Chapter 146 Don't Force Me to Slap You When I'm Happy
"Hello, Mr. Smith..."
"What? Are you still calling me Mr. Smith? Didn't we agree you'd call me Daniel?"
Daniel raised an eyebrow as he asked, his voice smooth and almost intentionally captivating. Even over the phone, Emily felt its magnetic pull, her ears practically tingling.
Emily was just an ordinary person, and she found his charm hard to resist. She was grateful they were talking over the phone; otherwise, her blushing would have given her away.
"Daniel, is there something you needed? Is it about your health?"
Considering how close they lived to each other, he could have easily come over unless it was about his health.
Daniel did want to see her, but he was afraid of coming off as too clingy and scaring her away. Most importantly, there was still Charles to consider. Even Charles admitted that Emily was attractive, and who knows, he might develop feelings for her if he saw her more often. Daniel probably didn't even realize how strong his possessiveness was.
"My health is fine. I saw the news online about the Johnson family. Do you need my help with that?"
He wanted to understand her better and was testing her attitude towards the Johnsons. This would also give him insight into how he should treat them in the future.
"They're getting what they deserve. No need to worry about them," Emily said with a cold laugh.
She had shouldered many burdens by herself, especially after being reborn. The weight of everything was exhausting, almost to the point of breaking her. Hearing Daniel's voice gave her a sense of security, and she felt an urge to share her thoughts.
"If you're ever feeling down, you can talk to me."
Daniel sensed something and spoke up. That's what happens when two people have been around each other long enough to develop a tacit understanding. Emily thought for a moment and then recounted the time she had composed a piece for Chase, only for Bianca to take credit for it. When she found out, she confronted Chase, but everyone dismissed her claims. They accused her of being jealous of Bianca's talent and ignored her evidence. Not only did they not believe her, but they also blamed her for everything that had happened.
"Not recognizing how talented you are is their loss. To me, you're the best."
Daniel wasn't one for flowery words; he was simply speaking from the heart. Emily wasn't used to receiving such genuine praise, and it made her feel a bit shy.
"I think I'm the best, too. It's their loss! Is this why you called? You don't need to worry about it. I told Chase and James that if Bianca apologizes publicly, I'll provide the evidence. But they didn't take it seriously. If they come to me again, the price will go up."
Emily didn't realize how proud she sounded. Daniel's smile grew wider, imagining her smug expression on the other end of the line. She must look adorable.
"Don't hold back. If they give you trouble, you can always count on me!"
Daniel was giving her special treatment. Emily might not take him up on it, but his support warmed her heart. After thanking him sweetly, she hung up the phone.
Emily then received an email from L. It contained a link.
When she clicked on the link, she saw her designs already being showcased. They were still in rehearsal, waiting for the competition results to be announced.
The plan was to reveal them during Bianca's moment of triumph, lifting her up high only to bring her down hard.
It was the perfect way to strike back at Bianca.
Emily: [Thanks, I knew I could count on you.]
L hadn't expected such a quick reply, and while she was still online, L quickly responded.
L: [Sweetheart, if you really want to thank me, how about designing a few more pieces? I love every one of your works. You have such talent; you must make the most of it.]
Emily smiled, feeling a bit helpless.
She didn't want to ignore L after receiving help, unlike in the past.
Emily: [I've been busy lately, but don't worry. I'll find time to create a couple more pieces. Inspiration isn't always there, so don't expect too much from me.]
L: [Maybe for others, but you're different. I believe you have plenty of inspiration.]
Emily chuckled at L's response.
He truly believed in her unconditionally. She didn't reply to that message.
Meanwhile, Floyd had been reminding her about their agreement.
She had promised to volunteer at the free clinic every month.
Since she had time tomorrow, she planned to go.
So, Emily sent a message to Floyd.
Floyd had been eagerly waiting for her. He was thrilled when he finally got her message.
Floyd: [Emily, I've been waiting for you. I thought you might forget and break your promise this month!]
Emily: [Sorry, I've been busy. I wouldn't forget a promise. See you tomorrow.]
Floyd: [Wait, I have a question. Do you mind if more people watch?]
Emily trusted Floyd and didn't ask for details, replying directly.
Emily: [I don't mind!]
Floyd grinned from ear to ear.
If his students or others saw him, they might think he had lost his mind.
Floyd, usually so stern, was now smiling with pure, childlike joy.
He immediately made several phone calls.
When he came out of his study, his family saw a beaming Floyd.
One of his grandsons couldn't help but whisper to his mother, "Grandpa looks so happy. I almost think he found a new wife."
Floyd's wife had passed away years ago after a long illness.
"Don't be disrespectful. If your grandpa hears you, he'll smack you!"
Floyd's son, Luca, scolded, giving his son a light smack on the head.
The grandson pouted, "I'm serious. Just look at him."
Luca, worried, went to ask Floyd. Seeing his father's genuine smile, he was surprised.
"Dad, is everything okay?"
"I'm fine, just happy. Don't ruin it for me!" Floyd said with a mock scowl.
Floyd had always been disappointed in Luca for leaving medicine for business, not following in his footsteps.
He shooed Luca away, humming a cheerful tune.
Emily didn't realize what Floyd meant by "more people watching" until she arrived at the pharmacy.
She went to bed early, planning to leave by eight the next morning.
The pharmacy usually opened at nine, but with the announcement of the free clinic and Floyd's reputation, more people were expected to come.
Emily didn't expect to be greeted by a huge bouquet blocking her path as she stepped out.
"What are you doing here?" Emily frowned as she recognized the person holding the flowers.
It was a startling sight so early in the morning.