Though paralyzed, still radiantly charming!

Chapter 203: A mission now? It had to be on purpose!

Hannah said she needed a smoke and excused herself first, leaving Ryan and Alice alone as they headed back to the villa.

On the way back, Hannah sat in the back seat, glaring at Ryan with hostility the whole time, which creeped him out and kept him from making conversation with Miss Alice.

Even without Hannah’s interference, Ryan wasn’t sure what to say anyway.

After taking on that crucial mission and leaving the themed suite, things between Ryan and Alice had gotten a bit complicated.

Opening up to each other seemed to have brought them closer, but that actually made things more difficult for Ryan.

Alice was originally his mission target, and now she had become someone he needed to protect, and even a one-sided friend. Each role brought its own set of pressures.

Miss Alice considered him a friend, and he had decided to help her with all his might. Maybe being friends was the best way to go.

Ryan was always torn inside. If they were going to part ways in the end, he wondered if he should even indulge in the scenery along the journey.

“We’re finally back. Today was really something.”

Ryan remarked, glancing at Alice’s expression.

Alice had reverted to her cold demeanor, completely different from how she was in the room earlier.

“Mhm.”

Alice responded softly, not one for many words.

But a response was better than silence, even a quiet one was an improvement over her previous aloofness.

The moment they returned to the villa, Ryan’s side mission was complete. The reward confirmed that the hitman had been thoroughly shaken off, and there was no danger in Alice’s villa.

Ryan stretched lazily, a bitter feeling washing over him as he thought this might be his new normal.

People often miss the past only when it’s gone, like Ryan, who longed for his old routine after a tiring day.

He should have been at school, studying under his advisor, diving into ancient texts, borrowing books from the library, and spending sunny afternoons in the reading area.

Now, those days were gone for good.

Alice walked ahead, not caring what Ryan was up to, and headed upstairs to her room.

Her shirt still smelled faintly of milk, which embarrassed her, and she decided to change it quickly.

“Plan your own time for now. We’ll just have dinner together later.”

“Okay.”

Ryan replied. He had thought he’d be glued to Alice’s side after coming back, but having some freedom was definitely better.

So much had happened,he needed some time to sort out his thoughts.

Alice had her reasons for suggesting this. She felt she needed some time to think things over too.

Just looking at Ryan made her heart flutter uncontrollably, a feeling that left her flustered.

She had never opened up to anyone like she had to Ryan.

Fortunately, Ryan hadn’t let her down. He chose to stay by her side and help her, which was the best news.

She tried to keep her expression cold, yet she was somewhat afraid that this side of her might hurt Ryan. Luckily, he just nodded calmly and then went to watch TV on the couch.

Watching Ryan’s indifferent departure, Alice was speechless.

‘This guy, really, he’s so clueless. Doesn’t he notice something’s off with me?’

Keeping an eye on Miss Alice’s mood was part of an assistant’s job, and he was really dropping the ball.

Change him, she resolved. She’d definitely replace him when she got the chance.

Alice stomped her foot in annoyance, then turned away from Ryan. Out of sight, out of mind.

She felt awkward for a while and didn’t wait for Ryan to come over. Curiously, she turned to see what he was up to and found him laughing at a talk show on TV.

Compared to her, she didn’t even know what she was being awkward about.

She had set the tone herself, prepared to go upstairs, letting Ryan do his own thing, but in the end, she was the one feeling upset.

Really, what was going on with her? Why was she starting to care about these things?

Alice rubbed her temples, withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and forced herself to clear her mind of all these thoughts as she headed upstairs.

Alice still had things to do. As the boss of a crime syndicate, she was never short of problems to handle.

Originally, besides the afternoon meeting, she had other plans for the evening. But they had spent too long at the hotel, and Ryan, concerned about safety, had urged her to return to the villa, so she had conceded.

The issues wouldn’t just go away,they still needed to be dealt with as they were key to her future plans.

Her vision was to legitimize the entire organization, starting by cutting off all dirty businesses.

But that alone wouldn’t be enough. Cutting off others’ livelihoods would make enemies out of them, and she needed to find a new path for those people.

That’s why she had been meeting various business tycoons lately, planning to use her father’s wealth to fund legitimate businesses and gradually sort things out.

First, she needed to sort out the financial aspect, then eliminate the rotten elements within.

She was supposed to discuss a real estate development project today, spurred by a new subway line that would boost economic and human traffic along its route.

Using some maneuvers, she had secured a plot of land near a subway station, planning to build a new commercial complex there.

The intricacies of construction planning and later operations, like inviting businesses to set up shop, required professional knowledge, and she had to consult industry insiders bit by bit.

Since today was no longer an option, she would have to make time tomorrow.

Alice went upstairs to look at the design plans, while Ryan continued watching his talk show on the couch.

When Alice had left earlier, Ryan had received a system alert that Alice’s Mood Level had dropped to fifty, which didn’t look too good.

But Ryan didn’t rush to comfort her. He vividly remembered Alice’s fervent state from before,what if provoking her now led to another kiss?

Honestly, though, Alice’s cheeks were cool and soft like ice cream, and the touch was really nice.

Her reaction after being kissed was quite adorable, certainly much better than her current icy demeanor.

“Ryan, what are you even thinking about?”

His mind uncontrollably replayed the kiss, a stark contrast to the feeling of their first night raid. It left Ryan feeling a ticklish sensation inside.

Would it be a win if it happened again?

This thought popped up, and Ryan suddenly slapped himself, then covered his face, looking pained.

Ouch, that slap really hurt.

No, no, he absolutely couldn’t do that again.

Pinching his nails, Ryan pondered his next move. After accepting the Crucial mission, he and Alice were in it for the long haul.

In this prolonged interaction, his attitude was crucial,he couldn’t afford to deviate first.

Alice considered him a friend, but he harbored some odd feelings, making him feel guilty towards her.

“I’ve decided, I must keep my distance, just… like normal friends.”

Ryan psyched himself up, determined not to reveal his feelings to Alice anymore.

Putting the Crucial mission aside for now, the real issue was the dangerously high Favorability. If it increased by five more points, he’d be doomed.

Right, keep the distance! Maintain the distance!

Dinner time came quickly, and Ryan and Alice sat at opposite ends of the table. For some reason, Alice kept glancing over, seemingly curious about Ryan’s demeanor.

Ryan dared not talk much, afraid of drawing Alice’s attention. He finished his meal in a few bites, maintaining silence throughout.

Apart from answering Alice’s questions, he didn’t speak at all.

“Are you still going out with me?”

“Mhm.”

“Then you’ll have to wait a couple of days. I need to handle some things. You’ve seen how they’re targeting your identity.”

“Okay.”

“Can you get me some more vegetable salad?”

“Sure.”

Ryan’s responses were brief, without any extra words. Alice found it odd but didn’t explode.

Was Ryan deliberately giving her the cold shoulder, seemingly maintaining some distance on purpose?

Far from getting angry, she found Ryan’s clumsy act amusing and wondered how long he could keep it up.

Alice was an expert at staying detached. Matching Ryan’s demeanor, she gradually spoke less, and an eerie silence fell over the living room as dinner passed.

Finally, Alice gave Ryan a deep look before heading upstairs to rest. Only after Alice left did Ryan breathe a sigh of relief.

Good, this was acceptable. Just keep it going like this.

As long as he didn’t talk too much, Favorability wouldn’t increase, Alice wouldn’t go into a frenzy, and they could both stay safe.

But then, a voice in Ryan’s head made him curse out loud.

[Side Mission: Engage in intimate interaction with Alice]

[Mission Reward: Skill Point +1]

A mission now? It had to be on purpose!