Chapter 189: The Unexpected Drive The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over Diamond Palace, painting the cityscape with hues of amber and rose.
After having breakfast, Xin and Seraphina prepared for their day to set off into Area 44.
The clock on the wall chimed exactly nine, and the two step out of their room.
Seraphina was wearing an outfit that exuded elegance and professionalism. She wore fitted slacks in a deep shade of charcoal, tailored to perfection, accentuating her slender legs with every step she took.
Her long blouse, the color of pale cream, was tucked neatly inside her pants, ornamented with a branded stylish belt.
The blouse was adorned with delicate patterns, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Her attire hinted at power and authority, tailored for a woman who commanded respect.
Her long, wavy hair, the color of a serene sky, was pulled back into a ponytail, allowing a few loose strands to frame her face.
The sunlight caught the subtle highlights in her hair, giving it a radiant, ethereal glow. Even in this simple style, her hair looked like a cascade of silk, flowing effortlessly down her back.
In contrast, Xin opted for a more casual look. He wore a crisp white shirt that clung loosely to his frame.
His black jogging pants were comfortable, allowing him freedom of movement while retaining a hint of urban flair.
A plain white cap sat atop his head, casting a shadow over his eyes giving him an air of mystery.
Xin felt a wave of relief as he noted Seraphina’s attire. He silently thanked the heavens that she wasn’t clad in something fit for a red carpet-event.
Given that she was headed for a business trip, her outfit was perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
"Shall we go?" Seraphina asked him.
Xin nodded. By this time, he was immune to Seraphina’s charms.
The two then made their way to the parking lot.
Xin had anticipated a typical vehicle, perhaps a van, a sleek black Mercedes, or even a formal and elegant Rolls Royce.
However, he was utterly flabbergasted when Seraphina pulled him towards a one-of-a-kind, custom-made Bugatti Nebula Eos. The color was a stunning combination of white and sky blue, the color of her hair.
There was absolutely nothing inconspicuous about the car at all!
"What’s wrong?" Seraphina asked, already settled into the driver’s seat. "The door is open."
Xin hesitated, uncertainty etched on his face. He didn’t know where to begin.
Was he going to ride in a car that likely cost more than himself and several generations of his family, or was it the fact that Seraphina was going to drive?
"You’re the one driving?" Xin blurted out without much thought. He thought that she would have a driver. But given her car that only has two seats, he should have known.
Seraphina chuckled lightly. "Were you expecting someone else to drive?"
Xin quickly shook his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. He moved to the passenger side, fastened his seatbelt, and braced himself for the ride.
.
As he settled in, Seraphina started the engine, and they smoothly merged onto the road.
Meanwhile, Xiaxia remained secluded in her room, entirely absorbed in the virtual world of Guildbane, blissfully unaware of her brother’s plans with Seraphina.
Their mother had already left for an early morning breakfast meeting with her boss, so she wasn’t around when Xin and Seraphina woke up.
However, she had made sure to cook for her children and Seraphina before she left, ensuring they had a hearty meal to start their day.
As the sleek Bugatti Nebula Eos glided down the road, the atmosphere inside the car was filled with a comfortable ambiance.
Seraphina’s hands expertly guided the steering wheel, and Xin’s eyes scanned the passing scenery as they engaged in conversation.
The chat started with Xin’s projects, his passion evident as he described the intricacies of his art. His hands moved animatedly, outlining his ideas in the air as he spoke, his enthusiasm contagious.
Seraphina listened intently, her eyes reflecting genuine interest in his work. Her insightful questions prompted Xin to delve deeper into the technical aspects of his art, discussing styles and popular artists with an intensity that showcased their expertise.
Their conversation seamlessly transitioned to school life, with Xin sharing snippets of his classes.
Seraphina, in turn, shared her own experiences from her past academic years, offering advice and encouragement.
Xin found himself comfortable with their conversation now unlike before that they were still getting to know each other.
Talking to Seraphina was effortless now; she possessed the knack for asking the right questions and providing the right answers that guided the conversation.
Even someone as reserved as him, who usually only uttered one-liners, found himself compelled to engage in lengthy paragraphs.
As the journey continued, their topics meandered to movies and music, their tastes aligning in unexpected ways.
They exchanged recommendations, discussing favorite films and songs with an eagerness that demonstrated their shared interests.
Eventually, their conversation naturally gravitated towards Guildbane, the virtual world that had become an integral part of their lives.
"You played too?" Xin’s surprise was evident in his voice as he discovered that Seraphina was also a Guildbane player.
"I think the real question is who isn’t playing Guildbane nowadays," Seraphina replied with a chuckle, her tone casual and amused.
". . . I guess so . . ." Xin was still processing the fact that Seraphina was involved in the game when they arrived in Area 44.
"You can just drop me off there," Xin suggested, trying not to inconvenience her.
Instead of answering, Seraphina glanced at the diamond watch on her wrist and simply stated, "My meeting will be done in less than an hour. I can pick you up here."
"It’s fine. I don’t want to trouble you more than I already am. I’ll just take the bus home," Xin insisted.
"It’s no trouble at all," Seraphina dismissed his concerns.
Before Xin had a chance to protest further, the engine roared to life, and the car zoomed ahead. With a final, "See you later," she left Xin standing there, slightly flustered by her demeanor.
Taking a deep breath, Xin watched the car disappear into the distance. He really didn’t want to impose on her any more than he already had, but he realized you couldn’t easily say no to someone like Seraphina.