CHAPTER 345: CHAPTER 345: I LIKE YOUR WIFE

As Shannon Quinn was looking down and fiddling with her photos, Landon Sutton turned his head to glance at Seth Fairchild, who was standing not far away.

Seth stood at the other end of the railing, smoking a cigarette, and when his eyes met Landon’s, he gave a smile with an ambiguous meaning.

Landon withdrew his gaze and pulled Shannon closer to him.

When the tour guide announced it was time to board the boat, he led Shannon to their seats.

The luxury cruise around the island was one of the highlights of the trip, circling most of the island before heading to the village on the other side.

They boarded the boat in the evening and spent hundreds at the dock’s VIP viewing area.

They were served snacks and fruit platters, so the money spent was worthwhile.

"Honey, I really want to live here, it’s so comfortable."

Landon gave her a sidelong glance: "Are you trying to squeeze money out of me to buy you an oceanfront villa?"

Shannon pouted: "I just said I like it here, and you keep accusing me of trying to rip you off."

Landon chuckled softly: "You like it here, so I’ll bring you back occasionally when we’re free, but living here permanently is not feasible."

Shannon: "You’re not romantic at all. Of course, I know it’s unrealistic to live here permanently, but can’t you just indulge in dreaming a little with me? You’re so annoying!"

Landon smiled lightly: "I’m just helping you recognize reality early, so you don’t chase impossible dreams."

Shannon said nothing, suddenly busying herself with the watermelon slices.

As night fell, the pinpoint lights along the island’s shore adorned the azure night sky. Shannon always thought such scenes only existed in Disney cartoons.

The nighttime sea breeze was a bit chilly. Shannon was wearing a sundress with short lantern sleeves.

Landon silently took off his jacket and draped it over her: "Do you want to go inside?"

Shannon wasn’t shy, slipping into the jacket still warm with his body heat as she said: "No, the night view is so beautiful, I want to take more pictures."

Landon naturally indulged her, staying outside with her to enjoy the breeze.

As Shannon continued snapping photos, she pointed her chin toward a couple at the front of the deck striking the classic "Titanic" pose and said to a laid-back Landon, who was leaning into his chair, "Look at them, so sweet. And then look at us—feels like I dragged you out to play, with zero enthusiasm."

Landon glanced at the couple at the front of the deck and said, "That pose is bad luck."

Shannon rolled her eyes: "You’re the one who’s bad luck!"

Landon: "I’m quite lively in bed."

Shannon: "What a pervert, I don’t want to talk to you anymore."

Landon: "If I remember correctly, that’s the fifth time you’ve said that today."

Shannon turned her head away: "Hmph."

While Landon seemed absent-minded, he was covertly monitoring Seth, just as Seth seemed to always be watching them.

He deeply disliked the way Seth looked at Shannon—like a thug, ogling without a hint of shame; it was disgusting even if ineffective.

Only when it started raining in the evening did Landon tug Shannon back indoors.

The sea breeze whipped up the waves, and the boat rocked considerably, causing Shannon to feel queasy and vomit twice before the boat finally docked.

After reaching the village, the guide briefed them on some important notes and the itinerary for the next day, then arranged for everyone to rest in their rooms.

Seasickness had sapped Shannon’s enthusiasm, and after a shower, she bundled up in bed.

Seeing her asleep, Landon left the room and knocked on the door next to theirs.

Seth opened the door, smiled at him, and said, "Oh, isn’t it Young Master Rhodes?"

Landon smiled back and said, "So, what’s your goal?"

Seth feigned innocence: "I’m not quite sure what you mean, Young Master Rhodes. What goal? I’m just here to vacation and relax—but it’s a surprise running into you here, truly."

Landon: "Cut the pretenses, I’m not buying it. Just tell me, and maybe we can negotiate."

Seth laughed, "Really?"

Landon gazed at him, half-smiling.

Seth: "Shall I be straightforward?"

Landon raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

Seth suddenly laughed: "I like your wife."

Landon’s eyebrows knit together, then he smiled sardonically, saying, "Then you’re out of luck. My wife’s tastes are too high for you."

Seth: "Really? Shall I give it a shot?"

Landon felt the urge to punch someone, but he maintained his composure: "Don’t waste your time. If you have a grudge against the Rhodes Family, then take it to them. Don’t play these pointless tricks."

Seth simply smiled and bid Landon a "Good night," then closed the door.

Landon was clear that Shannon wouldn’t be swayed by Seth, but the slimy way Seth looked at her, like a lecherous toad, was revolting. It made Landon wish he could smash Seth’s face.

In the middle of the night, Landon held Shannon close, sleeping soundly and peacefully.

In the dim light, Shannon suddenly sat up from the bed and slapped Landon’s face hard.

In the quiet of the night, the sound was especially crisp.

Landon was jolted awake by the hit, opening his eyes to see Shannon sitting there, puzzled about the sudden assault.

He reached out to turn on the bedside lamp and looked at Shannon: "Sleepwalking?"

Shannon glared at him, a little puffed up: "Who was that woman?"

Landon: "?"

Shannon was confused for a couple of seconds before she distinguished dream from reality: "I dreamed you cheated on me!"

Landon: "That’s your reason for hitting me?"

Shannon: "..."

Landon: "What kind of junk do you have in your head? Just go to sleep!"

He pinned her back to the bed with his strong arms, and after a couple of seconds, she turned and asked him: "Did I really hit you? I thought I was hitting you in my dream."

Landon: "What do you think?"

Shannon: "Did it hurt?"

Landon said irritably, "Why don’t you try and see?"

Shannon gently touched his face with her small hand and murmured, "Sorry."

Landon, a bit frustrated, pushed her hand away and held it in his palm: "Just sleep!"

He feared trouble if she kept touching him.

The next morning, the guide was already urging everyone to get ready for departure.

As Shannon got up, she noticed that Landon’s left cheek was red, though not obvious unless closely examined.

They first gathered for breakfast in the village where the guide explained the best routes to explore, then it was time for their free activities.

The villagers were very hospitable, of course, enthusiastically promoting the goods they sell.

There were handmade souvenirs, bags that girls love, and all sorts of trinkets.

Shannon immediately spotted a pair of couple’s bracelets, woven with colorful strings, with a blue gem strung on each.