"Because I like you."Lina, I don't know how to start a relationship, but I read online that it usually begins with a confession."Maybe my confession was out of order... but I really like you."Would you like to try liking me back?"If possible... like what your mother said, let's change our marriage certificate into a real one after a year or so... is that okay?"Zuko said all of this in one breath, feeling a sense of relief as if the dust had settled, but what followed was nervousness and unease. He looked silently at Lina, observing the ever-changing depths of her gaze.In his first 20-something years of life, he made most of the decisions himself. Never before had there been a moment like that, where he had to wait for someone else to decide his fate."L-Lina… can you give me an answer?" he asked.Lina was quiet for a moment before she suddenly burst into laughter. She looked at the white and soft cotton candy in Zuko's hand as if he had plucked it from the sky. She tiptoe
Renee silently nodded.Just then, the cable car passed through a junction and shook for a moment. Renee grasped the railing tightly to steady herself.Melvin glanced at her expressionlessly.In the past 20 years, he had never acknowledged this daughter of his, nor had he ever cared about her. She was a stain in his life.He had never loved Renee's mother. It was just a moment of indulgence after getting drunk. Besides, her mother was not exactly clean either. Which respectable girl would go to a bar to dance and flirt in the middle of the night?Melvin had no intention of taking responsibility. Once he pulled up his pants, he would not acknowledge anyone. He never expected that a year later, that woman would show up with a baby, claiming that she had fallen in love with him at first sight, and that was why she had given birth to their child.Melvin secretly had a DNA paternity test done on the child, and it turned out to be his own! Coincidentally, Pamela was also born around the
For many years, Renee and her mother, relied on each other for survival, living a poor but simple and happy life. Their world was actually very small—so small that it only consisted of the two of them."If you don't want your mother to die, then listen to me!" Melvin viciously grabbed her chin. "Heh, help me gain control of the Thompsons, and your mother will be saved, understand?"Renee nodded incessantly.Despite feeling guilty about deceiving Nicholas and his wife, Melvin insisted that she continue acting. Therefore, she had to steel herself and continue with the charade."By the way, you've been getting close to Toph lately, right?""No..." Renee's voice choked. "I... I haven't given him a chance to touch me... Last time at the hospital, it was just a coincidence...""I don't think you dare reveal anything!" Melvin stared coldly at her, contemplating. "The Hamertons are not to be underestimated. They definitely have suspicions about you!""What should I do?""Toph might've
As expected, Mary brought her daughter over for "medical help" to treat her irregular menstruation the next morning.Mary believed that this would bring Zuko and her daughter closer, as he wouldn't need to check her pulse during holistic healing.She confidently smiled while her daughter looked at Zuko with allure, her dark freckles on her face forming a smile.Conveniently shaking the golden bangles on her wrist, she placed her arm on the table.Zuko frowned, trying to hide his urge to laugh.He stayed still, stealing glances at Lina, who stood beside him.Lina's stern face was both terrifying and cute, especially her pouty, moist, and pink lips that made him recall the taste of the "cotton candy" from the other day.Just as Mary had Zuko check her daughter's pulse, Lina slammed two marriage certificates on the table!The mother and daughter were shocked, their eyes wide open as they looked at Lina.Lina showed her firm stance, lacking the usual gentleness in her beautiful do
"How's it?" Zuko released his lips after a long time. "Does the 'magic pill' cure everything?"Lina blushed and buried herself in his embrace, avoiding eye contact.However, a commotion erupted at the door. Dave rushed in...Lina's expression changed, and she quickly pushed Zuko away."Mr. Door Guardian!" Dave appeared flustered. "I heard everything you said when I was out there!"Zuko was taken aback. "What... did you hear?""You have a magic pill that cures everything!"Zuko looked uncomfortable and remained silent."You managed to heal my dad, bro. I trust in your medical skills, and I believe there's definitely such a pill that exists in this world! Can it fix my foot?" asked Dave."No, no..." Zuko started sweating. "I—""Bro, I hurt my foot playing basketball yesterday. My ankle is still swollen. Let me try the pill!" insisted Dave.Zuko looked like he was on the verge of collapse as he glanced at Lina, who was struggling to hold back her laughter.Suddenly, a voice ca
Zuko regained his composure and glanced at Fred, scoffing slightly. "Didn't you ask me if you're okay? I was just telling the truth...""Okay, okay!" Fred was sweating nervously. "Um... Zeke, can we talk about my illness alone?"Zuko considered it for a moment and stood up. He followed Fred to his car, which was parked at the entrance of the alley. He had brought a needle with him.Zuko repeated everything he had discovered from checking Fred's pulse inside the car.After listening, Fred nodded in understanding.In truth, before coming to Zuko, Fred had visited a holistic doctor. He had sought Zuko out to verify if the rumors about his abilities were true. Additionally, Fred had heard that the president of the Southeast Aciatic Medical Association doted on his grandson. Not only had he passed on his knighthood to him, but he had also taught him everything about holistic healing...Fred wanted to test whether Zeke was truly Zuko!As he listened to Zuko naming his illness and expl
Toph recounted everything from the beginning, causing Zuko to squint slightly. "So, you're saying you took Pammy's mug?""Yes, I took it without anyone noticing, and I made sure to handle it carefully. The sample on it is definitely hers," Toph confirmed."And then you sent the sample along with Uncle Nicholas'?" inquired Zuko."Yes!" Toph raised an eyebrow. "Getting his sample was easy. I sent it to our hospital, keeping everything within our control!"Zuko contemplated for a moment. "You mentioned visiting Pammy at the hospital. Did she make any calls while she was there?"Toph had a sudden realization. "Hmm? Was she calling someone in the hospital during her illness?"Zuko nodded, his eyes filled with depth. "We can't jump to conclusions before we find out the truth. Besides, she was adopted before returning. It's possible she was calling her adoptive mother out of habit.""You're always so cautious, bro!" Toph stretched his body and spoke casually. "What more is there to fin
"Do you really think we don't know what you guys are plotting?" Zephyr questioned.Zuko addressed his parents, saying, "Dad, mom...""Alright, let's cut to the chase," Cordelia interjected gently. "Your father and I have had doubts about Pammy's identity. We held back because we didn't want to hurt Nicholas and Linda."Zuko paused. "Mom, Toph and I suspect something is seriously wrong with Melvin. But when Toph met Pammy and obtained a sample for a DNA test, it matched Uncle Nicholas's!"So I suspect someone may have tampered with it.""There are numerous doctors at the joint hospital. It's unlikely that all of them are loyal to the Hamertons," Cordelia remarked. "If someone with malicious intent wanted to bribe a couple of them, it would be easy.""But the important thing is not to alert the enemy before the truth is revealed." Zephyr chimed in with a smile. "I've taught you both about throwing feints in boxing. Feint first before delivering the knockout blow! This principle app