Chapter 2214

Cecilia followed the stranger’s pointing finger and spotted Calvin’s broad back as he lined up another shot at the coin-pusher machine. Panic fluttered in her chest. She shook her head quickly. “No, no—we’re just friends.”

“Friends?” The girl’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?”

Cecilia nodded again. “Yes. That’s all.”

The stranger flashed a dazzling smile—so perfect it looked practiced. “Thanks!” she chirped, then spun away before Cecilia could even process the exchange.

Cecilia blinked after her, completely confused. What exactly is she thanking me for?

Without hesitation, the girl marched straight toward Calvin, determination written all over her posture.

That single move set off a chain reaction. Other girls who had overheard the conversation turned, eyes bright with possibility, and began drifting toward Calvin as if pulled by gravity.

Only then did it click for Cecilia.

Watching the growing circle of admirers, she finally understood. Oh… they’re all interested in him.

Though already in his thirties, Calvin carried a presence that rivaled any TV heartthrob. If anything, the faint ruggedness at the edges of his smile gave him a depth most boy-band idols could only fake.

Cecilia noticed a few girls asking for his contact information. She found herself smiling, genuinely happy for him. Maybe tonight he’d meet someone worth his time.

Shaking off the thought, she turned back to her console and focused on the steady rhythm of flashing lights and electronic beeps, deliberately refusing to look over again.

Meanwhile, Calvin was growing irritated.

A cluster of young women—each at least ten years younger—hovered around him with starry eyes and nervous giggles. He wasn’t interested in any of them. Politely but firmly, he declined.

A few took the hint. Several didn’t.

They lingered at the neighboring machines, pretending to play while sneaking hopeful glances in his direction.

Finally, Calvin gave up and retreated to Cecilia’s side.

“What did you tell them?” he asked. “They’re camped around me like I’m signing autographs.”

“They asked what we were to each other,” Cecilia replied, still tapping buttons without missing a beat. “I said we’re friends.”

Calvin let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Are you trying to sabotage me?”

“Sabotage you?” Cecilia frowned in genuine confusion. “Why would I do that?”

He studied her expression and found himself momentarily at a loss—unsure whether to laugh or lecture.

“Dating is the last thing on my mind,” he muttered. “They’re clearly just interested in my face.”

Cecilia couldn’t help it. A bright laugh slipped out. “At least you’re self-aware.”

Neon lights flashed across Calvin’s sharp profile as he leaned toward the coin-pusher machine, wrist flicking with near-surgical precision. Tokens cascaded forward in glittering waves, clinking like applause.

“Can’t help it,” he said lightly, eyes fixed on the machine. “Being this good-looking comes with its own problems.”

The moment he settled back in, a half-circle of girls drifted closer, giggling as they claimed the surrounding machines.

The hoppers had been nearly empty earlier. Now, under so many frantic hands, tokens crashed forward in sparkling avalanches, coins spilling like silver rain.

Just minutes ago, the arcade owner had been sweating over Calvin’s winning streak and Cecilia’s mountain of claw-machine prizes. Watching the sudden surge of spending, he finally relaxed. Maybe tonight wouldn’t bankrupt him after all.

“This is impossible,” one girl groaned as her last coin slid uselessly inside. She shot Calvin a hopeful look, silently asking for help.

He didn’t even glance her way. His tokens continued sliding forward with calm, ruthless efficiency.

Her shoulders sagged. Determined, she kept jamming the button. Seconds later, her tray was empty.

Without Calvin’s technique, her tokens disappeared faster than breath on glass.

With a sigh, she marched to the cashier and bought another stack. Hope, apparently, wasn’t free.

Cecilia nudged Calvin’s elbow. “She’s spent a small fortune. Maybe give her a tip?”

He shot her a sideways look.

“You like charity, you do it,” he replied—loud enough for the girl to hear. “If I help her, she’ll latch onto me. No thanks.”

Color flooded the girl’s face. Mortified, she stood and hurried toward the exit.

Cecilia watched her leave, unsure what to say.

“That was way too loud,” she whispered.

Calvin shrugged. “Ceci, you’re the one who said this—if you’re not interested, don’t give someone false hope.”