Enchanted By His Charm

Perhaps the clear sky could comfort people.

When she walked out of the assembly room, she looked up at the sky and took a deep breath of the fresh air, and felt that all of the unhappiness had vanished. Perhaps she had learned to see through everything and just let go of the unpleasant things.

"Irish." It was Leo who called her from behind.

She stopped and turned to show him a smile, "Those reporters haven't caught you?"

"I snuck out from the back door." His smile was as warm as the sunshine.

Instead of talking to him, Irish kept walking forward.

"What's wrong?" Leo pumped.

"Leo." Lowering her head, Irish hesitated for a while and then said, "I have handed the green diamond to the gem keeper. Remember to take it later."

Leo was shocked by her words and said after a long while, "Irish, I really want to give it to you."

"But you also want to use me to fight your opponent, isn't it?" Irish looked directly at him calmly and continued, "You personally came to the auction and acquired a high-value collection of green diamonds at a high price because you want to block Joseph's plan to monopolize the Blossom. Now you have achieved your goal, so you gave it to me in front of Joseph in order to further defeat him."

Leo suddenly felt embarrassed.

"But you are wrong. He did bring me here, but it doesn't mean that I am in his heart. Leo, it's you who told me that he is a man without a heart. Why would he care about me?" Irish sighed slightly.

"You hate me and think I am a skunk, isn't it?"

"No, actually, I think both of you lost in this competition." She shook her head and added, "The reason why Joseph put up the price is that he knew clearly that you would compete with him, and finally, he earned a surplus fee of $7 million, but he lost the jewelry. For you, though you got the diamond, at last, you've spent a heavy price for it. I'm just a pawn in your competition. He paid you back in your own coin while I have been at the forefront of your battle. Who do you think is the winner?"

Leo gently shook his head and looked at her sincerely. "Irish, I know you are a smart girl and can understand the competition between us, but please trust me that I really want to give the diamond to you. You deserve it."

"Then do you know why I accepted your gift before the public?"

Leo looked at her and waited for her answer.

"It is because of the price difference of $7 million. I know he did it on purpose, so I want to help you to win the second set. After all, the outside people will feel puzzled that you gave a present to Joseph's helper." Irish said with indifference. "And now we are even-steven."

"Don't you think you are the winner? Take back the ring since it is my true intention for you to have it." Taking her hands, Leo said seriously. "I have told you so many times that I love you so much."

"Irish squinted to avoid the glaring sunshine and said. "I really am a money-grubber, but I know what I want and what I shouldn't take. As for your love....." She hesitated for a while and continued, "If I decide to get married someday, I will find an ordinary man. Perhaps he won't be brilliant and not even a common office worker, but I won't have to gauge his thoughts. We will get married and have our babies, but Leo, you are not that man."

Leo smiled involuntarily and said, "Why would you say no to me like this?"

"It is because I don't want to waste our time. It's good for us."

Leo bit his lips and hesitated for a while, and finally, he sighed slightly. "You are too clever."

He said it with too much emotion.

****

After the auction, there was a celebratory dinner.

During the dinner, Joseph began to propose a toast to extend his appreciation to everyone, while Irish just sat there and drank quietly.

Bernert made a great contribution to this exhibition. As a world-class diamond cutter, he showed many superb skills in diamond cutting. Joseph suggested him to substitute tea for wine and to drink with them. When Bernert took up the cup, his fingers quivered, and the tea spilled.

"What's wrong with your finger?" Joseph frowned.

After taking a quick glimpse at his fingers, Bernert drew back his hands quickly with a weird countenance and hesitated. Irish made a quick response and smiled at him, "I'm sorry to bump you. Are you okay?"

Bernert hesitated for a while and then said hastily, "Oh, don't worry. I'm fine."

Joseph looked at Bernert as if he was thinking of something, and then he turned to Irish without saying anything.

The following day, Joseph bid farewell to his friends and took the plane to Porter County. Daisy felt puzzled about this special trip and then said to Irish that Joseph hadn't taken a vacation in a long time. Irish did not ask too much about the trip.

Irish felt a little sick the moment the plane dashed into the sky. Looking at the clouds outside, she couldn't help sighing with complicated emotions. Life was but a dream, and now they were on the plane to Porter County for a vacation and to enjoy the beautiful scenery there.

One of the venues of the Three Rivers Arts Festival was set in Porter County. Joseph had arranged everything before he promised to take her there to join in the fun. Irish enjoyed a journey that she didn't need to take too much time to prepare for. She loved to travel but usually felt tired of the trifles before traveling. Now it seemed that Joseph had saved a lot of time for her. Therefore, when she was still in Pittsburgh, she bought many things for this trip. Joseph was curious about that.

"I heard that there is a temperature difference, so I brought many clothes as well as an insect repellent."