Chapter 18: No drop of water

The area of ​​more than 400 square feet is actually not small, but if it is filled with various furniture at the same time, it still gives people a narrow visual feeling.

Moreover, both the furniture and the room layout look broken and old. The windows are small and oblique, so the sunlight is rarely shining in, just like sitting in a dark and damp cellar.

Although it is already summer now, if you wear less clothes, you can still feel a little cold. You can imagine what this room without heating will look like in winter.

Sorry, Mr. Adrian, I have kept you waiting for a long time. Every day, I have to coax my daughter to sleep.

The woman sat down in front of Adrian and said carefully, with a hint of cowardice and a hint of nervousness hidden in her tone. Her face was pale and haggard, completely different from what she looked like more than two years ago Adrian had seen her photos at a private detective.

It's OK, Ms. Joanna, I can understand the feelings of a mother for her children.

Adrian said with a smile, otherwise I would not have set up such a foundation to help them, let’s talk about it…

He lowered his head and pinched the face of the little girl in his arms: I have a little guy here to take care of.

Unfortunately, Emma didn't appreciate it at all. She looked up and rolled her eyes to protest. If she hadn't promised him to be a lady before, she might have stood up and pinched her back.

Well... your daughter is so cute.Rowling said this after thinking for a long time.

No, Emma is not my daughter.Adrian shook his head. She was my friend's child, and my friend...

He then told the story of what happened three years ago, how to set up a charity foundation, how to find a suitable lawyer to help with it, and the disaster that happened the day it was completed, etc.

As before, Emma's unfortunate experience quickly won Rowling's sympathy and favor. Her eyes looked at the little girl and the atmosphere in the room became much better.

You are such a good person, Mr. Adrian, I really appreciate your help.Rowling said this at last, her voice already had a hint of crying, and her eyes were also faintly flashing.

I just want to do my best to help those who can.

Adrian said with a smile that he has been paying attention to Rowling's movements in recent years, so he is more clear about her situation.

J.K. Rowling is currently in the darkest time of her life, and she has no place to live and suffers from depression, but the psychologist does not do her duty.

So Adrian chose to come to London at this time, and timely help is always better than icing on the cake.

OK, let’s leave the matter to the professionals. Bronck is the head of the foundation, and Charlie is my secretary and assistant. They will ask you a few questions, and then you need to fill out a few forms. If you have any comments, we can correct the shortcomings so that we can do better in the future.

Adrian said again at this time.

Rowling nodded, then started talking to Charlize and the middle-aged man who looked almost in his forties. After teasing the little guy in his arms and saying a few more words to Kate, Adrian began to look at the room again.

Although he had observed Rowling before when he was coaxing his daughter to sleep, he did not find the small piece of paper from the legendary cafe.

You have to find this, otherwise he would have to use another method to speak. That would be too deliberate, which is not good, so it is better to find that thing.

Can I use the bathroom, Ms. Joanna?After a while, he suddenly said so.

Feel free, Mr. Adrian.Rowling, who was filling out the form, raised her head and clicked.

This is of course an excuse. He can't find those things when sitting in the seat, but on the way to the bathroom he still didn't see what he might want, so after he came out, he simply walked to the narrow window and pretended to look out.

Generally speaking, as her most important thing, she will definitely keep it carefully after writing it, so the most likely thing is to put it in the bedroom or any drawer.

However, those that are not written should definitely be placed outside, so where is the most likely place?

Adrian's fingers bounced back and forth on the window frame, feeling a little anxious.

Fortunately, luck always accompanied him. When he took his eyes back from outside and was about to turn around the room, Adrian finally noticed two small pieces of paper sticking to the glass of the wardrobe.

The words were densely written on it, and I couldn't tell what it was for a while, but the phrase on the label was still very clear, that was Apsi Coffee.

That should be it!

Adrian's eyes flashed with excitement, and he kept the surface calm and walked slowly to the wardrobe, pretending to be attracted after seeing it accidentally, and put it in front of the paper, then took it off and read it.

With just a few lines of words, he was sure that this was what he wanted. After a smile, he read it more carefully.

He also took down several other pieces of paper on the closet to read one by one.

He stood like this for a long time until Rowling's voice rang behind him: Mr. Adrian?

Um?Adrian turned his head and Rowling stood behind him, looking at him, but his eyes were focused on the small piece of paper in his hand, with a hint of nervousness and anxiety.

Have you finished talking?

Adrian looked at the fund manager Bronck who was already packing up and followed him to Edinburgh, and Charlize, who made a gesture to him. Is there any problem?

