Chapter 213 - Story Of Nina Li

CHAPTER 213: HER LEGAL ADVISOR

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"So… How was the State visit?" Harry asked Nina after a moment of silence. 

Nina wrinkled her forehead. She processes her brain what Harry is talking about now. Later, she understood. 

"Oh, about Albert and Sarah meeting with the Prime Minister!" 

Nina waited for Harry to nod at her. It surprised her that Harry asked about her friends. Particularly about Albert. And that call awhile back. She is uncertain if Harry misunderstood anything. However, she is hesitant to ask him whether what is on his mind. 

She is always curious. But she and Harry still like strangers, even after being a couple. 

"Well, the other day. Sarah and I talk about having dinner before they go to the US as part of Albert's State visit to certain countries to strengthen the relationship between business-related issues." 

"So, Jeneva is opening for investments?" 

"Yes. I heard from Sarah. It was the purpose of this State visit." 

"Is that king planning to expand his influence?" 

"Hum? What do you mean?" Nina curled her forehead. Harry likely sounded jealous. Or maybe she assumes that he is? 

"Ah, he has been a king for twenty-five years, but he just opened his country for foreign investors." Nina tried her best to reply to Harry's query. He seemed interested to know anything that relates to Albert. She continued,

"Well, Jeneva is a small nation with long tradition values. It won't be easy to do that if the majority is against it." 

Harry peered at Nina. He could perceive that she has a great understanding of monarchy. How if she became queen of a nation? 

Nina is smart. Surely, she could contribute and help run a kingdom. And he is certain of that. 

Harry tilted his head to push away his crazy thought. Nina need not associate with that King. Harry thought.

Meanwhile, Nina is gaping at Harry with curiosity. The man remained to peer at her, but he said nothing anymore.

"Alright! Um, I'll go and message Theo to discuss a new business proposal," Nina said to escape from Harry's intent gaze. 

Being married for almost four decades, she already knows that Harry will not share his thoughts with her. It is always a complicated situation for them both. 

Nina sat up from the chair when Harry spoke again.

"I will start to make our lunch." 

Nina nodded. She left Harry alone to do his thing and do hers too. It's always like this. But at least a little development in their relationship. More like changes, and she hopes it was. 

The moment the door closes, Nina leans on it and heaves a long sigh. 

How if Steven did not kiss her? 

Would she and Harry continue their mutual understanding in secret? 

After that incident, Harry stops writing to her nor replying to her letter.

After the kiss, Harry only smiled bitterly before he turned his back on her and left them alone. It was like he was giving way to his twin brother.

She wished Harry would fight his feelings for her. But Harry did nothing and just forgot the kisses they shared in that one night of their life. 

Nina tilted her head to the side and massaged the bridge of her nose. 

