She Believes In Me
Chapter 6: She Believes In Me
"Be ready, I got a tasty young victim on my sight," the owner murmured into the phone, his voice dripping with malice as he watched Joy with predatory intent.
As Chris walked in front of Joy, a glimmer of excitement danced in his eyes as he met her gaze.
"Well, since you helped me back there, I'll tour you around the city, show you some hidden beauties, and treat you to some delicious local cuisine," Chris suggested eagerly, his enthusiasm infectious.
Joy's face lit up with a sudden realization, an idea forming in her mind.
"Hey, Chris! Remember how I mentioned helping you find a job?" Joy said, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Yes?" Chris replied, his curiosity piqued.
"Why don't I hire you to become my personal tour guide? I'll pay you nicely," Joy proposed, her smile warm and inviting as she extended the offer to him.
Chris hesitated, his reluctance evident in his response, Joy's determination only grew stronger.
"Personal tour guide?... I don't know, I'd rather tour you around for free," Chris answered, his uncertainty palpable.
With a reassuring smile, Joy persisted, her belief in Chris unwavering.
"Come on, you're the only person who I truly trust. Besides, you don't have a job right now, and the crowns I pay you will help you and your family greatly," Joy urged, her tone gentle yet persuasive.
After a moment of contemplation, Chris relented, his resolve bolstered by Joy's unwavering support.
"Okay, if you insist... I'll try my best to be the best guide," Chris agreed, a hint of determination shining through his hesitation.
Joy couldn't help but giggle at Chris's earnest response, her heart swelling with gratitude for his willingness to embark on this new adventure with her.
"I know you will... Lead the way, Chris," Joy said, her voice filled with excitement as they set off together, ready to explore the city and create new memories that would last a lifetime.
As Chris reached for Joy's baggage, she instinctively protested, her voice laced with concern.
"Chris, you don't have to carry my baggage," Joy insisted, her tone gentle yet firm.
But Chris simply smiled warmly, his determination unwavering.
"I insist... It's part of my services," Chris replied, his smile widening as he winked playfully at Joy.
Joy's cheeks flushed with warmth at Chris's gesture, her heart fluttering at the unexpected attention.
"Oh... I-I see..." she stammered shyly, averting her gaze as she felt herself blushing uncontrollably.
As Chris led Joy to one of his favorite places, the hill within the city, Joy couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity bubbling within her.
"So, Chris, what's so special about the hill?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
With a fond smile, Chris began to explain, his admiration for the place evident in his voice.
"The hill is called 'Sanctuary Hill.' It's a popular spot for the locals to relax and take in the view. This place also has a very beautiful scenery that I love," Chris said, his gaze lingering on Joy with affection.
He continued, his excitement palpable as he shared his knowledge of the hill. "A lot of foreigners don't know about how important the hill is. Yes, it's just an ordinary hill, but at the top, you can see the real beauty of Dawn City, especially at night."
As they ascended the hill together, Joy couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder wash over her, eager to experience the breathtaking views that Chris had described.
With each step, their bond grew stronger, their shared adventure unfolding before them like a story waiting to be written.
Joy is amazed by Chris's explanation of the hill. She looks at him with curiosity and wonder "I see... I didn't know that there are so many things to learn about this city." She said as she takes in the view once again.
Chris and Joy reached the top of the hill, a sense of awe washed over them as they beheld the panoramic view of Dawn City spread out before them.
Joy's eyes sparkled with wonder as she took in the sight, her heart soaring with the exhilaration of the moment. The fresh wind tousled her blonde hair, carrying with it the scent of adventure and possibility. In that moment, she felt as though she were flying, untethered by the constraints of the world below.
Amazed by the beauty surrounding her, Joy marveled at the vastness of the world and the countless wonders waiting to be discovered. With each breath, she felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such breathtaking beauty, knowing that this moment would stay with her forever.
Fixed on Joy's beauty, Chris found himself completely captivated by her presence. Lost in the depths of her eyes, he felt his heart pounding in his chest, unable to tear his gaze away.
