"What's the matter?"
Joanna was still sleepy. She yawned drowsily and leaned against the bed lazily.
"You're in the news! Hot news!"
Clara pounced on Joanna with her phone and excitedly clicked on the hot video.
It was a video of Joanna on Marine Highway yesterday, bending over to fix her car and kicking the crap out of the creepy man. Joanna looked stunning in the video, particularly with her beautiful face, pale skin, and long legs. Her fearless posture exuded sexiness with a formidable charm.
The netizens went crazy over Joanna and wouldn't stop commenting on the video. Joanna's popularity was no less than some A-list celebrity.
'Damn! She's like a Charlie's Angel. She's so sassy. I love her!"
"Female fighters should look at this. That's a heavy blow! That guy must be scared to death!"
"Ah! I'm totally in love! Now I want to know all about her!"
The video was reposted, edited, and made into several funny versions, which left Joanna speechless.
"Hahaha! The netizens are so talented! They're calling you 'the fighting queen!' They even want to meet you at the City!"
Clara was so amused by the comments and read them out loud. Joanna's face was recorded clearly in the video. Soon, some netizens in the comments section identified Joanna.
"Joanna, you wanted to lay low, but you're already in the news. I don't think you can stay low-profile anymore!"
Clara put her hand on her chest and looked worried for Joanna. In the next second, she grabbed Joanna's arm and said curiously, "Say, you went missing and suddenly returned to the City. I wonder how that certain someone would react when he learns about this?"
"I don't care about his reaction." Joanna's beautiful eyes were full of disdain. She sneered, "If I can't keep a low profile, I'll just stay high profile!"
"Oh? But how?" Clara asked inquisitively.
Joanna lowered her eyes and gave it a thought. After that, she said, 'If I remember correctly, Stellar Group will be launching its new product the day after tomorrow. I've been a low-profile boss for the past four years. It's time to introduce myself to the public!"
Joanna did not intend to reveal herself so early, but she also didn't expect her sudden rise in fame due to the hot video. Although it disrupted her original plan, it did not matter. She would have to make this move sooner or later, not to mention that she just had a free ride to fame. Even if she spent money on marketing, she might not reach the same height in popularity. Undoubtedly, she would gladly take the free popularity!
Clara's phone rang suddenly. The phone just kept ringing. She knew it must be her brother Liam.
"Hello? Bro, you…"
As Clara answered the phone, Liam's thunderous voice interrupted her, almost making her deaf.
"Clara, damn you! Joanna is back in the City! Why didn't you tell me anything?!
The furious Liam nagged Clara nonstop and complained on the phone." How dare you! Who gave you the guts to do this? Tell me where you are right now if you don't want me to rain hell on you!"
'I can't tell you, Liam. I promised Joan to keep her return a secret. Only God knows. No one else must know.'
"Clara! Cut the crap! Do you think I won't do anything to do you?"
Liam gritted his teeth. "She's in the hot news all morning. Everyone has been talking about it. Anybody online would know that Joanna's back in the City!'
Clara knew it was impossible to keep it a secret anymore and opened her hands helplessly. She told Joanna, who was beside her, "See, Joanna. That's my brother's unusual attitude towards me. His true character is just like a late-stage bipolar person. His gentle, patient, and nice persona in front of you is all a facade…"
"Who are you talking to? Is Boss right next to you?"
Liam instantly tensed up in extreme nervousness. His grumpy voice softened at once. Liam said softly, "Boss? Why didn't you tell me? You suddenly returned to the City. What if you get hurt?"
"I didn't plan to stay long this time, so I didn't tell you," Joanna said. Then, she teased Liam, 'I didn't know you're so fierce. I thought you never got angry. You're Clara's brother. How can you bully your sister?"
"That's not it!" Liam raised his voice and shouted anxiously. However, he immediately lowered his voice again after realizing he had lost his temper," It's my nature to be gentle and mature, but Clara was too ignorant this time. I got anxious and…"
"Pfft. Hahaha!" Clara could not stand it anymore and burst out laughing.
"Liam, can you behave normally? What's with your voice? It's too low. It's so abnormal. Can't you speak in your real voice?"
Liam clenched his teeth and reminded Clara with a smile, "Clara, you got too much allowance this month. I'll consider reducing it."
"No, no, no. I'm sorry! Bro, I'm really sorry!"
Clara immediately put up her hands in surrender. She explained to Joanna," Joan, don't get me wrong. My brother is indeed a mature, stable, and reliable man. He fits your criteria as a spouse perfectly. He's also the perfect daddy for Adie and Abby. So don't lose faith in him, or he'll kill me."
"Haha, I know. I've known him for years. I know his character!"
Joanna said to Liam on the phone, "Don't worry. I won't change my opinion of you. You've already scored a hundred points for me. Wait until I get all this mess sorted out. We'll get married when I settle into the City."
"R-really?!" Happiness struck Liam so quickly like a bolt of lightning. He was so happy that he almost fainted, and his soft voice turned high-pitched.
Liam just could not help it. He had been through a lot while chasing Joanna all these years. It was his dream to marry Joanna. He wanted to be her support, giving her a shoulder to lean on and be the father to her two babies.
Joanna rejected Liam's pursuit initially, but his persistence slowly impressed her. Soon, Joanna requested Liam to be more mature and stable. She did not like how he constantly acted impulsively, just like a child.
Joanna even created a list of criteria for Liam. Some requirements would increase her points for him, and some would decrease them. With a lot of patience, sincerity, and heart, Liam got from zero to a hundred points!
"Yes!" Joanna nodded, her eyes slightly red. "Thanks for your support all these years. You trusted me and gave me your unconditional backing in everything. Adie, Abby, and I have long considered you as part of our family!
Joanna and Liam's conversation on the phone was so heartwarming that anyone who listened to it would surely tear up.
Clara, shedding tears, croaked emotionally, "Liam, you're amazing… You've finally succeeded in your pursuit of my best friend Joanna!"