Back to Love: A New Beginning
Chapter 34

Chapter 34:.

After climbing the hill, I was following a flat asphalt road. Suddenly, Derek asked me if I wanted to learn how to ride a bike.

To be honest, I envied Louise for being able to enjoy cycling earlier, but she was too shy to learn.

“Not to worry. I’ll teach you,” Derek said.

I started riding crookedly. It took me a while to gather enough courage to ride steadily. As Louise rested near me, she clapped her hands in delight.

“Eve, you learn fast!”

When I looked back, I discovered that Derek was no longer holding the bike, which made me panic.

Consequently, my panic caused me to lose momentum and fall to the side.

Fortunately, Derek caught me just in time. He laughed and said, “This means you are already able to ride a bike. You’re just a little shy.”

He was right. I was shy. To challenge myself, I went back to cycling.

Later, I got better and better. Although my skills were still poor, I had become more confident riding a bike. I was sweating all over the place, and all the negative emotions I was feeling had to dissipate with the sweat.

Soon we stopped at the top of a mountain, where there was a lookout point. I leaned against the railing, feeling delighted as the cool breeze brushed against my skin.

“Exercise does make people happy!” I said.

Meanwhile, Felix gasped next door, grinning obscenely. “It’s never too late to replace out. Exercise can be done anywhere. You can do it freely even at home! For example, in bed, on the sofa, on the tea table or maybe on the balcony.”

Right after he spoke, all his friends laughed. Derek leaned against the railing, lighting a cigarette. Suddenly, I discovered that his lips had formed a smile.

Soon after, I understood what Felix meant, and my face turned red.

“Felix, stop bullying Eve,” Louise warned, pointing at Felix.

“Fine, I’ll stop doing it. I’ll bully you instead.” An impish grin appeared on his face.

Louise glared at him, snapping her fingers at him. “Try if you can.

At first I thought we’d come back after enjoying a short walk, but I didn’t expect them to camp here. They even set up some tents and food to eat.

For the last twenty-six years of my life, I had lived conventionally. I had never once tried camping, but it had always seemed exciting.

From my impression, Derek must have been a neat freak, because every time I saw him, the linens he wore always looked new. But right now, he wasn’t bothered by all the dirt. As he and his friends enjoyed each other’s company, they sat cross-legged in the grass, eating, drinking, and throwing jokes at each other.

Truth be told, I envied such a carefree lifestyle.

Since Louise had a high tolerance for alcohol, she drank without hesitation. When they tried to convince me to drink, I refused, as I had learned my lesson. The last time, Derek told me I was stupid for getting drunk with men. So, I thought it would be better for me to stay sober.

I insisted on not drinking, so they stopped convincing me at all.

Counting how many of us there were and how many tents there were, I calculated that the tents would be enough if every two people shared a tent. I assumed I would sleep in the same tent as Louise, but Felix, a little drunk, said, “Madam, these tents are ours, and we decide who sleeps in them.”

Suddenly, a bad feeling arose in my heart.

Felix laughed, rubbing his chin as he looked at me and Louise.

“Those of you who rode the same bike during the day should sleep in the same tent tonight. Come on, beautiful ladies! Let’s do it.”

I didn’t think Louise would agree to that ridiculous suggestion. Anyone who tried to lay a hand on her would undoubtedly regret it. However, I heard her say, “Why not, we’re just sharing the store, right? If you try anything foolish, I’m going to castrate those testicles of yours.”

Felix didn’t seem threatened by her warning. He merely laughed at her casually.

“What do you mean by ‘nonsense’ – does touching or kissing count?” Men seemed to enjoy telling dirty jokes.

Naturally, Louise was not one to give in. She glared at him, showing she wouldn’t back down.

“Try if you must, but just know that my fists are ready to beat you up at any time. By the way, I sometimes shadow box in my sleep. Be careful, Felix. I might mistake you for a punching bag.”

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