extremely desperate. She was lost, and she couldn’t get through to Ivan’s phone, and she had no phone numbers for the rest of the group. What should she do?

The clear weather also suddenly turned gloomy. After a while, a loud thunder roared in the sky, followed by a huge rain.

Hazel hurriedly hid under a big tree. She was getting more distraught.

She saw the weather over the mountains, and it was looking precarious like people said it could happen. She was in a terrible situation.

“What should I do now?”

Hazel was getting more desperate by the minute. She would consider whoever came to her aid to be her hero!

Suddenly, Hazel’s cell phone rang. The call was from a strange number, so Hazel hesitated for a moment and then answered it.

“Hazel, where are you?” Joshua whispered on the other end of the phone.

Hearing his voice, Hazel didn’t know what exactly was on her mind. This call… was actually from him?

She had just turned on her phone, and Joshua called. Had he been calling her all the time?

Hazel was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and said, “I, I don’t know where I am now…”

“Hey, don’t be afraid. Just stay there. I will come to find you right away.” Joshua said.

“What?” Hazel was a bit astounded.

What did Joshua say just now?

She was on a mountain in another state. How could Joshua get to her “right away”?

“What is around you?” Joshua asked.

“There is grass and a lot of trees…” Hazel reached out her hands and covered her head from the falling raindrops.

She said, “Are you going to call the police to help me? I really don’t know where I am now.”

“Hazel, don’t worry. I will find you.” He said earnestly.

His masculine voice passed through the handset and ran into her ears. Hazel’s heartbeat ramped up.

At this moment, she absolutely believed in what Joshua told her and suddenly felt at ease.

He told her not to be afraid or worry, that he would find her. An odd feeling crept up in Hazel, and she got distracted.

“Hazel.” Joshua suddenly spoke.

“Hmm?”

He was silent for a moment and then said, “Nothing. We can talk while we meet each other.”

“Okay,” Hazel answered.

How would they meet? Did he mean after she went back to the university?

After hanging up, Hazel suddenly felt a little awkward.

What should she say when she saw Joshua?

Suddenly, Hazel looked at the front in surprise.

A guy was moving quickly towards her holding an umbrella under the rain.

“Hey!” Hazel was happy. She couldn’t help but wave at the man.

It seemed that the man was watching her for a period of time before approaching her.

He walked faster the closer he got to her. As the man got nearer, Hazel’s surprise turned to shock!

Seeing this familiar guy appear in front of her and cover her head with an umbrella, Hazel looked at him disbelievingly. She still could not believe it!

The one who came looking for her was… Joshua? It turned out that he was honest.

But how did he get here?

Joshua reached out his hand naturally and grabbed her shoulder, “It is very dangerous to walk on the mountain in the rain. Follow me.”

Hazel instinctively wanted to dodge his touch, but she gave up after hearing what he said.

Soon, Joshua took her back to the main road. His car stopped at the side of the road.

“Get in.” Joshua opened the car door.

Hazel hesitated for a moment and didn’t get in the car.

“How did you get here?” Hazel raised her delicate face and asked.

“I checked the surveillance at your university gate and saw that you got in the car. Then I found out that the car came here and I followed it.” He explained.

 

Chapter 40: Don’t Judge So Quickly

Hazel was a bit surprised.

She knew he was the noble Master Joshua so finding out these things would be simple for him.

But why did he personally come to find her?

“Let’s go back first,” Joshua whispered, “Or, do you like to talk about things in the rain?”

Hazel hesitated for a second but finally got into the car.

Joshua shut the umbrella and sat in the driver’s seat. He took out a clean towel and wanted to wipe Hazel’s face.

“Let me do it myself.” She hurriedly grabbed the towel.

“Don’t catch a cold.” Joshua twitched his lips.

Hazel answered with a low voice and gently wiped her face and hair.

Then she looked at Joshua and couldn’t help but ask, “Did you forget to take your pills?”

His voice was a bit hoarse. He was still sick.

Joshua looked calmly out of the front windshield as if he hadn’t heard it.

“Hey, you!” Hazel said angrily, “You don’t care about your own body. Do you plan to let others care for you?”

“Yup.” Joshua nodded.

“To hell with yup!” She stared at him, speechless.

“I’ll let you manage it in the future,” Joshua said with a smile.

Hazel felt her head had just grown bigger.

She looked at Joshua awkwardly and could not speak.

When did she say “she would manage it”?

