Sunlight poured into the room through the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, gently caressing the leaves of the green plants in the corner. The books on the nearby bookshelf lay neatly arranged, each one preserved in pristine condition.

Ethan Steele pulled a book from the shelf, sat down with his legs crossed, and opened the book. From inside, he took out a photograph and stared at it intently for a while. The orange glow illuminated his face, outlining his features sharply.

Quiet and lonely. That's how Derrick Brooks had described him. Just now, the secretary had forgotten to close the office door on the way out. Through the slightly ajar door, he had observed Ethan for quite some time. To him, Ethan seemed like a beautiful puppet, devoid of a soul.

After a while, Derrick sighed, lightly knocked on the door, and then entered.

Hearing the sound of Derrick entering, Ethan paused, placed the photo back into the book, and calmly returned the book to its original place. It was an inconspicuous spot in the bookshelf, not immediately noticeable but within Ethan's view when sitting at the desk.

He turned around, handed Derrick a glass of water, and asked, "What's the matter?" Derrick placed a set of documents on the desk, picked up the water glass, and adopted a playful expression. "Regarding the development project of that island, we've confirmed it with the local government. Once we develop that island and integrate it with our resort plan, we can create a high-end vacation destination and reap enormous benefits. But, Manager Steele, you need to personally inspect the site."

Ethan was somewhat puzzled. Usually, wasn't it Derrick who eagerly took on business trips? He would often delay returning even after completing the work on time. Why the sudden change?

"Why don't you go?"

Derrick yawned lazily, "Too many business trips, got bored of the seaside. It's time for you, Manager, to go out and relax. Balance work and leisure, then continue to create better returns for our UNREMOTE."

Ethan frowned. How did employees these days think of exploiting their boss? Before he could say anything, Derrick had swaggered out.

It seemed like he was the boss after all.

Derrick, upon leaving, instructed the assistant to prepare everything for Ethan's business trip. Not too many documents, as the engineers and designers accompanying him would take care of everything.

The assistant was a bit surprised, "Is Manager Steele going on a business trip?" Derrick nodded mysteriously. It was about time for Ethan to go out and relax. Even though the island was small, occasional business trips might still bring surprises. Perhaps there could even be some romantic encounters.

When Ethan Steele arrived on the island, local officials came to receive him. If this project could be completed, it would have a tremendous impact on the local economic development. The salty sea breeze, mixed with fine white sand, greeted him. The air carried a lazy aroma, as if staying in this place would slow down the entire body's functions.

Ethan strolled around the local island, discussing the terrain and initial architectural plans with the designers. After that, there wasn't much to do. Those present felt that Manager Steele's mood seemed quite good today. They suggested visiting the local market to gain a deeper understanding of the local customs and culture, creating a unique cultural tourism experience.

But in reality, they just wanted to have fun. Ethan saw through their intentions early on, but he didn't expose them. After all, they had spent quite some time in the office; it was time to get some fresh air. As Derrick mentioned, it was also an opportunity to create better returns for the group. Coincidentally, it was market day, and local residents gathered, bringing various sea products with their distinctive scents wafting through the market. Everyone was excited, looking around and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

"Miss, this isn't right. How could these weigh five pounds?" The accompanying designer happened to have bought some seafood and weighed it in his hand. As someone who often dealt with construction materials, he had a good sense of weight. The girl selling the products, wearing a black mask, was exposed but showed no shame. On the contrary, she responded confidently, " Where is it short of weight? If you don't want to buy, just leave."

"Hey, young lady, is it too much to ask for honesty in business?" The designer was provoked, his voice a bit loud, attracting the attention of surrounding colleagues.

The local girl who guided Ethan Steele's team around heard the designer's accusation. She turned around, glared at the seller, and began to criticize the girl wearing a black mask. The instructions that she received were clear: she must entertain these people and only showcase the beautiful side of the local area.

The island wasn't that big, and news about the wealthy developers who would lead them to prosperity had already spread. The group in front of them obviously wasn't local, and more people joined in to support the criticism.

Caught in the center of the whirlpool. Lynne Green heard the rapid beating of her heart. She found herself surrounded by the crowd, hearing the accusations and criticisms as if she had committed some unforgivable sin.

Public condemnation, the hatred of the masses.

"Enough." Suddenly, an unquestionable voice rang out, and the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

In this clear voice, ending the hostility and dissatisfaction of those around her, she was not one to be overly dramatic. Even in the face of so many people's accusations, she could stand firm and composed. However, in this crispy and clear voice, she suddenly lost her composure. Uneasiness and embarrassment rushed into her heart. She anxiously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes.

