No Substitutes for the Bigshots' Dream Girl Anymore!-Chapter 1934: Hayes Edwards Extra (91)

"Long time no see, Hayes Edwards."

She smiled, her eyes curving gently.

It’s been many years since anyone called him that.

She had grown taller than before, but still had those round eyes. When she smiled, they were like crescents, with dimples on both cheeks, and her smile was very sweet.

In that instant, memories deliberately forgotten came rushing back like a tide, almost suffocating him, but her smile easily dispelled that suffocation.

Hayes Edwards couldn’t muster a smile.

Along with the memories came feelings of grievance and anger.

So he didn’t say another word and slammed the door shut with a "bang".

Grace Winter stood outside the door, her outstretched hand frozen midway, the joy in her eyes not yet spilling over before being replaced by helplessness. After standing silently outside the door for a few minutes, she had to pick up the trash on the ground and head downstairs.

Hayes Edwards had been listening to the sounds at the door, and only after hearing the elevator sound did he open the door again.

Sure enough, there was no one outside. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

That night, he repeatedly dreamed of past events.

Hide and seek in kindergarten, the sports day in elementary school, and basketball games in junior high, all the memories of the past were like photographs pieced together one by one.

And in every photo, there was Grace Winter.

Sometimes she was smiling, sometimes crying, or looking aggrieved when being bullied.

Finally, everything froze on the image of her standing in the light pouring into his living room last night, smiling and greeting him.

As if she had never disappeared without a word, and they had never been apart.

Upon waking from the dream, Hayes Edwards had a headache.

He was angry.

So angry that he didn’t have breakfast, while on the other side, Harry Huston had already sent several messages asking when he’d be arriving at the studio.

He replied "soon," then went into the bathroom to wash up.

Grace Winter stood at the door with the little cake she had just made, reaching out and pulling back her hand repeatedly, but still lacked the courage to knock.

She knew Hayes was probably angry about her disappearing without a word back then.

At eight in the morning, though the rain had stopped, the sky was still gloomy, with large dark clouds gathering in the distance, as if ready to burst into a heavy downpour at any moment.

Hayes Edwards casually put on an overcoat and had just opened the door when he saw Grace Winter squatting at his doorstep.

A small bundle, like a wild mushroom.

The wild mushroom, upon hearing a sound, stood up swiftly, her eyes bright and reflexively smiling, her voice soft, "Hayes Edwards."

Hayes glanced at the paper box in her hand, then withdrew his gaze, turning to close the door before casually saying, "What’s up?"

"I..." She seemed a bit conflicted, a bit restrained.

After all these years, even saying a word required careful consideration.

Hayes put away his keys, looked down at her, his voice cold and indifferent, "What’s up?"

He was wearing a light-colored trench coat, his tall and slender figure standing out. Under the play of light and shadow, his facial features seemed pronounced, having shed the arrogance and flair of his younger years, yet still carried a refined youthful spirit, unrestrained and easygoing.

When not smiling, he felt very distant.

The words Grace Winter had prepared for so long suddenly wouldn’t come out, "Nothing much, just came to say good morning."

"Saying good morning?" Hayes let out a light laugh, unhappily added, "Alright, I’ve received your good morning."

For some reason, Grace Winter felt a bit scared of him. Perhaps it was because they hadn’t seen each other for so long, or maybe it was apologetic remorse for disappearing without a word back then.

The hallway wasn’t very spacious.