76: Chapter 76: Making Friends 76: Chapter 76: Making Friends Gina Lopez had thought she’d run into trouble today, but little did she know she would encounter a great opportunity instead.

Lucy Campbell had just left for another place,

and there was even David Smith from T Corporation, also known as Charles Goodman’s dad, here.

Because of his behavior toward Gina Lopez, Charles Goodman no longer dared to think about messing with her.

Given such attention, one thing was most crucial: except for asking to travel with Gina Lopez, Lucy Campbell had not mentioned this to anyone else and, although she was very friendly to others, was evidently different with Gina Lopez, meaning at this party, Lucy Campbell seemed to be the one who admired Gina Lopez the most.

Until the party ended, Gina Lopez had been non-stop busy, while James Brown was extremely bored.

Seeing that Charles Goodman no longer harassed Gina Lopez, he simply returned to the bodyguard’s lounge to chat with the others.

It wasn’t until after ten that the party ended, and Gina Lopez was tipsy.

Everyone had offered her a drink and each was difficult to refuse; she truly had drunk a lot today.

But Gina Lopez was still visibly excited, and as soon as she got into the car, she said to James Brown, “Did you see?

Lucy Campbell actually asked me to travel with her to YODC City.”

While driving, James Brown chuckled, “I saw.

You really were the star today.”

“Yes, I’ve been trying my hardest every day since I started working to expand the company, to deal with those big bosses and officials.

It’s so tiring.

But today, they were all courteous to me; just a worker and yet I could achieve such glory.

How could I not be excited?”

“Congrats then, knowing you’d be like this today, I’m almost redundant as your bodyguard.”

“Gee, that’s actually quite true, but I’ve had so much to drink, definitely can’t drive myself.

I feel safer with you taking me.”

“I’m a normal man too, don’t belittle me like that,” James Brown said, a bit annoyed.

Gina Lopez laughed heartily, “I’m complimenting you, how could that be belittling?

Alright, alright, let’s buy some more booze later.

We can drink more when we get back.”

James Brown truly saw Gina Lopez laugh like this for the first time.

Perhaps this was her true self, being ecstatic enough to forget herself, although because of her position, she must always control her emotions.

But James still shook his head, saying, “You want to drink more?

Don’t you have a trip with Lucy Campbell tomorrow?”

“I know, but I’m just too excited; if I don’t drink something, I fear I won’t be able to sleep tonight.

Just keep me company, just wake me early tomorrow.”

James Brown rolled his eyes, saying, “You really treat me like a nanny, don’t you?”

“Not at all, not at all.

I don’t have any real friends in YODC City.

If not you, then who?”

“Oh, well that really is an honor.”

At that point, they had arrived at Gina Lopez’s condo.

James Brown drove directly into the condo’s underground parking, then followed Gina Lopez up to her apartment where she urged him to go buy some booze.

With no choice, James went out and bought a case of canned beer and some deli food and snacks, carrying them back to Gina Lopez’s home.

However, Gina Lopez didn’t immediately want to drink; instead, she sat in front of the computer, seriously looking at something, leaving James Brown speechless.

She wanted to drink, yet now she was working.

“Just wait a bit.

I think it’s boring if just the two of us drink.

I’ve also invited someone else,” Gina Lopez turned around and smiled at James Brown.

James Brown somehow felt that Gina Lopez’s smile had a special implication; his heart stirred, and he guessed who she had invited.

In YODC City, to earn Gina Lopez’s trust and be eligible to drink with her, it must be Director Sunny Nguyen.

Moreover, Gina Lopez always suspected something special between him and Sunny Nguyen, which is why she would look at him with a faintly ambiguous gaze.

James Brown, if he were to leave now, would only further confirm his relationship with Sunny Nguyen.

So he merely smiled lightly, saying, “Well said, I’ll get ready then.”

“Hehe, go to the condo entrance and pick up Director Nguyen; otherwise, she might not find the place.”

“Oh, Director Nguyen, sure, I’ll go pick her up.” James Brown showed no unusual reaction and went out to get the guest.

Gina Lopez was somewhat surprised.

She thought that mentioning Sunny Nguyen’s name would elicit some unusual response from James Brown, but he remained unexpectedly calm.

Little did she know, when it came to acting skills, James Brown was far superior to even professional actors.

Professional actors acted for money, whereas James Brown acted for his life—any slight mistake could be fatal.

His acquired acting ability was not something Gina could easily discern.

Arriving at the entrance of the residential area, Sunny Nguyen had just gotten out of a taxi.

James Brown approached her, smiling, and said, “Director Nguyen, Ms.

Lopez has asked me to pick you up.”

“James Brown, what are you doing here?” Sunny Nguyen exclaimed in disbelief.

James Brown shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Remember the night you called me?

I told you I was with Ms.

Lopez?”

“Ah?

Was that true?” Sunny Nguyen’s eyes widened.

“Of course, it was true.

I never lie.

It’s just that some people take my truths as lies.”

The corner of Sunny Nguyen’s mouth twitched as she lowered her voice, “So, are you Ms.

Lopez’s boyfriend?”

“What do you think?” James Brown wore a smile on his face.

“Well, considering the gap between you and Ms.

Lopez, it shouldn’t be that kind of relationship, but here you are, and it does indeed seem true.”

Sunny Nguyen was now completely confused.

James Brown laughed loudly and said, “Let’s go.

Ms.

Lopez will explain it to you later.”

As the two made their way further into the residential area, and after walking a while, Sunny Nguyen cautiously asked, “So… Ms.

Lopez doesn’t know about us?”

“Heh… What’s there to know?”

“Right, we have nothing between us.

We’re just colleagues,” Sunny Nguyen chuckled, but then glared fiercely at James Brown.

This guy; always dodging responsibility after taking advantage.

She also knew that it was a good tactic.

She never intended to dive into a new relationship anyway.

Her few encounters with James Brown could only be described as serendipitous mishaps.

These days, she hadn’t called James even once, wanting to calm her emotions and move past her previous failed marriage.

She had been completely focused on work, which helped her adjust well.

However, seeing James Brown made her unavoidably recall their joyful times together, and she felt a bit uncomfortable about his nonchalance.

As they reached the apartment, James Brown, who had taken a key with him, directly opened the door, further irritating Sunny Nguyen.

But once inside, she regained her composure.

“Director Nguyen, come, I have something important to discuss with you,” Gina Lopez called out from the sofa, with beer and snacks laid out on the table.

Sunny Nguyen, now wearing shoes James had brought her, felt even more awkward.

James was so familiar with Gina’s home and so casual; he must have stayed here quite often.

“Okay,” Sunny Nguyen sat next to Gina Lopez and eyeing the beer, she spontaneously remarked, “It seems Ms.

Lopez must have some great news.

This is clearly a celebration.”

Gina Lopez giggled, “That’s exactly the point.

Today, I attended a wine party where I met Lucy Campbell, the top beauty from SSUP Country based in the Capital of SSUP.

Tomorrow, she wants me to take her around YODC City, so I thought to consult with you on how best to arrange the tour.”

“Ah?

Lucy Campbell, SSUP Country’s top beauty?” Sunny Nguyen nearly dropped her jaw.

Gina Lopez continued excitedly, “Yes, her!

She’s currently in YODC City, and she even plans on investing here.

It’s a goldmine!

Working with her could be a huge windfall for our company.”

“Good heavens, this isn’t just a windfall; it’s like raining gold and gems,” Sunny Nguyen also brightened up with excitement.

However, James Brown was somewhat speechless.

It was just Lucy Campbell, after all.

Was there a need for such excitement?

It would make sense if men reacted this way, but why were these two women so thrilled?