Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Early the next morning, Lychee TV’s official Waybo account issued an announcement that Samantha was the rightful winner of that anchor competition.

At the same time, Samantha had also decided to join Lychee TV and become one of them.

As soon as that was announced, netizens left plenty of comments, most of which were positive ones. After all, Samantha had shown everyone her true capabilities and character.

She did not use her identity as Mrs. Barker to secure her victory, but instead put in hard work like everyone else and won the competition solely with her skills.

Such a person would certainly receive widespread approval from the public.

Samantha’s fans on Waybo had broken past the one million mark in just a few days.

After seeing all that, Samantha reposted the Lychee TV’s announcement and added a caption of her own: [I’m absolutely thrilled to join Lychee TV’s big family. Thank you for your acknowledgment, everyone. I’ll continue to work hard!]

Samantha was invited to Lychee TV on the same day, and the general manager held an award ceremony for her with members of the company. He personally presented the competition trophy and employment letter to her before taking a photograph with her to commemorate the event.

The clip was scheduled to air during Lychee TV’s prime time and a rebroadcast would continue for three consecutive days to garner more publicity.

Samantha had received the best and most unprecedented treatment that any newcomer had ever received before formally joining Lychee TV.

She brought the competition trophy home and was flattered to no end by Old Madam Barker and Aunt Julia. The old lady even said, “Sammy, this trophy has a very special significance. We should put it in the center of the living room so any guests that visit will see it as soon as they come in.”

Samantha shook her head. “I can’t.”

“What? Why?”

Samantha answered somewhat shyly, “This is my gift to Timothy.”

Old Madam Barker and Aunt Julia immediately exchanged glances and had an ‘I know, you know’ look. “Ohhhhhh.”

The old lady teased, “Turns out, it’s a token of love!”

Aunt Julia agreed. “In that case, we should know our place and let the young couple handle it by themselves.”

Samantha’s cheeks reddened even more after she was teased by them. She left them with a quick sentence, “Grandma, Aunt Julia, I’m going back to the room.”

She then held her trophy tightly and dashed upstairs.

Back inside the room, Samantha put the trophy on the table and admired it for a moment before using her phone to snap a photo of it. She clicked on WeTalk, opened Timothy’s chat, and sent the photo.

[Your gift has arrived! You need to sign the proof of delivery!]

She had successfully managed to secure the gift she promised Timothy.

Timothy did not seem busy at that moment because he replied rather quickly: [I would like to request human-expedited delivery service.]

Samantha grinned. [I no longer have the same value as I had before. How much are you willing to pay for my services?]

[I have no money to pay you. But I can make payment using myself.]

Samantha replied with an emoji of a woman with crossed arms gesturing ‘no’ and rejected him outrightly.

However, Timothy did not reply to her after that. She waited a while and still did not receive any response.

Samantha looked at the phone and frowned slightly. ‘Is he… Is he angry? Or is he busy?’

She thought for a moment and felt like it was most likely the latter. Timothy was not that petty of a person.

Since he had continued his work, she decided not to bother him anymore.

Samantha set her phone aside and put the trophy back into the box. After tying a colorful ribbon on the box and looping it into a butterfly shape, she placed the box safely away.

She could personally present the trophy to Timothy once he came back.

…

That night, Samantha did a thorough skincare routine before going to bed. She would be reporting for work at Lychee TV the next day and officially start her job. 

She sensed an intent gaze and opened her eyelids slightly even though she had been sleeping soundly.

When she saw Timothy’s handsome face, she initially thought she was dreaming and unconsciously called out, “Timothy…”

She did not expect to hear an answer from him. “I’m here. Did I wake you up?”

‘Ah…!’

Samantha opened her eyes abruptly and made sure it was not a dream after staring deeply into his black eyes for about ten or so seconds. “You… Why are you…back?”

“Since you didn’t deliver the gift to me, I had no choice but to come back and take it.”

Timothy touched her cheek with his big palm. “I came back a little late though and you were already asleep. I didn’t want to wake you up but I still ended up waking you.”

“It’s okay.”

Samantha sat up and nestled softly into his arms. Her voice was a little hoarse after waking up, “I wanted to see you too.”

Timothy curled his lips and embraced her tightly in his long arms. “Where’s my gift?”

“I put it on top of the cabinet.” Samantha raised her chin and motioned to the cabinet. “I’ll get it for you.”

“Don’t. I’ll get it.”

Timothy got up, strode over, then walked back with the box. “There’s even ribbons.”

“Of course! There must always be a sense of celebration. Go on, take a look.”

Timothy nodded. “Okay.”

His slender fingers took apart the colored ribbons as delicately as Samantha tied them around the box. He undid the ribbons very slowly and finally opened the box to take the trophy out.

It was actually a very ordinary trophy but had become special because it was given by Samantha.

Timothy put it carefully back into the box again and lowered his head to plant a kiss on Samantha’s lips. “Thank you, my wife. I’ll put it away now.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Samantha wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Nevertheless, a kiss as brief and fleeting as that could never satisfy Timothy. He retracted his long arms, pulled Samantha closer to him, then took the lead in kissing her. The kisses grew even more passionate with each passing second.

Not long later, Timothy pressed Samantha onto the big soft bed…

…

At nine the next morning, Samantha arrived on time and set foot into Lychee TV’s building.

Following the guidance of the receptionist, she took the elevator to the floor of the human resources department and saw an employee waiting for her at the elevator entrance.

The employee introduced herself, “Hello Samantha, my name is Claire York and I’ll be handling your registration today. I’ll also be showing you around and introducing Lychee TV to you.”

Samantha smiled. “Very nice to meet you, Claire. Thank you for your trouble.”

“You’re most welcome. Please come with me.”

Claire took Samantha into an office. Samantha handed over her information while Claire sat behind the desk and helped to enter her information on the computer.

After a wait of about 15 minutes, Claire looked up from the computer and placed two contracts in front of Samantha. “These are the two contracts you will have to sign. Once that’s done, you can officially start work. “

“Alright.”

Samantha glanced over the contract. Once she made sure that there were no issues, she picked up the pen and signed her name on it.

Claire took the papers back and handed an employee badge to Samantha. She then stretched out her hand and said to her, “You’re officially a member of Lychee TV From now on, Samantha. Welcome aboard.”

Samantha reached out and shook Claire’s hand. “Thank you.”

She solemnly hung her badge on her neck because that moment marked the start of her dream.

Claire then said, “Shall we? I’ll give you a tour of Lychee TV.”

“Sure.”

Just as the two of them were about to step out of the office, the phone rang suddenly on the desk.

Claire paused to answer the phone and seemed surprised by what she heard because she exclaimed, “What?!”