Chapter 1105: Pride

Chapter 1105: Pride

If it weren't for the change in the rules, was Crystal not only a college

student but also a designer herself?

If she was already a designer, why would she apply for the position of

an assistant?

Of course, Camille and Sienna were not suggesting that Crystal

couldn't participate in the design competition. They were just puzzled.

Since she could directly enter the competition, why apply for the

assistant position?

This was a question that intrigued both Camille and Sienna.

They exchanged a glance, and Sienna casually remarked, "Is she

trying to play us again?"

Camille chuckled, "Who knows?"

What benefit could she gain from playing them?

It seemed like there was no advantage at all.

Because there were other matters to attend to, they didn't delve further

into the topic. However, when they returned home that night, Camille

brought it up with Ayan.

Camille asked Ayan, "Did the rules for the design competition change

this time?"

Ayan asked, somewhat bemused, "Why do you ask like that?"

Camille explained the situation with Crystal truthfully. While Crystal was

still a student, some students were already accomplished designers

during their university years, herself included. However, if Crystal was

already a designer, why apply for an assistant position?

Camille voiced her confusion to Ayan, locking eyes with him. "I can't

quite figure it out. Do you have any thoughts?"

Ayan took Camille's hand and carefully analyzed the situation for her.

He said, "There's really not much to figure out. Maybe she has

connections, or perhaps, as you suspect, she is a designer. She might

not want to reveal her identity and wants to join your company as an

assistant without disclosing her designer status. However, as an

assistant, she wouldn't need to reveal her true identity to participate in

the competition.”

After Ayan's explanation, Camille nodded along. "Maybe you're right. I

might be overthinking it."

"Overthinking isn't a bad thing. If it were me, I'd have the same

thoughts as you." Ayan always patiently answered her questions and

reassured her, making her feel that her thoughts were normal.

Even though there were times she doubted whether Ayan was just

comforting her, she quickly dismissed those thoughts. Regardless of

whether he was consoling her or not, she chose to believe him. She

didn't want to delve into the intricacies of the truth.

After discussing Crystal, Camille's lingering doubts were resolved.

After dinner, Ayan took her out.

Camille asked, "Where are we going?"

Usually, they spent most of their post-work time at home, either having

friends over or enjoying each other's company at the Simpson's

mansion, occasionally spending time with Timmy. Aside from that, they

had little entertainment.

Camille cherished these simple moments because the days were hectic

and tiring. In the evening, all she wanted was to be with the person she

loved.

Ayan teased her, not revealing their destination. "You'll find out soon.”

Camille didn't press for details and let Ayan lead the way.

Driving away from Franklin Bay, Ayan navigated the night roads at a

moderate speed, creating an atmosphere that sparked a hint of

excitement in Camille.

About half an hour's drive, Ayan brought Camille to the mountains

behind Franklin Bay.

The night air here was cool and exceptionally fresh, with stars filling the

sky due to the clear weather.

People were coming and going around, enjoying the quiet moment

together.

Ayan held Camille's hand, leading her to the edge of the railing. From

there, they could overlook a large part of Hance City, adorned with

sparkling lights, exceptionally beautiful.

Ayan pointed out various places, such as Franklin Bay, their usual

dining spot, the direction of the Simpson's mansion, and more.

Feeling Ayan's somewhat unusual demeanor tonight, Camille raised an

eyebrow and asked, "Ayan, what are we doing here? Are you just

introducing me to these places, or are you planning to sell me off? Is

tonight a good deal?"

Camille teased lightly, and Ayan chuckled at her words.

Ayan gently embraced her from behind, his chin resting lightly on her

shoulder. His voice was tender as he said, "Why the rush? Don't you

want to come out and play with me?"

"Not in a hurry, just feel like you're not quite yourself tonight,” Camille

said, turning to face Ayan, trying to find something in his eyes.

However, Ayan was good at hiding his emotions. Camille couldn't

discern anything.

Suddenly, the sky erupted with a loud bang, diverting Camille's

attention. She looked up, and the dark sky lit up with beautiful

fireworks, one after another, illuminating the entire sky.

The fireworks were brief but lasted for several minutes. Camille could

imagine how many had been set off.

It had been a long time since she had seen so many fireworks. The

people around them who also witnessed the display erupted in cheers,

their excitement palpable.

Camille looked down at Ayan. She was very confident in her

assumption: "Did you arrange this, right?"

He brought her here for a reason, definitely not just to stargaze or

watch fireworks like a casual observer. Camille strongly felt that Ayan

had orchestrated this.

She stared at Ayan, eyes fixed without blinking.

Their eyes locked like that. Ayan's gaze remained warm as he didn't

confirm or deny, but instead, asked, "Do you like it?"

Camille slightly pursed her lips. Of course, she liked it.

Without any hesitation, she nodded and said, "Yes, I like it, a lot."

Hearing her response, Ayan's smile deepened. In a low voice, he asked

again, "So, how's my performance?"

Camille's eyebrows twitched. As soon as he spoke, she immediately

guessed what he was going to say.

Camille looked at Ayan casually and didn't answer his question directly.

Instead, she asked, "What are you up to?"

Ayan wasn't in a hurry. His profound gaze fixed on her without wavering

as he spoke slowly, "What do you think?"

"I don't know about you. If you don't say, now that the fireworks are

over, can we go back?" Camille said, reaching out to push him away.

However, Ayan caught her hand and pulled her closer, pressing it

against his chest. His voice, unusually husky, murmured, "I put in so

much effort to make an impression. Aren't you going to say anything to

me?"

Camille pressed her lips together, looking up at him. "What do you want

me to say?"

"Compliment me?"

His tone resembled that of a child seeking praise.

Camille couldn't help but chuckle at his demeanor, a smile playing on

her lips. When Ayan looked at her with a seemingly aggrieved

expression, she finally spoke, "You're fantastic, you're great. I really

love the surprise you prepared. Hope you can keep it up and stay

humble, okay?"

The more Camille praised, the more Ayan furrowed his brow. He stared

at her and asked, “Is that it? Don't you have anything else to say?"

"Just that. Nothing else," Camille admitted frankly.

Ayan said, "Not moved enough to promise me something?"

"l am moved."

"So, will you or won't you promise?"

"Promise what?"

He narrowed his eyes, staring at Camille without blinking. "Didn't you

say you'd consider my proposal based on my performance? So, how's

my performance now? Did it make you feel like saying yes to marrying

me?"

Well, he finally said it.

Camille had guessed it when the fireworks burst into the sky, but what

she hadn't expected was how sudden Ayan's confession would be-no

hint, no advance warning.

Meeting Ayan's gaze, she asked, "So, are you asking me to accept

your proposal now?"

"No," he denied.

Camille was slightly puzzled, not quite understanding the meaning

behind his response.