"I'm sorry. | can't tell you that,” Raymond replied with a slight dizziness, concerned that Pearl might be probing for information. He rose from his seat,
mindful of his alcohol intake, and said, "I've had quite a bit to drink tonight, and it's getting late. We should head back. Let's get you hfirst."
Disappointed but understanding, Pearl shook her head. "It's alright. | didn't drink much, and | can manage getting hon my own."
Observing Pearl and confirming that she was not intoxicated, Raymond nodded in relief. "Alright, please be careful. In that case, I'll take Blake back."
Pearl helped guide Blake into the car, and before departing, Raymond looked into her eyes and imparted scryptic advice, "Follow your heart and
cherish the people you love."
Perplexed by his enigmatic words, Pearl furrowed her brows and just looked at him.
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With a smile, Raymond lightly tapped her forehead. "Don't dwell on it if you can't figure it out. Bye." With that, he got into his car and left, giving her no
chance to seek further explanation.
Pearl stood outside the restaurant's entrance, contemplating his words. "Follow your heart and cherish the people you love."
She looked up and happened to see Winona and Richard in the distance, arm in arm, seemingly lost in each other's company like a couple who had
spent many years together.
Quickly, Pearl lowered her head and turned away to avoid being noticed by them.
Unbeknownst to Pearl, Richard had already spotted her and had been gazing at her for a while before finally averting his gaze.
Winona hadn't gone on many dates with Richard, but she was elated that he had agreed to this one. So, she had chosen a romantic spot exclusively
for couples. At first, she had thought he would say no, but he agreed unexpectedly.
However, Winona felt they were not that close even though they were already engaged. That was why she tried all means to ask him out to maintain
their relationship.
Now, seeing his distant expression, she couldn't help but feel anxious. "Rick, are you unhappy?" she inquired nervously, interpreting his silence as
dissatisfaction.
"No, I'm not," Richard replied calmly, his emotions well-hidden.
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"I'm glad you're not unhappy... Oh, by the way, it's still early. How about going to a movie?" Winona suggested hesitantly, hoping to get closer to him.
"I have sremaining work at the company so | can't stay with you," Richard declined politely, checking his watch, which read half-past nine. "Let
Stunned, Winona protested, "But we just had dinner... Don't you want to spend twith me?" Although she understood that their relationship was
primarily transactional, his aloofness still annoyed her.
"No, | just have something to attend to at the company.” Richard hugged her gently for a second before stepping away. It was just to shut her up.
Winona, however, considered it progress, relishing the brief display of affection.
Meanwhile, Pearl happened to witness everything from the shadows. While she couldn't hear their conversation, she sensed a level of gentleness in
Richard that she had never witnessed before.
She couldn't help but wonder if Richard had fallen in love with Winona.