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
Everyone appeared slightly awkward.Zuko smiled and spoke with a deep voice while tightly holding Lina's hand. "Of course, it's not the same."All the younger cousins call me 'Zuko', so you should call me the same." Zuko smirked, "As for 'Z', that's an exclusive title for our Pammy."As he said that, he looked at Lina with a touch of tenderness rarely seen on his rugged face.The younger cousins exchanged smiles but remained silent. Desiree's expression shifted slightly, and she managed to force out a smile.The terms of address were only different by three additional letters, but for Zuko, they meant worlds apart. "Z" was only for Pammy and no one else.Desiree's eyes flashed with a hint of complexity, and she felt the need to save her image in front of so many people. Half-jokingly, she said, "What Pammy? Hah! Isn't her name Lina Jenner?""Desiree, what's gotten into you?" Toph looked at her. "Don't you know? Lina is Pammy! She's the Pammy whom Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda fi
Lina hadn't had the chance to refuse before Desiree hung up.Renee winced. "Why is she like this? Doesn't she even ask if others want to go?"Lina smiled with a hint of helplessness. People with such personalities were usually self-centered, carefree, and straightforward, seemingly lacking a scheming mind.Could she be wrong about Desiree all along, just like Renee suggested? However, her past experiences told her that it was always good to be cautious and have a guarded approach toward people and things."Cuz, are we going?" Renee asked.Lina paused momentarily and smiled gently. "Have you finished all your work?""More or less.""Then let's go and relax!" She was also curious to see what Desiree had planned.-Not long after, Lina and Renee arrived at the agreed location—a small Ilbon-style bar. Interestingly, the owner was a local from Jangasas. The bar was situated in a quiet part of the city center, surrounded by many mimosa trees. In summer, the pink fluffy blossoms cr
"Wow, you're good! Your rank is so high?" "Of course!" Desiree proudly showed her equipment. "Look at these. Not only did they cost me a lot of pocket money, but also a lot of effort!""I have a lot of equipment too, but my level is not as high as yours!" Toph gave her a thumbs-up. "It seems like you've deployed your resources well. Very strategic!""Cough..." Renee's expression changed as she looked at Toph, chuckling lightly, "Playing games all day long… Be careful not to let it consume you!""Renee, you don't understand!" Desiree laughed, "This game is called God of War, and it's incredibly fun! You start as a small soldier and gradually rise to become a general, expanding your territory step by step. The game tests your patience, perseverance, strategic thinking, and more!"Heh! Maybe you won't quite understand anyway since most girls like you don't enjoy playing military games."Renee glanced at her. "Aren't you a girl?""Her?" Toph burst into laughter. "She's not. She's o
Desiree was at a loss for words. The two cups in front of her felt like two mocking clowns, representing her failure and frustration.Renee enjoyed the drama and discreetly gave Lina a thumbs-up while placing both hands on the table.Toph was engrossed in his game and shouted, "Hey, Desiree, weren't you online just now? Why is your profile icon black again?"Renee frowned and patted him, trying to get his attention.Toph had no idea what had just happened due to his focus on the game."The cups..." Renee pointed out.Suddenly, Toph realized that the cups were unevenly distributed. Desiree had two cups, while Lina and Zuko only had one."What's the big deal? Excuse me!" Toph raised his voice, "Bring us ten more cups!"Renee chuckled, enjoying Desiree's expression."Ask for more cups if there aren't enough!" Toph said seriously, "They're charging a service charge here, so what's the big deal about asking for a few more cups?"Desiree took a deep breath. When the dishes were ser
Lina glanced at Zuko with a hint of coquettishness in her eyes."I don't want to jump to conclusions or say anything unnecessary. After all, she's just your 'good buddy'!" Lina drawled teasingly, blinking like a cunning little fox.Amused by her playful banter, Zuko felt the urge to tease her further, but he also wanted to give her a taste of "violence". Thus, he playfully pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly.Upon sensing his mischievous intent, Lina pushed him away and looked at him teasingly.Meanwhile, Toph held Renee's hand and intentionally walked ahead, paying little attention to the couple behind them.Zuko grinned and whispered in Lina's ear, "If you don't like Desiree, I'll stop associating with her.""Don't do that!" Lina widened her eyes. "She's a guest from grandma's side and your childhood playmate with Toph. Suddenly distancing yourself from her doesn't seem appropriate, right?""Oh..." Zuko nodded. "Then I'll slowly keep my distance."Lina smiled and
Lina was surprised. "What?" "I saw you studying the materials seriously, so I didn't disturb you."Zuko gently stroked Lina's face. She already had a small face, and now she appeared even thinner. Distressed, he immediately called the hotel to order some food, specifically requesting tonic chicken soup.As he pondered his own situation...Despite having a fiancee, he couldn't even hold hands with her these days. A few days ago, he finally got a chance to go on a date with Lina, but she fell asleep as soon as she got in the car, showing no reservation.Amused and helpless, he didn't want to disturb her sleep, so he ended up driving around the streets, wanting to spend more time with her. This led him to feel a bit sorry for himself, prompting him to call the hotel again and order two servings of tonic chicken soup.Lina smiled and playfully pinched his face."When can you spare some time for me?" Zuko's gaze was filled with grievances.Softly, Lina replied, "The Thompson Group