Chapter 65 Picnic Revelations

Chapter 65 Picnic Revelations

Emily glanced at Morris's message with a small smile. She reluctantly set her phone down and got out of bed to prepare food for today's picnic.

She started by cutting wheat bread into neat little squares, spreading each one with a thick layer of avocado spread. Then she topped each with half a strawberry, the bright red fruit creating a perfect contrast against the pale yellow bread and light green spread. They looked exactly like the tiny treats from food magazine illustrations.

Next came the fried snacks. The chicken nuggets gradually took on a golden-brown coating, while the chicken wings became crispy on the outside. She sprinkled them with a thin layer of seasoned salt, and the aroma instantly filled her small kitchen. The french fries turned out perfectly crisp outside and fluffy inside. She arranged them neatly in a metal container with two small cups of ketchup.

Finally, Emily blended a large glass of green smoothie, adding a few mint leaves as garnish.

After packing everything into a wicker picnic basket, Emily rummaged through her closet for a white floral sundress. The hem was adorned with small daisies, perfect for a day on the grass. She braided her long hair into a loose plait that hung to one side and topped it off with a straw hat.

When she came downstairs with the basket, Morris was already waiting. He wore a simple white button-down shirt with khaki pants, sleeves rolled up to reveal his toned forearms.

Upon seeing her, Morris's eyes lit up with a smile. He quickly walked over to take the picnic basket from her hands. "You've prepared so much. Let me carry that for you."

As he took the basket, his fingers inadvertently brushed against hers. They both froze momentarily before quickly averting their gazes. Emily felt her cheeks warm slightly and asked softly, "Have you been waiting long?"

Morris's ear tips reddened. "No, just got here a few minutes ago."

After starting the car, Emily enthusiastically told him, "I checked some reviews yesterday. There's a huge field there with a small river nearby. The scenery is gorgeous. I want to take some footage for a video later, but don't worry, I won't film you."

Morris drove steadily, occasionally humming in acknowledgment. About half an hour later, they arrived at the picnic grounds.

"Let's find a spot near some shade so we won't get too much sun," Morris suggested, carrying the basket and pointing to an empty space under a large oak tree.

Emily nodded and followed him with the picnic blanket, her steps light and bouncy.

At the shaded spot, Morris crouched down to spread the blanket, carefully smoothing out the corners. Emily helped by passing him items from the basket, their teamwork surprisingly seamless.

The weather was perfect, and many people had come out for picnics, including several couples.

Morris glanced at Emily beside him and suddenly felt as if they too could be mistaken for a couple.

Sunlight dappled through the leaves, and a gentle breeze sent a few leaves fluttering down. One leaf landed softly in Emily's hair. Morris instinctively reached out to remove it, his fingertips grazing her hair. The soft texture made his heart race, and he quickly grabbed his smoothie for a sip to hide his nervousness.

Emily noticed his gesture and looked up at him with a smile. "Thank you."

Before he could compose himself, Morris felt something moving on his pant leg. Looking down, he saw a small green grasshopper perched there, its thin legs twitching slightly as if preparing to climb higher.

Morris instantly froze, his mind going blank. When the grasshopper suddenly moved, he let out a terrified yelp and literally threw himself into Emily's arms.

Emily was startled by his sudden movement but instinctively caught him. Morris's face pressed against her chest, where he could clearly feel her warmth and hear the rapid beating of her heart mingling with his own.

"Morris, are you okay?" Emily gently patted his back. "Don't be scared. Let me see what it is."

Only then did Morris come to his senses. He quickly pushed himself up, not daring to meet her eyes, and stammered, "There's a—there's an insect. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Emily looked at his flustered, embarrassed expression and couldn't help but laugh. "It's fine; I know you didn't do it on purpose. Let me help you get rid of it."

She lightly flicked the grasshopper on Morris's pant leg, and it jumped away, quickly disappearing. Morris sighed with relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

He had expected Emily to mock his fear, but instead, she handed him a wet wipe and said softly, "Grasshoppers don't bite. No need to be afraid."

Seeing her gentle demeanor, Morris suddenly had a thought.

After hesitating for a while, he couldn't help but ask, "Emily, have you ever been like this with anyone else before?"

Emily paused, confused. "Like what?"

"You know, caring for other men this way, being so gentle, comforting them." Morris grew nervous, his palms beginning to sweat, afraid she might be offended by the question.

Emily paused, then shook her head. "No."

Not even for Robert or Jack had she shown such care. In that sense, Morris truly was different to her.

Upon hearing her answer, Morris's heart filled with sweetness, like it had been infused with honey.

They sat on the grass for a long time, eating snacks and chatting. Emily even convinced Morris to take a photo together. In the picture, she beamed brightly while Morris wore a subtle smile, the sunlight bathing them both in a warm, beautiful glow.

Only when the sun began to set did they pack up to head home. On the way back, Emily leaned against the window, watching the darkening landscape outside. Morris occasionally glanced at her, the sunset casting a peaceful, beautiful light on her profile.

For both of them, this had been their most enjoyable weekend ever.

After returning home, Morris noticed a small red spot on his ankle while showering, like an insect bite. It itched slightly, but he didn't think much of it, just applying some anti-itch cream. However, by evening, he began to feel feverish and lightheaded. When he checked his temperature, he discovered he had a fever.

In his hazy state, he took out his phone and sent Emily a message.

[Emily, I think I have a fever. Might be from that insect bite this afternoon.]

Soon, Emily's reply came through.

[Why didn't you tell me you got bitten? Have you seen a doctor?]

Morris: [I just noticed it. Haven't seen a doctor yet. My head's really spinning.]

Emily: [Stay in bed and rest. I'm coming over now.]

After sending the message, Emily called Morris's family doctor, then rushed to his place.