As she lifted her gaze, she felt like plunging into a profound pool, still, tranquil, and distant. Ethan also caught sight of her eyes. Though the face was obscured by the mask, the eyes were unmistakable—familiar yet unfamiliar. The agility during bargaining with the designer, and the worldliness during sophistry.

So similar were those eyes.

He looked at the people around and managed to disperse the crowd, "Go, go, please."

"What do you want?" Lynne stared at Ethan, unable to understand the meaning behind his actions.

"I'll take all these goods." Ethan's voice was low. He took out his wallet and pulled out several hundred-dollar bills. "No need to weigh them. This should be enough. You can leave, and I'll have some people clean up later."

Lynne's face turned red. "What are you trying to do?"

Ethan, seeing her frustrated expression, felt a bit amused. "I'm not trying to humiliate you with money. Do you want to stay here and be criticized by so many people? Even if you wear a mask, sooner or later, someone familiar will recognize you." It seemed like it had been a long time since he reasoned with someone like this.

Lynne was stunned for two seconds, as if finally realizing the meaning behind his words. Her gaze shifted and wandered. "Don't do this next time," Ethan said as he handed her the money.

Lynne mumbled a thank you but refused to take the money. Without waiting for Ethan to react, she strode away hastily. Little did she know, a moment later, it would be another encounter.

The Green family was renowned on the island for crafting traditional lanterns. In an attempt to shift away from the earlier dissatisfaction, the guide enthusiastically led the group to visit their shop. The Green 's shop wasn't large, but it was filled with various lanterns. Grandpa Green, dedicated and meticulous, sat at the entrance, focused on pasting lanterns without paying much attention to the arriving visitors. 

The people watching him making lanterns felt that the lanterns here had acquired a tranquil and timeless quality. 

After a while, Grandpa Green finally stood up and shouted toward the interior, "Lynne, quickly come out and greet the guests." 

"Okay," a crisp response came from inside. However, the door curtain that separated the interior and exterior was lifted and then suddenly dropped. "Grandpa, I, um, I'm feeling a bit unwell, so I won't come out."

Ethan Steele, listening to the voice, found it somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before. His sharp eyes then noticed a black mask on a stool beside the door curtain, and suddenly, he had an epiphany.

"This girl," Grandpa chuckled, looking around at the people. "Take your time to choose, everyone."

Behind the door, Lynne Green was scared out of her wits. She had just returned home, removed her mask, and hadn't even had time to change her clothes. If she went out like this, she would definitely be recognized. These people were really idle.

Gently lifting the door curtain, Lynne stared at Ethan, who had just kindly helped her. He was quite handsome with a high nose, sharp but not intimidating eyebrows, and especially beautiful eyes. However, within the flowing gaze was an unmistakable sense of loneliness.

As she was staring, that person seemingly unintentionally cast a light glance in her direction. Lynne quickly dropped the door curtain, retreated silently, and, after ensuring that the people outside couldn't hear any noise inside, rushed upstairs to her room. She lay on her pillow, panting softly.

Lantern-making didn't earn much money. Despite Grandpa's exquisite lanterns, very few people came to admire them, except during festivals or occasional tourists. Her parents, busy with fishing, could barely make ends meet, leaving no extra money for her. With Grandpa's seventieth birthday approaching, she wanted to buy him a beautiful gift, so she secretly went out to sell things and take advantage of small bargains.

The first time she got caught, luck was truly against her. Lynne regretted her actions. She decided not to do such things again.

The lively group continued their leisure activities, and in the evening, they prepared a barbecue on the beach. They set up a bonfire and enjoyed themselves. Fueled by alcohol, they were no longer afraid of the stern boss, pulling Ethan along and forcing him to drink.

Although Ethan usually appeared a bit reserved and strict with his subordinates, in such a festive atmosphere, he couldn't resist the enthusiasm of the group, especially when dealing with a bunch of drunk people.

"Come on, Manager Steele, have another drink!" Ethan was a bit tipsy. He walked away, wanting to distance himself from this rowdy crowd. By the beach, without the towering buildings of the city, the night drew closer, and the gradually appearing stars seemed within arm's reach.

Ethan seemed to see a person, resembling the face he saw in the photo before the trip, smiling tenderly at him. It felt like she had never left throughout the long passage of time.

He reached out, pulling her into his arms, delivering a lingering kiss. She seemed to resist for a moment but then stopped moving. After a long while, as if breathing became difficult, Ethan stopped. He caressed her face, "Olivia, I miss you so much. Don't leave me, okay?"

No response was heard.

The glaring sunlight entered the room, brightening it. Ethan woke up, finding himself lying on the hotel bed, his head throbbing. Yesterday's drinking had indeed been a bit excessive.

Was it just a dream? Ethan stared into the bright sunlight outside. It was time to go back.

Back to that cold city, continuing to walk through life, lonely and alone.