Suddenly, Joy felt the weight of Chris's gaze upon her and looked up at him shyly, a blush rising to her cheeks.
As if snapped out of a trance, Chris blinked and cleared his throat, his attention shifting from Joy's captivating beauty to the matter at hand.
"Hey Joy, are you hungry?" Chris asked, his smile warm and inviting.
Joy nodded eagerly, her stomach rumbling in agreement. "Yes, I'm pretty hungry. We have been walking for a while. Why?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
With a mischievous grin, Chris's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Because our next destination will make you really hungry," he replied cryptically, his tone teasing.
Joy's confusion deepened, but her curiosity was piqued. "I'm now confused and curious," she admitted with a playful smile, eager to uncover the mystery of their next destination.
With a chuckle, Chris took Joy's hand and led her away from the hilltop, their journey filled with anticipation and the promise of delicious surprises awaiting them.
As they descended from the hill, they made their way to Chris's second destination, the bustling market of Dawn City.
After thirty minutes of walking, they arrived at the lively marketplace, its stalls teeming with people and a colorful array of goods.
Joy's eyes lit up with excitement as she took in the sights and sounds of the bustling market. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of various foods, enticing her taste buds and igniting her sense of adventure.
Drawing closer to Chris, Joy couldn't help but express her amazement in a hushed tone. "Wow... I didn't know this place had a famous market like this," she whispered, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
Chris extended his arm to Joy, offering her support amidst the bustling crowds of the marketplace, she felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks.
Nodding shyly, she gratefully accepted his gesture and looped her arm through his, feeling a sense of security and comfort in his presence.
"Let's go, Joy. Hold onto my arm, you might get lost in the crowd," Chris advised, his voice gentle yet reassuring.
Blushing slightly, Joy nodded in agreement and tightened her grip on Chris's arm, allowing him to guide her through the throngs of people with ease.
As they reached Chris's favorite food stall, his excitement was palpable as he shared his enthusiasm with Joy.
"Here we are... This is my favorite food stall. My uncle works here," Chris explained, his eyes alight with excitement. "I'm really excited for you to try the adobo. It's a local cuisine and it's my favorite food."
Joy's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she inhaled the tantalizing aroma wafting from the stall. "I'm very excited to try it too, and it smells delicious," she exclaimed, her excitement mirroring Chris's own.
Chris waved enthusiastically at his uncle, Joy couldn't help but smile at the warm exchange between them.
"Hey Uncle Jim!... I'd like to order 2 servings of amobo and 2 cups of rice," Chris called out, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Coming right up, Chris!" Uncle Jim replied cheerfully, his voice echoing through the bustling marketplace.
Smiling gratefully at Uncle Jim, Joy turned to Chris and expressed her appreciation. "Thank you for bringing me here, your uncle seems really nice," she said softly, her eyes reflecting genuine warmth.
"No problem, now let's go find an empty table," Chris replied, leading Joy to a nearby vacant spot.
Taking a seat at the table, Joy watched with anticipation as Uncle Jim prepared their meal. The aroma of the adobo filled the air, making her mouth water in anticipation of the delicious feast to come.
"This amobo is going to be delicious," Joy exclaimed, her mouth watering as she caught a whiff of the aromatic dish.
Chris couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment as he confessed "I'm a little embarrassed. Instead of taking you to some famous restaurant, I dragged you to this cheap food stall."
Giggling softly, Joy shook her head and reassured him, "It's okay, Chris. I don't mind eating here. It looks like a nice and cozy place to enjoy a meal together."
Chris's smile widened at Joy's understanding and acceptance. With a warm glance, he realized that it wasn't about the fanciness of the place, but the company they shared and the memories they were creating together.
Unaware of the hooded figure observing them, the mysterious individual took a seat at the empty table nearby. With careful precision, they pulled out their phone and dialed a number, their movements calculated and deliberate.
"Found her, Boss," the hooded figure murmured into the phone, their voice shrouded in secrecy.
Little did Chris and Joy know, their peaceful meal was about to be interrupted by the looming threat of the unknown, casting a shadow over their moment of tranquility.
To be continued....