Chapter 482
Richard couldn’t swim, but because Hugo was so eager for him to join in, he agreed. Once in the water, Hugo tied a rope around Richard and reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve tied you to this tree so you won’t get lost.”
However, while underwater, the rope broke, and Richard was swallowed by the water. Fortunately, their neighbors came to his rescue, but he fell seriously ill with a fever. Ever since then, he had a deep fear of water and never ventured into it.
Pearl couldn’t understand this. “Why weren’t you afraid when you tried to save me?”
Richard was equally puzzled. “I don’t know, but when I went under, I didn’t feel fear. I just wanted to save you.”
Pearl spoke seriously, “That’s the power of love.”
Eric, who had been sitting there listening, scrunched up his nose. “Enough with the lovey- dovey talk. Can you show some restraint? I’m still here.”
Pearl suddenly remembered Eric’s presence and changed the conversation to the trending news. “Have you seen what’s trending today?”
“Of course I have. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t want to interrupt your lovey-dovey session.” Eric pouted.
Pearl could tell he wasn’t very happy, so she asked, “Do you have any ideas about what we should do?”
Eric was firm. “I want to take down what’s trending as soon as possible.”
Pearl looked at Richard and then back at Eric with an innocent expression. “I said the same thing, but Richard wanted to play the long game.”
“Richard, if we drag this on, won’t I be the one seen as shameless?” Eric was getting frustrated.
Richard responded nonchalantly, “Aren’t you?”
Eric couldn’t tolerate it any longer. “Richard, you think you can humiliate me just because you’re someb*dy? I’m not who you think I am!”
Richard just shrugged and ignored him.
Confused, Pearl asked, “What is he talking about?”
Eric tried to clarify, “Nothing. I just want to make it clear that I’m not shameless!” He emphasized it so loudly that Pearl’s hearing almost suffered.
“Okay, you’re not.” Eric was so petty! She didn’t even understand what they were hiding from her.
Once he had calmed down, Eric voiced his concerns. “So, what’s the plan? Are we just going to let people think Pearl is two-timing us? I won’t accept being dragged into a scandal like this. It’ll ruin my poise.”
Pearl gave him an amused look. “Don’t worry, when people see you, they don’t think about
your poise.”
“You’re making fun of me again.” Eric pouted.
Seeing the conversation slowing down, Richard finally revealed their plan. “We plan to get engaged to put an end to the rumors.”
Explaining the situation would only make it worse. The best way to silence the rumors was with an actual engagement.
Eric’s eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. “What did you just say?”
“I said we plan to get engaged,” Richard repeated.
