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
Lina was supposed to meet Desiree at a high-end bar in Centrolis. To her surprise, all the attendees there were women. They exuded extraordinary temperament, dressed professionally, and behaved elegantly. They truly embodied the image of successful female entrepreneurs.As soon as Lina entered the private room, Desiree warmly waved at her. Although distracted, Lina discreetly hid the small pistol she carried in her bag.When she received Desiree's message, she hesitated for a moment but decided to come anyway.Firstly, she wanted to meet these bosses, learn more about their companies, and gain knowledge about entrepreneurs. Secondly, she harbored a glimmer of hope that Desiree would not deceive her.Despite that, she brought the small pistol that Krystal had given her when she was kidnapped. After all, a bar was a place where anything could happen, and she wanted to be prepared just in case Desiree had any ill intentions.Lina took a deep breath and sat down. She secretly sent a m
Lina heard everything they said, and it hit her hard. Their stares felt like knives cutting into her face. Instinctively, she glanced at Desiree, who appeared quite intoxicated, lazily leaning on the couch.Desiree was looking back at her, and they locked eyes.Lina saw a clear, gloating expression in Desiree's gaze. Now, she understood the intent behind Desiree's actions.Desiree had defamed her and suppressed her, using Nicholas' unsavory past as a gangster to keep influential people away from Lina. This way, she couldn't interact with those important connections anymore.If things went according to Desiree's plan, Lina would be humiliated and angry.Lina remained composed, trying not to lose her temper, but the others were crossing the line, especially under the influence of alcohol.Desiree also joined in, seemingly drunk, but Lina suspected she was fully aware of her actions.Lina chuckled, looking at Desiree. "It seems we won't be able to proceed with our collaboration. Ne