No, nothing... The haggard woman forced a smile and was interrupted before she could finish her words.

Wait, let’s not talk about this for now.

Adrian showed an excited look and waved the small piece of paper in his hand, slamming it. Is this your work, ma'am?Is this your work?

Rowling was probably depressed by his appearance and didn't say anything for a long time. It was not until Adrian asked twice before he realized it and replied with a stuttering sound: Yes...yes, this is...my work, Mr. Adrian.

This should be just a fragment.

Adrian glanced at the piece of paper in his hand and said in a positive tone, is there anything else?This should be a complete story. If you don't mind, can you show it to me?

Although the excitement and interest he showed was just right, Rowling still felt at a loss, but she still seized the opportunity, probably because she felt that she had fallen to the bottom and had no way out.

OK, sir, I'll get it now.She said this sentence very smoothly.

Soon, Rowling took out a small box from the bedroom, which contained the same piece of paper, a thick stack, but it was very neat. The first page was placed on the top, which shows that Rowling was still very careful.

Will you wait for me a little?Adrian made a gesture to Kate and the others, and then looked at Rowling again. Maybe, it is not certain that there will be an unexpected discovery today.

Before Rowling could say anything, someone was unhappy first. Emma, ​​who was thrown into Kate's arms, immediately struggled to come to him. Unfortunately, Adrian was prepared.

Stay honestly at Kate and don't move. Emma, ​​if I disturb my reading, we will go back to London in the afternoon.He said this before the little girl spoke, and shook his finger warningly.

Although Emma was depressed, she pouted and sat back in Kate's arms. Adrian, who saw it, chuckled softly, gave Kate another look and then began to flip through the paper in the box.

The reason why the little girl was stuffed into Kate's arms when she went to the bathroom was to improve their relationship.

Although Emma, ​​who is much more sensible, no longer expresses her instinctive rejection like she did when she was a child, she must tease Kate as long as she has the opportunity.

Kate was helpless about this, and Adrian had no better way, so he forced them together as long as he found an opportunity. One day the two of them would become harmonious.

Okay, let’s not talk about this, Adrian focused his energy on the piece of paper in his hand. He read it very quickly. After all, he had read some novels in his previous life. Although some places are different and some settings have not been read, the story basically matches, and the first story has been written almost two-thirds.

After putting down the last piece of paper, Adrian breathed a long sigh, lowered his head and thought for a few minutes before looking at J.K. Rowling, who hadn't said half of the words from beginning to end, drank water silently.

Have you ever thought about publishing this novel, Ms. Joanna?He asked so.

publishing?Rowling was stunned and her expression suddenly became excited. You think...you think...

I think your novel is very interesting and imaginative, and I hope to be able to publish it.

Adrian said with a smile, "I have a publishing company, although it is in the United States, but I think this should not be a problem."

Oh, God Ah.Rowling whispered, as if the good news from the sky made her completely unaware of how to react.

Are you serious, Mr. Adrian?Are you serious?

She asked twice in an uncertain tone, and her eyes became dazed, as if it was just a beautiful dream, and she might sit up from the bed at any time.

Please believe me, Ms. Joanna, I have written novels myself and am also a film screenwriter, so I am very sensitive to good stories.

Adrian explained, I think your story is very distinctive, so...

He spread his hands and Rowling nodded without thinking: No problem, sir, I do.

Very good.Adrian clapped his hands and I'll be there to come and contact you soon, Ms. Joanna.

Speaking of this, he paused and observed the other party's expression before continuing: Don't be nervous, can I call you that way?Thanks.In short, you just need to write down the stories you want to write in your heart. Don’t think so much, don’t be disturbed by others, do you understand?

Adrian said and pointed to her heart: What I like is the story hidden here, not anything else.

If Rowling modified the novel to cater to the publisher because of his thrust, it would definitely be more than worth the effort, so no matter what, her creative ideas should not be affected.

I understand, I know what to do, Adrian, thank you very much.Rowling finally adjusted her mood and nodded solemnly and gratefully.

If he had decided to appear in front of Rowling as a savior, he just wanted to help him, after coming to her house, Adrian had a new plan. Although it was only a small addition to his huge plan, it was quite helpful to the development of the publishing company.

There are also some inspirational stories about reality in life, but there is almost no impact.

After leaving Rowling's house, there was no Bronck's incident, so he immediately returned to London, while Adrian took Charlize, Kate and Emma to visit Edinburgh.

