Chapter 144 Friends Before Men
Since the day Erin and Holly had both had a falling out in the bamboo forest, Holly had been ignoring her. Even when Erin was all over the news, Holly didn’t reach out to her.
Holly’s concerned voice sounded from the phone. “Are you okay?”
Erin chuckled and replied, “Are you asking about the incident where I was almost assaulted?”
“Erin, this is not something to laugh about! You have no idea how scared I was when I saw the news! My phone was off, so I didn’t see the news. I spent a whole day watching movies at home. It wasn’t until my other friends asked me about you that I found out what happened!” Holly said somberly, clearly blaming herself.
After listening to her, Erin’s eyes turned red. She thought Holly was going to terminate their friendship, but it turned out she was just hiding at home.
“Thank you for contacting me, Holly. I thought you wouldn’t want to talk to me anymore,” Erin sighed helplessly.
At that moment, Holly was at her own home, sitting with her legs crossed on the sofa and in her pajamas. She held her phone and said exasperatedly, “Nonsense! Would I break ties with you because of a man who doesn’t like me? At that time, I just couldn’t stand it anymore. Simon really didn’t hold back at all. I can’t believe I didn’t give him a piece of my mind! What a coward I was!” “Simon does have some issues. He said he had some kind of condition and wanted me to help cure it-”
Holly suddenly interrupted her, “Could it be a problem in that department down there?”
Erin sighed. “According to him, it seems like it.”
“Hot damn! Serves him right!” Holly exclaimed with satisfaction.
“Let’s not talk about him. I haven’t told you yet, but Chandler and I have reconciled. However, we’re secretly dating because his father wouldn’t agree to our relationship.” Erin’s eyes dimmed a little.
“Sorry, I can’t help you with anything.” Holly felt sorry for Erin. She couldn’t believe that Erin still had to date the man she liked secretly as if they were still in medieval times.
Erin forced a smile and said, “It’s okay. I’ll take it step by step with him. As long as he still loves me, I won’t easily give up on him. To be honest, I took up acting because of him. I hope to make a name for myself in the entertainment industry and be worthy of him someday. It’s impossible for me to get reborn to a wealthy family or become a billionaire myself.”
Holly comforted, “Let’s worry about the future later. After all, you both aren’t at the stage of discussing marriage yet, right?”
“Of course not!” Erin didn’t even dare think about it.
“Well then, just focus on your relationship now. As for me, I’ll have to find another man. Even if I manage to get together with Simon, if he indeed has those problems I’d be missing out on the most important human pleasure. That would be torturous.” Holly expressed regret
as she said that.
Erin burst into laughter. “Haha! You perverted woman-”
Holly interrupted disapprovingly, “After all, we’re mature women. We need physical intimacy. You’re lucky to have someone like Chandler, who’s exceptionally handsome and has a great body. Just looking at him is a feast for the eyes!”
“Y–You…” Erin felt her face reddening from listening.
“Erin, be honest with me, is Chandler particularly skilled in that department? My ex–husband, Eugene, may be young, but he’d already worn himself out with countless women before marrying me. So, he wasn’t good in that area. It would be over in just a little over ten minutes each time.” Holly’s blunt words made Erin feel a bit embarrassed.
“You should really find a boyfriend, Holly. I’m afraid you’ll explode from keeping all that lust bottled up. You’ve even started to talk about such lewd things.”
Upon being reminded by Erin, Holly immediately restrained herself and said, “You’re right. I should really find a boyfriend. But Erin, I still really like Simon. What should I do?”
This was a difficult question, and Erin could only advise, “Both Chandler and I think that Simon is a bit eccentric. And he can be alarmingly
19
stubborn-”
“It’s good that he’s eccentric. Once this kind of person falls in love, they won’t change for a lifetime!” Holly suddenly became encouraged and full of spirit.
Erin, on the other hand, was rendered speechless.
That wasn’t what Erin meant. It was clear that a person in love was blind. Even a flaw would become a good trait in the eyes of someone in love.
“Holly, I can’t give you any better advice regarding your feelings for Simon. I know you. If you like someone, what others say doesn’t matter. To some extent, you’re also a bit stubborn.” Erin wouldn’t actively discourage her good friend, but she also wouldn’t encourage her, especially after realizing that Simon had some issues.
Holly didn’t want to make it difficult for her either. “Okay, I’ll go with the flow. Maybe I just find him attractive because I can’t have him. Perhaps in a few days, I won’t like him anymore-”
“Yeah, time is the best buffer.”
