Chapter 145

"You haven't even held hands yet, and you're already thinking about the next step. Have you planned out your future kids too?"

Kathy and I burst into laughter.

Savannah looked a bit embarrassed. "Stop making fun of me. I've never been in a relationship before, and now I've met someone I really like, so of course, I'm thinking a lot."

I pointed at Kathy. "Well, you should ask Kathy then. She's got absolute confidence when it comes to catching a guy."

Savannah turned to Kathy, who immediately flipped her hair with a smug look. "Let me tell you, you have to keep a guy on his toes. Be sweet and caring, then pull back a bit. When he starts wondering why you're distant, he'll get more interested. Keep him guessing, and soon enough, you two will be together."

Seeing Savannah's attentive expression, I couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "That's the wrong way to do it."

Savannah was taken aback. "Huh?"

Kathy lightly slapped my arm. "What are you talking about? That's the right way. I've used this method to catch plenty of guys."

"Listen to me. Text him now and see if he replies."

Savannah checked the time. "It is their break time, so he might have his phone."

Kathy got excited. "Quick, quick, text him."

"Just ask, 'What are you up to?'"

Savannah hesitated and looked at me. I nodded. "Give it a try. Otherwise, with your slow pace, who knows when you'll move to the next step. Don't you want to be with your instructor?"

Savannah nodded firmly. "Of course I do. I'll text him now."

She took out her phone and typed a few words in her instructor's message box, then sent it.

He replied almost instantly: "Just finished training, waiting in line to shower and rest."

Kathy immediately patted Savannah's shoulder excitedly. "See? He definitely likes you. Otherwise, he wouldn't reply so fast. It's late, and he's a soldier with limited phone time. If he replies to you instead of relaxing, it means he likes you!"

Savannah panicked and handed her phone to Kathy. "What should I reply?"

Kathy waved her hand. "Don't reply yet. Let him start the conversation."

Kathy's method was indeed experienced. Soon, the guy texted back: "What about you?"

Kathy instructed Savannah. "Now you reply, 'Thinking about you.'"

Savannah hesitated. "Isn't that too obvious? What if he rejects me? Maybe I shouldn't."

Kathy looked exasperated. "Do you know better, or do I? Trust me, I won't let you embarrass yourself."

After some hesitation, Savannah sent the message.

Sure enough, the message box showed he was typing, but no message came through for a while.

Savannah stared at Kathy. "What now? I told you he doesn't like me."

Kathy rolled her eyes. "You're overthinking. He's probably too excited to type properly."

"Listen to me. Now text him, 'I miss you guys. Life outside isn't as good as in the unit.'"

I couldn't help but laugh and gave Kathy a thumbs up. "Your tactics are both offensive and defensive."

Kathy raised an eyebrow proudly. "Watch and learn."

Savannah followed Kathy's advice and sent the message.

This time, there was no typing indicator for a long time. Finally, he replied: "Okay."

Savannah looked at us in a panic. "Is he mad? Why did he just say 'okay'?"

I chuckled. "Even I can see what he means. How can you not?"

"He probably thought he misunderstood you and is now a bit disappointed."

Savannah was stunned for a moment. "What should I reply?"

Kathy said, "Don't reply anything else. Just say goodnight and talk tomorrow. If I'm right, he'll text you first tomorrow."

Savannah hesitated but followed Kathy's advice, saying goodnight. There was no further reply from him.

Kathy raised her eyebrows proudly. "After today, he's definitely hooked. This guy likes you, or he wouldn't reply like that. With my experience, you'll have him in a few months."

Savannah blushed. "I wasn't really thinking..."

"Come on, your face is so red. If you didn't want to be with him, why are you blushing? Do you want to see him marry someone else?"

Savannah shook her head. "Of course not."

"Then work hard to win him over. That way, no one else can take him."

I watched Savannah's earnest expression and sighed inwardly. Another innocent girl led astray by Kathy.

After we finished our card game, we all went to bed.

The next morning, Brandon knocked on my door early.

"Honey, Mom's in trouble. I need to go back to Skyview City."

Seeing Brandon's anxious face, I pretended to be worried. "What happened? Do you need my help? I know some good doctors. What's wrong with her?"

Brandon shook his head. "Not sure yet. Don't worry, honey. Just wait for me here."

"Irene called and said it's urgent, so I have to go back now. I'll come back to you as soon as I can."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll book your ticket. Go tell Kelly and the others."

Brandon turned and left. I watched his back and smirked.

Brandon, welcome to the trap I've set for you. From now on, you'll be walking into a never-ending nightmare.

This is the first day of our battle, and the countdown to your defeat.

I booked his flight for that afternoon.

Brandon told my mom and said goodbye, then packed his things and left in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Savannah's contact at the hospital reported, "Karen is in the ICU and not doing well. No one knows what's wrong."

"It seems she's having nightmares again, and the sedatives aren't working. So Irene had to call Brandon back."