Chapter 378
“By my word, can it be true that such a decrepit vessel sails the seas? Will it endure the voyage to the isle, or crumble at the mere stride of a wave?
“Good heavens, dolphins? Are those indeed dolphins there? The marvel of this ecosystem is profound; behold, dolphins grace these waters!
“Tut tut tut, this yacht lacks all coolness. It pales in comparison to the splendid craft my brother bestowed upon me!”
Everyone fell into an awkward silence.
Already afflicted by a touch of seasickness, Milly found herself further unsettled by his prattle. She almost wished to stifle his words with a cloth.
“Drink some water.” A composed voice interjected, presenting a bottle of mineral water before her.
The hand offering the water was striking, its knuckles defined, fair and slender-apt for a sculptor’s hand.
“Thank you.” Milly was truly nauseated now, sparing no niceties. She accepted the bottle, tipped her head back, and drained most of it to calm her roiling stomach.
Charlie regarded her pallid face with a flicker of concern in his eyes. “Are you feeling improved? Still queasy?”
Milly gave a slight shake of her head. “Thank you, much better.”
“Hmm.”
The yacht, neither vast nor diminutive, felt crowded with seven occupants and their luggage.
As the vessel swayed, Milly found herself inadvertently seated in Charlie’s lap. His presence emitted a subtle, refreshing scent that oddly soothed her, and surprisingly, she didn’t mind the nearness of this stranger.
Yet, the notion of an unfamiliar figure behind her put Milly on edge, furrowing her brow with caution.
Just as she moved to rise, an abrupt force lifted her before she could react, accompanied by an enraged outcry: “What mischief are you about, you rascal? What do you think you’re doing with my boss?”
It was an incensed William.
Moments earlier, he had been joyfully cavorting on the deck, but now, it seemed he had his fill of the sea’s caprices. Turning swiftly, he saw his employer held by a stranger, and he erupted in fury:
“I’ll tell you this, don’t imagine I’m unaware. You surely covet my boss’s beauty. Ha, a man as homely as you, daring to envy my boss, who shines like a flower? Look at yourself before casting aspersions on others!
“Hmph, as long as I’m around, you won’t lay a finger on my boss!”
Charlie’s eyes briefly chilled, meeting William’s sharp gaze, but ultimately he just lowered his head, saying nothing more.
Seeing Charlie’s silence as guilt, William snorted coldly and turned away, ignoring him.
Then he turned his attention to Milly beside him, starting to lecture her: “Boss, if you keep this up, I’m gonna get mad!”
Milly could scarcely believe this.
William pulled her into a corner, which happened to be diagonally opposite Charlie, the farthest place from him.
Once seated, he began earnestly persuading her, “I admit I was blind before, but now I’ve changed. I’ve been enlightened by Danny’s guidance. Today, I am transformed and elevated!”
Proudly lifting his chin after his speech, he seemed to be boasting.
Already feeling queasy from the yacht’s movements, Milly grew even more irritated listening to his rambling. “Alright, I know you’re amazing now. Can you get to the point?”
Looking around cautiously to ensure no one was eavesdropping, William leaned close to Milly’s ear and whispered, “Danny told me you’ve hooked up with my brother. You’re going to be my sister-in-law!”
“What do you mean by ‘hooked up’? Can you use a different word?”
William scratched his head, pondering for a moment before saying, “Can’t really say ‘mated’, right?”
Milly took a deep breath. “Alright, I get what you mean. So what exactly are you trying to say?”
“Oh, right.” William quickly composed himself. “I applied to join this variety show, pestering the headquarters, all for you! Since you’re my future sister-in-law and my boss, it’s my duty to supervise and protect you from any sleazy men trying to woo you!
“I already think that guy Charlie is no good, coming on to you the moment he saw you. Humph, sneaking hugs like that—he’s a societal scoundrel, a national disgrace. You’ve got to stay far away from him and stick close to me. I’ll protect you, understand?
“Don’t worry, as long as I have food, I’ll share with you, Boss! I won’t let you go hungry on this island!”
William finished his passionate speech, glaring fiercely at Charlie nearby. As their eyes met, William didn’t hesitate to give him the finger, and even muttered a curse under his breath.
Adolescent delusions indeed.
She couldn’t quite explain it, but she sensed a looming urge to smack William senseless when coming from that stranger, Charlie…
Well, who wouldn’t lose their temper when someone flips them off for no reason?
Amidst William’s incessant chatter, the yacht finally came to a halt half an hour later. Everyone disembarked with their luggage, their faces tinged with a pallor.
Director Cameron hadn’t lied; this truly was a primitive, undeveloped island.
The vegetation was lush, interspersed with ravines eroded by seawater. Traces of unidentified creatures crawling on the beach. could still be seen. Everything felt exceptionally primal, with the only modern touch being the various cameras set up recently by the production crew.
Red lights blinking on the cameras signalled that the live broadcast had begun.
‘Oh wow, I arrived just in time! Not only did I catch the live broadcast, but I also saw Stephanie, the goddess of the show. She’s so elegant!’
‘Look at my dude, William. Such a handsome lad!’
‘Wow, is that my darling Stephanie? She’s so stunning!’
‘Hey, pure newbie here. Who are those two tall, handsome men? They’ve got serious style!’
‘I know, I know! I just watched Director Cameron’s promo video. One’s Matthew, the famous designer and the Burnett’s second young master, and the other is Charlie; he has a mysterious job and mysterious identity!’
‘Mysterious? Hmm, doesn’t look like it with that aura.’
‘That’s the Burnett’s second young master! No wonder he’s been trailing behind Stephanie the whole time, carrying bags and smiling politely.’
‘Didn’t Stephanie have news a few days ago that she’s already at the Lloyds’? What’s going on?’