Chapter 120

Joshua became noticeably frostier around unfamiliar people, merely nodding slightly to make it clear he had no interest in further interaction.

Kingston’s gaze quickly settled on Shermaine. He greeted her gently, “Ms. Shue, what an honor to meet you.” He then presented his business card.

“Hello,” Shermaine said, reaching out to take the card. It read: Kingston Wright, Black River Company. The man had striking bone structure, but his androgynous features left her feeling vaguely uneasy.

Kingston continued with a polite smile, “What a pleasant surprise to run into all of you. Would you mind if my companion and I joined your group?”

Kingston’s female companion was delicately pretty. When she saw Joshua and the others, she looked shy and timid, a hint of excitement in her eyes. She greeted them, “Hello, gentlemen. Nice to meet you, Ms. Shue.”

Yet, her greeting drew little attention from Joshua and the others.

Kingston’s words were clearly directed at Shermaine. His tone was so polite and gracious that refusing would seem rude. But Shermaine didn’t really care. Whether there were more people or fewer, she was just here to ski. As long as no one bothered her, it made no difference.

Shermaine shrugged and said casually, “Sure, join us.”

“That’s wonderful,” Kingston said with a courteous smile.

His date with Shermaine had already gone up in smoke, so with two glaring third wheels already hanging around, Joshua couldn’t care less if Kingston and that woman joined them too.

After about fifteen minutes, Shermaine had already made her way to the ski slopes.

The ski slopes were divided into beginner and advanced trails.

The beginner trail was packed with skiers, while the advanced one remained relatively empty.

After putting on her ski gear, Shermaine headed straight for the advanced slopes. Naturally, Joshua followed close behind without hesitation.

As for Roy, despite being a pro gamer, his athletic abilities were rather lacking. With little skiing experience, he had no choice but to stick to the beginner trail with an instructor.

Pitifully, Roy watched as Henry followed Joshua, all heading after Shermaine–along with Kingston and his date.

Kingston’s date demonstrated impressive skills. After putting on her ski gear, she effortlessly executed a backflip and landed steadily on the snow.

Roy gave Henry the finger. ‘If you’ve got the guts, come play video game skiing with me. I’ll crush you!’ he fumed inwardly.

This was utterly annoying.

Roy wished he could hit the advanced trail with Shermaine too.

At the entrance to the advanced slope, a staff member was going over the safety guidelines.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if your equipment acts up, stop immediately and notify a staff member. Also, while skiing, keep an eye on the signs and don’t cross into D Area. That area is still under development and quite dangerous.”

No sooner had the staff finished speaking than Kingston’s companion, Olivia Cohen, chimed in playfully, “We’re all experienced skiers here. No need to worry.” Then she turned to Shermaine with a grin, “Don’t you agree, Ms. Shue?”

Shermaine had no attention to spare for her at that moment, as Joshua, right in front of everyone, peeled a chocolate for her. “You need some energy before you exercise. Eat this,” he said gently.

The “picture–perfect couple” kept up their act of public affection anytime. With Joshua pulling this move, Shermaine had no choice but to play along.

“Fine.” Shermaine had no choice but to bite into the chocolate, her lower lip accidentally brushing against Joshua’s fingers. A fleeting, warm dampness lingered.

His eyes darkened as he quietly slipped a few more chocolate pieces into her pocket, so she’d have something to keep her energy up when he wasn’t there.

Shermaine murmured around the chocolate, offering the barest acknowledgment.

Unfazed by Shermaine’s coolness, Olivia smiled warmly, “Mr. York treats you so well, Ms. Shue,” she said, then added with a hint of challenge, “You must be quite the skier to dare the advanced trail, no?”

“Decent,” Shermaine said.

Olivia’s smile widened. “How about a little race between us? Spice things up a bit, don’t you think?”