Chapter 358: Wow, I am useless.

"I changed my mind. Let’s just go to Ray’s oath ceremony."

Penny stared at her Second Brother’s serious face, her expression twisting a little.

Was there anywhere else Hugo could think of? Or did he really only have two options for tonight?

"Senior Brother, don’t be like that." Ginnie pulled Penny’s arm closer to her. "Don’t worry. If you’re worried about these guys, they won’t try to hit on her — I promise."

Hugo slowly narrowed his eyes at Ginnie. "Really?"

"Really." Her lips stretched from ear to ear before she moved her eyes to the group. A glint shone on the side of her tooth as her eyes lit up. "Hey, don’t even dream of making my Penny uncomfortable! Otherwise... you’re dead."

Ginnie’s tone sounded dangerous and deadly at the end of her remarks, making Penny glance at her and the team. Seeing that the men cleared their throats and avoided Ginnie’s face, Penny couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend.

Back then, Ginnie wouldn’t stop stuttering whenever she was overwhelmed or nervous. But now, it seemed that working with such men over time had brought out her "male" energy. Now she could intimidate them. Well, Ginnie’s skills were respected and recognized even by other teams. Therefore, it was only natural she had quite a bit of power in the players’ training and lineups.

As for Hugo, he couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction. ’Good thing I invited Ginnie. I knew they would gawk at my sister like hungry piranhas.’

"Haha." The groom-to-be laughed, his eyes falling on Penny. "Penny! It’s good to see you again!"

Snapping her eyes to the groom-to-be, Penny grinned and walked toward him. "Me too, Captain. I’m really glad to see you again. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and thank you for inviting me tonight."

Like two old friends, Penny and the team captain shared a short hug. As they did so, all the men in the group fixed their eyes on Penny.

It wouldn’t be bad to greet her like that as well, right?

Just as the same thought crossed their sneaky minds, Hugo and Ginnie stepped in front of them, keeping the captain and Penny behind them. Hugo lifted his chin, standing tall in his stature. Ginnie, on the other hand, who was clearly shorter, crossed her arms and used her expression to intimidate.

Surely, where there was beauty, there were always hindrances in the way.

"Hah!" Ginnie snorted, looking at all the idiotic faces seated with drinks in their hands. "What a hopeless bunch."

"I know, right?" Hugo sneered. "Even with such popularity, did they think they could catch the moon?"

"Senior Brother, they must be dreaming because they might not win in the playoffs."

"How could that be?" he tilted his head, his eyes still on the team. "Ginnie, don’t tell me you’re leaving them. Is that why they’re going to lose?"

"Well, who knows?"

"Poor them, but they don’t deserve you."

The team darted their eyes between Ginnie and Hugo, who were conversing while looking at them. The looks of dismay and disbelief on their faces were enough to say what was on their minds. However, they weren’t the only ones looking at the two with such expressions. Even Penny and the captain were rendered speechless at how protective Ginnie and Hugo were.

"Why did he even bring me to a party if he’s going to provoke everyone who lays their eyes on me?" Penny mumbled in disbelief, earning a laugh from the captain.

"Aren’t you used to this yet?" the captain chuckled, watching her look back at him. "Though I also wonder why he had to move my bachelor party when he could’ve taken you somewhere else."

Penny laughed awkwardly before glancing at her brother’s back. "He’s probably bored," she whispered, looking back at him. "Or he’s been preserving his brain cells in the past weeks, so he wasn’t using them."

"Haha!" The captain laughed and shook his head. "Anyway, you haven’t met my bride, have you?"

"No." Deep lines appeared between her brows. "Is she here?"

Wasn’t this a bachelor’s party?

"Her bridal shower is over there," the captain said, raising his finger while still holding his glass.

Penny followed his gaze and her face twitched. "The bridal shower is also here?"

"Hahaha. It’s perfect," said the captain, giving Penny a knowing look. "Come, I’ll introduce you to her. I heard you set up an office recently. She is from a political family and although this is a party, I think it would be best if I introduce you to each other."

Penny smiled. "I don’t want to ruin her special day with business."

"Oh, she wouldn’t mind," he said meaningfully. "If anything, she would appreciate the introduction. I’m sure she’s dying to go home and do some work tonight."

"Haha. Well, if you say so," she shrugged. "Then, thank you."

The captain nodded before he cast everyone a look. Hugo and Ginnie were still at it, making the captain wonder if his team was listening because they were scared or because they somehow found it entertaining at this point.

"What are they going to do without you, Ginnie?" Hugo continued. "I can’t believe I am fighting for this country with such citizens."

Ginnie dramatically sighed. "I am sorry, Senior Brother. I pity our soldiers whenever I see these guys every single day."

"Wow..." one of the team members felt like he was being hypnotized by the two. "... I am useless."

The captain and Penny looked up at the dark sky upon hearing that. They both hoped they didn’t hear that.

"Ahem!" The captain shook his head, watching Hugo and Ginnie look back at him. "Hugo, Ginnie, have mercy on them. I think they already learned their lesson."

"Captain, why are they here again?" someone asked in disbelief. "I thought I was going to have fun tonight, not be depressed!"

"She even mentioned my dead mother!" another one pointed at Ginnie accusingly. "Captain, this woman is vile!"

Regardless of the team members’ sentiments, Hugo and Ginnie feigned deafness. Penny could only smile apologetically at the team.

"I’ll just introduce Penny..." the captain trailed off when he noticed that everyone’s expressions had changed. Deep lines appeared between his brows as he glanced at Penny instinctively. But alas, Penny also had the same confusion in her eyes.

They studied everyone’s expressions, including Hugo’s and Ginnie’s, noticing a slight surprise and solemnness in them. Curious, Penny and the captain turned their heads and quickly realized the reason everyone’s mood had changed.

It was the incoming guest: Max.