Chapter３

It took me a long time to come back to myself after suddenly facing such a handsome face standing so close to me. I parted my lips and said in a stuttering voice, “I-I’m Elise.”

The smile on the man’s face widened. “Vampire.” And he shook his hand with mine, not even caring about my messed up appearance.

Even I forgot that I had mascara and eyeliner all over my face. I must have looked quite distorted, but this man didn’t seem to care about it. But at this time, I didn’t want to focus on anything else. I just stood there, staring at him stupidly.

Vampire chuckled seeing my expression and said, “You know, Margot Elise Robbie is my favorite actress, and you’re as charming as her.”

There was a touch of pinkish blush on my cheeks, and I muttered a small thanks.

“Shall we go?” He said, pointing his hand toward Starbucks. I nodded absentmindedly, still staring at him dazedly. He smiled and walked toward the entrance.

My eyes kept following him until he disappeared inside the door, and I suddenly woke up from my daze. My eyes widened when I realized what had just happened. Did I just meet Vampire with my messed up appearance?!

I couldn’t help but groan at that. Originally, I had planned to use my beauty to tempt this editor into working on my book. But it looks like my plans of using my beauty as a bargaining chip was ruined just because of that damned rain! I couldn’t help but curse the clouds out loud in my heart.

I quickly raised my eyebrows and wiped my face furiously, trying to remove all the signs of messed up makeup from my face. I was still feeling cold, but it wasn’t something I couldn’t handle. I rarely got a fever or even fell sick anyway. So I wasn’t worried.

This guy was so charming that he had even tried to flirt with me even after seeing this kind of makeup on my face. I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. At this time, I had realized that I had fallen for him.

After a while, I finally had the courage to face that guy, and entered the place. I looked around to find him sitting in the corner round table, staring out of the window as sunlight blessed him a golden halo. I instantly forgot my surroundings after seeing his face.

It seemed as if Vampire had perceived my gaze, and glanced at me. His smile widened and gestured to me to walk over.

I instantly walked over, even nearly fell on the ground while rushing toward him.

When he saw my clumsy behavior, he chuckled again and shook his head. A trace of blush crept up my cheeks at that.

After a while, I found myself timidly sitting before him as the waiter poured us tea. Silence engulfed both of us. Vampire kept staring out of the window while sipping the tea every once in a while. His image right now seemed to portray an image of a very handsome man from animes. I blushed again and lowered my head.

But then, he didn’t seem to like the silence between us. He finally opened his mouth and said, “I hate those people who don’t even care to look at the author’s works and simply reject it.”

I was stunned hearing this. “I-I don’t hate editors completely.” I didn’t want him to think that I had a grudge against his profession, and hurriedly tried to explain myself. “I mean you’re also an editor, and you accept my novel.”

He shrugged. “That was because I genuinely liked your work, and actually read your book.” He paused and sighed. “Some editors simply see the comments of your book to decide whether they would like to give you a contract or not. I hate this.”

“Do you think my book is good?” A trace of happiness bubbled inside my heart when I heard his words. It seemed like he really loved reading good books, and he didn’t want to reject novels simply for the sake of money.

He loved his profession.

“Definitely! Your book has good characters. You just need a bit of polishing and guidance, and you’re good to go.” He paused again and looked out of the window. “My superior is also like that. He often rejects many books without even giving it a read. He would go through the comments of your current readers on Wedpad, and decide whether it will bring him money or not. If not, he would reject it outright without even blinking.” His voice turned angry. “He’s an editor, but he doesn’t have a bit of liking toward literature!”

“Exactly! All the editors are like that! So hateful!” I pouted in anger. “They have rejected my book so many times that I even forgot the count. As it turns out, these people don’t even bother reading the manuscript.”

“You don’t know, Elise, you won’t find any genuine editors here unless and until there’s someone who loves literature.” Vampire looked down and shook his head. “In my entire career, I have seen only one such person.”

I smiled at his reaction. This man seemed too perfect for me, and I couldn't help but stare at him a few more times. I didn’t even remember how many times my heart raced whenever our eyes met.

Just like that, we talked a lot about our daily life, and I found out that this guy had been married for two years, and he was three years younger than me. I nodded and said, “I’m married as well.” But I paused. I didn’t know what to say about my husband. He never supported me when it comes to my novels, and now when I wanted to move forward, he even mocked me this morning.

Even thinking about him ruins my mood.

I forced a smile and said, “He’s a clerk.”

“He doesn’t support you, does he?” Vampire spoke seriously.

I was surprised to see that he found this out so easily. I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at that.

Just then, he glanced at his wrist watch, and his eyes widened. “Look at the time! I have to go to the office.” Then he smiled awkwardly. “We sat here for two hours, and didn’t even discuss anything about your work. I apologise, my bad.”

I waved my hand. “It’s okay.”

“I have read your book.” Vampire said while paying for the tea. “You first have to pay attention to grammar, and work on the plot. I have noticed a few loopholes, but if you’re able to recognize them early on, your work will shine even more.” Then he paused and thought for a while. “You can just try to find more loopholes in your storyline and try to find a solution for them, okay? I’ll see you again, dear, and we will really talk about your novel next time.”

Just like that, we exchanged contact information, and he left. I sat there for a while, still staring at the place where he was sitting in a daze. I couldn’t believe what had happened. A handsome editor just said that my work was good, and even guided me to write better. And most importantly, he even looked so dashing!

I smiled widely, clearly in a good mood.