Lina felt like she was in a dream, surrounded by royal convoys and guards, approaching the majestic palace. It was as if she had transformed into a cherished princess, receiving respectful gazes and warm smiles wherever she looked.Despite the spacious and comfortable car she was in, she couldn't relax. Quietly, she took out her phone and called Zeke."Hey, what are you up to?" she asked.With just an hour's time difference between Southeast Aciatic and Jangasas, Lina checked her watch. Zeke was probably working at the supermarket. She could hear the chaotic noise on the other end."I'm collecting payments! Quite busy with customers today," he replied."Oh... never mind then.""Wait!" Zuko quickly snatched the phone and gave an intimidating glare to drive away the customers. He asked in a hushed voice, "What's wrong?""I just... wanted to talk to you. It feels so surreal like I'm dreaming!" Lina spoke softly.Zuko paused, a faint smile appearing on his lips. She must have recei
The students couldn't help but exclaim in admiration as they looked at Lina, a mix of confusion and astonishment on their faces."T-This is too precious!" Lina finally calmed her pounding heart. "How can I wear this?""But to enter the palace, you must wear a long blouse and a long skirt to cover your arms and legs. It's a royal rule!""Sir, please find me an ordinary set of clothes," Lina looked at her classmates. "Something like what they're wearing...""Oh." Remus hesitated for a moment but continued, undeterred. "The royal family specially prepares the clothing they're wearing for visiting dignitaries. It's made uniformly. But since you arrived a bit later and all the clothes have been distributed, we can only ask you to wear this."Lina felt a little bewildered.Nevertheless, she would have to follow their rules if she wanted to enter the palace. Her T-shirt and jeans were indeed inappropriate.Lina nodded and carefully carried the clothes, entering the adjacent dressing ro
Heidi's eyes widened in disbelief, freezing her in place, and even her breathing came to a halt. "But I...," she stammered."Ms. Lister!" Remus held up the list in his hand and sneered. "I'm sorry, but your name is not on the list.""How is that possible!?" Heidi exclaimed."I wouldn't know. All I know is that we must follow His Majesty's requirements and check the list to allow entry," Remus explained.Heidi's expression turned extremely grim. Her face paled, and she broke out in a cold sweat despite the scorching sun."Ms. Violet Grist," Remus drawled, raising an eyebrow. "Your name is not on the list either!""What?" Violet protested. "What's going on? I have an invitation letter. I—""I'm sorry, Ms. Grist, but according to the royal rules, the invitation letter has no effect. The final reference is the list," Remus clarified."Well—""Heh, but I believe it would be a waste for you to enter, Ms. Grist. The Southeast Aciatic palace does not welcome someone like you!" Remus t
After everyone had entered, the two "statues" suddenly came to life, pounding their chests and cursing."What's this all about? We came all this way, and they won't let us in?""What's so special about this lousy palace? Even if they invited me, I wouldn't go inside!""This place is a dump... I need to take pictures. I—"The palace guards swiftly surrounded them, not touching the two women but giving them cold stares. They held long spears with gleaming blades under the sunlight.Violet instantly felt intimidated, while Heidi, fearing trouble, quickly handed over her phone.The guards glanced at Violet and confiscated her phone as well.Both of them were denied entry to any of the palaces and were left standing in the open square, exposed to the scorching sun. A group of guards surrounded them.Gia stood nearby, wearing a dark expression. She recalled the man's words—"Do you know who the man beside Lina is?"Zuko, the eldest heir of the Hamertons of Centrolis. He's currently o
Lina's face blazed with heat as she averted her gaze from the screen. "What did you just say?""I said, let's take a bath together!" Zuko's smile widened as he slowly removed his shirt, revealing his muscular upper body. "Why aren't you looking at me?""Zeke, you..."Lina pursed her lips, torn between not wanting to look at the screen and stealing a few glances. She caught glimpses of his chest, washboard abs, and strong arms...Her face grew even redder, and her heart raced uncontrollably.Zuko remained composed and calmly said, "Do you actually want to look or not? If you don't want to, you can just end the video call, right?""You...""Since you're not ending the call, I'll take it that you're willing to take a bath with me."A mischievous curve formed at the corner of Zuko's lips. "Lina, don't you undress when you take a bath?""Zeke!"Lina's face turned as red as a tomato. She couldn't help but smile, trying to keep it subtle, as her heart overflowed with sweetness.Her
At Southeast Aciatic…Lina, unable to sleep, tossed and turned in bed. She considered making a phone call to find out what was going on. The image of Zuko and Dave locking eyes replayed in her mind, causing her to burst into laughter.Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Startled, Lina approached quietly and peeked through the peephole. To her surprise, it was Gia."Lina, are you awake?"Lina hesitated for a moment before deciding to open the door.Gia looked into her eyes and gave a weak smile. "Lina, can we have a proper talk?"Lina remained silent, sensing that Gia had changed. People would change, and she didn't hold it against Gia, but she wanted to know the reason.Gia continued cautiously. "Lina, let's find a quiet place to talk, okay?""Let's just stay here," Lina replied, leaning against the door frame, not inviting her in or showing any desire to accompany her. A few words would suffice to clarify things.Gia looked around hesitantly. "But this place...""It's q
Gia and Lina were startled by the sight of Violet striding over, carrying bags of various sizes in her arms. Her face had tanned a bit from spending the day under the sun at the palace, and despite the thick layer of makeup, signs of sunburn were still visible.Violet's eyes glared venomously at Lina when she spotted her."Such deep sisterly love!" Violet sneered sarcastically. "Gia, have you forgotten how we ended up sunbathing today? Your best friend here was strolling around the palace in her pretty clothes, but did she ever think about you being out in the sun?"Gia looked at Violet and spoke calmly. "This is between Lina and me. Please don't interfere."Violet gritted her teeth. "How dare you talk to me like that now, you little b*tch!?" Violet's attention was then drawn to the jar of facial cream in Lina's hand. Its packaging shimmered with the name of a certain expensive brand. Even though it was sold in duty-free shops, it still carried a high price tag. In high-end store
"Oh, it's just a minor issue," Officer Matthew apologized with a smile. "Mr. Irwin, there's no need to worry. I'll handle it promptly."Carter questioned, "Arresting someone in my hospital is considered a minor issue?"Officer Matthew paused briefly, choosing not to respond further.Lina observed the man in the white coat. Despite his friendly appearance, he exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect. His gentle voice carried an undeniable air of authority.When Carter looked at Lina, he too was taken aback. More specifically, his attention was captivated by the bangle on her wrist.Carter furrowed his brow. There was no mistaking it—the design and material of the Le Esse bangle were truly one-of-a-kind. His sister used to wear it frequently, but she had put it away after having children to prevent any damage.He never expected to see it on this girl's wrist today!Carter's assistant stepped forward. "Officer Matthew, Mr. Irwin has just finished performing surgery and is