The ticket agent took a minute to verify the card's information. Once confirmed, they refunded the three hundred yuan to Xavier Jennings and handed six tickets to Mortimer Quincy, their attitude exceptionally pleasant.
"If you need any help during your visit, please contact a service station, and we will assist you as quickly as possible."
"Thank you," Mortimer said politely.
The staff at the gate checked their tickets and let them in.
Anna Willow tugged on Holly Winslow's arm and whispered, "Holly, where did your handsome cousin get an amusement park SVIP card?"
Holly Winslow shook her head. She had never been to an amusement park with Mortimer Quincy. Their dates were usually in more romantic places—ahem, with occasional exceptions.
During college, they were in a long-distance relationship. Their cities were far apart, one in the north and one in the south. It was a two-day train ride, so they only saw each other once a month.
By her junior year, their relationship had stabilized. When Mortimer came for their dates, they spent most of their time at a hotel.
Iris Kensington suddenly poked her head over excitedly and lowered her voice, "Don't you guys think your handsome cousin is just like one of those rich, handsome school princes from a novel?"
She acted out a scene from a novel on the spot. "Baby, use this card as much as you want. The PIN is your birthday."
"Hahaha, that's my favorite line!" Anna Willow stomped her feet excitedly.
The two of them had recently read the same novel. It used to be a trio, but Holly Winslow had recently quit their little "novel club."
Holly Winslow laughed until her stomach hurt, tapping both of their heads. "You should read fewer novels. You're both turning into idiots."
The two of them giggled cheekily.
Xavier Jennings was already embarrassed about not paying the cab fare, and now that he hadn't paid for the tickets either, he felt even more awkward. "Let me buy you guys some coconut juice."
Anna Willow shook her head. "Don't drink anything yet. You'll throw it up later."
"AHHH... AHHH..." A series of ear-splitting screams rang out.
Anna Willow had always been brave and was instantly excited. She pointed to the Giant Pendulum ride in the distance and said, "Let's go on the Giant Pendulum."
Holly Winslow instinctively refused. She liked coming to amusement parks, but definitely not for the thrill rides.
"You guys go. I'll ride the carousel."
Anna Willow and Iris Kensington flanked her, each grabbing an arm. Iris blinked. "Nope. The trio has to stick together."
She gave Anna Willow a look, and Anna immediately understood.
It was a chance to give Holly Winslow and Xavier Jennings some time alone.
There weren't many people riding the Giant Pendulum, but a large crowd was watching.
Holly Winslow was pushed into a seat by Iris Kensington and Anna Willow. Mortimer Quincy sat down next to her.
The seat on her other side was still empty. Iris Kensington winked at Xavier Jennings, signaling him to sit down quickly.
Brian Willow, as if he didn't understand, sat down on Holly Winslow's other side.
Anna Willow: "..."
Iris Kensington: "..."
Xavier Jennings froze.
Iris Kensington glanced at Anna Willow. 'How did your brother end up sitting there? Didn't you promise he would cooperate?'
Anna Willow quickly went up, tugged on Brian Willow's sleeve, and blinked at him repeatedly. "Bro, come sit with me."
"Isn't there a seat right there?" Brian Willow looked at the empty seat next to him. Then, with a CLICK, his safety harness locked into place.
Anna Willow: "..."
In the end, Xavier Jennings was three seats away from Holly Winslow.
The Giant Pendulum started to swing slowly, then faster and faster.
"AHH, HUBBY, SAVE ME, HUBBY..."
"HUBBY... HELP ME..."
Amidst all the screams, one female voice was particularly piercing.
Anna Willow: "..."
Iris Kensington: "..."
Xavier Jennings: "..."
Brian Willow: "..."
Only Mortimer Quincy smiled. He reached out and held Holly Winslow's hand. "Don't be afraid."
When the Giant Pendulum stopped, the ride operator couldn't help but glance at Holly Winslow a few more times as they unlocked the harnesses.
'She has a husband already at such a young age?'
After getting off the Giant Pendulum, Anna Willow and Iris Kensington were laughing so hard that tears streamed down their faces.
Neither of them thought much of it. Back when the three of them read novels together, they liked to call the male lead "Hubby."
