Renee's hand had barely retreated when Toph swiftly caught hold of it and calmly placed it back on his arm."Toph—""I know there are plenty of great restaurants in Jangasas. Come on, let me treat you to a lavish meal!" Toph interrupted, pulling her along.Renee was momentarily stunned before a smile spread across her face as if she had just won the world."Renee, did you know that my parents met in Jangasas?" Toph continued to chat as they walked. "The hotel where they had their first date was called Regalia Hotel, and they had lobster risotto..."...When Zuko returned to the presidential suite, Lina had been unpacking and hadn't spoken to him since the afternoon.The atmosphere felt peculiar.He could sense a clear sense of detachment emanating from Lina. There were several instances when their eyes met, and Lina looked at him with suspicion.Zuko approached her, intending to say something, but the words eluded him. He could only manage a somewhat forced smile.His awkward
Zuko was interrupted by a sudden ringing of his phone. The screen displayed a string of numbers, causing Lina to be taken aback. However, she noticed the calm smile on Zuko's face."It's my younger brother," he explained in a low voice. "I remember his number, so I don't save it."Zuko was about to reject the call, but Lina stopped him. "He must have something important to tell you if he's calling.""What important matter could he have—""Answer it quickly!" Lina smiled gently. "I just finished washing some clothes. I'll go hang them up on the balcony!"Zuko observed Lina's delicate figure with complex emotions. After a moment of hesitation, he walked out of the room to answer the call.Before he could speak resentfully and ask, "What do you want?" the other end of the line was filled with Toph's rapid speech."Bro, no matter what you're doing right now, you have to let me finish..." Toph's voice came through.Zuko lowered his voice. "What's the matter?""Well..." Toph paused
"What's wrong?" The door opened slightly, and Lina peeked her head out. "Why are you hiding outside to make a call?"Zuko adjusted his smile to appear natural and casually draped his arm around her shoulder, guiding her inside. "Lina, there's something I need to tell you."Lina froze, meeting his gaze.While he held her hand, she could feel the warmth of his palm, but the intensity in his eyes left her bewildered. Her heart skipped a beat, and everything around them seemed to fade into silence.Zuko licked his lips, his voice low and husky, pausing between each word. "My name isn't Zeke Hamerton, and all the strange occurrences that happened to you after coming to Southeast Aciatic are connected to me..."Lina, I've been protecting you in my way."His hand gently caressed her face, tracing down to her collarbone, where he retrieved the necklace with a star pendant from her neckline."This is the star I gave you," he said, looking at her with warmth and adoration. "In truth, I am
"Lina, I'm not lying to you," Zuko's voice was hoarse as he maintained a certain distance, hesitant to approach her. "If you don't believe me, I'll take you to meet someone."After a while, Lina calmed down and noticed Zuko preparing to leave. She hurriedly grabbed a jacket and followed him.Several cabs were waiting outside the hotel, and one pulled up in front of them. Zuko opened the car door, but he sat in the passenger seat instead of sitting next to her in the backseat.From the back seat, Lina observed Zuko's sharp features, deep and resolute eyes, and broad back through the rearview mirror. She knew he must be sitting in the front with his arms crossed, just as he always did.Everything seemed familiar yet different at the same time, evoking indescribable emotions within Lina.Suddenly, she recalled the words Gia had spoken before. Gia had attended university to find a wealthy heir to date and marry, claiming that 80% of life's troubles could be solved with money. Lina had
Lina anxiously clutched the hem of her clothes, blinking more frequently than usual. Zuko reached out his hand and gently touched her shoulder, causing her to tremble slightly. She timidly glanced at him, allowing his big hand to rest on her shoulder without moving."Lina..." Zuko wanted to say something but struggled to find the right words. He tentatively reached for her small hand. "It's getting late. Let's go back?"Lina was startled. He had spoken with a rising tone at the end, asking her cautiously instead of ordering her directly.Her heart instantly melted.Scenes since she met Zuko flashed through her mind like a movie. He would never speak loudly to her. The cold and icy expression he showed to others would instantly transform into a radiant smile when he saw her. He doted on, spoiled, and cherished her like the apple of his eye. When he heard that Violet and Gia almost hurt her, he hurriedly rushed to Southeast Aciatic.If this wasn't love, if he had done all this and s
Zuko's spirits lifted with just a bit of sunshine, and he let go of his inhibitions, acting childishly. But before Lina could object, Zuko impatiently wrapped his arms around her slender waist and kissed her passionately as if he were a wild beast.Lina melted in his embrace, succumbing to his deep kiss.When he felt that her resistance was waning, he reluctantly released her, gently tidying her disheveled hair. He caught a hint of surprise and sweet affection in her eyes.Feeling a bit weak, Lina allowed Zuko to carry her like a princess as they continued their walk in the moonlight."Zuko.""Yes?""Can I ask you something?"Zuko lowered his head, gazing at her, and replied softly, "Ask me anything.""Why did you suddenly reveal your true identity to me?"Zuko paused, his expression becoming complex. He didn't respond immediately.They arrived at a small, secluded park and sat on a stone bench. He looked at her and spoke softly. "Would you like to hear my parents' story?"L
"Zuko, what are you thinking?" asked Lina."Hmm?" Zuko regained his focus and rubbed her hair. "Nothing.""Did you hear what I just said?" she asked.Bewildered, Zuko's expression showed that he hadn't heard a thing.Lina smiled helplessly and repeated herself, "I said, don't let my classmates know about your identity either, okay?""Oh...""I'm concerned that it might bring unnecessary trouble for you..."Lina turned her face away, trying to appear nonchalant, but her voice was soft and barely audible.But what did she mean by "unnecessary trouble"?Simply put, if her female classmates found out about Zuko's identity, they would undoubtedly pursue him. Even Mrs. Nash's daughter had her eyes on him, didn't she?It was better for him to maintain the image of an ordinary guy!Lina pouted, and Zuko saw through her little plan. He gently hugged her and pulled her back into his arms. "Don't worry. None of those things you're worried about will happen.""What are you saying..."
When Toph first laid eyes on Lina, he couldn't help but stare at her for a while. He not only stared, but he also approached her directly, wanting to get a closer look.However, just as he was getting closer, a big hand suddenly grabbed him by the back of his neck! A stern and icy voice followed. "What do you think you're doing?"Toph sat back in his seat, wearing an embarrassed smile as he scratched his head. "No, no... Zuko, let go!"Lina joined in with a smile and coughed lightly to ease the awkwardness.Zuko glanced at his brother and pulled Lina's chair closer to him.Toph had never seen his older brother act so possessive before. He chuckled and stood up, taking the initiative to introduce himself, "I'm Toph, his favorite younger brother!"Zuko scowled. "Not anymore.""Bro, do me a favor!"Zuko looked at Toph, and their eyes met, causing them both to burst into laughter."This is Renee Thompson." Toph placed a hand on Renee's shoulder. "Renee, this is the sister-in-law I