She should stop recalling the past and stop dwelling on her pain... 

~~~~~ 

SUMMER, somewhere in England 1980s 

Nina was on the third floor of the library, attempting to study her lessons. It was the start of her advanced classes. But she was constantly distracted to focus on what she was reading. However er mind was all over the place.

She looked outside to rest her eyes. She always chooses the table near a window to stare at the trees or the sky, whether a gloomy day or clearer like today. 

She was alone lately because Sarah and the other girls traveled home to their countries. 

Everyone begs her to go with them. But she rejected their invitation. Nina wanted to focus on her lessons, which she prefers to occupy herself these passing months. 

And she had reasoned she stays in England. Nina is waiting for Harry to reply to her letter. However, the only letters she received were from Steven. Yet none, she replied.

Steven apologizes and asks to forgive him. Also, he confessed to her. 

Nina could not decide if she should reply to Steven, which until now, she is still mad at him.

"Hey, Nina!" 

She looked up and peered at the guy taking a seat across from her without asking her permission to share a table. But she is already used to his persistent personality. 

"What are you doing here?" she blurted out.

"Whoa? I'm a student here. Besides, I'm not your enemy." 

Nina ponders, and she acts snobbish. Besides, the guy just talked to her. "I'm sorry. I'm just thinking a lot of things," Nina apologized, but she pouted at the guy, who was none other than Albert. "You already graduated and are supposed not to be here."

Albert chuckled and responded, "I'm doing my review for the BAR exam. At least for a couple of months or so? Besides, I continue pursuing you." 

"That's not a funny joke." she frowned at Albert.

The guy smirked. He asked, "Why are you killing yourself with advanced classes every single day rather than go on a vacation?"

Honestly, she doesn't have the energy to talk with anyone about why she stayed attending class. She wants to finish her course fast and then get a Master's degree and go back home.

"Are you still bothered by that article? I could talk to my lawyer friends to sue those reporters."

Still, it surprised her how this guy was concerned about her. Albert is persistent and becomes annoying sometimes. However, he is one of her friends she doesn't want to lose. 

Receiving no reply from Nina, Albert went on.

"We can correct it by releasing another article related to that issue." 

"Really? And what statement should I give?" 

Albert pushes a wide smile; he says, "You can state that it was a big mistake!" 

"Big mistake like what?" Nina listens eagerly to Albert. She wants to do something with that article as it reaches China and becomes a huge issue in Zen City.

When it came out, immediately, her mother flew to England as few Chinese reporters pestered her, wishing to interview, and asked if it's true that she is engaged to Steven Shang. 

When Steven kissed her, the paparazzi took a photo of them. The next day, they released an article regarding two Chinese from a prominent family invited for a Royal Gala. The first picture is of her and Harry, while the second picture is with Steven kissing at the airport. And the name mentioned in the article is him. Besides, it was Steven who kissed her suddenly. She didn't even respond to him.

Is it possible that Harry is upset about the article? But he is not talking to her or sharing his thoughts.

She wants to correct the information, and she prefers Harry's name in the article. The news is too misleading. But it bothers her the outcome if she tries to explain to the press that her date to the Gala is Harry. She had a feeling that a question would raise why she was kissing the other one? It looks like it will worsen the issue.

Nina rested her face on the table, groaning.

"Please, help me, Albert, since you are a lawyer," she mumbled, peeping between her arms on the table. 

"Yup. I am your Legal Advisor from now on!" 

"So, what could you advise me as my Legal Advisor? What statement should I give if I allow them to interview me?" 

"Simple! We can correct the misstatement!" 

"How then?"

Somehow, Nina began doubting that Albert's advice would not help her but worsen the situation. "The way you are grinning at me now? I'm nervous."

Albert laughs at her perception. Nina is smart. 

"So, how about if we told the press that your real boyfriend… is me?" Albert pointed to himself.

"I knew it!" 

"Shush!" 

Nina instantly covers her mouth after the librarian shushes her and everyone is looking in their direction.

Shooting a glare at Albert, she frowned. "This is not a joke. I hate you. But nice try to annoy me."

Albert laughed loudly and again; the librarian gestured to shut them up. She is now glaring at them with round eyes. Nina and Albert giggled in a low voice. But she only drags by Albert's craziness.

"See? That's the reason I annoyed you! You look gloomy these days, and I wanted to see your smile again." Albert pushed a warm smile. 

Nina stared at Albert. So this guy paying attention to her? Is he stalking him? Or watching her from a distance? But Nina admits she is relaxed around him. But her heart only beats for Harry.

Even toward Steven, she could only think of him as a friend. More likely, she cannot return Albert's feelings toward her.

"Okay. But I better head home. I promised Mama to help her bake a cake for Jessica celebrating her birthday tomorrow." 

"I am not invited? Why don't you introduce me to your mother instead?" 

"Huh?" It shocked her. This guy must joke!

"I want to meet your mother. Don't put a meaning on it!" Albert paused for a moment and continued after his grin. "I want her to meet her future son-in-law!" Albert winks at her. 

Nina dropped her mouth open. This guy! 

"I can't believe you! You just said I should not put a meaning! Then suddenly?" 

"Hey! That's a practical joke between friends!" 

"Not at all!" 

Albert is following her outside, and the guy keeps joking around her. 

"I will drop you home. I have my buddy now!" 

"Hm? What?" 

"I received a graduation gift car from my grandmother!" 

"Oh, the Countess? You already have a car. Could it be the latest one?" 

"You are right! It was a sports car! How about we hit the countryside this weekend?" 

"Hey, you are my unofficial Legal Advisors. You should know I am avoiding more issues. But then? Driving out with you?" 

"What is wrong? We are friends! Besides, we have company." 

"Oh, we will bring Jessica?" 

"No." 

"Then, who?" 

"It will be Bruno!" 

"I can't believe you! I know I should not trust once something you wanted to say!" Nina rolled her eyes. She took huge steps to leave the guy behind.

"Hey! When I said, I like you. That is true!" 

"Whatever…" 

Nina speeds her pace. She almost bumps into someone. 

"Steven!?"