The Bound Between Us

Chapter 27

Herman hadn’t seen it coming. Anastasia showing up at the Blissful Beat. He had a lump in his throat, and he asked, “Have you guys seen the big boss of Elysian Technologies?”

Anastasia shrugged. “Nope, Monica said, she only caught a glimpse of a figure. The place was packed, and she didn’t get a good look. But that glimpse seemed to excite her. Is your boss really that hot?”

Herman breathed a sigh of relief “Compared to me, he falls a bit short.”

Anastasia chuckled. “You’re pretty cocky. If your boss heard that, he might not be too pleased”

Herman replied Tm a programmer. If this company doesn’t want me, there are plenty others that will. But I don’t think our boss is that petty”

Anastasia asked curiously, “Herman, your boss is loaded and handsome, why is he still single? Do you think he has some unique preferences?”

“I don’t have a clue That’s his private life, not something we employees should discuss Herman quickly changed the subject. “Didn’t you say you were heading out to set up your stall at five? Are your goods all ready?”

“Oh, I almost forgot, I need to go and move the goods.”

Anastasia thought to herself, “The CEO of Elysian Technologies, was way out of her league. They were from two different worlds. She should be focusing on hard work and making money.”

Only with money could she support herself.

This time, with Herman’s help, he took care of all the heavy lifting. Once everything was ready, they headed to Alder Night Market together.

Anastasia rented a stall there

When she first started this business, Anastasia was clueless about the industry. She got caught by the city management, fined, and her goods were confiscated

At that time, Anastasia was terrified and heartbroken over her goods. She cried miserably and didn’t dare to tell her mother what had happened. She bore all the hardships alone.

It was Herman’s first time setting up a stall. He didn’t know a thing, but Anastasia was an old hand and quickly set up the stall and lit a small table lamp

1

Herman looked at the small table covered with trinkets made by Anastasia. He was deeply moved because Anastasia had survived in Riverdale by hawking. Herman looked around the Night Market. There were many vendors selling trinkets, and most of them were young girls. The competition was fierce

There were also stalls selling clothes, daily necessities, and snacks. It was bustling

The Night Market was surrounded by several universities, so it got very lively when school was over. The local residents also liked to stroll around, and the foot traffic was huge.

Anastasia took two stools from the trunk and handed one to Herman. “Sit on this.”

Herman didnt say anything and sat down after taking the stool.

As the weather was a bit stuffy, Anastasia also prepared a small electric fan for Herman “Here, lan yourself so you won’t feel too hot.”

It was Herman’s first time in such a place. Anastasia was worried he would not be comfortable, so she prepared a lot for him. Besides the fan, there was also water and snacks. To keep him from getting bored, she also carried a tablet for him.

Herman felt pampered and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m not uncomfortable, this place is quite nice”

Anastasia was very polite and cautious, afraid that Herman might feel uncomfortable.

Anastasia laughed Tm afraid you’ll get bored”

She sat next to Herman. The owner of the stall next to them also arrived. He was a clothes seller and said with a smile, “Anastasia, is this your boyfriend? He’s handsome”

Anastasia was about to speak, Herman corrected, ‘I’m Anastasia’s husband”

The clothes seller, Duncan, was nearing forty, and he looked mature as a result of the hard life Was Herman jealous? Was he in such a hurry to claim his

status?

Anastasia smiled. Duncan, this is my husband.”

Duncan was surprised. “Anastasia, when did you get married? You never mentioned it before.”

“We just got married Anastasia changed the subject “Duncan, it’s just you today? Where’s Poppy?”

Duncan sighed, “She took our kid to the hospital Our child had another episode, and someone had to run the stall and earn money. If we miss a day, the rent for the stall goes to waste, and we won’t make any money Our kid’s medical bills need to be paid”

With a resigned tone and simple words, he told the story of living life at the bottom of society After a sigh, life went on.

Anastasia explained quietly to Herman, “Duncan’s son has leukemia, they haven’t found a suitable bone marrow transplant. He and his wife have spent all their money and are heavily in debt Now, their relatives and friends are avoiding them”

Herman, as the CEO of a big company, had never come into contact with the poor at the bottom of society. In his world, they talked about investments and projects, which were all projects worth tens of millions of dollars, far from these people’s quality of life

However, he saw an unyielding spirit in these people. No matter how hard their lives were, they were still trying to live.

Anastasia sighed, “Duncan’s health is not great either. He’s the rock of their family If he falls ill, their family is screwed. Back when I started this stall thing, I didn’t know the ropes. It was Duncan and his wife who took me under their wing”

Despite their own life being a mess, they still found time to care for others

Herman cast a glance at Duncan’s stall and said, “You know what they say, ‘After every storm, there’s a rainbow. They’ll pull through”

He then looked at Anastasia’s stall, asking, “Is there anything I can do?”

Anastasia gave him a look, saying. “Just sit here and wait for customers, that’s all” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Herman wasn’t cut out for selling trinkets, so they sat around shooting the breeze. “How much do you make on average per day?”

“Probably around 40 or 50 bucks. Now that you’re here to lend a hand, with your good looks and all, it might draw in more buyers. It’s a joy just looking at you”

Herman smiled, he liked that.

Night fell quickly, and the crowd swelled. After more than an hour, Anastasia hadn’t sold a single piece of jewelry. Normally, she would have started making sales by now

Anastasia found it odd. Every passerby would take a look at Herman; some even turned around for a second glance, but no one approached.

Soon, Anastasia figured out the problem. Her main clientele were girls. And Herman was simply too handsome. Just sitting there expressionless, he seemed like a high and mighty figure, to be admired from afar but not to be touched. Naturally, the girls felt shy and didn’t have the guts to make a purchase

Anastasia handed him a mask. “Herman, you might wanna put this on, or we might not make a dime tonight.”