Chapter 33: Chapter 33: I want to make you happy

“Hey, isn’t this a bit too much?” Ethan had approached Emily for help, ready to make some sacrifices, but her request was beyond anything he could have imagined. “You’re being totally unreasonable!”

Emily pouted, “What’s wrong with a girl being a bit extreme? Besides…”

“I’ve never actually seen what a real man looks like,” Emily said, her legs crossed and her finger on her lips. “I’m curious too. So, my condition is that after you help me with the investigation, you have to show me what a real man is like.”

“Alright,” Ethan agreed, somewhat relieved that it was only after the investigation and merely showing her something, which seemed more acceptable than her initial demand.

This would be the last time he’d ask Emily for help. After this, even if he had to jump from the upstairs window, he wouldn’t seek her assistance again.

“Deal,” Emily said with a smile, extending her pinky finger.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Ethan also reached out and hooked his finger with hers.

Deal sealed.

Emily then started sharing some of her school troubles, like which student’s rebellious behavior was causing her headaches, and which bald teacher’s arrogant attitude of ordering people around annoyed her.

Anyone listening would take it as typical teenage banter.

Ethan tried to pick up any useful information from her stories, but it all ended up being just a girl’s complaints and frustrations.

“Indeed, talking about troubles really does lighten the mood,” Emily said cheerfully, clasping her hands together. “Thanks for listening.”

“I don’t remember feeding you anything,” Ethan retorted with a pout.

“Oh, Ethan, are you offering to feed me something?” Emily blinked playfully. “If you only have eyes for me, that could be arranged.”

“How about a big sausage?” Ethan said jokingly, spreading his hands.

Their relationship had grown a bit closer after spending time together.

“Oops, looks like it’s time,” Emily said, glancing at her watch. She then looked at the bulge under Ethan’s blanket, labeled “9 inches,” stood up straight in her innocent school uniform which outlined her delicate figure, and waved at Ethan, “Hope you dream about me tonight and tell me all about it tomorrow.”

“Hmph,” Ethan lay back down on the bed, waiting for her to leave.

As evening approached, it was his aunt’s turn to stay with him at the hospital tonight.

She hadn’t changed yet, still in her work uniform. Upon entering the hospital room, she took off her high heels and slipped into cotton slippers. As she did, her black stockings slid out of the shoes, briefly revealing her sensuously clad toes beneath the sheer stockings.

Ethan quickly turned his head away.

“Today, the nurse told me you’ve been doing well with your rehabilitation and can get out of bed on your own now,” Scarlett said as she sat beside his bed, covering him with a blanket, her eyes unable to hide her joy.

Ethan, lying against the pillow, could smell the faint scent of her body wash as she leaned closer.

It was intoxicating, like the aroma of red wine.

“Do I look good today?” Scarlett asked with a smile after tucking him in.

“Beautiful,” Ethan replied without hesitation.

“Sweet talker,” Scarlett chuckled, flicking his forehead gently with her finger, her radiant cheeks blooming with a smile. She then winked meaningfully, “Ethan, your future girlfriend is going to be very lucky.”

“I only speak the truth,” Ethan said, instinctively turning his head away, but his eyes couldn’t help but wander back.

His aunt really was beautiful when she smiled.

Ethan clenched his teeth,he couldn’t pin all his hopes on Emily. He had to make his own move.

“Aunt, I’m an adult now, so…”

Ethan’s heart thudded loudly. He hadn’t planned to confess so soon, but the moment felt right.

“I also wish for your happiness, I…”

When he finally spoke, his mind suddenly went blank, as if his ability to form words had regressed.

With his heart pounding, he managed, “I want to make you happy.”

After Ethan spoke, it felt as if his heart stopped beating for a moment as he stared blankly at Scarlett, waiting for her to respond.

With a smile playing on her lips, Scarlett looked into Ethan’s eyes after he had made his confession. “Ethan, there are two ways to achieve happiness,” she said.

“Uh?” Ethan was taken aback. He had anticipated rejection or even a whimsical acceptance from his aunt, but he hadn’t expected this kind of response.

Scarlett extended a slender finger. “The first is getting what you wish for.”

She then raised a second finger. “The other is to give up all your desires.”

Her fingers hovered in front of Ethan. “Which kind of happiness do you want to give me?”

“I would choose the first…” Ethan started to say, about to blurt out his choice, but he paused as he looked at his aunt’s smiling face.

He had always loved her unilaterally. Was being with him truly something she would enjoy?

Or was it about her giving up her own desires?

The image of Henry suddenly flashed through Ethan’s mind. Ethan was jealous, but he had to admit that the mature man seemed more of an equal to his aunt, belonging to the same era.

Standing next to his aunt, anyone would think Ethan was just a young adult being accompanied by his mother.

“Ethan, you really are a gentle kid,” Scarlett said as she withdrew her fingers and tousled his hair playfully. “You should spend more time with people your own age. You’re a handsome young man, Ethan. Once you’re healthy, you’ll be very popular with the girls.”

Ethan felt awkward, sensing the vast chasm that lay between them.

“Alright, Ethan, try to get some rest,” Scarlett said as she tucked him in, then moved to a makeshift desk to start browsing through some books.

Ethan knew those were study materials for her Teacher Certification exam. She was still working hard towards her goal.

The night passed just like any other.

The next day arrived.

Ethan’s physical condition had reached a plateau. His frailty had been pushed to its limits, and to walk properly, he needed to increase his strength.

He repeatedly engaged in rehabilitation exercises. His aunt was also working hard, and he couldn’t just sit idly by. With determination and sweat, perhaps he could also increase his strength.

Emily came bouncing over, noticing his struggling steps. She sat down quietly beside him, watching as he painstakingly tried to walk.