Chapter 107: We Are Not Familiar
"Stand still, the boat's going to capsize."
Watching the wobbly boat, I kept screaming.
Atlas let go of my hand and casually started pulling in the oar.
"What are you scared of? I'm right here. Just call me honey, and I'll get you back to shore."
Atlas slowly stirred the water with the oar, making the boat rock constantly. I got so scared I sat right down in the middle of the boat, gripping both sides tightly.
"Atlas, maybe we should go back to shore. You don't seem very good at rowing."
Seeing me question his skills, Atlas started showing off even more. "Let me show you what real skill looks like!"
With that, he dipped the wooden oar into the water and headed toward the middle of the lake.
"It's moving, it's moving, we're actually going! Atlas, you're pretty good!"
"Of course! I've even competed in rowing races before. This is nothing!"
Atlas was quite pleased with himself.
Sitting in the middle of the boat, with sparkling water beneath me, bright sun overhead, and someone beside me talking endlessly in a gentle way and making me laugh - these days were just perfect.
I even felt a bit dazed, feeling like this was what truly living meant.
I looked up, my eyes meeting Atlas's. He put down the oar, bent his legs and sat beside me, letting the boat drift on the water.
"This is so nice. I wish time could just stop right here."
I nodded, genuinely agreeing, "Yeah, it really is."
Atlas glanced at me with a doting smile. "So, do you think I'm making a good first impression as the potential son-in-law?"
"What are you thinking!"
I laughed and playfully hit him a couple times. "You're really dreaming big."
Atlas dodged, laughing, "That's domestic violence! I'm going to tell Mrs. Lockwood and Mr. Lockwood."
"Are you kidding me? Those are my parents!" I said, putting my hands on my hips, quite indignant.
Atlas shot back, "So what? They're my future in-laws."
"Oh my god, you're so full of yourself."
My comment only made Atlas more proud. "Yeah, if I wasn't confident, how could I have won you over?"
Seeing that I couldn't win physically or verbally, I completely surrendered.
"Fine, I can't argue with you. You win!"
Just as Atlas was about to tease me some more after my surrender, a timid voice came from the shore.
"Helena, Mr. Lancaster."
Hearing the voice, I felt quite annoyed. How did that persistent woman, Serenity, show up again?
I turned to look, and sure enough, it was her.
She wore a white knee-length dress, holding a white purse, looking timid, but her eyes softened when they fell on Atlas.
"What a buzzkill!"
I unhappily splashed the lake water with my hand.
"If you don't want to go back, we can keep rowing to the middle of the lake?"
I looked up. Maria had already heard the commotion and come out. I thought for a moment and said, "Never mind, let's go back."
Atlas nodded and rowed the boat to shore.
"Helena, did I interrupt you two?"
Serenity's words were directed at me, but her eyes were on Atlas.
Atlas was already used to her behavior and didn't respond. I looked up at her and asked, "What is it?"
As soon as I said this, Serenity's face flushed red. "Helena, Dad wants me to go on a blind date this afternoon, but I'm a bit scared. I want you to come with me."
"That doesn't seem right. What would it mean for me to tag along on your blind date?"
Seeing me refuse directly, Serenity's eyes immediately reddened. "Helena, you're the only person I know here. If you don't come with me, then I won't go either."
Seeing her latch onto me, I found it strange and asked, "Who is this person?"
Seeing me soften a bit, Serenity said happily, "It's the third son of the Turner family from Starwave City. Dad said he's around my age and might not work out, but he hopes I'll at least meet him."
The third son of the Turner family - Antony Turner was mediocre and incompetent. The second son, Derek Turner, was a notorious playboy. All of the Turner family's business was now in the hands of the eldest son, Oliver Turner.
John really was desperate, finding someone like this as a blind date for Serenity.
But then again, given John's family's current situation, even marrying Antony would be marrying up for Serenity.
"Helena, this is my first blind date. I'm really nervous. Please come with me and take a look. I won't take up much of your time - we'll leave right after dinner."
"Serenity, Helena is very busy with work every day. If it doesn't work out, I'll go with you."
Seeing Maria speak up, Serenity said somewhat awkwardly, "But if Aunt Maria is there, we'll feel very constrained."
She really was latching onto me.
I was about to refuse again when I suddenly remembered that the Turner family seemed to be involved in the hospital industry. The new energy equipment from the Lockwood Group had always been a major concern. If I could use this opportunity to meet Oliver, I could discuss the equipment matter.
Thinking of this, I said directly, "Okay, I'll go with you."
"Helena."
Maria shook her head at me somewhat disapprovingly.
I smiled reassuringly at her. "It's fine, Mom. I'm just going through the motions with Serenity. It's no big deal."
"You really are something. Fine, since you've made up your mind, I'll send someone with you."
It seemed Knox's incident had made Maria jumpy and paranoid.
"No need, Mom. What could happen in broad daylight?"
As soon as I finished speaking, Atlas said directly, "Just listen to Mrs. Lockwood."
"If that doesn't work, I'll go with you."
Are you kidding? If Atlas came with us, how could Serenity go on her blind date?
I decisively chose Maria's suggestion. "Then send someone with me."
Seeing me obediently listen after just one sentence from Atlas, Maria smiled. "You need someone who can handle you."
"Mom, what are you saying?"
I looked at Atlas, somewhat embarrassed, but he just smiled.
Serenity on the side glanced at me with flickering eyes and said, "I'll go back now. I'll come pick you up tonight."
"No need, just send me the address."
Seeing me refuse, Serenity didn't insist, and smiled. "Atty, can I call you that?"
"No, we're not that close."
Seeing Atlas refuse outright, tears immediately welled up in Serenity's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Lancaster. I know I'm from the countryside, that I wasn't brought up with proper manners, and can't compare to you rich kids. But since I came here, only Helena has been willing to spend time with me, so I wanted to treat Helena's friends as my own friends."
"I know I'm not worthy, but I don't have any bad intentions. But if Mr. Lancaster doesn't like it, I won't do it again."