Chapter 4: Fate, I'd Rather Be Instant Noodles

No doubt, New York's nights are enchanting. Once the faint twilight vanishes from the horizon, the city transforms into a sea of shimmering lights.

Having withdrawn a few thousand dollars in the evening, he enjoyed a satisfying meal, took a leisurely stroll along the street, bought a new wallet, and casually satisfied his wandering eyes. Unbeknownst to him, it was already eleven o'clock.

"Spend so many years in the mortal world in vain, return home without a woman…" Alex mused while walking idly on the street, humming a tune. Most of the women on the street had heavy makeup, and the well-behaved kids had already gone home. These women clearly couldn't pique Alex's interest, and he couldn't even be bothered to glance at them.

"Big brother, big brother~!" A woman wearing an extremely short skirt and a camisole top blocked Alex's path. Although she was less than two meters away, the thick layer of makeup on her face made it difficult for Alex to discern her true appearance.

"Miss, what can I do for you?" Alex asked, looking at her.

"Why are you calling me miss...?"

"Miss, are you a geisha from Japan? Why are you wearing a face mask outdoors?" Alex stared at the woman with a fierce look, perhaps because of the intimidating skull on his T-shirt. After glancing at Alex's attire, the woman's temper suddenly subsided, and she grumbled before leaving.

In the world of street fashion, it's essential to have some edgy elements on your clothing like venomous snakes, lions, or skulls. Of course, if you're not afraid of pain, getting some tattoos can enhance the effect even more. Just remember, don't use children's temporary tattoos in the summer; they tend to sweat off!

"Ha, this is a One Piece anime-themed T-shirt!" Alex chuckled to himself, continuing his journey through the late-night streets.

"Miss, how much...!"

"Go away!"

"Oh, you think I don't have money?"

"Go away, I'm not that kind of person! I'll scream~~!"

"Silly girl, why would you come out so late if you're not here to sell something~~!" The man grumbled and walked away.

Hmm? This scene immediately caught Alex's attention. After the man left, the woman sat on a chair, her legs bent, and her hands tightly hugging her knees.

The woman was very beautiful, which was one reason that drew Alex's attention. More importantly, she... a young lady? Yes, what Alex saw was none other than Alice,whom he had met earlier at the restaurant today!

What is she doing? Admiring the night view?

Thinking about her beautiful appearance, elegant demeanor, and warm smile during the day, Alex was left with a deep impression.

'I was daydreaming about her during the day, and now I've run into her at night. It's time to make a move! I've been patient for so many years, and this woman seems promising. It's the right moment!' Alex thought to himself as he observed the melancholic expression on the young lady's face. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and he couldn't resist touching his earlobe. It was a signature move from Alex's high school days; whenever he did that in front of a woman, she wouldn't be able to escape.

Alex approached her from behind, taking a deep breath. He could detect a pleasant lily fragrance – not bad at all! Then, he gently patted her shoulder.

"I already said, I'm not... Huh? It's you?"

"Hehe, hello there!" Alex chuckled.

"This is amazing, truly amazing!" Alice suddenly stood up from her chair and enthusiastically grabbed Alex's hand, exclaiming loudly. This took Alex by surprise, and he stared at her in astonishment.

"Oh, I'm really sorry for startling you! I was just... just happy, hehe, happy!" Alice realized her recent outburst was quite unusual and let go of Alex's hand, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Hehe, it's alright, no problem!" Alex replied, watching her. He felt like she was even happier to see him than he was to see her. Could it be that his actions at lunchtime had deeply moved her? Had she been awestruck by his exceptional charm? It seemed unlikely; he didn't exude any special aura.

"Do you... still remember me?" Alice asked, looking at Alex.

"Of course, Alice. New York is such a big city, meeting here is also a kind of fate," Alex replied with a smile. No need to dwell on that; he'd build rapport first.

"Yeah, it's true, really fate," Alice nodded in agreement.

"What are you doing here alone? It's quite late, and being in a place like this at this hour could give people the wrong impression!" Alex gestured to the surroundings, filled with karaoke bars and nightclubs.

"I... I didn't want to, but my luggage was accidentally stolen when I was at the hotel. I lost everything except my ID!" Alice said with a dejected look.

"Stolen? You should call your family right away!" Alex suggested, puzzled by how she could be so careless.

"I... I ran away from home. If I call my family, it would mean I'm giving in," Alice replied, sitting back down in her chair, looking disheartened and clearly recalling some sad memories.

Seeing her like this, Alex sat beside her. He could guess part of the reason why Alice had run away to New York and why she was feeling down – most likely because her father was planning to marry a 24-year-old woman when Alice herself was 25. What kind of relationship was that?

"Don't you have any relatives in New York? Or maybe you can stay at the company?" Alex suggested.

