Zuko blurted out without thinking, "They'll definitely agree!"Then, he met Zephyr's cryptic look and corrected himself. "Uh... They'll probably agree.""Anyway, I've prepared two sets of wedding gifts," Cordelia said, looking at her son. "One for you and one for Toph. If by then you still can't marry my two daughters-in-law..."Zuko raised an eyebrow with a puzzled look.Cordelia smiled. "Then you two don't have to come back either!"Zuko was rendered speechless.Zephyr hugged Cordelia by the waist with a hearty laugh. Not having these two brats come back was just fine, as they wouldn't interrupt his alone time with his wife.Lina came out of the room, and her face lit up with a delighted smile when she saw the three of them."Uncle Zephyr, Aunt Cordelia! You're here!""Ahem!" Zuko hurriedly said, "I'm here too!"Lina took his hand in hers, smiling."My parents came to see Aunt Melissa and asked about the progress of her treatment.""Thanks for your concern, Uncle Zephyr a
Although everything around him was familiar—the scenery, home furnishings, and even the service staff—Zuko still sat on the sofa with restraint. He kept his back straight and his eyes focused, occupying only 1/3 of the sofa. There was not even a single crease on his suit or tie.He had even hired three stylists in advance to perfect his image for today. When the handsome Hamerton heir appeared in the Thompsons' living room, Linda couldn't stop smiling, while Nicholas' expression was rather intriguing.His smile seemed more like a smirk, his gaze alternating between hostile and friendly. It was a complicated expression as if his daughter would be abducted, but the abductor was someone he had watched grow up. The struggle was clear on his face.Zuko and Nicholas sat in the living room like that for 20 minutes. Neither of them moved nor said a word. Even the service staff didn't dare to approach.Lina quietly asked Linda, "What's wrong with dad?""I don't know." Linda furrowed her br
"What's wrong?" Nicholas asked, raising his deep voice and narrowing his eyes. "Are you drinking or not?"Zuko forced a smile and replied, "I'll... I'll drink, of course.""Then fill the glasses!""Sh*t!" Zuko let out a soft gasp. "Uncle Nicholas, slow down!"He watched as Nicholas brought out two whiskey glasses and filled them to the brim before handing one to him.Zuko had no choice but to accept it. However, he had never even had vodka straight. It felt more like a glass of alcohol rather than something to savor."What's the matter? Scared to drink?" Nicholas raised an eyebrow smugly. "Kid, are you even a man if you can't handle this?""Uncle Nicholas—""Your father must not have taught you these things!" Nicholas leaned closer to him with a mischievous smile. "A real man drinks this. That's the real deal! Don't learn those fancy habits from your father, thinking you're sophisticated just by sipping red wine and eating fancy tiny dishes. Those rich heir types like him alway
Zuko was now completely sober. He hadn't had time to react when Nicholas dragged him away, and then his ears were filled with the man's voice narrating how he had made full use of the washboard back in the day, how he had pacified Linda, and so on.While listening to the stories, Zuko found another glass of vodka in his hand. By the end of it, he had lost track of how much he had drunk.In a daze, he felt a soft hand hooking onto his arm, and a gentle voice whispered in his ear, "You've had so much to drink. What do we do now?""Let Zuko stay here! He's not an outsider," Linda said."Which room should he stay in?" Lina asked.-When Zuko woke up, he was lying in a beautiful princess room—Lina's. The air was filled with a familiar fragrance, and a lovely thought crossed his mind.He had drunk too much yesterday, and it seemed Lina had helped him.'Did we have…'Zuko couldn't control his smile and subconsciously felt the space beside him.However, there was no residual warmth.
Lina had some concerns. "It's not that. I just returned to this family and haven't spent much time with my parents. It'll be difficult for them to part with me, even though they don't say it out loud. Moreover, my mother in Jangasas hasn't fully recovered yet, and I want to take care of her longer."Zuko affectionately patted her head. Even if he couldn't wait any longer, he had to respect her filial piety."Alright." He smiled. "There's no rush. Besides, I'll be with you when you go abroad for further studies."Lina happily gave him a loud kiss on the cheek.Zuko was slightly stunned.The innocent Lina did not realize that something was off with the way he looked at her. She wanted to kiss him on the other cheek, only for him to grab her wrist and pull her down onto the bed."Ah!" Lina let out a soft cry.They were now so close that their noses were almost touching. She could clearly feel his gradually warming breaths and body temperature, and...Lina blushed instantly and tur
"Isn't Lina going to be engaged to Zuko?" Melissa smiled and said, "The old house and the supermarket are all intended to be Lina's wedding gift!""Melissa, you...""I know the gift we prepared for Lina might not compare to yours." Melissa spoke softly. "But this is the best I can do. I pampered Lina growing up, and now that she's getting married, I must give her the best..."Linda's heart jolted, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Melissa's hand—this was what a parent's love was like.-Zuko and Lina's engagement ceremony caused a sensation in the entire Centrolis. The guests were all wealthy or influential. They mingled around, well-dressed and sophisticated, and the couple's exceptional charisma made them a sight to behold.Zuko was happy with every detail of the engagement ceremony, except for Toph's big mouth!Toph and Renee accompanied Zuko and Lina, playing roles similar to groomsmen and bridesmaids in a wedding. They were supposed to help them with toasts, but i
The question took aback Aaron. "Why? Is checking taxes now a lawyer's responsibility?"Jacob looked more serious. "It's everyone's responsibility!"Feeling intimidated by the imposing aura of the prominent lawyer, Aaron stood stiffly and didn't dare say another word.Abigail couldn't help but chuckle and gave Aaron a subtle look.Aaron cleared his throat and said, "Uh... Mr. Welsh, please rest assured. I've always been a law-abiding artist.""Is that so?" Jacob squinted. "You're still single, right? Do you have any rumored girlfriends? I hope there won't be any cheating scandals that implicate Abigail one day?""Mr. Welsh, what are you talking about?" Aaron winced, sweat forming on his forehead.Jacob's voice turned stern. "I'm saying, watch out!"He cleared his throat and stood closer to Abigail to physically block her. His expression was wary and hostile.Abigail's heart thumped. She could smell Jacob's aftershave from being so close to him. Looking at his pressed suit jacke
Abigail whispered, "What's going on? He's not even saying a word?""Oh, Ms. Fox, I'm sorry!" Aaron's manager followed behind, trying to explain. "Aaron didn't mean to ignore you!"Abigail paused, asking, "Then what did he mean?"'Of course, he was afraid to talk to you!' the manager thought.The manager forced a laugh and said, "He's preoccupied. He went to check his studio for any signs of tax evasion!"Abigail felt like turning into a statue on the spot."Still pretending after all this?" Lina's playful voice came from behind.Abigail quickly turned around and spotted Lina, elegantly dressed in a red embroidered dress that showcased her grace.Lina walked over, laughing at Abigail's ruined cake."You two are so obvious that even outsiders can see it clearly. Why are you both hiding and avoiding instead?""W-We're not..." Abigail blushed. "Jacob… He couldn't possibly...""Couldn't possibly like you?" Lina sighed. "If he doesn't like you, then why is he so hostile toward Aar