J.K. Rowling is the last stop of this visit. Of course, Adrian couldn't just visit her. He also deliberately went around from the southern part of the UK and talked to other single mothers before coming to Edinburgh. This kind of thing must be done without any leakage, just like he has only signed a verbally in publishing contract, and does not mention the right to adapt the movie.

Now that the entire trip has been completed, it must be relaxing next. Charlize originally wanted to go back to London like Bronck, but Adrian kept her.

Okay, Charlie, the task is completed, it’s time to rest, don’t tell me you never rest!Just treat it as doing me a favor and create more opportunities for Emma and Kate to be alone, or are you afraid of not doing it well?

Adrian persuaded this.

The last sentence was the most lethal. Although Adrian said it vaguely, how could Charlize not know what the implicit meaning was, so he stayed immediately, even if she knew he did it on purpose.

Emma was the happiest in the past few days, especially when she went to the Children's Museum, she was so excited that she couldn't help herself and giggled and ran around. The two women who were infected by her emotions also had fewer topics to talk about each other.

I'm getting more and more unable to see through you, Ed, you make me feel at a loss.After returning to her hotel room, Adrian came over to tell Kate that she suddenly said this after she returned to London tomorrow.

I'm upsetting you?Which aspect?Adrian asked with a smile.

Which aspect?

Kate walked over and stared at him face to face for a long time. At first, I thought you were a rare good man. You were gentle and considerate and understood women's thoughts... But later I realized that you were a big bastard who likes to play with women!However...even so, I calmed down for almost a year, and I still felt strong about you. I am such an idiot... Fortunately, I can still feel that I have a place in my heart. This is why I am hesitant but still stay by your side, and even watch you mess around with other women and jealous with your female secretary...

Speaking of this, Kate sighed, Adrian didn't say anything, he knew she hadn't finished speaking.

I kept wondering when I would finish this feeling, and then I could leave you without hesitation.But today, you actually...selflessly helped a single mother. This is Adrian I have never met before. I can't figure out which one is the real you... Ed, how can I understand you.

She looked at him with some sadness.

Adrian, who had pondered for a few seconds, frowned: It sounds...it seems like you think that the reason I did this is because of Ms. Joanna Catherine Rowling?

Kate's expression suddenly became extremely strange, and then he suddenly punched him, with a hatred expression.

Adrian laughed and asked her to hit her several times before grabbing her wrist: OK, Kate, what kind of person I am, you should observe it yourself, what others tell you is just one-sided words.

I'll know.Kate, who had struggled for two times, smiled helplessly. You just like to hold me in your hands, play around with me, and watch me struggle but not be relieved.

Having said that, her hand stretched out and suddenly grabbed his crotch.

Adrian immediately showed an unexpected look. After Kate returned to him, he always gave up and never took the initiative.

But he quickly reacted and looked at Kate helplessly: It's fun, right?

Kate finally laughed out loud, not only did not leave his right hand, but instead rubbed it a few more times.

Yes.She smiled proudly, as if she was excited for winning a fight for herself.

Adrian rolled his eyes immediately. The reason for this was mainly because Emma was by his side.

The little girl who is already four years old is not like before, she can be sent away by just finding an excuse. Emma is always entangled by him and can always find him quickly.

Because of this, Kate can now tease him unscrupulously, because he can't eat it anyway.

It's better to go back to Emma, ​​she said she wanted to be your woman.Kate said and pushed Adrian away.

Hey, don't say that, Kate, she's just a kid!Adrian said with a serious face, but Kate didn't take it seriously at all and pushed him out of the door.

What a... a petty woman.Standing in the hotel corridor, shaking his head, a smile appeared on the corner of Adrian's mouth, and he looked at the door and walked away.

Ed, I want to listen to the story.Emma, ​​who was already huddled on the bed in her pajamas, looked at the door with a rush. When she saw Adrian coming back, she immediately raised her hands and screamed happily.

OK OK OK.Adrian walked over, smiled and kissed her forehead, and then sat down against the head of the bed. So what story should we tell... How about Miss Thumb?

don't want.The little guy shook his head like a rattle, I want to listen to the story of the wizard, the story of Harry Potter and his friends, I want to be Hermione, I want to help him!

However, Qiao did not finish writing this story, so there was nothing in the middle of the story.Adrian shrugged.

That... The little guy hesitated for a few seconds, I still have to listen, I want to be Hermione!

OK OK OK You are Hermione.Adrian said with a laugh, then pinched her cute little face, I promise, you will definitely be Hermione's.

Of course you are Hermione, who else can you be?Adrian said in his heart.Something passed through his heart, making him stunned, but was soon thrown behind his head.