Chapter 742: Chapter 742: Swept Away by a Bear Hug
Suddenly, I could understand that gentleman’s extravagant efforts to win a woman’s smile. How can it be resolved?
By the time Quinn gracefully arrived for her appointment, the dishes were already on the table – half were her favorites, and the other half were Ann Vaughn’s favorites.
Quinn raised an eyebrow, "Strange, the chefs at The Jade Pavilion are notoriously temperamental and usually the slowest in getting the dishes out. If it weren’t for the great taste, they’d have lost customers long ago. Why the sudden change today?"
Ann Vaughn smugly arched her eyes and told her about winning the grand prize in the lottery.
"Since when did The Jade Pavilion start doing such trendy activities?" Quinn said in surprise as she wiped her hands with a wet napkin, "Not bad, I didn’t expect Annie to have such luck, sparing me the wait for food."
"It’s like a lucky charm possessed me; good fortune can’t be stopped," Ann Vaughn proudly puffed out her chest, looking like she was wonderful.
This was the biggest prize she had won since her birth, and she just had to bask in the glory for at least a week or two.
With the lottery win as a prelude, the two of them enjoyed their meal immensely, especially Ann Vaughn, whose smile never left the corners of her eyes.
"By the way, Sister Bellamy, I want to ask you for a favor." Ann Vaughn spoke once they had almost finished eating.
"Rare, you normally wouldn’t ask me for help with anything." Quinn teased, "Tell me, if it’s something I can help with, I will; if not, I’ll find Silas Kane to handle it for you."
Ann Vaughn then continued, "I have a younger sister named Bella Hawthorne, she’s a new artist, recently joining the industry."
Quinn instantly understood, "The script I’m acting in this time happens to have a vacant role, although it’s not much, it’s critical to the whole, and if done well, might not pale in comparison to the lead."
"No, I just want to ask you to give her a hand if she ever needs it, so she won’t get hurt."
No one could predict the entertainment industry, and Bella Hawthorne, being such a beautiful and charismatic newcomer, was particularly susceptible to attracting predators.
Though it’s hard to say why, Ann Vaughn has always been prepared for every eventuality; doing something is better than doing nothing.
Quinn laughed with cheeks supported by her hand, "Don’t worry, anyone you consider a sister is also my sister; I won’t stand by and watch."
"Thank you, Sister Bellamy." Ann Vaughn said gratefully.
"Silly, why thank me? Hurry and eat, then let’s go get your grand prize, I’m quite curious to see what it is..."
After finishing their meal, they eagerly headed to the reception to claim the prize.
"Hello, Miss Lucky Charmer, here is your prize, please enjoy." The receptionist handed Ann Vaughn a gift bag with a sweet smile.
Ann Vaughn opened it to find a gold card and a sapphire blue brocade box inside, "What is this..."
"This card is custom-made by the store, the only one in the country – a VIP card. With this card, all your expenses at The Jade Pavilion are on the house; you’ll receive top priority on service and preparation, no need to queue," the receptionist explained.
Before Ann Vaughn could be surprised, diners around them were gazing at the gold card like X-ray vision.
"Miss, do you have more VIP cards? I’d like to buy one too."
"I would pay any price!"
The receptionist maintained her sweet smile, "Sorry, there’s only this one card, it’s a limited edition."
The diners groaned in disappointment but someone tried to bid for Ann Vaughn’s card, "Miss, are you willing to sell your gold card? How about ten thousand?"
"A meal in The Jade Pavilion costs several thousands. Offering ten thousand for this card, are you insane?!"
"I’ll offer a million, wondering if the lady would be willing to part with it?"
"Five million is my offer! Let’s see who tries to compete!"
Those who come to The Jade Pavilion already have considerable wealth; they are not concerned about a little money but care more about their comfort.
Their bidding left Ann Vaughn in a daze, almost forgetting the prize in the brocade box as she snapped back to reality and dashed out of The Jade Pavilion with Quinn, afraid to linger.
Kidding me!
This is her ultimate victory as the lucky charmer, hardly something that a mere five million could buy!
After parting ways with Quinn, Ann Vaughn didn’t take a taxi back to her apartment but wandered the streets aimlessly.
It snowed yesterday, but the snow melted by morning, and the temperature warmed slightly.
Shopfronts changed from old to new, decorated with romance and style, serving as the occasional backdrop to melodious love songs.
Ann Vaughn looked at the small, exquisite decorations in store windows, momentarily entranced, forgetting to watch her step.
With a light "thump" noise, Ann Vaughn’s face buried itself in something fluffy, making her almost lose her breath.
Surprised and astonished, she looked up to see a giant white bear towering over her, holding a bouquet of vibrant roses in its paws.
Perhaps the person in the mascot costume was tall; although the bear looked comical, it didn’t seem cumbersome at all.
Embarrassed, Ann Vaughn apologized, "Sorry, I didn’t watch my step and accidentally ran into you."
The white bear shook its head twice and then offered the roses in its paw.
Ann Vaughn’s eyes froze, hesitating for a couple of seconds before unsurely asking, "Are these for... me?"
The white bear nodded.
In her lifetime, she first won a super prize, and now a bear was even giving her flowers.
Ann Vaughn thought, the world could get more magical.
Dazed, she took the roses from the white bear, her delicate fingers brushing over the soft, dew-covered petals, a smile nearly pouring from her face.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.
How could she possibly forget?
Unable to help herself, Ann Vaughn stood on tiptoe, barely reaching the bear’s chin, she managed to plant a kiss on it, "Thank you for the roses, dear bear; I really like them."
Instantly, the white bear froze momentarily, awkwardly splayed claw paws like it didn’t know what to do.
After a while, the white bear finally reached out and grabbed Ann Vaughn’s wrist.
Before Ann Vaughn could catch her breath, she was being picked up horizontally and carried off down the street by the bear!
What the heck!!
A person... err, a bear trafficker?!
"Let me go! Stupid bear! Put me down!" Ann Vaughn slapped the roses against the bear trafficker’s face, attempting to break free but barely shaking it.
She was astonished that a bear could carry her off and run faster than a person!?
The surrounding passersby had no idea about Ann Vaughn’s fear at the moment; instead, they were mesmerized by the giant white bear and the petite beauty in its arms, taking out their phones to capture the spectacle.
Most girls have the experience of being carried off by their boyfriends, but being carried off by a handsome bear tests more than just the mascot wearer’s support, but also their stamina and speed.