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
One year later, Lina successfully completed her studies and returned to Centrolis to start a new phase in life.Not much had happened during that year, but all that did happen was positive.Melissa's condition had stabilized, and she had been discharged from the hospital to rest at home. As long as she took her medication on time and maintained a good mood, there would be no significant problems.Jesse enjoyed taking care of Melissa every day. He tended to the plants and flowers, cleaned the house, and found joy in being by her side. After so many ups and downs in life, he was grateful that she was the one who had stayed with him till the end. He understood now what he had meant when he told Lina that a young couple would accompany each other in old age.-Dave had successfully entered the University of Centrolis. He had excellent grades and an outgoing personality, and he was the target of many girls' pursuits upon admission. However, he was not in a rush to start a relationship
Toph shrugged, neither confirming nor denying the statement.Indeed, a deep-rooted connection existed between the Bakers and the Harpers. It was said that both families had come to Melorian seeking opportunities in the early 20th century, and they had developed a strong friendship.During a later war, someone from the Harpers took a bullet for someone from the Bakers, forging a life-saving bond. Once the Bakers' older generation prospered, they wholeheartedly helped the Harpers' older generation achieve success as well, and this friendship continued to this day."It's not just that." Toph chuckled. "Some relatives from our grandmother's side also married into the Harpers. With this strong alliance, they're invincible in the investment industry in Melorian!"As Toph said that, he stretched his arms and made a sweeping gesture as if clearing the enemy forces.Lina couldn't help but laugh at his playful demeanor. However, when she glanced at Zuko, she saw that he remained calm with a
Lina was cautious with each step she took. When Janine introduced her and Renee to the other members of the Bakers, she paid close attention, not wanting to make any mistakes in the future."Some of them are distant relatives of the Bakers," Janine told her with a smile. "But they're quite capable!"In the future, you'll see. I don't care about anything else when I assess people. I don't ask about their background. As long as they have good character and are willing to make progress, I'm willing to support them!"Lina nodded and smiled back at her.There were both males and females among the Bakers. Young people always had endless topics to discuss when they gathered. Moreover, they were all familiar with Zuko and Toph, so Lina quickly fit in.As they all chatted happily, someone entered the hall. Things seemed to pause momentarily as they watched the girl walk straight to Janine and hug her with a bright grin."Sorry, Grandma Janine! I snuck out of the hotel as soon as I arrived