Chapter 255

Natalie nearly choked on her popcorn, thinking, “Are young people always this daring?”

The boy said, “Miss, there’s no need to look at me like that. I’m all about pure love.”

Hearing this, Natalie couldn’t help but laugh. She thought, “Do young guys these days use these lines to try and pick up girls? But I no longer believe in love; I only trust myself.”

Looking at the bright-eyed young boy in front of her, Natalie flashed a bright smile and said, “You can have fun; I am not joining.”

Then, she placed the popcorn on the boy’s lap. She said, “It’s really tasty.” She hoped the delicious popcorn would keep him from talking.

The boy laughed, seemingly understanding what Natalie meant. His bright eyes gleamed at her. He said, “I thought I’d cheer you up, and you’d be thankful. I didn’t expect you to quiet me down like this.”

Natalie was surprised that the boy was quite self-aware. Judging by his expression, he was different from average kids. His outrageously expensive T-shirt implied he was clearly from a wealthy family.

Natalie whispered, “We shouldn’t disturb others watching the movie.”

The boy smiled, finding the reason convincing. He didn’t say a word; he just looked down to eat some popcorn. After munching on a couple, he turned to Natalie and said, “It tastes nice, super good, very delicious.”

Natalie grinned and said, “If you like it, have more.” She thought, “Even watching a movie, I can’t avoid being flirted with. Easton is right; my face is indeed trouble.”

The boy whispered, “Date me. I’m rich. My money can be yours.”

When Natalie heard this, she laughed heartily, truly charmed by his cuteness.

She replied, “That money isn’t yours yet. It’s your family’s. You need to work hard so that everything can truly be yours; then you won’t be afraid of anything.”

The boy was taken aback momentarily. Then, he smiled and said, “You’re right, miss.”

The movie had reached its final act, a deadlock. Daniel had killed everyone who had wronged Sarah and then carried Sarah’s body into the cycle of reincarnation.

The boy beside Natalie said, “Miss, this is so tragic. Will they meet again in the next life?”

Natalie smiled and said, “I don’t know. If it were me, in the next life, I’d rather have never met.” She had been thinking earlier about whether life would be better if she were transported back and hadn’t met Easton and Jennifer.

Easton gazed intently at Natalie’s retreating figure, feeling conflicted.

“The movie’s over, shall we go?” the boy said as he stood up.

Natalie also stood up and left with the boy. They chatted and laughed all the way. She didn’t even notice Easton, who, even in the dim light, had a strong presence. Yet Natalie somehow failed to notice him.

Easton followed them downstairs with a sullen expression. Once outside, Natalie waved at the boy and said, “See you, cutie!” The boy waved back and said, “I’m looking forward to our next encounter, Miss!” He then left with a smile.

Natalie also left with a smile. She thought, “Actually, happiness in life is simple. Sometimes, a kind word from a stranger...”

Easton had been following Natalie all along, and only now did he realize Natalie was quite interesting.

She would entertain kids on the street and even buy food for the stray dogs. She bought herself an ice cream and enjoyed it as she strolled around. When someone asked for directions, she patiently explained everything to them.

Natalie spent two hours shopping before finally reaching the restaurant where she had planned to meet Maurice.

Maurice appeared in light gray casual clothing, giving off a youthful vibe.

After two hours of shopping, Natalie felt a bit tired. She stood at the entrance waiting for Maurice. When she saw him arrive, she smiled and said, “Maurice, you look really sharp today.”

Maurice looked at his casual outfit and smiled as bright as the moon, causing his ears to turn red. Being complimented by the opposite sex always felt different.

Maurice was different from Easton, who was too serious. When in a good mood, Easton might say a few words, but on a bad day, he wouldn’t speak at all, let alone crack a smile. Sometimes Natalie wondered if Easton even knew how to smile.

Most of the time, Natalie tried to make Easton laugh, but he always looked at her indifferently, not getting into the mood at all.

Natalie believed that people should smile more; it would bring them better luck.

Maurice felt a bit embarrassed by Natalie’s compliment. He looked at her bright eyes and lovely face and smiled. He said, “Natalie, you’re beautiful too!”

Natalie’s cheeks turned red. That was just her personality; she was not used to compliments. She cried whenever something touched her.

Natalie said, “Maurice, let’s hurry inside; it’s getting colder and colder.”

Maurice led Natalie inside and said, “Yeah, it’s so cold. You went diving just a few days ago. Did you catch a cold?”

Natalie shook her head and said, “No, I was fine after taking some medicine at home. I was just really tired.”

Maurice knew she was tired. He said, “I remember last year when I went fishing at sea and caught a big GT; the pull was incredible. I really don’t know how you managed to catch those tuna and pull them to the shore.”

Natalie laughed and explained, “I don’t go after the really big fish. I’m afraid they’ll drag me away. Anyway, I have my ways of catching them. Growing up by the sea, I know the tricky terrain and its dangers. I don’t go after fish that are too big."

“But I’ll go for the good ones. I love abalone, so when the weather warms up next year, I’ll head into the ocean to get some.” Maurice asked with a smile, “Will you take me with you then? I’ve recently started learning to dive because I want to experience the beauty of the ocean.”

Natalie nodded with a smile. She said, “Sure. Maurice, I’ll introduce you to my older brothers, James, Gordon, and Harley. They’re also into diving, so we can all hang out together.”

Natalie knew that Maurice would be a big deal in the future, with all his projects making a lot of money. So she decided to introduce him to her three brothers. Connections were crucial, but her brothers were even more important.

Maurice looked at Natalie, beaming with her bright smile, and agreed, “Great. Your grandpa always talks about your brothers in front of my grandpa, saying they’re all outstanding. I’d love to meet them, too.”

Natalie was thrilled and couldn’t wait for James to return so she could introduce him to Maurice.

In this life, Natalie was determined to protect her brothers to avoid them meeting the same tragic end as they did before.

Still, she didn’t dare let Jennifer know. Jennifer had an inexplicable but intense hatred for her and those around her.

Natalie and Maurice ordered the dishes they liked and had a cheerful meal, chatting and laughing.

Easton was sitting nearby, watching Natalie’s bright and charming smile. Ever since Jennifer returned, he hadn’t seen Natalie smile like that.

Easton clenched his fists tightly. Looking at Natalie’s beaming smile, he whispered, “Natalie, I’ll never let you go!”