Chapter 46: Reconcile
Not only does Erica agree with Nika’s statement, but Erica also has to admit that destiny knows how to cleverly arrange things, allowing Erica and Ansel to come to know each other in a complex, intriguing, and comical way. Is this a mere joke? Erica hopes not. Her life was unhappy enough. Erica doesn’t want to participate in any games of fate anymore.
Closing her thoughts, Ansel turned to Nika, sighing before saying:
“I never expected such a strange coincidence to happen in my life.” Ansel shared his true thoughts: “I am still feeling overwhelmed by it. I don’t know what to comment on it at this moment.”
“I understand your feelings,” Nika reassured. “For someone like me, who is an outsider, I find it hard to believe. So how can you accept it so easily? The emergence of doubt is entirely understandable.”
Ansel nodded in agreement with Nika and then looked at Erica, expressing his curiosity. “Erica, how did you know that I was the person who rescued you?”
“Since that day, I have always been searching for you,” Erica honestly replied. “As for the reason, you already know it. I wanted to thank my benefactor.”
“How did you search?” Ansel eagerly asked, wanting to know more. “I remember intentionally concealing my identity so that nobody would find out.”
“Indeed, you made it challenging for me by doing that,” Erica commented bluntly, her tone carrying a hint of resentment.
“I never thought you would search for me. You know, I just didn’t want…” Ansel paused, trying to justify himself. “to create any trouble.”
“I understand.” Erica lightly chuckled. Ansel also forced a laugh in response to Erica.
“So, how did it unfold? Would you mind sharing the story?” Ansel steered the conversation back to its main focus.
“After being discharged from the hospital, I inquired about the person who helped me. But they said they didn’t know. I requested to see the surveillance footage from the day you brought me to the hospital. Unfortunately, at that time, the hospital was upgrading the surveillance area. As a result, the footage from that day was lost. However, today, someone from the hospital called to report that they found it. I went to the hospital and discovered that you were the one who saved me.”
After Erica finished speaking, she took a photo out of her pocket and handed it to Ansel.
“The person in the photo is you, right? Honestly, I was afraid there might be a mix-up. But it’s such a relief to hear your confirmation,” Erica said with a very cheerful smile. She still couldn’t shake off the feeling of happiness upon finding her benefactor.
Ansel stared at the photo in Erica’s hand. Suddenly, he remembered the day it was taken. Honestly, if Erica hadn’t said it, he might have forgotten that event ever happened. Nika also looked at the photo and couldn’t contain her emotions, so she uttered her comment:
“Oh, Ansel. The way you looked at it at that time, it was really bad. You didn’t look like a gentleman at all. I’m sure you must have smelled very bad then.”
“Be quiet.” Ansel was annoyed when Nika teased, “At that time, I just came out of the sewage tank. No wonder I look like that.”
Nika chuckled amusingly at Ansel’s scowl.
“After many days of waiting, I also met the person who saved me.” Erica spoke up, calling the two men’s attention: “Ansel. Thank you again. I don’t know how I can repay you.”
“Don’t say thank you again.” Ansel dissuaded Erica, who was about to bow her head.
“But…” Erica was about to argue when Ansel said:
“If it’s about gratitude and thanks, I have to thank you too. Without your warning, I would have overlooked my state of health. And most likely, I would have died if not for the time cure.”
Erica nodded. She understood what Ansel was saying. Not stopping there, Ansel continued, his voice extremely sincere:
“Erica, besides thanking you, I also want to say sorry to you. What I have done to you is hard to accept. But I hope you will forgive me.”
Ansel finished speaking and lowered his head. He humbled himself like Erica did to show his sincerity.
“Please raise your head.” Erica panicked, demanding, “That can’t be blamed on you. Like anyone else, they feel uncomfortable when they are harassed and disturbed by strangers. So I have no reason to hate you. What’s more, you’re still my benefactor.” ”
Ansel looked up at Erica, smiling happily.
“Does that mean you’ll forgive me?”
“I told you, it’s not… Yeah, I forgive you.” Erica nodded to reassure Ansel. Facing Ansel’s urgent gaze, Erica had to yield.
“Very well. Thank you, Erica.” Ansel said it happily.
“Nothing.” Erica replied, “I also ask your forgiveness for my attitude and behavior these days.”
“Forget about it. Pretend it never happened.” Ansel suggested it, and Erica nodded in agreement.
“Erica,” Ansel called. He wanted to take advantage of this rare and unparalleled opportunity to fulfill something he had cherished for a long time: “I want to repay you for saving your life. Whatever I can do to help you, please let me know.”
“You saved me last time.” Erica, without thinking, firmly refused: “I’ll help you this time; let’s say we’re even. You don’t have to repay me.”
“It can’t be like that.” Ansel argued, “I won’t accept your refusal.”
“I really feel it’s unnecessary,” Erica argued. “So you don’t have to…”
“That’s enough, Erika.” Ansel interrupted, determined to follow the proclamation to the end: “I have decided; nothing will change.”
Erica felt momentarily awkward in the face of Ansel’s determination. Ansel’s attitude was also becoming increasingly firm.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“Once Ansel makes up his mind, he will see it through to the end. So, Erica, please don’t refuse anymore. Don’t make Ansel feel burdened,” Nika chimed in. He wanted to persuade Erica to help Ansel.
“But I…” Erica still wanted to refuse, but as she looked into their serious and pleading eyes, both Nika and Ansel, she seemed to understand that even if she were to decline, Ansel’s determination would not waver.
Erica sighed helplessly, saying, “Alright, I’ll accept your proposal. But in return, you must not refuse my gratitude towards you.”
Erica proposed a condition to reach a mutual agreement. She wanted fairness for both herself and Ansel. Feeling that Erica’s suggestion was not bad, Ansel immediately agreed.
“Alright then. That’s settled. Nika will be the witness,” Ansel said, pointing towards Nika.
“Rest assured. I am a lawyer, representing truth and justice,” Nika proudly stated. “I am the suitable person to serve as a witness.”
Erica nodded in agreement. She knows that even if she argues, she will lose in the end, so it’s best to obediently cooperate to finish the matter.