Overprotected By My Tsundere CEO

Chapter 973 - 659: Loulanel City [05] Long Face

"Why aren’t you sitting down?"

April Thomason entered the restaurant a step behind, glanced at Nora Scott and Frank Ford, and casually asked.

"Well, it’s like this."

Frank Ford scratched his chin, unsure how to explain it to April.

The atmosphere was suffocatingly awkward.

The people at both tables gradually quieted down, seemingly minding their own business, but all were unintentionally focused on this side. Yet no one spoke up to break the stalemate.

Initially, it was just a slight malicious intent, but once pointed out, the fractured relationship would be hard to mend.

It’s difficult to pretend it never happened.

Although April wasn’t always the sharpest tool in the shed, she was perceptive and cheerfully invited Nora Scott and Frank Ford, "Why don’t you join us?"

As soon as she spoke, Jared Oliveira walked in.

He asked, "What’s going on?"

"Oh, there’s no space left, so they’re joining us."

Jared, being astute, caught on immediately and even smiled with bright eyes, "Sure, that’s fine."

The four of them walked away together.

Seeing this, several people at the two tables almost stood up, with a "make room" nearly slipping out.

Who wouldn’t want to sit with the Living Map if there were no seats?

They had tried "hooking up" with the Living Map all morning, but he barely spoke a word to them, maintaining an aloof demeanor. Because of this, their impression of him skyrocketed, and someone had brought a book written by a devoted fan detailing the legend of Living Map’s life. Within a morning, he was elevated to idol status in their hearts.

Now—

The opportunity to share a table with the big shot was taken by the two they had isolated.

They regret it deeply, wishing to beat their chests.

"Backfired."

"They got lucky with this."

"Those two don’t understand a thing; it’s a wasted opportunity."

...

They murmured in low voices.

Finally, Felipe Clark lightly cleared his throat, putting an end to their discussions.

Annabelle Pinto gently furrowed her brows, casting a thoughtful glance toward the table of four.

——Who wouldn’t want to align with the Living Map?

——Isn’t it possible Nora Scott is playing the weak card to evoke Jared and his assistant’s sympathy?

With this thought, Annabelle squinted her eyes.

*

Meanwhile, as the two tables were filled with schemes, at the nearby table of four—

"Sis, your plan really worked," Jared Oliveira whispered to Nora Scott, lowering his voice to avoid Frank Ford hearing. "Ever since I stopped talking, they seem to admire me even more."

Nora Scott glanced sideways at him, "Keep your distance from me."

"Oh."

Jared obediently distanced himself from her.

Although unsure of what the two were talking about, Frank Ford noticed their movements and looked at them suspiciously, then furrowed his brow.

——Could the Living Map be interested in Nora Scott and planning something?

After all, Nora... Not to mention her unique personality, just her looks alone are enough to attract people. Most can’t handle her, nor dare to imagine, but this guy is the Living Map...

Frank Ford harbored a hint of caution.

April Thomason, being a simple-minded sweetie, focused entirely on eating, paid attention to nothing but the food and dishes.

Halfway through the meal.

The two adjacent tables suddenly became agitated, drawing the attention of the table of four.

"What’s happening?" April raised her chin and grabbed someone to ask.

"Oh," the person replied, "a car broke down and needs to be taken for repairs. They’re discussing what to do."

April asked, "Have they figured it out yet?"

"Taking it for repairs will take time, but giving up means it’s going to be a bit crowded," the person replied honestly. "Miss Pinto said she’ll have a friend bring a car over, should be here in half an hour, so it should be fine."

April wondered, "A friend?"

"Yeah, Miss Pinto grew up in Sand Delta, not only is she familiar with the place, but she also has quite a network."

After the inquiry, April let the person leave.

Then, she glanced at Jared with a teasing tone, "Hey, it seems like you’re clashing with someone else’s persona."

"..."

Jared pouted.

If he didn’t have to maintain the Living Map persona, he would have retorted by now.

What’s so special about getting someone to bring a car? The Living Map’s network is the real deal... But now he’s pretending to be the Living Map, and there’s a constant risk of being blacklisted, so he dared not "self-praise" carelessly.

Sure enough, less than half an hour later, a car was delivered.

An SUV that had been modified; it looked expensive and exceptionally striking.

The crowd unconsciously gathered around to watch.

"Miss Pinto!" The driver who brought the SUV got out of the car, tossed a set of keys to Annabelle Pinto, and said with a huge grin, "My brother said, the car is yours. Call anytime if you need anything."

Holding up the keys, Annabelle smiled, "Pass my thanks to him."