Chapter 67 I've Liked You Since Middle School
Eric only had one precious daughter, Kelly, so he doted on her. However, when facing guests, he still had to mildly scold her. But if they were at home, he couldn't bear to scold her.
He rarely took Kelly out unless she was interested in a gathering, but he had never introduced her to Oscar before.
Because Oscar was an arrogant person, he worried that his daughter wouldn't be able to handle such a man.
Before, he had the idea of introducing Kelly to Adrian.
Adrian had a good personality, so if his daughter married him, she wouldn't suffer.
But things had changed now. It was clear to everyone that Adrian liked Pearl.
Kelly was more interested in Oscar, so Eric could only go along with her and see if she could succeed.
Apart from them, Eric's other friends also arrived.
They were all uncles and elder relatives who had seen Kelly grow up and were quite fond of her.
When they came, they would ask about her situation.
Kelly would always greet them graciously.
After all the personnel had arrived, Kelly turned to Oscar and asked, "President Oscar, is there anything you don't eat? Or do you have any particular favorite food?"
Oscar was suddenly asked and replied in a cold tone, "Ms. Edwards, order whatever you like."
The uncles couldn't help but joke, "Kelly, with so many uncles here, you asked President Oscar first instead of us. It seems like you've really grown up and started liking others!"
Kelly became shy and said, "Don't joke around, I know a lot about all of you uncles. I know what you all like to eat."
They all laughed along with her.
Everyone understood what this meant.
They wanted to make her familiar with Oscar, and now it depended on the two people involved.
Kelly came for Oscar. Her purpose was clear.
Pearl had been by Oscar's side for many years and had seen many women who came for him.
But Kelly was the first woman with such an upfront personality.
She looked at Oscar, who picked up his cup and drank water without saying anything.
She couldn't tell his emotions.
They chatted at the dinner table, mostly about donations and future plans. Pearl also learned that Oscar had cooperation with Eric.
These things didn't require Pearl's involvement, so she silently listened on the side.
Adrian chatted with others but didn't forget to chat with her. This made her uncomfortable.
She looked at Adrian and asked when he had a moment, "Adrian, what you said earlier..."
"I meant it." Adrian knew what she was going to ask and didn't hide it anymore.
He didn't want to scare her before.
This time, he wanted to win her affections.
Pearl added, "But at the class reunion, you clearly said you liked someone, so you couldn't possibly like me!"
Adrian softly said, "I didn't want to make things difficult for you, that's why I said that." He looked at Pearl and said, "But I really have feelings for you."
Pearl didn't know what to say for a moment.
She still thought it was a joke.
Seeing her bow her head, Adrian asked softly, "You must think that since I just returned and only recently met you, I shouldn't have such strong feelings for you. And you think that with my current status, there are many women around me, so I couldn't easily be attracted to one woman, but in front of Eric, I am so sure."
He voiced what Pearl was thinking. She nodded and said, "The class reunion was our second meeting."
Adrian held a glass of water in his hand, took a sip, and said, "Pearl, actually, I've liked you since middle school."
Pearl was shocked. "Middle school?"
Adrian said, "Otherwise how would I know so much about your preferences? I have been paying attention to you since middle school. But back then, you were so outstanding that I felt unworthy of you. That's why I have been working hard to become worthy of you, to be able to meet you like this."
Back in middle school, he was chubby and lacked the courage to stand by her side. He could only silently, sneakily watch her.
"Now I am the best version of myself."
Pearl didn't expect him to have such feelings for her. She truly hadn't noticed him.
Adrian looked at her indulgent smile and said, "Pearl, when I was far away in Regalton, I came back once. It was when I heard about your injury. But at that time, you had already entered high school, so I could only dare to sneak a look at you from behind. Seeing you unharmed, I was really happy! At that moment, I made up my mind that when I come back, I will definitely give you happiness."
Pearl didn't know what to say. She understood him. After all, more than ten years had passed since middle school. And Adrian's feelings for her must have lasted longer than her feelings for Oscar.
She asked, "Have you not liked anyone else during these years?"
Adrian jokingly replied, "Maybe people in my family are just very loyal when it comes to love.
"But Pearl, don't worry too much. I like you, but I never want to put any pressure on you. You can think of me as a friend, and I would be happy to have you as a friend."
Pearl remained silent. He truly was a good person, and everything he did for her never felt like pressure, but rather, a sense of ease. Being with Adrian, everything she said or did felt right. He must have taken a lot of courage to say all these things to her. Adrian was braver than her, and she couldn't muster the courage to say anything.
"Thank you, Adrian," Pearl said.
Adrian, who knew Pearl so well, softly said, "Have something to eat, don't think too much, just consider everything I said as if I never said it."
He didn't wait for her answer and turned his head to chat with someone else.
At times, Pearl admired him and was in awe of him. His inner strength was enough and abundant.
On the other side, Oscar was relatively far away from them. He was sitting across from her.
Pearl couldn't hear what they were saying, but she saw them chatting for a long time, which made her furrow her brows.
"President Oscar, I'd like to invite you for a drink, please!" Kelly suddenly walked up to him, her beautiful face showing a hint of pleasing him.
She was afraid that he wouldn't accept the invitation and was also worried about embarrassing herself.
Oscar, who seemed to have been enjoying their conversation, snapped out of it and raised his glass, gently clinking it with Kelly's, and said, "Ms. Edwards, thank you."
His words motivated Kelly even more. She asked, "Can I invite you for dinner next time?"
Oscar's gaze turned cold as he replied, "When would that be?"
Kelly immediately said, "I'm available anytime, as long as you have the time, I'm always free. I'll wait for you to tell me!"
Seeing Kelly being so direct, Eric cautioned her, "Kelly, there are so many people here, don't trouble President Oscar."
"I won't," Kelly confidently said. "President Oscar is not that kind of person. If he doesn't want to, he won't agree!"
They were chatting so happily that Oscar didn't refuse either. However, Pearl felt a bit sad deep down.
She understood Oscar.
Just as Kelly said, if he didn't want to, it wouldn't be possible for him to talk to Kelly.
During this meal, Kelly went to find Oscar to chat with him shortly after.
Pearl felt very suppressed, left the table early, and went to the restroom.
When she came out of the restroom, she heard Kelly calling out in a sweet voice, "President Oscar."
She saw Kelly hugging Oscar's neck in the corner and then tiptoeing to kiss his lips...
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