33 Waiting for You Long

In the middle of the box lay the phone, it was black, looking different from the prototype she saw in John's office.

There was a crystal diamond at the bottom right corner, and a row of small diamonds around it just happened to form a small piece of cake, so delicate that it was hard to refuse. Alice had always been fond of different cakes, and she held the phone tightly and looked at it for a very long time, so long that she almost forgot John was still standing beside her.

Below the phone was a piece of paper, and she took out the certificate of collection with the number 0001, simply designed yet noble, with her name, "Alice Smith." His handwriting was strong yet carefree, and she couldn't help touching the paper.

Alice really felt like she was dreaming. As a student, she had read many romance novels and rarely imagined herself as the lucky protagonist—instead, she couldn't help but guess the expressions of the lady weaving these beautiful fairy tales, sitting in front of their computers, focused on typing.

Such a beautiful dream suddenly appeared before her, causing her confusion. She didn't even know why he would have a crush on her.

He didn't interrupt her thoughts with words, but one hand couldn't help but rest on her shoulder until cheers came from afar, and both turned to look in that direction.

A dazzling fireworks display bloomed brilliantly in the dark sky, lasting for a long time without fading, one after another. It turned out that it was midnight, and the sales had officially started.

Alice didn't even have time to look up at the sky again, but on the shiny lake surface, fireworks identical to those in the sky unfolded splendidly, one by one.

The beautiful fireworks bloom was a spectacular sight to behold. It began with a small explosion, which set off a series of smaller fireworks that gradually increased in size and brightness. As they ascend into the sky, they created a breathtaking array of colors, shapes, and patterns.

The fireworks seem to dance and twirl in the air, creating a mesmerizing show of light and color. The finale was often a grand burst of bright, bold colors that left spectators in awe. They were so attractive and gorgeous enough to take their breath away.

Amidst the sound of fireworks, his voice was clear, "Took it" John slowly bent his head, his cheek against hers, the same coldness, yet warmth seemed to slowly rise.

Alice was momentarily dazed. Close to him, she didn't know how to avoid him until the last firework dispersed in the fog, and she finally regained her composure, pushing him away. She was in an incoherent speech

"0001 Pro 6S… Mr. Williams…, how could you...?" She tried to give the phone back to him.

He anticipated her reaction, "didn't you say you wanted to change your phone?"

Alice was embarrassed and couldn't say anything.

"If you want to refuse, then there's no need." He said casually, slightly moving away from her, "It was specially customized. Even if you don't take it, I can't give it to anyone else."

That meant… that the small piece of cake was exclusive for her.

Alice's eyes flickered, her mind clearer than ever, finally firmly reaching out to take the box, "it's too valuable. I shouldn't take it."

She wanted him to understand the meaning of "valuable", the diamond, the limited edition, she didn't care much about them. What was truly valuable was his heart.

She suddenly remembered her usual red mug, a bit old now, even with a tiny crack from where she dropped it. She gave back the gift directly with restiveness.

John felt sad and reached out his hand over hers, warm and strong, he whispered gently, "Could you keep it for now? Just hold onto it… until you really want to keep it."

Alice was in a dilemma.

She couldn't refuse him again, not because she rejected love and romance, but because she doubted, even if two were mutual affection, what would the ending be?

John didn't give her any pressure, just a light persistence. Alice felt conflicted, knowing she was stubborn, yet rarely encountered such a rival.

He held her hand, conveying his feelings to her bit by bit. The phone rang, and Alice got her hands out of hers. She then realized how fast time had passed, it was already midnight.

In the end, failing to refuse him, she could only take the gift, lowering her head to say softly, "I'll keep it for now." She didn't say "thank you". This gift was different, she reminded herself, just keeping it temporarily.

Under the light, John's eyes were slightly puffy, suggesting extreme fatigue. Alice put away the box and said, "I have to go to the venue, are you… going to leave?" She quickly added, "You must be tired. Why not go back to have a rest? The sales outside are so lively; it will probably go late."

John hummed in agreement, as if casually asking, "Are you on duty today?"

"No, I'm going home soon," she said, her hand touching the box in her coat pocket. She couldn't help but look up at him again. His gaze filling with smiles seemed never to leave her.

"Alice, giving you this made me even more nervous than you. So… don't rush to refuse me, okay?" He suddenly stopped, and her gaze lowered, not daring to meet his.

John sighed gently in the chill air. It wasn't until Alice looked up again, "Give me some time."

Alice looked at her watch and couldn't help but smile bitterly, "Almost two o'clock, it's difficult to call a taxi." She thought about it and decided to call a car at the reception.

Jack walked up to her and said, "Let me drive you home."

Alice thanked him. Jack asked her to wait at the lobby, his expression suddenly changed, and he seemed to have suppressed something for a while before finally speaking, "I think someone else will drive you home."

Alice looked at him puzzled, and he pointed to the car almost blending into the darkness nearby, "It seems someone has been waiting for you for a long time." As if to illustrate his words, the car turned on its lights and slowly approached the main entrance.

Jack said goodbye and then quickly left.