Chapter 460
Worried for Pearl’s safety, Richard quickly shielded her and pulled her to the bushes nearby.
The boulders continued to roll down the mountains, making loud noises as they collided with the bluestone slab stairs.
Still shaken from the near miss, Pearl looked at Richard. “I’m so glad you pulled me to the side, or else I might have been crushed by those boulders.”
“Stop that nonsense.” Richard looked up toward the mountaintop and noticed a few shadowy figures moving about. As expected, it was someone’s scheme.
Pearl narrowed her eyes. “Did someone grab a chance to harm us knowing that we would be here today?”
“You’re smart.” After all the boulders had passed, Richard helped Pearl to her feet. “I think it’s too risky to take the cable car now, in case we’re targeted again,” he suggested, taking a deep breath and eyeing the nearby bushes. “How about we ascend the mountain from here?
An amusing thought crossed Pearl’s mind. “Are you suggesting a secret rendezvous?”
Richard gave her a bewildered look, wondering if she was alright.
“Alright, I’ll stop teasing. Let’s start climbing.” Pearl checked her phone and noticed over twenty missed calls. She touched her nose, saying, “I bet Eric is getting anxious waiting up there.”
Richard was unmoved. “Let him wait.” Nevertheless, he guided her into the bushes.
When they reached the mountaintop, Eric broke out in a cold sweat, seeing them come out of
the bushes instead of the trail.
“Were you two hiking or on some bush adventure?”
Pearl rolled her eyes in exasperation. “It was a survival game.”
Eric scratched his head. “I don’t understand.”
Pearl recalled something and asked, “Did you see anyone suspicious here near the church entrance?”
Eric averted his gaze. “No, I didn’t…”
“Oh, great. Eric, were you the one who tried to harm us?”
Pearl, however, quickly realized that he wasn’t avoiding her because of the question but because…
“Hey, handsome. I was looking for you. Why did you avoid me? Can I add you on WhatsApp? I like delicate and soft boys like you…”
Eric pretended not to understand Capleiner. “What are you saying? I don’t speak Capleiner.”
The well-dressed lady, appearing to be in her forties, smiled and spoke in fluent Ealdasy. “I have some money. Would you like to be my friend?”
This elicited laughter from Pearl and a smile from Richard.
“I’m sorry, I don’t need any friends. Everyone I befriend ends up having unfortunate accidents because I bring them bad luck.”
The woman looked puzzled and turned to Pearl. “Miss, is he
your friend?”
Pearl suppressed her smile and nodded. “Yeah, he’s my friend.”
“In that case, do you have his contact information? I’m willing to pay. Name your price.” The lady’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Pearl glanced at Eric and raised her brows in surprise. “Oh, Eric. You’re worth a lot. I think it’s good to exchange your number for money.”
Eric almost teared up.
Seeing his distress, Pearl decided to stop teasing him and turned to the lady. “I apologize. My friend is suffering from AIDS. He’s gay and contracted it accidentally. If you’re with him, you might…”
