Chapter 80 It's So Beautiful Here
Iris glanced down and saw that all the covers were filled with images of muscular men or tough guys with their shirts off, engaged in combat.
A faint blush spread across her fair cheeks.
Was this really what she wanted to read?
Resignedly, Iris set the two books on the seat next to her. A hint of barely perceptible resentment crept into her voice as she spoke. "That book was borrowed from the school library—it's not mine. How could he just throw it away like that?"
Before she could finish, Jax, sitting in the passenger seat, let out an inexplicable snort.
What the boss is thinking.
With so many women in the world, he doesn't fancy the alluring or sexy ones, has no interest in the intelligent or capable ones, and feels nothing for the gentle or charming ones—yet he happens to like this kind... just because she got upset over a lost book!
He must be crazy. His taste in women is truly appalling—no wonder he’s been single for so long.
Finding a woman is like adopting a daughter.
Jax's snort silenced Iris completely.
She curled up into a ball in the backseat and didn't speak for the rest of the ride.
The more silent and timid she was, though, the more Jax couldn’t stand her.
After getting out of the car, he left the two of them behind and strode off into the farm alone.
Iris stood at the farm entrance. Harrison, carrying her suitcase, stepped past her and gestured for her to follow.
But Iris remained frozen in place.
Assuming she’d been intimidated by Jax’s attitude, Harrison reassured her: “Jax acts like that with everyone. It'll get better once you get to know him. Don’t let it get to you.”
"Mm-hmm."
Iris nodded.
Truthfully, she wasn’t bothered by Jax’s attitude; she was captivated by the scene before her.
She had imagined the farm to be a pasture under blue skies and white clouds, where cows and sheep grazed leisurely.
But right now, she was standing on a small path of bluish-gray flagstones surrounded by an endless sea of pink flowers.
Pink and white cosmos stretched along both sides of the path as far as the eye could see. The landscape was a dazzling display dotted with countless tiny red flowers.
A gentle breeze blew by, carrying a light, delicate fragrance.
Beyond the sea of flowers, a building with rounded lines and tiered structures stood out prominently.
Iris roughly counted the buildings and determined that this farm-style resort complex had about twelve private suites, each with its own secluded courtyard and terrace.
Sitting on her suite's terrace, Iris looked down at the crystal-clear, azure pool below her feet. She looked out at the endless sea of flowers ahead and back at the rolling green fields stretching into the distance.
This place was simply breathtaking!
The scenery instantly sparked Iris’ inspiration, and creative ideas flowed through her mind.
The rough sketch she’d struggled to put down on paper for hours at her desk last night—disturbed by Donovan—had clear direction now.
Iris didn’t dare waste a moment. Following Harrison, one in front and one behind, she entered the small cottage assigned to her. She immediately opened her suitcase and took out blank drawing paper and brushes.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jax walk out carrying a fishing rod. Iris instinctively asked, "Harrison, is he going fishing?"
Harrison nodded. “We don’t always have fresh ingredients here on the farm. If we want to eat, we have to figure it out ourselves. Are you hungry?"
At his reminder, she suddenly felt her stomach growl.
She hadn’t eaten anything since waking up that morning and had been dozing on and off during the flight.
Although it was 6:00 p.m. Karammola time, she hadn’t eaten for a full day, factoring in the time difference.
So she nodded. “Yeah, I’m hungry.”
Harrison continued, "We don't have pork, beef, or chicken here, but we've got plenty of fish and vegetables. What would you like to eat? I’ll cook it.”
He paused as if remembering something and scratched his head sheepishly. "But I don't know how to make many dishes, so it's best not to make it too complicated."
"Then I'll cook!" Iris gave Harrison a warm smile. "Can you help me gather some ingredients?"
As she spoke, she wrote down a list of necessary ingredients in the corner of a piece of paper. Then she tore it off and handed it to Harrison.
He glanced at it briefly and nodded. “No problem.”
As Jax strode into the cabin carrying the fish he’d just grilled, the entire cabin filled with the rich, enticing aroma of food.
Following the scent, he looked up to see a table laden with dishes.
The colors were vibrant, and the aroma was overwhelming—it tasted just as good.
Jax stopped in his tracks and glanced at the simply grilled fish in his hand.
The skin was crispy and the flesh fairly tender, but he’d eaten this kind of food far too often on missions. Compared to the meticulously prepared dishes on the table, his fish seemed bland and unappetizing.
He swallowed involuntarily.
Just then, Iris emerged from the kitchen carrying the final dish.
Seeing Jax, she gave him a polite smile.
"Jax, you’re back? Let's eat, then! I’m only good at making simple dishes. I hope you like them.”
I didn't expect this little thing to look so innocent yet be so good at putting on a show.
Jax turned away, his face cold.
She went out of her way to cook a feast to win him over yet asked insincerely if he would like it.
How could the boss have fallen for a woman like this?
Jax said bluntly, his expression icy. "I don't like them!"
Watching Iris’ smile freeze instantly and her eyes blink twice helplessly, Jax actually felt a bit better inside.
He turned and walked over to the sofa just as Harrison stood up and headed toward the dining table.
Jax reached out and handed Harrison the grilled fish.
"Here you go."
“Thanks.”
Harrison raised his hand to take the fish and was about to continue toward the dining table when Jax stopped him.
Taking advantage of his height, Jax wrapped an arm around Harrison’s shoulder. Half pushing, half leading, he headed toward the door, leaving Iris alone at the table.
"We've got hearty appetites—this will do just fine," Jax said without looking back. “You go ahead and enjoy your meal!”
Harrison froze for a moment.