CHAPTER 9: CHAPTER 9: WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTHERING ME?

Serena Sinclair woke up before dawn.

Her first reaction upon opening her eyes was thinking about what to make for breakfast today.

No idea what might be in the refrigerator.

In the next instant, Serena abruptly realized.

This is not The Lockwood Villa.

She no longer needs to get up early to make breakfast for Adrian Lockwood and Miles Lockwood.

Six years as a full-time job, the habit of waking up early is deeply ingrained in her mind.

She couldn’t forget it even after being hospitalized for two months.

Staring blankly at the ceiling for a while.

Serena closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

When she woke up again, it was already past eight, and the space beside her was empty.

Serena didn’t know when Una Hutton left nor when she came back.

On the dining table was the purple rice porridge and soup dumplings Una had brought back from the cafeteria.

All her favorites.

She opened her phone and found a WeChat message from Una.

[Hey lady, breakfast is on the table, the electric scooter key is in the drawer with the coffee beans.]

[At 11:30, I’ll be waiting for you at the cafeteria with sweet and sour ribs! Don’t miss it!]

Serena felt both warmth and sorrow in her heart.

With plenty of time to waste, Serena finished her morning routine, had breakfast, and leisurely stepped out.

The campus in the morning was peaceful and beautiful, with little birds chirping and flitting from branch to branch.

Students not in a hurry to get to class were memorizing words in the pavilion.

In the warm morning sun, even the air felt leisurely.

Much like Serena’s mood at that moment.

At the same time, Adrian Lockwood’s mood was in shambles.

He had drunk too much the night before and vaguely remembered the driver dropping him at the door.

Everything that happened afterward was a blank to Adrian.

Now awake, his head hurt, back hurt, entire body ached.

A huge bruise on the knee.

No need to guess, either he stumbled upon entering, or rolled down the stairs.

In the past, when he returned late, as soon as the car turned off, the villa door would open.

Serena would fuss while helping him in, full of concern.

There was hangover soup fed directly to him.

And a bathtub with warm water prepared.

From the moment he laid eyes on Serena after getting out of the car, he could safely close his eyes.

Upon waking, the room would smell fragrant.

He’d be dressed in clean pajamas, just as fragrant as the room.

But now, the bedroom was filled with a putrid stench of alcohol.

The most unbearable thing for Adrian Lockwood was realizing the stench emanated from himself.

He sniffed slightly sideways and nearly vomited.

"Serena?"

Sitting up, Adrian called out loud.

No response.

As clarity returned, Adrian abruptly realized.

Serena had filed for divorce.

She hadn’t returned for two nights.

Dark clouds appeared, Adrian’s face turned ashen.

He staggered to his feet.

Opened the windows first.

Then took a shower.

From the haphazard closet, he retrieved a crisply ironed suit and put it on before heading downstairs, carrying an aura of impending danger.

The coffee was sour, ice cubes not enough, a sip made him frown.

The bread was cold, chewing felt like wood chips, hard to swallow.

Adrian Lockwood discarded it after two bites.

The Mercedes roared away.

Entering the CEO’s office, Adrian’s expression was dark enough to drip water.

"President Lockwood..."

Chloe Lynch’s face carried a bright smile, "What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?"

Adrian Lockwood remained silent.

Chloe, however, seemed to understand and guided Adrian to sit in the office chair, placing her hands on his head to massage him.

The softness and strength in the massage.

The slightly discernible fragrance.

His aggravating mood slightly eased, Adrian sighed contentedly, "Chloe, thankful you’re here."

"Not just me, I’ve brought even better news for you..."

Chloe Lynch spoke with fervor: "Received a call from Director Quincy in Urban Development this morning, inviting The Lockwood Group to participate in the bidding conference for the plot number 3 in the eastern city."

"What did you say?"

Adrian opened his eyes, "Really?"

Government invitations are not casually given to any company.

First, they must have qualifications.

Then, financial backing.

Even with both, official recognition is needed.

Last year, The Lockwood Group did not have this privilege.

Having received the invitation, does this mean The Lockwood Group has entry qualifications now?

"Of course, it’s true."

Chloe Lynch looked pleased, "I received the call and rushed to Director Quincy’s office to retrieve the invitation."

Adrian only saw clarity.

Chloe performed like magic, producing a red invitation.

The invitation was from the Urban Development Office.

Sealed with a bright red stamp.

The content was true, for next month’s bidding conference for plot number 3.

Considering The Lockwood Group’s growth this year over last.

Even without having gone to the bidding conference or winning the plot.

Adrian already felt great, "If we can secure this plot, next year, our Lockwood Group will advance further... I’ve had my eye on that plot for a while, if a science museum is built, it will be the largest, most technologically advanced complex in Aethelgard."

"Science Museum? Sounds quite impressive!"

"Naturally. There are currently 12 science museums completed in Aethelgard. The newest Aethelgard Science Museum was completed three years ago. In that span, you know how much technology changes globally, bringing forth new technologies... If we obtain that plot, I’ll make it Auranos’ most incredible science museum."

Chloe Lynch looked full of admiration.

The office fell quiet.

Adrian glanced up to see Chloe busily organizing the desk without any intent to continue the conversation.

The soaring excitement felt like being doused with cold water.

Adrian fell into silence.

If Serena were here, she’d be more excited than him.

Chattering incessantly.

Imagining multiple branches within the science museum, doors to the east, west, south, north.

Or perhaps, two of the doors with futuristic themes, with long corridors of technology. Visitors can see their transformed sci-fi reflections from the glass beside them, overhead, and beneath their feet.

Full of childlike fun.

An immersion experience.

Even if it were just idle talk.

Even if it doesn’t become reality.

The excitement at the moment of collision of ideas far surpasses any other feeling.

But now, there’s nothing.

Caught up in his thoughts, Adrian furrowed his brow, the latent annoyance brewing anew.

Even Adrian himself couldn’t pinpoint what was bothering him.

One day.

Two days.

Three days.

...

Thought he could hold on for about three to five days, Serena would call with a clumsy excuse.

But this time, a week passed with no word.

After reporting the day’s schedule, Ian Young was called back by Adrian as he left, "Have you informed the butler?"

Upon mentioning Serena, Ian Young’s expression grew serious, "The butler said, madam left that day and hasn’t returned."

Didn’t go back to the villa.

Also didn’t go to the apartment.

In vast Aethelgard, there’s only one place Serena could be.

"Got it, you go on now."

Ian Young pushed the door and left.

Adrian sat in silence for a long time, picked up his phone, and dialed a number.

Evening at Una Hutton’s dorm was filled with fragrance.

The hot pot boiled, the rich aroma wafted down the hallway.

On the table, red beef, tripe, green seaweed, red peppers, a colorful array of meat and vegetables made one’s mouth water.

"Ah, so this is the happiness of having The River Snail Maiden... Cheers!"

Una excitedly raised a glass.

The two clinked glasses.

Just when a sip of cola hadn’t reached their mouths, there was a knock on the dorm door.

Outside, Warren from the school’s logistics peeked at Serena and warmly smiled at Una, "Mr. Hutton, your friend won’t be staying overnight, right?"

Una looked confused.

Serena slowly stood up.