Anna Willow poked Holly Winslow. "Holly, what novel have you been reading now? You tell us not to read them, but you're secretly reading one yourself! Quick, tell us, what's the title?"
Holly Winslow: "..."
She glanced at Mortimer Quincy and randomly made up a title. "The Ice Prince School Hunk Fell In Love With Me."
The corner of Mortimer Quincy's mouth twitched.
Iris Kensington huffed twice. "Holly, you've been reading a novel all by yourself! I don't care, you have to bring the book to school tomorrow. I want to read it."
"I want to read it too," Anna Willow nodded eagerly.
Brian Willow tapped her on the forehead and threatened, "You just try reading another one."
He glanced at Iris Kensington and Holly Winslow. "Stop reading novels."
Anna Willow rubbed her forehead, pouting, not daring to talk back.
Iris Kensington nodded obediently.
Holly Winslow breathed a sigh of relief. 'Thank goodness Brian said that. Otherwise, where would I find a book called *The Ice Prince School Hunk Fell In Love With Me*?'
For the next few rides, Anna Willow and Iris Kensington intentionally tried to give Xavier Jennings and Holly Winslow some time alone, but her handsome cousin and Brian Willow were completely oblivious.
「Noon」
The six of them found a gazebo in the amusement park to eat. Next to it was a stand selling milk tea and grilled sausages.
Mortimer Quincy got up and walked to the milk tea shop. "Three milk teas, one with less sugar and extra pearls. Three double-skin milk puddings, and six bottles of mineral water."
The young man had fair skin and refined features; he was incredibly handsome.
The young female employee glanced at him a few extra times, her face slightly flushed. "That'll be eighty-five yuan in total."
Mortimer Quincy's gaze was lowered as he pulled a few hundred-yuan bills from his pocket, plucking one out to hand to her.
Anna Willow happened to see this, and her eyes went wide. "Holly, is your cousin's family super rich?"
"They're alright, I guess."
Holly Winslow glanced in Mortimer Quincy's direction. His short, choppy hair had a slight golden tint in the sunlight, accentuating his fair skin and the handsome bridge of his nose. She could even faintly make out the small mole on his nose.
Iris Kensington leaned closer to them and whispered, "The more I look at your cousin, the more handsome I think he is. Why does he have to have a girlfriend? I don't even have a chance now."
Holly Winslow reached out and gently poked her on the forehead, raising an eyebrow. "Giving up on your dear Chris Chaucer already?"
Iris Kensington's face instantly flushed red.
"Hahaha, that means only I have a chance with your cousin!" Anna Willow giggled slyly.
"In your dreams!"
"In your dreams!"
Holly Winslow and Iris Kensington mercilessly shattered her daydream.
The next second, the three of them burst into laughter together.
A few minutes later, Mortimer Quincy came back carrying a bag. He distributed the items to the others first, finally placing a milk tea and a double-skin milk pudding in front of Holly Winslow.
"Wow, thanks, cousin!" Anna Willow took a spoonful of the pudding, her eyes crinkling into a smile.
Mortimer Quincy shook his head. "You're welcome."
The group played until three in the afternoon before everyone went their separate ways. Xavier Jennings never found a chance to confess, and he didn't even get to spend any money, leaving him feeling a bit defeated.
On the way home, Mortimer Quincy hailed a ride-share. The four of them were dropped off at the entrance to Andor Community.
Holly Winslow and Mortimer Quincy entered the community.
Mortimer Quincy asked, "Want to come over to my place and do some homework?"
Thinking of her disastrous math test, Holly Winslow nodded. "I'll go up and get my papers."
Wyatt Winslow wasn't home at the moment; he had probably gone to the factory again. She grabbed her test papers, a pen, and a scratchpad, then went downstairs.
Mortimer Quincy's parents weren't home either. Only Mercy Willow was there, cleaning.
After greeting her, the two went up to the second floor. The moment they entered the bedroom, Mortimer Quincy locked the door from the inside. He then pinned Holly Winslow against the wall with both hands, leaning in close. "Wifey, trying to cheat on me right in front of my face? Hmm?" His tone carried a hint of danger.