Chapter 26: Late–Stage Hopeless Romantic
Peter watched Liam’s smug expression with utter disdain. So that’s why he suddenly needed to use the restroom.
Peter scoffed, “I didn’t realize you were such a hopeless romantic”
“Get lost. Don’t bother me.”
‘Peter clicked his tongue.“You’ve forgotten your friends for your girlfriend, Powder Laojiu, I’ve
seriously misjudged you…”
“Are you leaving or not? If you don’t, I’ll stab you with this needle.” Liam sat up, ready to jab Peter if he didn’t leave.
Peter stretched lazily.“You’re not only in the late stages of hopeless romanticism, you’ve ako ya Bong Momo’s spirit possessing you.”
When Riley finished the hospital admission paperwork, Peter was gone. She asked casually, “Where’s Peter Ge?”
Liam’s eyes darkened slightly.“He went to find a girlfriend.”
“Oh, I needed to talk to him.”
“What could you possibly need to talk to him about?”
Riley noticed his sour tone and didn’t press. She looked at the IV bags. How many more are
there?”
“Just one left.”
Riley placed the paperwork on the bedside table. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were allergic to those things. If I had known…”
Liam interrupted, “I already said it’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.” “I’m sorry.”
“If you feel that bad, then come and bring me lunch every day. Just don’t bring that same stuff again.” He said it lightly, but Riley took it seriously.
“Okay, I will.”
Her phone rang the real estate agent. She answered, “Hello.”
The
agent mentioned some new properties and asked when Riley would be free to see them. Riley glanced at Liam.“Maybe next week. They scheduled an appointment for Monday.
Liam raised an eyebrow.“Who was that?”
Riley replied honestly, “A real estate agent.”
“Haven’t found a place yet?”
“I haven’t had time these past few days. I’ll go look next week.”
‘Which area are you looking in?”
Riley considered.“Anywhere, really. My job isn’t confirmed yet.” “I’ll have Peter ask around.”
Filey was surprised.“Peter does that? Does he work for
а real estate agency?”
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Chapter 26: Late–Stage Hopeless Roma…
Does Shenlan Center ring a bell?”
Riley nodded. It was a hot new development in New York.
“It’s his. Ask him.”
Menu
Riley immediately waved her hands.“No need. I’m just renting.” The prices at Shenlan Center were astronomical; she couldn’t even afford to rent there.
Riley stayed with Liam until his IV was finished. As she left, Liam said, “Will you come
tomorrow?”
Riley nodded.“Yes, I’ll bring you lunch.”
Liam’s lips curved slightly.“Good.”
“What are you allergic to?” Riley asked, worried about another allergic reaction.
‘ll send you a list on WhatsApp.”
…
The next day, Peter was there when Riley arrived. His eyes lit up.“Little sis, did you agree to something with Fowler Laojiu?”
Riley was confused.“What?”
Peter looked at Liam, who was leaning against the bed.“You didn’t tell her?”
Liam nodded curtly.
Riley looked at them both, curious.“What are you talking about?”
Peter stopped Riley, grinning.“Little sis, do me a favor.”
“What?”
Peter explained. Riley hesitated, realizing it involved attending an auction. “That doesn’t sound good. What if your girlfriend finds out?”
Peter was stunned.“Girlfriend? Who says I have a girlfriend?”
Riley looked at Liam.
Peter puffed out his chest.“Fu Laojiu, you’re spreading rumors again! When did I have girlfriend?”
Liam glanced at him nonchalantly.“If not a girlfriend, then a friend with benefits?” Peter wanted to strangle Liam. He turned to Riley, smiling brightly.“It’s not true. Don’t listen to Liam. Your brother is single.”
Riley raised an eyebrow skeptically.
Peter glared at Liam.“Are we still brothers? Clear this up!”
Liam looked up.“Clear what up?”
Peter said urgently, “I’m single.”
Liam said indifferently, “Oh, you’re single. That doesn’t stop you from sleeping around.”
Peter:“…”
་
Riley looked at Liam.“What auction? Do they need a date?”
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Chapter 26 Late Stage Hopeless Roma…
Menu
Peter explained. Riley finally understood it was Liam’s welcome–back party
She looked at Liam.“You’re going?”
Peter
scoffed.“He’s
“Who says
in
in this state, and he’s still going? If he doesn’t go…”
I’m not going?” Liam interrupted. “It’s my party. I can be there, can’t I?”
“Didn’t you say you weren’t going? Why the change of heart?”
‘Liam’s face darkened.“Shut up.”
Riley found the whole situation absurd. They were arguing again.“Okay, you two, are you still children? You’re acting like toddlers.”
Silence fell. Riley realized she had no right to interfere. She explained awkwardly, “I meant…”
Liam cut her off, “Okay, we’re not arguing.”
Riley:“…”
He was surprisingly obedient.
Peter leaned in.“Riley, do me a favor. It’ll be boring if I
“Isn’t Liam going with you?”
go
alone.”
Peter scoffed.“He’s not a woman. I need a female companion.”
Riley hesitated.
Liam’s pleasant voice said, “Go. It’ll be fun.”
Riley softly agreed.
Peter twitched. He’d been
the
one
pleading, yet
Liam had
the final
say.
Riley asked, “What time is it? What do I need to do?”
a short down jacket and skinny jeans – was Peter studied Riley. Her casual outfit unsuitable.“Riley, let me get you ready? The auction starts at 2 PM; we have time.” Before Liam could object, he dragged her out of the room.
Riley had attended such events before, but never one this grand. Peter took her for a facial, then helped her choose an outfit and get her hair done. They only had an hour left before the auction. Then, they went back to get Liam.
room.
“Liam, look! Isn’t she beautiful?” Peter practically shoved Riley into the om.
Riley mumbled awkwardly, “Peter, why so much talk?” She looked at Liam, who was sitting on the sofa in a perfectly tailored suit, a crisp white shirt underneath; looking elegant and handsome. He looked up at her.
