Chapter 69 Unexpected Kindness

On the way back, Antonio sorted out his thoughts. What exactly was he doing now? He wasn't even sure himself. Even if Evelyn didn't speak up, he would still offer himself eagerly.

After much contemplation, he finally dialed that phone number. Upon hearing the familiar voice on the other end, he couldn't help but doubt why he was doing this. There were indescribable emotions suppressed in the tone of the other person. "Why are you calling me?"

Antonio remained silent for a moment and then said, "I need your help." It was extremely difficult for him to say these words, a plea that he had held back for so many years. He wasn't sure if what he was doing was right or wrong. He was even more uncertain if the person on the other end of the phone would agree.

Unexpectedly, the other person readily agreed. "Sure, go ahead." The casual tone made Antonio even more uneasy, and his heart felt heavy with some indescribable emotions that couldn't be dispelled.

Antonio struggled to make his request and thought it would be immensely difficult, but once he said it, it didn't feel so bad. It felt as if a weight inside him had quietly been lifted.

The voice on the other end carried the same tone and attitude. "That's not a problem." After a brief silence, the person added, "So, it's still for her, huh?" The words were filled with helplessness and weariness accumulated over time. In an instant, Antonio felt a tinge of sadness.

With a composed voice, Antonio said, "There's nothing else. I'm going to hang up." He hadn't pressed the end-call button yet when he heard a voice from the other end. "Wait!" The voice sounded urgent and anxious, as if afraid that Antonio would really hang up the phone.

Antonio heard an aged voice coming through faintly. "I... I've gotten old. My memory isn't what it used to be. I don't... I don't remember the arguments we had before." There was no response from Antonio on the other end, so the person continued, "Your mom... She hasn't been doing well lately. Can you...?"

Antonio waited for the rest of the sentence but instead heard a sigh from the other end, a sound that pierced directly into Antonio's heart.

There was nothing more to say. The two remained silent for a while until the other person couldn't resist Antonio's persistence and spoke up weakly, "It's getting late. Let's rest. Take care of yourself."

Antonio, unsure why, agreed. "Alright. Take care of yourselves too. Let's have a meal together when you have time." Without waiting for a response, he quickly ended the call.

How long had it been since he last called home? It had probably been too long, and he was starting to lose track. Antonio pondered these messy thoughts all the way, but suddenly, a red light appeared. He didn't notice it, and the car behind him collided with his.

He got out of the car and saw that the owner of the other car hadn't come out yet. He walked up and knocked on the door, but there was no response. He continued knocking until he realized it was a part-time worker from the café. He opened the door and said, "Get out!"

Hailey trembled as she stepped out of the car. What was going on? It turned out to be her boss! "Um, I'm sorry, I didn't notice." Hailey was frustrated. She wanted to swallow the car she was driving! She blamed herself for not having a driver's license and impulsively taking her roommate's car for a joyride.

Now things were even worse, as she had collided with Antonio's car. The traffic light turned green, and the cars behind them started driving past, leaving the two standing in the middle of the road. Antonio had a cold expression as he looked at Hailey. "Let's report this to the police." He took out his phone as he spoke.

Hailey panicked and snatched the phone away. "No!"

Seeing this, Antonio smiled and leaned against the car. "What's the matter? Don't tell me you don't have a driver's license, little girl." Hailey was the youngest server in the café, so everyone called her "little girl". Antonio said it unintentionally.

Being called "little girl" made Hailey blush. It was the first time she saw the manager dressed so casually. He was indeed handsome. But Hailey didn't have time to daydream; she just tightly held Antonio's phone and said, "Let's settle this privately."

Seeing that Antonio was unmoved, Hailey continued, "Look, we're causing a lot of traffic on this road. Plus, we know each other. There's no need to make it complicated, right? Why bother calling the police? Don't you think it's too much trouble?" Hailey tried to sound as natural as possible to convince Antonio to agree to her request.

Antonio looked at the person in front of him and suddenly found it amusing. "Then how do you suggest we settle this?"

Hailey saw an opportunity and said, "I'll pay for the repair costs. And... I'll give you an extra $500." She nervously held up five fingers. She felt like her heart was bleeding—no, it was hemorrhaging!

Antonio just smiled and remained silent. Hailey became even more nervous, hopping around anxiously. How could he be like this? The manager was never this stingy on normal days.