“Oh, by the way! Erin, you can tell me now. What exactly happened with Simon kissing you at the loft?” Holly asked in a somewhat demanding manner, but it was without malice or jealousy. She sounded more like she was up for some gossip.
“Ah, I knew you would ask. So, this was what happened-”
Erin briefly explained what transpired at that time.
Holly suddenly realized something. “Oh, now I understand! It’s because he lost control and kissed you out of anger, and then he suddenly realized he had feelings. No wonder he said he wasn’t interested in my body in the bamboo forest. So, that’s what happened.”
“Who knows what the hell happened? Anyway, I think this whole thing is damn ridiculous! After you left, I scolded him like crazy. But the funny thing was I almost got into trouble later, and he happened to pass by and saved me! Then he even stood up for me. In the end, I owe him a favor, and now we’re kind of friends.” Erin’s tone was filled with helplessness and conflict.
Holly commented, “That shows he’s not a bad person; he’s just a bit strange. Erin, you haven’t seen his professional charm when he
defended me in the divorce case. It was at that moment that I fell for him-”
Erin was speechless. It seemed like it would take a long time for her good friend to really forget about Simon.
“Why aren’t you saying anything? Did I disturb your sleep by calling you so late?” Holly suddenly remembered what time it was over at
Erin’s side.___
Erin explained what happened that day, and shortly after finishing, Holly said teasingly, “Damn! I thought you were alone in the hotel room. Since you’re having a meal with three handsome guys, I won’t delay you. I think they already hate me for hogging your attention.”
“It’s fine-”
Holly cut her off, “Don’t worry, go back and enjoy the meal with them. It’s good for you to get better acquainted with them. They can help you when I’m not around. As for Simon, please get along with him and tell me more details about him. Maybe when he becomes familiar with me, he’ll gradually develop an interest in me.”
Erin asked sincerely, “Holly, do you really want to pursue him like this?”
“Yes! I’ve never pursued a man in my life. But I’ll make an exception for Simon. I’m completely relieved now. You focus on your relationship with his cousin. I’ll take care of this oddball! Who knows? Maybe I can cure his manhood,” Holly replied.
Erin didn’t know what to say. After a while, she agreed, “Alright, I’ll get along with Simon for your sake. I’ll try to create opportunities for you
two when the time is right.“–
Holly reminded, “Don’t be too deliberate! You have to arrange it like it happens by chance, just like in a drama—”
“I know. Anyway, I still have to stay in Fleuverton for two more weeks. Our filming schedule got extended. If you have time, come and visit me. I heard Simon took two cases recently, and he booked a hotel room in Fleuverton-”
“Erin!” Holly exclaimed excitedly.
Pinching her ear lightly as it almost went deaf, Erin asked, “Why the heck did you scream so loudly?”
Holly grinned and said, “I’ll come see you tomorrow. I’m going to put on a face mask and sleep well. I don’t want Simon to see my dark
circles. Bye, love you!”
“Goodbye and goodnight.” Erin shook her head she hung up.
As soon as Erin walked out of the women’s restroom, Matthew, who was waiting at the door, grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.
Erin was instantly confused about what was going on.
Matthew kept pulling her until they reached the end of the corridor where the staircase was. They then descended twenty steps and pushed open the wooden door in front of them.
Erin was momentarily stunned when she saw the scenery. It was clearly an al fresco terrace. It wasn’t particularly exquisite or elegant, but it was still quite charming. The terrace was surrounded by old wooden railings, and there were potted plants and flowers placed all around. On the far right, there was a street lamp emitting a warm light from the cement floor.
At this moment, standing there, Erin could hear the cicadas chirping and feel the warmth of the night breeze brushing past. There were a few stars scattered across the night sky. Erin felt a sense of relaxation throughout her body. She was immensely happy that she was able to reconcile with her best friend.
The real culprit had been caught. Even the moon seemed especially beautiful that night.
Erin couldn’t hear Matthew behind her, so she snapped back to reality and averted her gaze from the night sky to look at him. A shadow instantly enveloped her.
Matthew’s lips, carrying the scent of beer and tobacco, landed on hers. Her eyes widened, and she immediately tried to push him away. However, Matthew held her in his embrace tightly with both arms.
This scene happened to be witnessed by Roman, who had come to find them. He silently retracted the hand that was holding the wooden door.
As soon as he turned around, he froze. He saw Simon standing on the stairs, frozen in place as well. He had a complex look in his eyes as he said somewhat sarcastically, “Erin is really quite something.“
