Chapter 423 Retract a Message
When Ernest spotted Emma, his smile was as bright and charming as ever. He looked like a radiant young man, naturally drawing the admiring glances of all kinds of girls.
"I was just wondering where you were sitting. I didn't see you during the break when I went to grab some dessert. I thought you weren't coming, but then I figured you wouldn't miss such an important event, so I..." Emma was so excited she couldn't stop talking, her words tumbling out in a bit of a jumble.
Ernest kept his smile steady, patiently listening to Emma until she finished. Then he said, "What a coincidence running into you."
Emma nodded happily. "Yeah, it's such fate! So, are you heading back now? Need a ride? Where's your agent? Are they waiting for you outside? It's pretty late, and this place is kinda remote. You might have trouble getting a ride."
Every word Emma said was out of concern for him.
Ernest's eyebrows furrowed slightly, looking a bit troubled. "That wouldn't be right. It would disturb your rest."
Emma shook her head decisively. "No, it won't bother me at all! I came with my family, so we can all go back together."
Ernest smiled slightly. "Ms. Weaver, right? I saw her."
"Yes." Emma nimbly jumped to his side and pointed in a direction. "So, shall we head over now?"
"Okay."
Emma walked happily, completely unaware of Lionel standing in a corner nearby.
Lionel's eyes were downcast, his expression gloomy and somewhat resentful. After a while, he clenched his fists and followed them. When he caught up to Emma, he saw Ernest already greeting Luann.
Lionel said, "Emma."
Emma turned around, surprised. "Oh, Lionel? You're here too."
"Yeah." Lionel nodded politely to Luann. "I was just about to leave."
Emma looked behind him. There was nobody else. "Oh, Lionel, no one came to pick you up?"
Lionel shook his phone. "I called for a ride, but it seems to be stuck in traffic. Not sure when it'll get here."
Emma instinctively said, "Why don't you ride with us? We..."
Halfway through her sentence, she paused and counted the people. "One, two, three, four, five."
The car could only seat four people, and there was no room for more.
"Alvin." Emma laughed awkwardly, looking at Alvin.
Alvin immediately got the hint and decisively refused, "You want me to leave? No way! I've been busy all day and didn't even get to chat with any girls. And now you come back with two guys and expect me to give up my seat for your happy little trio? Dream on!"
Emma awkwardly scratched her nose, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Well... I... I..."
Lionel smiled gently, helping her out. "My ride should be here soon. You guys go ahead."
It wouldn't have been a big deal, but Emma had already offered, and she felt bad leaving Lionel standing there alone.
On one hand, Lionel was her respected senior who had always looked out for her at the academy. On the other hand, Ernest was her beloved idol. It was a tough choice!
Ernest chimed in, "Emma, since your friend is here, let him take this car. I'll wait here for a bit."
She quickly waved her hand. "No way! I promised to give you a ride! You take the car. I'll ride with Lionel. You guys go ahead!"
Despite her reluctance, Emma made the decision.
Alvin pouted, "Your idea of giving him a ride is letting Luann drive? Emma, you're something else."
Emma felt a bit guilty and scratched her nose, then pulled Lionel aside.
After they left, Lionel spoke softly, "You could have gone with them."
He thought, 'Does her staying to keep me company mean she likes me?'
Emma didn't mind, "Oh, it's no big deal. Four people in one car would be a bit crowded anyway. This is fine."
"Yeah."
The two stood at the entrance, waiting quietly. The light stretched their shadows long.
Suddenly, Emma's voice rang out playfully. She jumped nimbly, stepping on the ground. Her face was full of pride. "Look, I'm stepping on your head!"
Lionel looked down and saw Emma's shoe right on his shadow. He deliberately moved away. Emma chased. He moved again. She chased again.
Lionel turned, and his long shadow suddenly became short.
Emma didn't notice anything wrong and shouted, "Still running? I'll step on you!"
As soon as she finished, she bumped straight into Lionel's arms.
"Hey, careful." Lionel extended his big hand, wrapping it around her waist and pulling her into his embrace.
"Thanks." Emma didn't think much of it, stepped back to put some distance between them, and didn't blush or feel shy about it.
Lionel felt a twinge of disappointment.
Soon, the ride arrived. They got in and didn't talk much.
Emma didn't understand why Lionel, who had been joking with her, suddenly went quiet. She felt the atmosphere was a bit tense and didn't speak rashly.
They soon arrived home, and Emma said goodbye to Lionel before going inside.
Lionel watched her back for a long time, staring even after she disappeared. The driver couldn't help but ask, "When are we heading to the next location?"
Lionel snapped out of it. "Let's go."
Alvin hadn't returned yet, and Emma had no one to talk to, so she took a quick shower and got ready to watch Ernest's latest show.
She received a message on Facebook, and just as she was about to read it, she noticed that the sender had retracted a message.
