Chapter 176 Riding Shotgun
As Lysander observed, Zachary’s complexion took on a deeper hue of red, and his hands awkwardly shifted about, searching for a suitable resting place. She offered a soothing hum of understanding, gently reassuring him, “There’s no need to feel embarrassed. Back when I was working at the hospital, it wasn’t uncommon for patients to try and set me up. I’ve grown quite accustomed to it by now.”
Zachary, visibly relieved by her tranquil handling of the situation, managed a smile and suggested, “Let’s head to the car, and then we can go look for Michelle.”
been
Lysander checked her watch and noted that Michelle had missing for over two hours now. They had initially agreed on a three–hour window, yet she was still unable to reach her on her phone.
“Do you have any idea where Michelle might be?”
Zachary responded with a thoughtful click of his tongue, “There’s a particular place she might be.”
Confident in his judgment, Lysander made her way to the vehicle, intent on entering. As she reached for the backseat door handle, Zachary paused and invited, “Why don’t you come sit in the front with me?”
“Why?”
“When I went to start the car earlier in the parking lot, a water truck passed by. I forgot to roll up the rear window, and now the entire back seat is completely drenched.”
Lysander peered inside and confirmed that the back seats, made not of leather but a soft fabric, were indeed thoroughly soaked, rendering them unusable for seating at the moment.
Lost in thought, Lysander didn’t notice Zachary had already exited the car and was now holding open the passenger door for her. “Get in,” he urged.
As she lifted her head to meet his gaze, Zachary suddenly seemed flustered. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Zachary, do you realize what riding shotgun might imply?” Lysander questioned lightly.
Zachary quickly dismissed any underlying implications with a shake of his head, “Don’t read too much into it. The water truck incident was just an accident. Several cars around were affected, it wasn’t targeted or anything… Besides, such significances aren’t determined by a single car ride. Don’t worry about it.”
Even after several years apart, Zachary hadn’t changed much from the person Lysander remembered five years earlier.
From his childhood, he was a standout in science and engineering, particularly physics, often leading his class and even winning the National Physics Contest. His mother, Camila, never missed an opportunity to boast about his achievements.
Yet, he also displayed typical traits often associated with male students in engineering and sciences.
He was straightforward and a bit awkward, lacking finesse in small talk or flattering higher–ups, and was even more inept at engaging with women. Sometimes, he seemed naive, focused solely on his work, oblivious to the cunning maneuvers of the corporate world.
Crucially, he was an open book when it came to his thoughts.
Ever since his mother inadvertently revealed some family intentions earlier that day, his cheeks had been a persistent shade of red, extending to his ears and neck, betraying his embarrassment. This made him stumble
Chapter 176 Riding Shotgun
Despite not being the type to whisper sweet nothings or charm women effortlessly, he undeniably had the qualities of a decent husband, even if devoid of romantic love.
“Lysander?”
“Mm.” No longer resisting. Lysander climbed into the passenger seat..
Zachary seemed genuinely pleased, his movements brisk as he closed the door for her and hurried back to the driver’s side.
The car blended into the flow of traffic, and a slight smile lingered on his lips. “Are you… comfortable sitting
there?”
Lysander’s brow furrowed slightly.
Realizing how his question might have come across, Zachary quickly amended, “I mean, how do you find the car’s seats? The space, the size, and everything?”
Understanding his intent, Lysander nodded. “It’s quite comfortable.”
Zachary, gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter, seemed relieved. “That’s good. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can recline the seat a bit more.”
“It seems like a hassle to adjust it back later.”
“No trouble at all, it’s fine if you don’t move it back. Next time you ride, it’ll be set just as you left it. Convenient, right?” Zachary said.
Sensing Lysander’s silence, he hurried to clarify, “No, that’s not what I meant. Usually, I’m driving alone. There’s no one else in the passenger seat, so whether it’s a bit higher or lower doesn’t really affect my driving”
Lysander offered a subtle smile, sensing his growing discomfort.
Zachary became increasingly uneasy, his palms sweating as he continued to speak.
“Zachary…”
“Ah, yes?”
“Stop staring at me and focus on the road.”
