Ruby’s hands shook with fright. “Harry, what should I do? It’s Worm calling.”
Harry took her phone with one hand and placed the other on her shoulder. “Ruby, don’t panic. I’ll answer it and talk
to her. Go wash your face and calm down. Then get your parents to the table. Try not to let Worm see anything
unusual.”
“Okay.” Ruby hurried into the bathroom.
Harry cleared his throat and answered the video call. “Worm, happy new year! I wish you everlasting happiness.”
“We all will have a prosperous new year,” Lumma said, telling from the background that Harry was not in his house.
“Are you at Ruby’s house? Where is she? Why didn’t she answer the phone? Did she go on a blind date without
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtletting me know?”
Harry laughed. “What blind date? I’m spending the New Year with Ruby at her house tonight. Her parents are
preparing dinner for us, and Ruby is helping in the kitchen.”
Lumma said, “I haven’t seen them for a long time. How are they?”
“They’re doing well,” Harry replied, seeing that Ruby had calmed down and led her parents to sit at the table. Ruby
made an ‘OK‘ gesture to him, and he directed the camera toward the dining table. “Come, say hello to everyone.”
Lumma greeted them sweetly, “Happy New Year, guys!”
Andrew said with a smile, “Happy New Year, Lumma!”
Vivian had been so angry with Andrew earlier, but despite her depression, she responded with a smile, “Happy New
Year, Lumma. Ruby told me you were on a trip to Preivlille. How is everything going over there? Do you miss the
local food here? I’ll ask Ruby to bring you some.”
She spoke at length, and Lumma responded politely. After the incident, Lumma’s relationship with Ruby was not
affected, thanks to the support of her family.
“You guys go ahead and eat. We’re going to chat with Worm in private.” Ruby grabbed the phone. “Harry, come
with me to my room.”
Ruby shut the door. Though she had calmed down, her voice was still a little nasal. “Worm, listen carefully. You have
to be happier than everyone else!”
Lumma sensed that something was wrong. “Ruby, what’s going on?”
Harry quickly changed the subject. “Are there any good shows to watch in Preivlille?”
Since they wouldn’t tell, Lumma couldn’t press them. Instead, she went along with Harry’s topic. “Yeah. I just
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmwatched one with my colleagues after dinner. Now I’m going to bed.”
Harry said, “It’s not even eight o’clock in the evening over there. Can you really fall asleep so early?”
Lumma replied, “We don’t have a vacation here, and my boss might require me to work tomorrow. I’m tired today
and want to catch up on some sleep.”
Ruby did her best to sound lively and normal. “Worm, say hello to Mr. Hills for me. If you get a chance, mention me
to him as much as you can. If he ever gets divorced, my chance will come.”
Lumma laughed. “What are you thinking? His wife and he are getting along well. His sister just wished him that he
could have a baby soon. Guess what he said in response?”
Ruby asked, “What did he say?”