Chapter 31: Persuasion failed
“Is it you?” Upon recognizing Ansel, Erica suddenly exclaimed, unconsciously flashing a big smile, “Oh my god, it’s good to see you again. We must have a special connection, don’t we?”
I don’t understand why Erica was happy to see Ansel again. Her behavior seemed somewhat excessive. Erica herself couldn’t control her actions. Honestly, these past few days, Erica has been constantly concerned about Ansel’s affairs. Erica kept wondering if Ansel had gone to the hospital for a checkup. And Erica foolishly wasted her time and mental energy, hoping that Ansel would follow her advice.
Ansel immediately frowned in suspicion at Erica’s sudden, excited reaction. Do they know each other? According to Ansel’s recollection, they do not. And currently, Ansel still doesn’t remember who Erica is.
“Who are you? Do we know each other?” Curious, Ansel asked while making a conjecture: “Are you my classmate? What grade, or college?”
“I would be honored if what you said were true. But unfortunately, we don’t know each other in that way,” Erica replied, feeling a sudden hint of jealousy towards Ansel’s classmates. To be able to study alongside someone as talented as Ansel must be truly amazing. Erica thought so.
“Then who are you?” Ansel adopted a cautious stance and inquired with a serious tone. Ansel wanted to know what the motive was for Erica to appear to know him. He suspected that Erica might have some ill intentions.
“It’s me, Erica. Don’t you remember me? We met a few days ago.” Erica observed that Ansel seemed to have no recollection of her, so she added with a questioning tone, “Have you been to the hospital for a check-up? How did it go? Is it true what I told you?”
Upon hearing that, Ansel’s brain immediately realized that Erica was the crazy girl who ran after his car and then said bullshit and unpleasant words. Today, Erica looked different from that day, probably due to the uniform she was wearing. Therefore, Ansel had difficulty recognizing Erica.
“Oh, so it’s you. The girl with the neurological disorder!” Ansel involuntarily exclaimed, showing no signs of joy upon encountering Erica again. On the contrary, he felt a growing discomfort, not knowing where it stemmed from, as Erica continued to disturb and bother him.
“Yes, it’s me. Nice to see you again,” Erica replied. Instead of paying attention to Ansel’s harsh words, Erica laughed innocently. This made Ansel even more uncomfortable. Just as Ansel was about to express his reluctance to meet Erica again, she was quicker to speak up.
“So, have you followed my advice?” Erica asked with genuine concern, looking at Ansel intently and waiting for his response. It must be acknowledged that Erica had beautiful eyes. They were clear and always filled with warm, radiant light. That’s what Ansel was seeing at this moment.
Ansel suddenly felt an itch all over his body. Internally, he was in turmoil. Fearful that he had fallen under Erica’s spell, he quickly composed himself, wearing a sour expression, and spoke in a stern tone:Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
“What the hell are you doing at my company? Don’t say you came here on purpose to make fun of me. Or are you really a stalker?”
“I already told you, I’m here to work,” Erica innocently replied. It seemed that Ansel’s hostile attitude didn’t affect Erica in the slightest.
“Job?” Ansel scoffed, showing disbelief. Seeing this, Erica immediately raised the bucket in her right hand and the toilet brush in her left hand for Ansel to see. Ansel seemed to understand right away what Erica’s job was. Knowing she was wrong again, Ansel grimaced, then snorted, and muttered something that Erica couldn’t hear.
“Hey Ansel, tell me, have you been to the hospital?” Erica shattered the silence by repeating the familiar question. Ansel felt a chill run down his spine. Seeing that Ansel didn’t say anything, he kept looking aimlessly somewhere instead of at Erica. Erica boldly approached Ansel with an offer:
“Let me see the mole on the back of your neck. I’ll help you assess your health.”
Erica’s voice sounded gentle and alluring. It successfully captured Ansel’s attention. When Ansel looked back at Erica, something strange happened. Suddenly, Ansel felt his body freeze. Not only that, but his facial muscles became rigid and unable to relax. His heart rate skyrocketed while his body temperature became unstable. Since when did Erica step closer and stand in front of him?
It was too close. Ansel felt a little confused and embarrassed when Erica’s face was so close to his. Thankfully, even though he lost his temper, he stood firm instead of backing away. There was no denying that the impact of Erica’s attack on Ansel was too great.
“Come on, turn your back here.” Erica demanded, “Let me see the mole on the back of your neck.”
“Stay away from me. You smell terrible.” Ansel suddenly shouted, causing Erica, who was about to reach out to touch Ansel, to stop. Then, suddenly realizing her low status, Erica took the initiative to step back, keeping a safe distance from Ansel. There was a sad look on Erica’s pretty face that Ansel could understand the meaning of.
Ansel breathed a sigh of relief as Erica backed away from him. Although Ansel knew what he said was a little harsh to Erica, he would never apologize or beg for her forgiveness. Because the two sides have no relationship at all. And Ansel saw no need to do so.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I have no interest in whatever advice you think you gave me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than entertain this nonsense.” Ansel lowered his voice.
Ansel finished speaking and tried to leave decisively, but Erica intervened by blocking his way.
“Let me help you. Please,” Erica pleaded, her tone sincere and earnest. Erica, once again, pushed aside her feelings of annoyance and resentment, disregarding Ansel’s brusque demeanor. Try to convince him:
“If not, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible.”
Unable to bear Erica’s boldness and perseverance, Ansel frantically shouted without thinking:
“My life is none of your business. I can take care of myself. Don’t meddle in my affairs.”
“I only have good intentions in reminding you. Please, just listen to me,” Erica expressed her genuine concern, hoping that Ansel would understand. Unfortunately, Ansel didn’t see it, or perhaps he simply didn’t want to accept it.
“I warn you for the last time; don’t try to harass me anymore. Otherwise, I’ll make you regret it.” Ansel angrily declared that Ansel’s glare made Erica shiver. For a moment, Erica stood motionless.
“May the demons take you!” Ansel cursed Erica.
After speaking, Ansel gathered his courage and stepped outside. He needed to stay away from Erica, as that might be the only way to be safe. At the moment, he felt not only mentally but also emotionally disturbed.
Seeing Ansel leave, Erica was startled and chased after him.
“You should listen to me. Don’t underestimate your own life,” Erica’s voice echoed from behind even as Ansel reached the end of the hallway. She really couldn’t give up on warning Ansel.
Erica is a stubborn, obnoxious person. Ansel kept muttering. Ansel walked faster and tried to get away from Erica.