Chapter 356: Chapter 356: Fear in Our Society
"Mr. Simmons, today is my first time performing on stage, don’t forget to watch, okay?"
Hannah knew that her benefactor was busy making money, so she made sure to remind him to watch the live broadcast.
Arnold looked at the scenery flying by out of the car window, recalling George River’s instigative words.
"You probably don’t know how much Hannah Winter loves me. Even though she knows she’s just a substitute, she is willing to stay by my side."
He took a deep breath, lowered the car window, and pulled out a cigarette from his pocket.
He lit it.
His rationality somewhat regained.
On the other end of the phone, Hannah, hearing the noise, frowned, "Mr. Simmons, you’ve started smoking again."
The man flicked the cigarette lightly with his fingertips, didn’t deny it, and just hummed low in confirmation.
Hannah leaned against the wall, "Mr. Simmons, you’re not in a good mood?"
The cool wind coming from the outside dissolved the somewhat strong smell of tobacco. Amidst the swirling smoke, the man’s narrow eyes seemed to be covered in a misty haze.
Yet they still exuded a chill that sent shivers down your spine, "Yes, I’m not in a good mood. What should I do?"
Hannah pressed her lips together, staying quiet for a while before asking in a soft voice, "Mr. Simmons, why are you upset?"
Arnold flicked the ash off his fingertips casually. His voice teased with a hint of chill, "I’ve raised a lovely bird that I adore. But recently, I found out that it still pines for its former master. Tell me, should I buy a cage and lock it up?"
There was a hint of cruelty in his words that made it clear he was not joking.
Arnold was serious.
There was silence on the phone for a long time. So long that a touch of self-mockery appeared on Arnold’s lips before Hannah’s voice floated in, "Mr. Simmons, you probably don’t know, but I have social anxiety."
The man paused, seemingly not understanding what she meant.
Then came the girl’s soft explanation, "I mean, I have social phobia. I don’t like interacting with people. You might see me laughing and enjoying myself on camera, but in reality, I would rather be at home. If someone could lock me up, take care of my food and daily needs, and I didn’t have to go out to earn money, that would be wonderful."
It was a meme online. Someone joked that a neurotic and a person with social anxiety would be a perfect match."
One wants to lock people up, and the other doesn’t want to go out. It’s a match made in heaven.
Even the neurotic could be frightened by the escapist nature of social anxiety.
Of course, it’s all just a joke. In reality, a neurotic is a pervert. If you ever encounter one, there’s only one thing to do—run.
Hannah’s words were half truth, half joke.
Arnold could tell. The uneasiness inside him was soothed by the girl’s words, "Perform well. Don’t bring disgrace upon me."
After hanging up the phone, the secretary asked if he wanted to return to Mid-hill Courtyard.
Arnold wanted to nod, but changed his mind to a different place when the words reached his lips. His gaze was so gentle it made the secretary believe they were seeing things.
*
Hannah’s performance was scheduled to be the last one.
It was the show crew’s way of flattering her. After all, everyone believed that the one performing last must be the best.
All the cast members from "Swan’s Wings" gathered nervously, waiting for the host, Jackie Qualls, to call them on stage.
Of all the people, only Hannah was calm. She even comforted everyone saying, "It’s alright. Sing well. Even if you go off-key, I can help bring it back."
The teary-eyed girls all stared blankly at Hannah.
Although it was said in comfort, it felt somewhat off.
