Chapter 495 Show Off or Go Home
After taking the photo, the young couple didn't keep bothering Fiona.
"Mommy, are you a movie star now? Why did that girl want to take a picture with you?" Chicago asked with confusion.
She remembered her mom's job wasn't being a star.
"Because I am beautiful," Fiona answered earnestly.
Chicago had an epiphany, and suddenly everything clicked into place, making perfect sense.
Chicago was easily convinced.
Holding her brother's hand, they went ahead to explore and touch everything they found interesting.
Fiona walked side by side with Darwin.
“Having fun?“ Fiona glanced at Darwin.
Darwin nodded. "It feels like a dream I once had, this kind of scene."
Fiona was momentarily taken aback by Darwin's revelation. She briefly considered asking when he had that dream, but ultimately decided to keep her thoughts to herself. After all, there was no point of asking. The answer would likely lead to embarrassment and wouldn't serve any real purpose.
"Did you check the weather forecast? Can we expect clear skies for our camping trip tomorrow, maybe see Jessie and fireflies?" Fiona changed the subject. "I'm really hoping it doesn't rain."
Seeing that she didn’t pursue his comment, Darwin didn’t continue that topic either.
"Yeah, everything is set. We'll head out early tomorrow morning!"
As for the woman who had approached Fiona for a photo, in reality, she and her boyfriend were fairly well-known travel bloggers.
Their visit was to shop for equipment, preparing for a long RV road trip.
After taking the photo, she couldn’t wait to post it on her social media channels.
The caption read, "Struck gold today, came out to buy equipment and ran into my dream family of four at the supermarket!"
Once the photo was posted, its popularity skyrocketed.
[Holy cow, it's the first proper photo with Fiona and her husband together with someone else!]
[Is this a shooting scene for a soap opera? The tycoon sister looks amazing! Mr. Darwin also appears exceptionally handsome and dashing!]
The blogger replied to this comment, "The tycoon sister is truly gorgeous in person, the photo doesn't do her justice. And Mr. Darwin is devastatingly handsome!"
[People mentioned four in the family, why only two in the photo?]
She replied, "The kids are young, so we didn't take their photo, but they are super cute! The little girl even called me sister!"
[The last time someone ran into Darwin with Chicago, they also said Chicago was extremely cute! Now I'm really curious, how cute can he be?]
[Seriously, looking at this, they seem like such a happy family of four. I don't get why people online have to be so sour and cynical.]
[This is an outdoor gear supermarket. What are they doing here? Going on a trip?]
[They're probably planning to go camping. A couple days ago, Mr. Darwin accidentally liked a camping guide post on his social media and then swiftly unliked it.]
[Got it, I'll quit my job, then wander around a nearby campground, so I can bump into my soulmate too! And have a fiery photo op!]
Fiona was being suppressed by the Rhoads family's PR team.
Fiona and Darwin were no longer trending on the hot search lists.
However, that didn't stop some people from craving the limelight.
At dusk, Darwin went online on his social media and liked the travel blogger's post about their photo together.
Just when everyone thought Darwin had another slip of the hand, he went offline quietly without unliking the post.
This move got picked up by numerous entertainment bloggers.
[Got it, Mr. Darwin means to say, look how happy I am with my wife.]
[The cyber CEO is such a comedian, he really cares about people saying he's not affectionate with his wife!]
And, naturally, there were those who staunchly opposed Darwin.
[Ever heard the phrase, 'the less you have, the more you want to show you have'? Some people's actions are so forced, it just looks pitiful!]
Amidst all the buzz, Darwin didn't have time to pay attention.
He was busy packing things he needed for the next day's trip, then carried them one by one to the car.
In the middle of his busy schedule, Thalassa called Fiona.
Thalassa pointed out Darwin's social media activity.
Fiona glanced at it briefly.
"Why doesn't he just take a picture and post it himself if he wants to show off?" Thalassa complained. "But this change in Mr. Darwin is truly drastic, he used to be so private, what made him do this?"
Fiona looked out the window, her eyelids drooping slightly.
Darwin, having completed his task of relocating items, was outside with Chicago, engaging in a game of "lifting high" on the doorstep.
"It hasn't been that long, you know what they say, 'time reveals true feelings', let's wait and see." Fiona looked back. "Are you really meeting Kenny's parents this weekend?"
"Yeah," Thalassa responded.
"Charles has been hoping to go with you one day, but he definitely can't get away at this time," Fiona said helplessly.
"Why does Charles want to join me?" Thalassa asked in confusion.
Fiona spelled out the reasons one by one.
Thalassa immediately burst into tears on the other end. "He loves me so much!"
"Yeah," Fiona agreed.
"But do I look that weak? Even a five-year-old kid thinks about protecting me," Thalassa sniffled and muttered.
"Well, kind of," Fiona said, and they both laughed. "Don't worry, I'll explain it well to Charles."
The next morning came early.
The family of four got decked out in brand-new outdoor gear.
They set out from the city to the campground.
The camping site was over 200 miles away from the city center, nestled in a forest park.
After a three-hour journey, the family of four arrived at their destination. Stepping off the bus in Chicago, she was awestruck by the towering trees that loomed before her. With arms stretched wide, she attempted to embrace the imposing trunk.
"Chicago, time to pitch the tent," Darwin called out, patting her on the back as he walked past.
Eager to set up camp, Chicago immediately scampered after Darwin.
Fiona had imagined a leisurely day, letting the kids and Darwin stay busy.
"Mommy!"
Chicago's voice jolted her.
Fiona was puzzled.
"Chicago is too little, come help him out!"
With no choice, she went over to lend a hand.
As soon as she started helping, Chicago joyfully darted off to her brother's side and indulged in snacks with him.
"You're really something else, winning over Chicago that quickly," Fiona said half in jest, half in earnest as she helped Darwin with the tent.
Darwin just chuckled in response.
Fiona shot him a playful glare.
Together, they methodically set up the tent, moving all the necessary gear inside.
Following the morning's activities, it was time for lunch. Fiona had prepared a barbecue feast, and the family of four gathered around the small grill, relishing the meal together. Both Chicago and Charles, feeling content after their meal, soon drifted off to sleep in the tent, their soft snores filling the air.
Fiona cherished this rare connection with nature.
The tranquil surroundings were truly soothing to the soul.
She brewed a pot of tea and sat on the deck in front of the tent, taking in the view of the forested hills and the clear blue sky.
It wasn't long before Darwin, having finished soothing the kids to sleep, joined her.
He settled naturally beside Fiona, and they sat in silence.
Sipping tea quietly, they contemplated the distant horizon.
After a while, Darwin broke the silence, "Honey, I've been thinking about stepping back from the operations at Solomon."