Never Late, Never Away (Vivian and Finnick)
Chapter 2171

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2171

After Joan had left the hospital, she changed into a fresh set of clothes and headed towards the supermarket.

The supermarket was as bustling as always. Everyone was busy joking around as they chatted and mingled around. A bright atmosphere hung in the air.

"Look who's back!" a coworker of hers yelled all of a sudden.

"Yeah, I wonder who abandoned us by vanishing without a single trace. Yet, that person is now back here."

"Who are you? Are sure that you aren't lost?"

Her co-workers in the supermarket gossiped loudly as they glared at Joan with stares of displeasure. When Joan did not show up for work, they had turned red with anger. Their fury grew even further as she remained absent for a long period of time.

"Fine, I'll just leave. It seems like I'm unwelcomed here," Joan muttered and prepared to leave the supermarket.

"Joan, they are just joking. Don't leave. Pay them no mind! We all missed you dearly," a young woman ran forward and clung to Joan's arm.

"You are still my favorite," Joan replied softly and squeezed the woman's cheeks.

In the blink of an eye, lunchtime had arrived. Quickly, the women crowded around Joan as they gossiped amongst themselves.

"What happened to you? Did you know that Dustin worked himself to the bone in your absence? Out of pity, we all advised him to hire another worker. Yet, he stubbornly insisted that you would return." "Yeah! What on earth happened? You didn't even tell us about it."

Witnessing their familiar faces and speech sent a flutter of warmth in her heart. Their affectionate concern left her feeling grateful and touched.

It seems like the people from her village maintained their simple and friendly ways without any harmful intentions. They were all genuinely worried about her wellbeing.

"It's nothing; I had a lot of things to deal with recently. It is all settled now. Relax, let's eat! I'll pay for all your meals! Just order them!" Joan raised her voice and announced. "Ah, I want a serving of baked ribs!"

"One set of fish and chips for me!"

"I want baked chicken wings... and roasted duck! I want them both!"

The women's loud and cheerful voices seemed to brighten the mood of the tiny restaurant.

Yet, Joan couldn't help but feel a trace of disappointment that lurked in her heart.

She missed Larry dearly. It had been a long time since they last met each other. Additionally, they hadn't called each other too. She wondered if he was doing well in his company. "Ah, could you help me to apply for leave? I have matters to attend to later," Joan blurted out all of a sudden.

Huh? Is she asking for leave when she just came to work? Is she alright? Everyone around Joan stared at her in confusion. Her bizarre behavior left them curious for an explanation.

"I want to visit Larry. He has been extremely busy lately. He hasn't had the time to return home," Joan explained with a bow of her head.

"Oh, you should have said that earlier! Leave it to us; you should enjoy your date!" one of the women exclaimed loudly as she patted Joan's shoulder enthusiastically.

As always, her co-workers were reliable and helpful.

"Gather around; Joan will be paying for our meals today! Don't feel shy!"

"Mr. Norton, I think that our cooperation isn't quite suitable. You should look for someone else."

The words had been uttered to Larry by the owner of the manufacturing company. Larry had spent hours trying to gain the owner's approval. Yet, the owner's tone was firm and devoid of any hesitation. "Why? Can you tell me the reason for your rejection?" Larry asked in desperation.

"It's because of the distance. We are based in different countries. In the future, who will be held responsible if a problem arises? To prevent this issue from arising, you should replace someone else." With that, the owner of the manufacturing company prepared to leave.

Is this the only reason for his rejection? Larry stared at the man before him with a suspicious gaze. There was a hint of unease in his heart. Was there someone else involved behind the scenes?

Larry had heard rumors about the man. Apparently, he didn't enjoy making promises to other people as he had a stubborn and headstrong will. Additionally, he was also determined. He wouldn't be easily swayed if his sights were fixated on a certain issue or person.