Chapter 76
+15 BONUS
With most lecturers and students out of campus, only Colin and I were in the usually quiet studio.
Apart from watching me eat, he kept reminding me to focus and put more effort into my work. It was so desolate that I felt like crying.
Oh, Christmas.
The holiday came just once a year, and yet I was forced to waste it. How heartbreaking! I wanted to cry!
On the night of the 3rd, I was enslaved until 9:00 pm. Exhausted and sleepy, I snapped that it was bedtime and that I would finish the rest tomorrow.
However, Colin adamantly refused, using both soft and hard tactics to drag me into completing the remaining work.
At 10:45 pm, he escorted me back to the dormitory. After three consecutive days of working day and night, I was physically and mentally worn out. I was sound asleep as soon as I got into the bed.
In my dream, Julia and Queenie were sitting in a restaurant, proudly showing off the photos they took in Verdantmont. The scenery was beautiful, making me want to cross through the dream and give them a good beating.
Originally, I thought I could relax idly during the holiday. Nonetheless, just as dawn was breaking, my phone started ringing incessantly like it was haunted.
Thinking it was my mom, I didn’t bother to check the caller ID and answered with a sleepy “Mom“.
There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by a soft laugh that was so familiar that it made me shudder.
I instantly woke up, subconsciously looking at the screen. Colin was smiling at me charmingly. Why was he bothering me so early in the morning? It was a holiday, and I had finished all my y work.
My morning anger went through the roof.
Momentarily I forgot that my face was unwashed and my hair was messy. I shouted, “Why are you awake so early during the holidays? Are you crazy?”
Colin laughed even more devilishly, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The corner of his lips lifted, making him look like a refined scoundrel. “Lazy pig, get up already. I’ll take you out to have fun.”
+15 BONUS
Being my stubborn self, I refused.
He then patiently described how delicious the food was, how beautiful the scenery was, and how many artists flocked there for inspiration. He claimed that I might not want to come back once I visited the
place.
Colin’s clear voice carried a teasing tone. He was not only a master of watercolor painting but also an
expert at brainwashing. By the end, all I could think was that if I missed this opportunity, it would be the
biggest mistake of my life.
Moreover, there were still four days of vacation left. Lazing around in the dormitory would be a waste. Not wanting to miss the second chance after the first, I succumbed to Colin’s sweet talk.
After I hastily got ready, I exited the dormitory with a small backpack. Colin was waiting for me under a tree, silently watching me as I approached. His gaze was so dark and deep. It was shining in a way that
made him extraordinarily handsome.
He resembled a tall, straight pine tree, emitting a clear, refreshing aura. The overall impression he gave
was pure, noble, and dignified. For some reason, I felt my heart rate accelerate a bit.
Colin’walked toward me, took the backpack, and then led me to his black SUV.
“It’s too early for breakfast. I bought something on the way. Just eat this for now.” He handed me a
beautifully logo–printed paper bag.
Opening it, I found the pancakes and milkshake from my favorite diner. The diner was located nearly 25
miles away from Lincoln University, and it was only just dawn.
Colin had woken up so early!
The sweet milkshake slid smoothly down my throat, making me want to sighein contentment.
Speaking honestly, although Colin was strict with me, he was very good at pampering me. I gazed at
Colin’s focused expression from the side as he drove, finding him genuinely good–looking.
I often had this feeling that I couldn’t divert my gaze from him. His lips were slightly pursed, and his
starry eyes were mischievous. Even his broad shoulders tempted me to lean my head on them.
“Are
you satisfied with what you see?” Colin noticed my stare and glanced at me with a teasing smile.
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