You'll Fall For Me, Today or tomorrow

Clarissa hadn’t yet managed to sort out the inexplicable conflict between her and Matthew because she was swamped with work.

“The publisher plans to have an illustrated book for all your works and design a cartoon image for you to make up a complete hardcover collection. I’ve contacted the illustrator, so why don’t you meet him and tell him your terms? The two of you can discuss if there are any problems.”

Yael then gave her a location and told her to meet the illustrator there.

Upon arriving at the quiet teahouse, Clarissa met the so-called illustrator.

Hmm… he seems rather familiar. The illustrator then lifted his head from his fragrant tea that emanated wisps of steam. As he smiled faintly the moment he spotted her, he almost seemed ethereal.

That was, if he didn’t speak.

Clarissa remembered him as the man who kept chattering incessantly on the plane back then.

And as soon as she sat down, Joshua started going on and on. Well, well… No wonder he asked to meet in a teahouse. It’s so that he’ll have tea to drink when he gets thirsty from his non-stop blathering.

“We meet again, pretty. It seems that our fates are truly intertwined. I never thought you would actually be the renowned writer, Clarissa Quigley! I’ve read your works, and I really love the various themes that range from cardinal issues of morality to the ups and downs of life. They’re truly liberal and classy. It’s really a surprise that such a beautiful and adorable girl can actually produce such novels! Indeed, I salute such writers!” He then continued, saying, “Oh yes, I’m a slightly famous illustrator. We’ll be collaborating for some time, so let’s get acquainted. Where are you from? What food and drink do you enjoy? And what’s your favorite color? By the way, what kind of habits do you have when writing? Oh, don’t think I’m trying to intrude on your privacy with all these questions. Actually, I just want to understand you better. Of course, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t feel like answering. I can ask you other questions, such as whether you base your characters on real people and…”

“Mr. Ferguson!”

As her patience wore thin, Clarissa finally interrupted the man’s prattle.

“Ah, don’t address me as Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Quigley. That’s too formal. Why don’t you call me Joshua? Can I call you Clarissa? I think the first thing after getting acquainted is to change the way we address each other. Or do you mind me calling you Clarissa? How about I call you Rissa? I think Rissa sounds more intimate, and I believe it’ll enhance our relationship for our upcoming collaboration…”

Clarissa lowered her head and stared at her cup of tea. As she watched the tea leaves sinking to the bottom, her thoughts drifted.

Matthew drinks tea occasionally though he also drinks coffee and wine. He seems to prefer red wine. She remembered that he had quite a collection of red wine back when she was with him. There are many famous wines in the wine cellar in Zen Highlands, but I don’t know which one he prefers since I’ve got no interest in red wine.

Strictly speaking, apart from his favorite food, she didn’t really know what else he liked.

I claim to love him, but in hindsight, I don’t think I’m doing a good job of it. I have no inkling of many of his preferences. In this aspect, he’s much better than me. Oh yes, why are we giving each other the cold shoulder now? Well, I can apologize first, but I’m used to him compromising throughout the years. Thus, such an attitude of mine is probably the result of him spoiling me. Therefore, it’s not entirely my fault. At least half the blame lies on him!

“Rissa? Rissa?”

Joshua’s repeated calling of her name, Clarissa finally lifted her

while wondering inwardly, So, he has

go

“Go? Where to?”

as we do something fun together! Oh yes, the publisher also asked me to design a cartoon image for you, so I need inspiration! Let’s go! Inspiration always

Joshua said that, he dragged her out without giving her any

as dangerous, high-altitude rides. Clarissa didn’t want to go on any of them, but he coerced her into doing so. Even though she almost retched when she alighted from the ride, it

her to many other places in D City. Most of them were places she had never visited, for he had a knack of finding

entire day, but she

exploring places

non-stop talking had been

in her dinner without interrupting

Clarissa to leave. Instead, he

then taken aback when he started drawing

an atmosphere. Look, the various facades of humanity are entirely bared in this bar. I think such a scene is very suitable for the scene where you described the meeting between the various sects. While everyone wears a mask of civility, each of them have an ugly side deep within

her the drawing in

them dressed finely, the expressions on their faces

was truly astounded. Meanwhile, Joshua had finally attained a sense of accomplishment from her approval, so

had no further arguments in the face of such convincing

no one bothered them in the semi-translucent private lounge upstairs, others

was a stunning beauty,

went home that day. His wife laid into

door, he had noticed her as well

Shortly after, a drunkard staggered into the private lounge while tussling with another man, bringing the fight there. However, Joshua was entirely lost in his own world. Despite a fight breaking out, he continued drawing with his head lowered. Clarissa, on the other hand, could only dodge in avoidance. However, the two men seemed intent on drawing closer to her, almost injuring her amidst

and someone pulled the brawling parties apart. Clarissa was in a

What’s going

bar, the manager was from the underworld. Thus, he was unfazed despite often having

who were fighting suddenly