Chapter 370: So you resort to physical persuasion instead!?

Chapter 370: So you resort to physical persuasion instead!?

Chapter 370: So you resort to physical persuasion instead!?

“So, what exactly happened?”

Vanessa’s expression was one of utter confusion. In just a few hours, she had fainted twice.

“Well...”

Ethan hesitated, his face showing a mix of emotions, as if he was debating whether or not to tell her.

Seeing this, Vanessa asked, “Is this something you can’t talk about?”

She found it hard to believe. After all, he had just casually told her about something that completely turned her world upside down.

“Yes and no,” Ethan replied, giving a vague answer.

Vanessa tilted her head. “Huh?”

“Hold on a sec.”

With that, Ethan stood up, leaving Vanessa puzzled, and went to his bedroom to grab something. When he returned, he was wearing a pair of glasses.

Vanessa had no idea what the glasses were for, but after putting them on, Ethan started studying her intently. His gaze made her feel a bit uncomfortable, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Then, Ethan asked her a question: “Nessa, do you believe in things like superpowers, time travelers, or aliens?”

“...”

The sudden question left Vanessa stunned. She instinctively shook her head, then nodded.

“I didn’t believe in them before, but now... if you say they exist, I’d believe you.”

Hearing her answer, Ethan looked even more puzzled.

“That’s... kind of strange.”

Vanessa was even more confused now. “What are you talking about?”

Ethan explained, “The things I just mentioned are all... not part of the everyday world. What you experienced is the same. It’s not something you’d normally encounter.”

Vanessa immediately had a realization.

“So, the thick fog I saw, and that creepy guy with the red eyes... they’re... monsters?”

“Something like that.” Ethan nodded, continuing, “The reason I was hesitant to tell you the truth is because it might have a negative impact on you.”

“Because what you know can affect your place in the world. It’s like when you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back. Once you’re aware of them, they might start noticing you too.”

Oh, so he was worried about me...

That was Vanessa’s first thought. But then, something else hit her.

“Wait, so you’re telling me this now because...”

“Wow, you’re actually worried about me? Nessa, you’re pretty sweet, you know that?”

Hearing this, Vanessa’s cheeks flushed a little.

Ethan shrugged again. “Relax. I don’t have anyone above me, so no one’s going to come after me for this.”

Vanessa didn’t really understand how the Time-Space Bureau worked, but hearing him say that made her feel a bit relieved.

Then he continued, “But I’m not exactly an expert on this stuff. Even though the weirdness from earlier has been dealt with, it doesn’t seem like we’ve gotten to the root of the problem. But don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”

Once again, Vanessa felt that sense of reassurance.

She realized that the guy in front of her seemed to be someone special in her life. It was like, as long as he was around, all the strange things happening didn’t feel as scary or real.

And now, hearing him say he’d help her...

She felt warmth, but also a bit conflicted.

Vanessa’s pride didn’t like the idea of being pitied. She wasn’t the type of girl who easily accepted help from others. But on the other hand, she knew that what she was dealing with wasn’t something she could just power through on her own. Right now, she had no idea how to handle it, except for relying on him.

Ethan watched as she bit her lip, her body trembling slightly. He sighed softly.

It wasn’t that he found Vanessa’s hesitation annoying. In fact, he thought it was kind of cute. After all, she was pretty, and let’s be honest, looks can be pretty persuasive.

The sigh was more of a mental preparation for what he was about to do—something he felt was necessary.

Then Ethan stood up. Vanessa looked at him, confused, as he walked over to her. Before she could react, he bent down, grabbed her cheeks with both hands, and pulled them apart.

At the same time, he shouted dramatically, “Why are you hesitating? Aren’t we friends? Stop trying to handle everything on your own!”

Ethan’s expression was about 70% sincere, 20% pained, and 10%... something else she couldn’t quite place.

Vanessa, on the other hand, couldn’t hear a word he was saying because he was pulling on her face so hard.

“I get it, I get it! I never said I wouldn’t accept your help! I will, okay?”

Vanessa’s spirit might have been strong, but her body had its limits.

After finally escaping his grasp, she rubbed her sore cheeks and glared at him, clearly annoyed.

This was the first time she’d ever heard of someone forcing someone else to accept their help.

Ethan pretended not to notice her angry expression and apologized with a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I’m not great with words. I’ve never been good at convincing people.”

Not good with words? So you resort to physical persuasion instead!?

Vanessa mentally screamed, completely thrown off by Ethan’s sudden shift in behavior. Just a second ago, he was all fired up, and now that she’d agreed, he was acting all calm again. What was that about?

She had a sneaking suspicion that this guy was putting on an act.

Her eyes were still a little teary, but she held back. After all, she couldn’t cry three times in one day, right?