"Well... how about $800 then?"

"What?! $800?" The thought of the repair fee made her heart ache.

"Just eight hundred dollars," Antonio said slowly. Seeing her like this, he had the urge to tease her even more. He didn't know why he had such a twisted sense of humor.

Hailey was on the verge of tears. "So, you want..."

Suddenly, a car sped by. It was trying to cross the road before the light turned green. Antonio quickly pulled Hailey toward him. His voice became deep and forceful. "Be careful!" Hailey didn't have time to react and instinctively wrapped her arms around Antonio's waist.

They were so close, incredibly close. Hailey could smell Antonio's scent, and holding onto his shirt felt especially comforting. Her heart felt like it was about to explode. It was as if something had burst inside her. The hustle and bustle of the passing cars seemed to disappear, leaving only her and Antonio, locked in an embrace.

When the car had passed, Antonio suddenly realized that he was still holding onto this young girl. He quickly let go, but she still held on tightly. He thought she was still frightened, so he raised his hand and lightly patted her head. "It's okay."

Due to the stark height difference between them, the sound seemed to come from above Hailey's head. She felt him exerting a gentle force to push her away, so she reluctantly released her grip, not daring to look up.

Antonio glanced at her car. It seemed to have been badly damaged. He lowered his head and said to the dazed little girl, "Go back and check if your car can still be driven." She slowly opened the car door, inserted the key, and tried to start it, but with no success. Hailey finally realized that this was a real tragedy. It couldn't be solved just with her living expenses.

Antonio covered his forehead with his hand. He beckoned to Hailey, and she obediently got out of the car. Without a word, Antonio took his phone from her hand and started making a call. Hailey felt embarrassed, realizing that she had been holding onto his phone all this time.

"The tow truck will be here soon. Wait for me in my car," Antonio said firmly, giving her no room to refuse. Hailey had no choice but to get into Antonio's car. Before long, the tow truck arrived. Hailey noted down the license plate number and decided to check it later. Soon, Antonio got in the car and asked her, "Where are you going?"

Hailey felt quite embarrassed. "Um... could you drop me off at the intersection up ahead? I can find my own way back."

Antonio looked at her and asked again, "Where are you going? Don't make me ask a third time."

Feeling his dominance, Hailey shrank meekly into the passenger seat. "SY University." It was truly embarrassing. What a coincidence to run into her boss like this! Hailey was still upset. She couldn't help stealing glances at Antonio. The hug just now and his reassurance had melted her heart.

Antonio then asked, "Are you studying at SY University?"

Seeing his interest, Hailey became enthusiastic and replied, "Yes, I'm a sophomore. I study computer science."

Antonio nodded in response. Hailey continued talking and sharing information about SY University, and Antonio listened quietly. The journey was somewhat lively, but Hailey was the one who brought the liveliness.

Upon reaching the entrance of SY University, Hailey turned to Antonio and said, "Thank you! Could you please deduct the repair fee from my salary?" Antonio looked at her speechless. How could her meager salary cover the cost of repairing his car? Nonetheless, he nodded and considered it a charitable act.

As soon as Hailey got out of the car, she spotted Professor Adams not far away. "Professor Adams!" she said respectfully. After a while, she saw Antonio getting out of the car. Hailey stood still, thinking that he had something to say. Excitedly, she raised her head to look at Antonio, but to her surprise, he walked straight toward the professor.

The professor just looked at him. After a moment, Antonio said, "Good evening." Professor Adams hesitated for a moment, then smiled and nodded. Antonio turned around and got back in the car. Hailey stood still on the side, wondering if he was also a student of Professor Adams. She hurriedly caught up with the professor.

"Professor Adams, are you my boss's teacher?" Hailey smiled and looked at the professor with narrowed eyes. Professor Adams was well-known for being easygoing, so Hailey went straight to the point to gather information.

"I suppose so! How did you two meet?"

"I work part-time in my boss's coffee shop. I accidentally bumped into Mr. Adams's car on the way here, but he was incredibly kind. He even drove me back. I didn't expect him to be a graduate of SY University. I ended up introducing the university to him along the way." Hailey followed the professor, unable to suppress her talkativeness.

Mavis smiled kindly and looked at Hailey. "Is that so? I didn't expect him to be so helpful."

Antonio could only sigh at his misfortune today.