Chapter 6
The winter temperature in Aetheria City was not low, but it was always filled with moisture.
The wet cold seeped into the bones.
There was a thin layer of ice floating near the shore of Celestial Lake, which had been punctured with small and large holes by people using stones.
The lake was densely packed with people, and the magnificent fireworks appeared even more dazzling amidst the cheers of the crowd.
Marcus used his phone to take a video of the fireworks, but the camera tilted and unexpectedly captured a side profile of me.
In the scene, the sudden bright fireworks cast a shadow over the crowd.
I looked
up,
and my face was instantly illuminated, with my pupils shining in an instant.
Marcus had someone take another group photo of us.
“The weather forecast said it would snow on New Year’s Eve.” He put his phone back into his pocket.
“I wish I could have spent time with you.
I smiled and said, “Well, then I really didn’t have time, Marcus.”
The pleasure boat sailed across the lake, with the lights shining brightly.
Marcus leaned on the railing, exhaled a breath of white air, and pointed to the cruise ship, saying that Mrs. Howard’s birthday banquet was on this ship.
I was stunned for a moment, my gaze unconsciously drawn to the sight of the cruise ship.
People were bustling on the boat, with figures crossing paths. It was lively and extraordinary. I wondered why he didn’t join in.
“I skipped out, the boring social scene of adults.”
Marcus laughed and said, “I was not like Derrick.”
“You also knew that his family was a prominent figure in Aetheria City, and he was the only son in the family.”
He came to Westwood High School to study, fought and brawled, flirted with girls, and appeared
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extremely rebellious.
In fact, these freedoms were all within the control of his parents, and he never deviated from the
track.
He turned around and looked at me, saying, “And I, have a brother who fulfilled all expectations.”
“My parents only asked for my happiness, and I could make any choice as I pleased.”
The enormous finale fireworks soared into the sky, only to vanish in an instant after blooming,
The ashes scattered in the night sky, carried by the wind, and a particle got into my eye.
I blinked my eyes – the fireworks show had ended, and I was going home.
I refused Marcus‘ offer and turned my head into the crowd. After walking out of the congestion, Marcus grabbed my wrist.
“What happened to you in the past?”
The discomfort made my eyes turn red.
Marcus was momentarily stunned, his words slowly becoming heavy, “Are you, by any chance, serious about Derrick?”
“No.”
“Stop this game!”
“Marcus!”
I broke free from his grip, incredibly calm. “Whether or not I am serious about Derrick is not a matter you should be concerned about.”
“I am very grateful to you, but I must make it clear that at the moment, I have no feelings for you beyond friendship.”
Marcus’s face turned pale.
I furrowed my brow and said, “Stop these childish tricks, it only makes both of us uncomfortable.”
…Why did Vivian know about the bet?
Why do you have to beat around the bush and imply the disparity between me and Derrick?
I stepped back two steps.
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I didn’t need his warnings to serve as a guide, whether I liked or disliked Derrick.
I felt genuinely happy to watch the fireworks show with you.
“Please allow me to leave before this feeling completely disappears.”
I turned around and left.
“Aren’t you afraid that Derrick will find out that you were using him?!”
Marcus coldly said, “Aren’t you afraid that I will tell him everything?”
My footsteps halted, I turned around and gazed at him from a distance.
The bleak white of incandescent lamps replaced the colorful fireworks, and the city lights shone brightly.
The crowd gradually dispersed, and the accumulated warmth from the gathering vanished.
I shook my head.
This could have had an impact on me, but Derrick and Marcus, neither of them were qualified to dominate my life.
The one I always relied on the most was myself.
“I could stop this matter at any time, and I can afford to lose you as a friend.”
