CHAPTER 187: CHAPTER 187 RIVAL IN LOVE COMES KNOCKING (2)_1

"Thank you."

Julia Bluen smiled at the receptionist, expressed her gratitude, and then took the umbrella.

Glades Horne’s large hand immediately reached over, snatched the umbrella from her, opened it, and then wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulders. Sheltering them both with the umbrella, they walked out of the Office Building toward the nearby parking lot.

The path was short, taking only a few minutes on foot, but Glades suddenly wished it were longer, giving them more time to cherish. He relished this sensation of walking in the rain with Julia, much like before their wedding when they had braved a mountain hike in the rain. It was filled with romance and warmth, feelings he was exceptionally fond of. Ever since he had truly understood his love for her and they had married, he found his heart was completely devoted to Julia Bluen. He treated her even better than before, doted on her more, yet still felt it wasn’t enough, wishing he could give her the world.

He slowed his pace.

Initially, Julia kept up with his long strides, but when he suddenly slowed, she found herself walking ahead.

"What’s wrong?" Julia asked, curious and concerned. Glades Horne’s pace was usually steady and quick, so the sudden decrease in speed made her worry that something might be wrong with his foot, her concern evident.

Glades did not reply but tightened his hold on her shoulders instead.

Blinking, Julia understood. So, he wanted to take a walk with her in the rain. That’s why he deliberately slowed down, making her worry for nothing.

Despite slowing down, the journey was short, and within a few minutes, they arrived at their car.

"Where to next?" Glades asked as he gently helped her into the car. He then climbed in himself, buckled her seatbelt, and adjusted his suit jacket. Starting the engine, he turned to Julia Bluen.

Julia glanced at the time; it was already past three.

"Let’s go check out the Sweet Dumpling Chain Store." They could also sample a bowl of sweet dumplings as customers, to test both the taste and the staff’s service.

"Craving some?" He saw right through her the moment she spoke.

"Yes, I am," Julia answered openly.

Glades then fell silent. The car instantly became quiet again.

Since he wasn’t talking, Julia turned to look out the window. She enjoyed watching the streetscape when she was in a car.

Pedestrians on the street continued their leisurely shopping, undaunted by the winter rain and the plummeting temperatures, their enthusiasm untouched.

The storefronts stood in rows—some deserted, others bustling with activity.

Passing a line of flower shops, Julia Bluen took a longer look. Those were all flower shops, and the flowers they sold were almost identical. They didn’t seem to have much business. If no one bought the flowers, wouldn’t the owners lose money? Plus, with several flower shops competing so closely, business must be tough.

The car suddenly stopped in front of the largest Flower Shop.

When Julia Bluen snapped back to her senses, the man beside her had already exited the car. He was instructing the florist at the Flower Shop to prepare a large bouquet of ninety-nine vibrant red roses; the car’s limited space was the only reason he hadn’t asked for nine hundred and ninety-nine.

After paying, Glades Horne, holding the ninety-nine red roses like a prince proposing to a princess, got back into the car. He handed the bouquet to Julia Bluen. His deep gaze locked onto hers, and his rich, enchanting voice murmured, "Julia, this is for you." Their relationship had changed so swiftly; they hadn’t experienced a deep and memorable romance like others, and he hadn’t yet given her a single rose. Perhaps she didn’t really like flowers, but any woman would feel a profound regret if she never received a bouquet from a man in her life, feeling the absence of romantic memories. He wanted to make amends, not wanting her to harbor even a hint of regret.

Julia was indeed very happy.

She carefully took the ninety-nine red roses with both hands and sincerely praised, "They’re beautiful."

Glades Horne gazed intently at her. "Beauty pales before you."

"So cheesy!" Julia chided, a blush coloring her cheeks, yet her smile was even brighter and sweeter.

The Gourmet Sweet Dumpling shops were a Chain Store that had branched out from the Valence Group and was now under Julia Bluen’s name. There were a total of nine such stores in T City. The main store, located at Civilization Intersection, occupied a one-hundred-and-fifty-square-meter space.

The main store had the most staff: ten Master Sweet Dumpling cooks, twelve servers, and four general helpers.

All nine Sweet Dumpling stores were supplied by the main store, ensuring consistent taste. The ten Master Sweet Dumpling cooks there bustled about daily like spinning tops.

Syrena people traditionally eat sweet dumplings during the Lantern Festival, but many also enjoy them year-round. Consequently, business was always booming, with customers constantly streaming in. The ten Master Sweet Dumpling cooks came from different provinces, blending various regional sweet dumpling specialties to offer patrons a wide selection.

Each bowl of sweet dumplings started at a minimum price of five yuan. Customers could choose as they pleased, paying more for larger portions or more varieties.

The couple parked their car a short distance from the main Gourmet Sweet Dumpling store and walked the few meters to go inside.

"Welcome!"

Given the considerable size of the Toy Industry Company, its management had never met Glades Horne and Julia Bluen. Naturally, the workers at these much smaller stores were even less likely to recognize the couple.

As they entered the store, a server immediately approached them with a smile. Inside, there were rectangular tables, each seating four people, with fixed chairs. On each table stood a menu displaying a variety of sweet dumplings with clearly marked prices. The tables were spotless, each with a tissue dispenser on the right-hand side. The floor was also kept clean, not made dirty by the constant foot traffic.

One hundred and fifty square meters wasn’t particularly large, nor was it small; the key was effective management and layout.

As soon as Julia stepped into the store, the aroma of sweet dumplings wafted towards her, and her cravings stirred.

They walked over to an empty table.

The server handed Glades the sweet dumpling menu, maintaining a constant smile. Their eyes were calm, showing no signs of infatuation with Glades or awe at Julia’s beauty.