Was he blaming her for being nosy? She had been a little nosy.

Hazel rubbed her hair slightly, “Take me back to the villa, please.”

“Sure,” Joshua answered.

***

Ivan got a call from Karla, and several people went to find her.

When he only saw Karla there, Ivan worried, “Karla, where’s Hazel?”

Karla bit her lip in annoyance.

She was in pain and soaked from the rain, but Ivan asked about Hazel first.

There was some jealousy in Karla’s eyes.

She said with annoyance, “How do I know? She ran around in this dangerous place! I just criticized her for a second, then she pushed me down the hillside, and I sprained my foot! When I climbed up, she left me behind and was gone! How would I know where she is?”

Ivan was stunned by Karla. He said slyly, “Karla, I have no other reason to ask other than Hazel is not familiar with this place…”

“No other reason? You clearly blame me for not keeping an eye on her!” Karla sneered, “She is unfamiliar with this place. Did you suggest that I coaxed her here, and then I jumped down the hill myself?”

“Well, Karla, don’t be angry. Ivan was worrying.” Claire Livingston said. Then she frowned and asked, “Where is my camera?”

Karla’s face changed slightly. The next moment, she said, “Dear Claire, Hazel got your camera!”

“Do you mean she took my camera?” Claire was in a panic, “My camera is worth tens of thousands! Did she leave you here so she could run away with my camera?”

“Hey, Claire! Hazel is not that kind of person!” Ivan’s face changed.

“Then tell me where she is now?” Claire was angry, “Ivan, you know her well, not us. The truth is right in front of you. Are you still arguing for her?”

Ivan spoke with a poker face, “I will call Hazel first and ask where she is. Don’t judge so quickly!”

He took out his mobile phone and dialed Hazel’s number.

Hazel quickly answered. “Hazel, where are you?” Ivan asked.

Hazel had just got in the car. She looked around and wasn’t sure where it was. She said, “Ivan, I am going back to the villa.”

“Okay.” Ivan sighed, “It’s raining. We are going back too. Let’s meet in the villa.”

“Oh.” Hazel hung up and didn’t think much.

Back at the villa, Joshua followed Hazel to her room.

Hazel took out clean clothes. She opened the door of the bathroom and planned to take a shower first.

Joshua looked around and couldn’t help but frown, “Living with a group of strangers, you are really easy-going.”

“They are all my university mates. What’s the problem with that?” Hazel stopped and was not happy.

“Then how did you end up in the woods alone?” Joshua raised his eyebrows, “Just for fun?”

Hazel was dumb. She said angrily, “You get out of here. I need to change clothes!”

“Are you not going to take a shower?” He asked.

“With someone like you in here, I can’t take a shower!” Hazel gritted her teeth.

“I won’t peek.” Joshua twitched his lips slightly, “Anyway, I have seen all. I did not miss any key parts.”

“You…!” Hazel’s cheeks went red instantly.

Previously, when she was drugged and lost consciousness, Joshua did see her body.

Hazel was annoyed and slammed the bathroom door shut. Joshua sighed helplessly.

This girl was too lighthearted. He only said a sentence, and she walked out of the room with that much confidence. He was a normal man who just wanted to tease her.

Hazel took a quick shower and changed into her clean clothes. When she walked out of the bathroom, she saw Joshua had packed her things.

“Who gave you permission to move my things?” She asked.

“You have been gone for long enough. You should go back to the university now.” Joshua said, “When you left all of a sudden, your roommates almost called the police.”

“I’m not going back with you!” Hazel bit her lips in annoyance.

“Very well then, your parents will come to the university to find you,” Joshua said calmly.

“What about my parents?” Hazel was anxious, “Joshua, what are you planning to do? I warn you, if you dare to lay your hands on my parents, I will kill you!”

“Do you think… I will use them to threaten you?” Joshua was smiling with weakness.

The next moment, he took a big step forward and pinned her against the wall.

“What, what do you want?” Hazel looked at him nervously. What’s wrong with this guy? Did he like to play Kabe-Don anytime?

“Hazel, in your heart, what kind of person am I, eh?” He lowered his head, a burning gaze going off his deep dark pupils, leaving her nowhere to run.

“You…” Hazel didn’t know what to answer.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise downstairs.

Suddenly clear-headed, Hazel quickly pushed Joshua away and said, “My roommates are back!”

“So, what?” Joshua raised his eyebrows and stopped in front of Hazel again.