Chapter 9 A Familiar Stranger

Leena told her mother about the relationship between her and Miguel. Mrs. Yang remained mum for a minute before she spoke. "That's good. Being with a man you like normally is better than going on blind dates. However, will his parents approve of your relationship?"

Even though Leena's father was a former high-ranking official, he didn't have any connection to the Song Family. A lot of officials stopped contacting them after what happened to their family. The Song Family had such a strong background, so they wouldn't want to get involved in their matter. What she was worried about was if their relationship would have a good result. The last thing she wanted for her daughter was to get deeply hurt.

Leena gazed down at her feet, embarrassed at her mother's inquiry. Honestly, she wasn't sure about that too, but she didn't want to think about that right now. "Mother, I really like him and all I want is to be with him. We'll just cross the bridge once we get there but for now, I just want to be happy with him."

Her mother sighed inaudibly and nodded at her. "If you say so... but remember, you have to protect yourself."

After their conversation, Leena told Rena about Miguel. Her friend was over the clouds that she even told her that she wanted to meet the man. However, she had to decline because he was busy at the moment. Besides, he came back because he wanted to start his own business. He didn't have the time to rest and hang out leisurely. So instead, she just showed her a photo of him.

Rena was stunned for a moment that her mouth was left ajar. "Isn't he handsome?"

"Wait… Isn't that Mr. Miguel?" Her friend pointed at the picture.

"That's right. It's him."

"He looks familiar. I think I met him somewhere before."

"Really?" Leena was confused. Miguel didn't study in this city. Once he got his bachelor's degree, he went abroad to further his study. As for her friend, she wasn't a native here. She only came to A city during her high school and college days, so how did she meet him?

Rena scratched her head and seemed to wonder for a moment. "I'm not sure when or where I met him, Maybe there is a superstar who looks like him!" she exclaimed.

The two girls started giggling. "So, is he treating you well? I once heard from someone that the rich men in this city were all hot-tempered. Is he a young master too?"

"I don't think he would possess such a trait. His family is very strict, and they don't spoil their children. His brother is also very excellent. Now that I think about it, I think they will make a good team in business." She paused and grinned at her friend widely. "As for whether he treats me well or not, what do you think?"

Her friend looked at her teasingly and started to tickle her sides. "How would I know if you wouldn't tell me?" They played with each other as they walked on the campus road. A car started to honk at them for walking slowly. They apologized out of embarrassment and strode on their way. However, the car pulled over and the driver rolled down its window. "Hi, can you tell me how to get to the Lovesickness Pavilion?"

They stopped on their track and looked at the man which was quickly recognized by Leena. Carlson beamed at them handsomely. His smile was so bright that it could replace the sun. The typical boy next door type. Rena marveled at him shamelessly. She was so attracted to him that she answered him with a high-pitch tone. "Sir, that pavilion is nearby. Just turn left by that corner and you'll get there!"

Her friend, on the other hand, turned her face away from him, afraid that he would recognize her. Even though her choice of clothes in school was different compared to when she was at the hotel, she didn't want to take any risk. Although she was certain that no one would think that the director of a five-star hotel was still a student.

The man, on the

other hand, didn’t have a plan to leave, yet. "Are you sure? Is it really there? If you are not busy, can you lead the way? I'm worried I might get lost."

Rena didn't even think about it when he began to flash his smile. "Sure!" she answered.

"Hey! We still have something to do, how could you agree with him so easily?" Leena said. She knew that her friend was easily pleased especially when exposed to men with luxury cars but still, how could she just go with a stranger? And it was Carlson to top that.

"What do we have to do? The pavilion is near. It will only take a few minutes to get there by a car."

Rena tried to pull her into the car, but she refused to move. "Why are you being like this? It's not like we're busy with anything!"

Carlson interjected, "Are you wary of me? Don't worry, I won't hurt you and your friend here. I'm a good guy!"

Rena replied, "Oh! I'm sure, you won't do anything bad!" She was so giddy that she couldn't wait to get closer to him.

"Can you two pretty ladies do me this favor?" he added.

"Of course! Just don't mind my friend. She can be a bit stubborn at times but she's very nice." Without any hesitation, Rena pushed her friend inside and followed her after. The inside of the vehicle was so stunning for her. Aside from that, it got a very charming driver. She couldn't just let that opportunity slip out.

Throughout the drive, Carlson kept on asking about their college life, and all of them were all answered by Rena. It was as if they were old acquaintances. Meanwhile, Leena was so scared to be recognized that she decided to keep quiet.

Carlson noticed her lack of participation in the conversation so he asked, "Why is your friend so quiet?"

Leena raised her head and met his gaze through the rearview mirror. He was staring at her with a meaningful look across his face, as if he had seen through her. She quickly avoided his eyes and looked at her hand instead. "It's because I have nothing to say."

"Your voice sounds familiar. Don't I know you from somewhere?"

"You think so? I always thought that her voice was unique," Rena interrupted.

Carlson suddenly burst into laughter. "It is unique. So I've kept that voice in my mind."

That didn't make Leena feel better. She pushed herself further in her seat and moved her glasses. Something that she would do whenever she was nervous.

They got off the car once they arrived at their destination. Carlson stretched out his hand to shake her hand. When Leena held his hand, he leaned on her subtly and whispered, "You really look like her."

Leena's eyes widened. Fortunately, a woman appeared and interrupted them. She came over to the man and held his hand. "Who are they?" she asked.

"Ah, they accompanied me here," he answered and turned to wave his hand at them. "Bye, girls!" They walked hand in hand and left the ladies just like that.

Rena tugged at the hem of Leena's clothes and exclaimed, "Isn't he very handsome?"

"He is far from that!" Leena turned her heel and left in anger. Her identity was almost discovered by that idiot. She recalled the way he peeked at her. Was there a chance that he recognized her?

But after Carlson left with the pretty woman, she swatted his hand away from her shoulder. "Those girls weren't strangers at all, were they?"

"What are you trying to say?" He cocked his brow at her.

The girl angrily replied, "Isn't the woman wearing sunglasses the one you've been observing lately? Are you having an affair with her?"

"Did you come here to argue with me? If so, then I'd rather leave!" Carlson turned around was about to get in his car. Anxious, the woman quickly trailed behind him and clutched his shirt. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you!"

He gazed at her coldly. Carlson sneered, "Do you know what that girl is doing? Humph! Do me a favor and don't spoil my plan!"