Chapter 381
In the fading twilight, Milly hesitated momentarily, extracting the electric stove from his belongings. “What purpose do you imagine this serves here? There’s no power to fuel it.”
William responded with a knowing grin, extracting a power strip from the recesses of his suitcase as though foreseen. “I anticipated the lack of electricity, hence my foresight in bringing this power strip! Clever, isn’t it?”
Milly and Charlie said nothing.
William, sensing their scrutiny, scratched his head awkwardly. “Why the stares? You’re looking at me as my brother does.”
‘Haha, William, what a delightful character!’
‘William, where do you suppose that strip’s power originates?’
‘This is William’s personal actions. Don’t relate it to his fans. Thank you!’
‘Am I the only one who noticed William mentioning his brother? Does he indeed have one? There’s no mention of him online.’
‘Let’s focus on William; delving into his family is unnecessary. They too deserve privacy.’
‘Speaking of which, if William’s brother regards him similarly, does he acknowledge his goofball nature?’
With William providing ample provisions, Milly forwent the need to forage. She gathered dry twigs and wood nearby, methodically stacking them and igniting a fire. A pot perched atop the blaze fashioned a rudimentary stove.
Fortunate in her foresight, she knew fire was paramount for survival, hence her inclusion of a lighter.
Across the way, Charlie draped the waterproof fabric Milly had brought over the trees. Their sleeping quarters were thus shielded from rain, and coconut palms overhead provided further protection-a dual-layered haven sturdy against the elements.
Following a hearty meal, the trio congregated around the fire, seeking warmth and companionship.
Milly surveyed their supplies-a military shovel, knife, and rope among her essentials. William’s provisions leaned heavily towards sustenance, while Charlie exhibited comparable wilderness survival gear and knowledge.
With these resources deftly applied, enduring three weeks in the wild seemed eminently achievable.
“The food we’ve brought won’t suffice long. Tomorrow, our priority is securing more provisions and scouting for bamboo to fortify our shelter.
“Freshwater is equally critical; it’s our paramount concern on this island.”
Milly calculated the day’s tasks aloud, recognising the workload’s gravity. Gratefully, their trio promised efficiency through concerted effort.
Charlie sat nearby, his response to her words a simple “Hmm,” before falling into silence.
Meanwhile, William, seldom having glimpsed such an open sky, engaged Milly in a flurry of conversation, his enthusiasm palpable as he queried her on constellations and celestial patterns.
Observing William’s delight, Milly refrained from interrupting, occasionally recounting tales of the stars that sparked an unmistakable gleam in his eyes.
Though Charlie remained taciturn, he subtly shifted to ensure the cosiest spot by the fire awaited the duo nearby, his gaze lingering on the storyteller in their midst…
The warm glow of the fire, the enigmatic tales, the gentle sea breeze, and the twinkling stars rendered that evening exceptionally romantic.
Eventually wearied by the excitement, William’s shoulders drooped. Milly, glancing at the still-glowing red surveillance cameras, acknowledged the unyielding reality of the 24-hour livestream.
“Shall we retire for the night?”
She had discovered a capacious space, more than adequate for three to slumber comfortably.
Around them, broad banana leaves and coconut fronds were plentiful, swiftly fashioned into makeshift beds. With foresight for their trio, she arranged a larger bed for the two young men.
Surveying the trio of beds now laid out to her satisfaction, Milly clapped her hands contentedly. “All set, time to sleep.”
Charlie, typically composed and agreeable, frowned at the crude bedding, despite its natural imperfections. His resistance was palpable.
In a swift motion, William darted forward, staking out the spot beside Milly, a symbolic barrier between the untamed spirit and the leader. He then teasingly glanced at Charlie. “You’ll sleep here by my side-no overstepping!”
Hmph, a heartbreaker devoid of sentiment!
Exhausted, Milly, unaware of the burgeoning tension between the two men, quickly succumbed to sleep upon lying down.
Approaching the makeshift bed, Charlie frowned and hesitated to sit, visibly reluctant to recline. His posture suggested he might remain seated until dawn.
“Tsk-” William, seeming to grasp his thoughts, muttered softly, “So many complications.”
Afterwards, he rose with purpose and strode towards his luggage, digging fervently within. Presently, he extracted a pristine, single-use medical bedsheet and presented it assertively. “Hmph, take this. I’m doing you a favour. I had half a mind to use it as a cover when it gets chilly.”
Charlie arched an eyebrow, appearing incredulous at the offer. “And what about yourself?”
William reclined again, muttering, “I’m not bothered by dirt. Here we are, roughing it in the wild, and yet you’re a germophobe. Isn’t that rather absurd?”
Charlie’s voice remained composed, devoid of any evident emotion. “How do you know I’m a germophobe?”
William tightened his lips. “Your mannerisms and expressions just now mirrored those of my brother, a severe germophobe. It’s quite a nuisance.”
Charlie’s fingers twitched. “You… dislike your brother?”
William sighed, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Indeed. He’s the type who likes to control everything and insists on having things his way. He wouldn’t let me play video games, no matter what. Just as germophobic as you. Once I used his towel and he nearly throttled me for it. No shoes inside, no skipping meals, couldn’t touch his car until I was of age… and countless other rules! Hmph!”
Charlie cast his gaze downwards. “I understand.”
But! William abruptly sat upright, fixing him with a steely glare. “But Milly caught my brother’s attention first. If you dare to compete for her affections, you’ll regret it. My brother’s formidable-he could commit a crime and still avoid prison! So, you’d best be cautious!”
Perhaps unwittingly, as he spoke, a palpable sense of pride tinged his words.
Moments earlier, he had been sharply critical of his brother, but now, when it came to his brother’s interests, he transformed into a staunch defender, ready to protect fiercely.