"That way, they'll find me," Alice pouted. Alex hadn't expected the elegant young lady to have such a cute side to her, but was her personality a bit too stubborn? Alex pondered for a moment, realizing that he didn't have the authority to lecture someone else on this matter because he too had left home and had numerous discussions with his parents and sister about returning, but his resolve remained firm, and he refused to go back.

Well, they were kindred spirits in a way.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. Don't be so disheartened. Otherwise... how about you stay at my place tonight? Don't get me wrong, I have no ulterior motives, it's just... out of friendship, yes, friendship!" Alex said, worried that she might misunderstand.

"Wouldn't it be troublesome for you? Your family..." Alice began.

"I'm living on my own now!" Alex replied, hoping that they could live together... even if there were walls between them, it would be nice.

"Alright, thank you so much!" To Alex's surprise, when Alice heard that he lived alone, she readily agreed. Looking at her expression, she seemed very happy and willing.

Wow! The opportunity has arrived!

"No trouble at all, no trouble at all, let's go then!" Alex appeared calm on the surface as he spoke to her, but inside, he was overjoyed. A rare beauty who combined elegance, cuteness, and beauty in one package, and her skin was so flawless...! Judging by her appearance, she seemed perfect for a cozy home life. In Alex's mind, an image appeared of himself returning home after a day of work, and she had prepared a table full of delicious dishes waiting for him.

"Honey, you're back~~!"

"Honey, come quickly and have the loving dinner I prepared for you~~!"

"Honey, you've worked hard all day, and I've already prepared the hot water for your shower. Let's take it together. Come on, I'll give you a back massage~~!"

Having such a gentle, virtuous, beautiful, and capable lady, serving him as a wife, was truly the greatest happiness in life!

With these thoughts in mind, Alex quickly hailed a taxi, got in, and headed home, fearing that she might change her mind.

"Come on in, it might be a bit messy, but there's no help for it, I live alone!" Alex welcomed Alice into his apartment. He didn't know if the young lady used to living in a luxurious villa would find his place lacking, but Alex himself was already accustomed to it.

"It's very nice!" Alice walked in and looked around the room, finding it much better and larger than she had imagined. "By the way, what do you do for a living? This is quite a big room, and the decoration seems nice. It must have cost quite a bit," Alice asked as she sat on the sofa. In her eyes, Alex had always been someone with a sense of justice... and a bit of a rogue!

"I work at a sales company, just a regular white-collar worker!" Alex replied, avoiding mentioning that his company was actually her family's branch in New York. He didn't want her to suspect him of being a spy, reporting back to the company during his visits, and then secretly leaving. That would be counterproductive.

"Hmm?" Alice looked visibly surprised at Alex's words, carefully examining his attire. It was understandable, given his casual outfit with slippers, jeans, and a skull-themed t-shirt. He had intentionally adopted a more relaxed appearance to attract women, so his claim of being a white-collar worker might not have been very convincing.

"Hehe, it's the weekend, so I dressed more casually. Please don't misunderstand and think I'm some kind of rogue or something!" Alex chuckled, trying to clarify.

"I believe you, or else I wouldn't have come with you. By the way, do you have any food here? I haven't eaten anything all day!" Alice said apologetically.

"Food? Just a moment," Alex replied and then went into the kitchen. He retrieved some milk and bread from the fridge and handed them to Alice. He also took out several bags of instant noodles from a cabinet.

"I'm sorry, but this is all I have. I never really cook here, so please make do with this," Alex scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "But I do have a kitchen here, and you can use it freely in the future."

With his last statement, Alex had two purposes. First, he used the phrase 'in the future' to imply that she could stay here for an extended period, indicating his willingness. Second, by mentioning the kitchen and her being able to use it freely, he subtly suggested that sharing meals would be natural since they were living under the same roof, even though she had a special status. It was a way of hinting at reciprocity.

"Mmm," Alice nodded as she picked up a piece of bread and started eating. She acknowledged Alex's words with a nod.

"Great! I'll have a good meal tomorrow night!" Alex thought to himself, feeling victorious in this bloodless battle of wits.

"The room next door is a guest room, and the bedding is all new. You can stay there tonight," Alex said, waiting for a warm and grateful response.

"Okay," Alice replied with a nod, opening a pack of instant noodles and starting to eat. Her response was concise, and her tone was ordinary. Alex couldn't help but feel that his pack of instant noodles hadn't made much of an impression on her. But he couldn't blame her; after all, she was a young lady who hadn't eaten all day, so filling her stomach was the top priority.

"It's so late, and there's nothing good on TV," Alex continued, implying that he wanted Alice to engage in more conversation. However, Alice's response was still the sound of her slurping instant noodles.

"Ah, I'm so tired. I have to go to work tomorrow, so I'll head to bed now," Alex said, turning around as if he was about to enter the bedroom, hoping that Alice would try to stop him.

"Okay, thanks," Alice replied, continuing to eat her instant noodles.

With a drooping head, Alex entered the bedroom and closed the door, then flopped onto the bed.

Ugh, I hate instant noodles the most!