"You're here!"
Seeing the sports car drive into his manor, Jiang Hai stepped out of the villa with a smile and greeted the driver warmly.
"Renovating?"
After parking in the newly built lot, Pra Walton got out of the car, glancing at the half-finished road construction in the distance. She raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
The parking lot was nearly complete, enough to accommodate cars, but the road was still under construction. Materials were scattered everywhere, lending the area a cluttered, slightly chaotic look.
"Yeah," Jiang Hai nodded with a smile. "Clearing snow in winter was a hassle, so we're adding a cover to make it easier."
At that moment, the passenger door opened, and to Jiang Hai's surprise, a familiar figure stepped out — Cheryl Lee, the woman who had once been entangled with both him and Pra Walton. She had been the one who warned Jiang Hai when Pra was in trouble; without her, he might never have known.
As the two women approached together, Cheryl waved with a gentle smile.
Pra, always headstrong, had told Jiang Hai she'd come early today. Knowing this, he'd purposely stayed home and skipped fishing. Still, Jiang Hai wasn't thrilled about selling the fish — the price had been too low.
He'd expected the previous day's catch to fetch $500,000, but it only sold for $430,000. A $70,000 loss in value. Given how much better his fish tasted compared to ordinary ones, selling them at standard market prices felt like a waste.
"Come on in!"
Jiang Hai led them into the villa. Inside, both Pra and Cheryl noticed something right away — the house was empty.
"Where are your girls?" Pra asked with a teasing grin. "Don't tell me they've finally had enough of you?"
"They're all at the greenhouse. It's time to transplant the seedlings," Jiang Hai replied with a shrug. "I'm the only one with free time right now."
Pra's eyes gleamed.
"Then this is perfect timing..." she murmured, stepping closer.
Without warning, she slipped off her coat, followed by her form-fitting shirt, revealing a tight purple-red vest underneath.
"Hey—come on, it's still daytime," Jiang Hai said with a wry smile. He knew how wild this woman could get. When they'd stayed in that hotel before, they didn't even leave the room for days.
"Stop whining," she smirked, pushing him down onto the sofa. "You've got a harem here. I don't even have a man. So now that we're together, you'd better make it worth my while."
As she straddled him, Jiang Hai could only sigh with helpless amusement. She unbuttoned her vest, revealing herself completely.
"Seriously?" Jiang Hai asked, hands already reaching forward.
"Absolutely," Pra whispered, guiding his hands. "They've missed you."
Their lips met. As their kiss deepened, the mood shifted instantly. Passion surged through the room.
Just as Pra began to undress further, Cheryl Lee joined them, walking over without a word. She cupped Jiang Hai's face gently and kissed him, continuing where Pra left off.
Though she had her own reasons for hesitating before, she too had longed for this. Cheryl had always felt something for Jiang Hai — ever since New York. And while her feelings had mellowed over time, seeing him again today brought everything rushing back.
At first, she'd tried to rationalize her desire — telling herself it was to repay Jiang Hai for helping Pra. But now, she couldn't deny it. She missed him too.
Jiang Hai, sensing the intensity from both women, stopped resisting. This wasn't the first time — nor would it be the last. Their bodies already knew the rhythm, and the passion came naturally.
As Pra lowered herself with a satisfied sigh, the unspoken war began once again...
Half an hour later, Pra lay sprawled in Jiang Hai's arms, having surrendered for now. Cheryl, having taken over, was still moving against him when Pra, regaining her breath, leaned over and spoke:
"Did you sell the fish yesterday?"
"Yeah. Got four hundred thirty grand for it," Jiang Hai replied, still focused on Cheryl, his hand lazily trailing over her back.
"Ugh, you're wasting money like a fool," Pra grumbled. "In your Chinese words, you're... squandering natural resources. I could've sold those for at least a million!"
"You didn't say you wanted them," Jiang Hai muttered, slapping her lightly, causing a satisfying ripple across her chest. He smiled at the visual and the sensation.
"I... I can't take it anymore..." Cheryl murmured, finally collapsing on Jiang Hai's chest.
He gently set her down on the sofa. What happened next needed no explanation.
Five minutes later, Jiang Hai arched, Cheryl bit her lip, and then silence fell. Breathing heavily, the three of them collapsed together — Jiang Hai's head resting in Pra's lap.
"I'm glad I came today," Pra said, brushing the sweat from his brow. "Do you have time this afternoon? I want to check your fish farm. If it's good enough, I'll place a bulk order. Also, prep a few samples for lab testing."
"Sure, no problem."
Cheryl stood up and cleaned herself off before the three of them showered together. After brushing their teeth and getting dressed, it was already noon.
They had lunch, then Jiang Hai called Edward Anderson to prepare the boat. Since this was a professional visit, he used the large vessel with sonar equipment.
Once on board, Pra stayed in the control room, focused on the sonar readings. Sam's Club specialized in premium ingredients, so she had a decent understanding of both cattle and seafood. Though not an expert, she definitely knew more than Jiang Hai.
Meanwhile, Jiang Hai and Cheryl relaxed on the bow, enjoying the sea breeze.
"Heard you went home a while ago," Cheryl said softly, leaning on the railing.
"Yeah, came back about two weeks ago. Maybe more. Time flies."
"Home... that's such a nice word," she murmured. "But where's mine?"
Jiang Hai glanced at her.
"Your home could be here. Or with Pra. Or back in Korea. That's up to you. If you want it, this can be your home too."
Cheryl smiled and shook her head.
"So many women around you — aren't you afraid of being drained dry?"
"I probably already am," Jiang Hai laughed. "But I asked for this. In most people's eyes, I'm a scumbag anyway."
"At least you're a good scumbag," Cheryl replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "You make people feel like they belong, even if your love isn't just for one person."
She didn't know if a "destination" was something someone like her could have. But being with Jiang Hai — even like this — wasn't so bad. Maybe wanting more would only ruin it.
"If you ever feel like going home, do it," Jiang Hai said seriously. "You're important to Pra. And… you're important to me too."
Cheryl looked up and smiled.
"Thanks, Jiang... It's good to know someone cares."
At that moment, Pra returned from the cabin, brushing windblown hair from her face.
"Jiang, I've gotta admit — I didn't expect your fishery to be this rich."
"Of course! I'm a genius of aquaculture," Jiang Hai declared with mock pride.
"The fish density and diversity are impressive. Now we just need to test the meat quality. If it holds up, I might be able to make your manor's fish a premium brand."
She gave him a sly smile, her tone serious despite the playful glint in her eye.
Jiang Hai looked at her, curious.
"Really? What do you have in mind?"
Pra didn't answer right away — just smiled mysteriously as the sea shimmered around them, and the boat continued across the glittering waves.