Chapter 551 Why Does Trouble Always Have Its Way To Find Me?
Villain Ch 551. Why Does Trouble Always Have Its Way To Find Me?
Intrigued, Allen decided to playfully challenge Shanty, giving her a taste of her own directness. Leaning forward, he tilted his head slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. "I don't understand why you're so adamant about this," he asked, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and mischief.
*Ba-thump*
Shanty felt her heart quicken at the intensity of Allen's gaze. It wasn't a romantic gesture, she knew, but the directness threw her off guard. It was rare for anyone to look her directly in the eye and she wasn't used to it. Still, she tried to gain her composure.
Gathering her composure, she took a deep breath, attempting to meet his gaze with equal resolve.
"Like I said---" she was just about to mention what she said before, but Allen interrupted her.
"You have mentioned that I'm an incredible player, yes, I heard that. But there are a lot of pro players out there besides me. With your father's company reputation, I'm sure you can recruit another pro player. I mean, you don't even know what happened to me after that tournament and I played this game just for fun. I don't have any goals and almost never participate in events," he reminded her once again.
He had a valid point. Shanty sighed, realizing that Allen wasn't as easily swayed as she hoped. His nonchalant attitude slightly frustrated her, but she maintained a composed smile.
'That's because I want to see you every day, dummy!' Shanty shouted internally. She wished she could say that directly, but unfortunately, she couldn't just spill her heart out. So she decided to say something else, opting for a more composed response.
"I know there are many skilled players, but I believe your skills and experience would truly make a difference. Besides, it's not just about the gaming world. Your modeling career could also benefit from this partnership. Imagine the exposure and opportunities," she reasoned, attempting to appeal to both his gaming and modeling interests.
Allen raised an eyebrow, slightly amused by Shanty's persistence. "You're quite persuasive, I'll give you that. But I'm not interested in becoming the face of a gaming company. I prefer keeping a low profile," he explained, a hint of determination in his tone.
Shanty pouted slightly, feeling a mixture of frustration and affection. "I—I just think that job suits you. Besides, I'm sure you can develop more if you have a job that suits your interests and hobbies," she reasoned.
"Just because of that?" he confirmed, a hint of skepticism in his voice, as if he sensed there was more to her suggestion.
She stared at him for a while, her mind racing. 'No! Of course not!' she screamed internally, feeling the pressure of his scrutiny.
Shanty's internal struggles reflected the typical conflicts of someone navigating a crush. She wanted to spend time with Allen but was unsure of how to express her feelings directly. Her attempts to justify her suggestions about the job opportunity were a mix of genuine interest in seeing him thrive and the hidden desire to strengthen their connection.
But of course, the answer that came out of her mouth was different. "Yes," she answered.
"Okay," Allen said. He moved his body away. "I thought you had another intention so I wanted to confirm it with you," he said again.
She chuckled nervously. "What are you talking about? There's no way I have other intentions," she replied, glancing in another direction to avert his eyes.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I don't mind if you have other intentions tho. I prefer people who are honest to the face rather than liars. I mean, you definitely know about what happened to my team two years ago, right? It still gives me trauma. So even though it hurts, I prefer the truth. I'd rather know everything early than find out late," Allen explained with a bitter smile.
Shanty nodded understandingly. "I get it. I didn't mean to be secretive or anything. I just..." She trailed off, searching for the right words.
"It's fine. We're good," Allen reassured her, sensing her struggle. "Let's just enjoy the game, right?"
"Absolutely," Shanty agreed, her smile returning. "No more job offers, just gaming adventures."
Despite her reply, his words lingered in the air, a subtle unease settled within her. She pondered the implications of her decision and whether she should divulge the real reason behind her eagerness to recruit him—was the job merely an excuse to be close to him?
Vivian's presence loomed in the recesses of her thoughts. Allen was already entangled in a romantic relationship with Vivian. Shanty hesitated, unsure whether expressing her true feelings would be crossing a line. The complexity of emotions churned within her. Doubts crept in, questioning the possibility of Allen reciprocating her feelings.
While she was deep in thought, Allen stood up from his seat. "I should go now," he declared, deciding to end their conversation.
Caught off guard by Allen's sudden decision to leave, Shanty hurriedly rose from her seat, mirroring his movements. Confusion lingered in her voice as she questioned his departure.
"Where are you going?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.
Allen, ever nonchalant, responded with a casual tone, "Go hunting." The simplicity of his answer resonated with the essence of their existence.
"Alone? Can I come with you?" she inquired, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
Shanty, determined not to let the conversation end abruptly, swiftly proposed to accompany Allen. Her inquiry held a subtle plea, hoping for an extension of their shared time in the gaming realm.
However, Allen, ever cautious and practical, immediately laid out the challenges. "I'm going to a high-level map, and I mostly rely on my hiding skill. I'm also not a healer. I won't be able to look after you," he cautioned, his words carrying a note of concern.
The reality of his warning was apparent, and Shanty acknowledged the validity of his points. Undeterred, she quickly devised an alternative proposal, aiming to prolong their companionship. "Then how about I accompany you until you get out of city? The journey to a high-level map is a long journey. Mostly take around ten to fifteen minutes.I'm sure you'll need someone to talk to during the journey," she suggested, introducing a sense of camaraderie into her negotiation.
Allen's smile carried a warmth, a polite refusal gently uttered. "I think I should reject it. Thank you, Shanty. We can meet again next time. At the market or tavern," he gracefully declined, navigating the delicate balance between maintaining a connection and preserving his solitude.
Shanty, though disappointed, accepted his decision with a resigned "Okay." The weight of the unspoken lingered in the air.
Allen exited the bustling tavern, the ambient noise of the city enveloped him. Unbeknownst to him, Shanty discreetly slipped out after him, her intentions veiled in the shadows.
The intricate game unfolded as Allen navigated the labyrinthine pathways, occasionally glancing over his shoulder, the cityscape casting shadows on his path. Shanty, employing her best stealth maneuvers, weaved through the crowds, maintaining a cautious distance.
The city streets, a tapestry of structures and characters, bore witness to the unfolding spectacle. The merchants and stalls lined up. The players were busy to check on the items or equipments.
But Allen, seasoned in the art of perception, soon detected the subtle signs of a follower. His keen instincts tingled, revealing Shanty's not-so-stealthy presence. A smile, perhaps a mix of amusement and understanding, played on his lips.
Meanwhile, Shanty, realizing she was not as clandestine as she'd hoped, decided to play along. As the city streets became their stage, she activated her own hiding skill, a digital dance of cat and mouse commencing.
'She is surely stubborn,' he thought.
After a series of meandering through the city streets, Allen pondered the need for a temporary respite. At least, with this he could get rid of her. Deciding to log out near the city gate, he found a secluded spot bathed in the soft glow of the game's luminescence.
With a casual glance over his shoulder, he ensured that Shanty was no longer tailing him. A gentle sigh escaped him as he initiated the log-out sequence. The virtual surroundings blurred for a moment before dissolving into the familiar darkness that heralded departure from the game.
In the realm beyond the screen, Allen put his VR device on his desk and leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to stretch and ease the tension that had built up during his virtual escapade. A long exhale out of his mouth. The ambient sounds of the gaming world were replaced by the quiet hum of reality—the subtle creaking of the chair, the distant murmur of city life.
Allen reflected on the peculiar encounter with Shanty. A smile crept onto his face, appreciating the dynamics of their interactions that mirrored the unpredictability.
But one thing came to his mind. 'Why does trouble always have its way to find me?'
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