novelraw Chapter 272: A Gift for My Husband
Chapter 272: A Gift for My Husband
"Why did you suddenly come to pick me up today?" Maya asked in confusion. She hadn’t mentioned anything to Ian, so how did they know her schedule?
"Well..." Vincent, apparently feeling that watching the livestream was too creepy, mysteriously said, "Ryan’s really amazing—what doesn’t he know about you?"
Maya nodded slightly, lost in thought.
Opening the car door, she saw a familiar face. He was as calm and composed as ever, only with a bit more fatigue on his face. When he looked at her, his eyes unwittingly softened.
Maya bent over and got into the car, saying familiarly, "Honey, it’s been a few days—I missed you!"
He extended his hand, earnestly asking, "Where’s my souvenir?"
Souvenir...
Maya finally remembered the promise she made before joining the show; she’d long forgotten it over the past few days. She was surprised Ian remembered so clearly.
"Forgot to bring it? Or..." Ian squinted slightly, leaning closer, "You never intended to prepare one at all?"
"How could that be?" Maya tugged at the corner of her mouth, keeping her expression free of embarrassment. At this point, she could only bluff, "Of course I prepared it! I put so much thought into that gift, running all over a mountain!"
Laughter came from upfront, from Vincent in the driver’s seat. He moved his lips but ultimately said nothing, just stifling laughter.
"Was it that hard? I’m touched." Ian watched Maya lie with great interest. If he hadn’t watched the livestream the whole time, he might’ve been fooled by her.
But her expression was lively, her brows confident and uninhibited, and his gaze lingered on her for a while.
Maya, uneasy under Ian’s gaze, felt her excuse wasn’t too bad and pretended to be melancholic: "It’s just that I forgot the gift at Scott’s place. When I get it back, I’ll give it to you! Such a shame, I spent so long preparing it, sigh..."
After speaking, she sighed again.
"You saw Scott?"
Maya nodded, reasonably saying, "We ran into each other at the hotel, exchanged a few words. He hadn’t seen me for so long, he was really moved."
"Is that so..."
Vincent coughed twice, unsure what he wanted to say, and eventually shut his mouth under Ian’s gaze.
Maya slightly furrowed her brows, suddenly feeling something was off...
Ian chuckled softly, "Then I’ll wait for your gift."
Maya involuntarily let out a sigh of relief.
Back home, warm and comfortable, Maya unexpectedly felt a bit sentimental. Though she’d had plenty of novel experiences outside, none compared to the yearning for home.
She casually handed her backpack to Ian, who took it and began tidying up.
While packing, Maya asked, "Did you send me supplies when I was on the show?"
He paused folding clothes, glanced up, and didn’t give a direct answer: "What do you think?"
She thought?
Maya paused, "Lots of the supplies were familiar brands we use at home... You really went to great lengths preparing for me, hubby."
"Actually, I regretted it after sending them," he said slowly, his gaze deepening, "I should’ve thought more thoroughly, sent more instant foods like canned goods, or arranged someone to cook meals for you."
Maya showed a bit of confusion.
Ian didn’t continue speaking, just sighed softly, "Sometimes I think acting isn’t really a good job—it’s quite a selfish thought."
This time, Maya was completely lost.
*
The next day, Maya returned to filming, troubled for a while about preparing a gift for Ian, apart from her usual work arrangements.
Ian had helped her a lot, like sending supplies this time; he indeed put a lot of thought into it. Maya didn’t want to use wildflowers or grasses to fool him again.
She often made promises before, always hurriedly picking wildflowers and grass for Ian, claiming that flowers blooming in harsh environments are the rarest.
Accepting the hot milk Scott handed, Maya looked at him, asking a question that had troubled her for some time: "What do you think is a good gift to give someone?"
Scott seemed slightly surprised, as if he couldn’t believe Maya, who usually wasn’t very mindful, would carefully prepare a gift: "Maya, are you planning to give someone a gift?"
Maya nodded.
"So, who are you planning to give it to? I mean, it’d be easier for me to think."
"My husband."
Blurted out instinctively, it stunned her slightly, and she furrowed her brows.
"Oh, it’s for Mr. Rowe!" Scott’s eyes widened, thoughtfully suggesting, "Well... the most important thing in gift-giving is to cater to one’s interests, right?"
"Cater to one’s interests?" Maya quickly furrowed her brow, "He doesn’t seem to have any particular hobbies. He’s most occupied with work, and I don’t think he’d like that—actually, no one would like that."
Ian’s whole demeanor exuded an aloofness detached from worldly matters; he never seemed overly invested in anything.
Thinking carefully now, whether it’s work or fitness, these are things he includes in his schedule, rather than things he enjoys.
Scott seemed stumped by this question too, suddenly brightening up: "Maya, Mr. Rowe loves you so much—whatever you give him, he’ll surely like it!"
Maya doubted their relationship was that deep, pondering for a moment: "Then what kind of gift do you think he’d like?"
"Well..." Scott grimaced, "I’m just a working stiff; how could I know what wealthy people like? All I can think of is buying a house, a car... Maya, you should ask Ryan—he’s a successful person!"
Not knowing when Ian would ask her for a gift, handling this matter sooner was better. Maya immediately called Ryan Spencer and asked the question again.
After hearing her out, Ryan sighed, "Your relationship is really good—gift-giving’s a great way to strengthen bonds. As for what to give? I think a watch, maybe a tie..."
He listed many items, and Maya was listening dizzily.
"And besides these, you could try making a gift yourself, like desserts or plush toys..."
"Desserts?" Maya’s eyes lit up, "That’s it!"
Ian sent her supplies, so she’ll reciprocate with desserts—perfect.