The venue went silent for a second before loud applause erupted.The celebrities had seen it all, having been in all sorts of movies and dramas. But they had never seen anything so sweet as what Zuko had just done for Lina.They applauded, whether out of genuine appreciation or simply to go along with the crowd. But no one wanted to miss the opportunity to offer their sincere congratulations.Zuko and Lina began to dance. After taking off her heels, Lina felt lighter on her feet. Although she wasn't much of a dancer, Zuko's presence helped to calm her nerves.They made a handsome couple, and their graceful movements drew countless admiring glances.After the dance, they retired to the VIP room to discuss the future of the film studio. But their conversation was interrupted by Renee, who burst into the room in a panic."Cuz!" she cried.Lina was startled. "What's wrong?"Renee was so flustered that she could barely speak.Toph followed close behind, his expression grave. "There
Lina frowned and looked at Zuko. He was looking at her too, and they locked eyes, seemingly understanding what the other was thinking.At that moment, the police arrived."Are you Ms. Pamela Thompson?" a police officer asked.Lina was stunned. "I am..."The police officer said, "After our preliminary investigation, we suspect someone spiked the beverages at the banquet.""Who did it? Did you find out?" Lina asked.The officer looked at her with a complicated expression. "Ms. Thompson, we received an anonymous tip during our investigation that you prepared the beverages for the banquet.""What? Don't tell me you suspect me?" Lina was stunned, her mind blank."We can't rule anyone out who is connected to the case until we have solid evidence," the officer said respectfully, but his eyes were cold. "Ms. Thompson, please come with us to assist with the investigation."-Zuko waited at the police station. He couldn't go in, so he had no idea what was happening. Even though he look
Zuko smiled. "Thanks, Uncle Nicholas."Nicholas tidied his tie, looking proud. Linda then dragged him away, holding his ear.Zuko knocked on the door, but there was no response at first. He became worried and was about to ask the maid for a spare key when the door opened.Lina stood in front of him with her eyes downcast. She looked thinner, with dark circles under her eyes, but she didn't seem dispirited."Lina..." Zuko felt a pang of heartache and gently caressed her soft cheek, asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"Lina smiled and leaned into his embrace.During this time, Zuko had already done a lot for her. While Lina had been cooperating with the police investigation, he had been outside waiting for her. When Lina locked herself in her room, he had been analyzing the doubts and finding evidence.If Lina asked what else he could do for her...Lina said, "I'd like to take a walk. Would you go with me?""Of course!" Zuko was eager to do that. "Where would you l
Zuko looked at Lina with a particularly cheerful smile. "I said, I love you!"Lina froze as tears welled up in her eyes. Zuko held her hand, and his presence gave her an infinite sense of security. Despite the high altitude, she did not need to worry at all because he was the parachute that would never be absent in her life.After a safe landing, Lina was still immersed in the excitement and could not get enough of it. However, it was almost noon, and Zuko suggested that they have lunch first.Lina looked around. They had landed in the suburbs, with a long road behind them and the vast sea in front. There were few people there, and it seemed that there would be even fewer restaurants."Follow me." Zuko held her hand and said. "I know a place where you'll definitely get delicious food!"Lina chuckled. "Zuko, can I ask you a question?""Hmm?"Lina narrowed her eyes, beaming. "What were you doing before you found me? How come nothing seems to be able to stump you?"Zuko glanced at
Zuko's face was as dark as the inked squid in the owner's aquarium. The owner's smile changed from mischievous to forced, then to a grimace. He then carried the plate of oysters to other customers.Zuko pursed his lips in exasperation. The oysters were freshly caught that morning, large, meaty, and perfectly grilled—undoubtedly delicious. But what would he do after eating them? His libido would be boosted, yet he would have no outlet to release it.He turned to look at Lina, who was eating a small scallop. She chuckled softly when the delicate tip of her nose lightly touched the shell. The sparkling sea reflected her profile, and her eyes were filled with all the beauty in the world.Zuko's heart raced a little as he licked his dry lips. He barely suppressed certain thoughts. He sat back beside her, but the fish didn't taste as good as before"What were you doing just now?" Lina said with a smile, "So many delicious dishes were served. I'll finish them all if you don't start eating
Lena asked, "Why did you give me money?"Lina was taken aback."Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean anything else—" Lena interrupted her before she could end her sentence."I asked, why did you give me money?" Lena's voice was clear and firm, showing maturity beyond her years.Lina took a deep breath. "I wanted to thank you for helping me out in the restroom last time."Lena remained silent but pushed the money back into Lina's hands. "No need to thank me."As Lena turned to leave, Lina wanted to call her back. But Lena stopped and turned around again. A gust of wind lifted the brim of her cap, finally allowing Lina to see her face clearly.Lena was pretty, with a touch of youthful intelligence in her expression, but her eyes carried a sense of world-weariness beyond her years."If you ever encounter trouble again, you can find me to help you," Lena said."But... don't I need to know your name and how to contact you?" Lina asked.Lena chuckled. "After we met last time, didn't y
"Today, I saw him again. This time, I was cornered by debt collectors, and he came to my rescue like a brave warrior. He paid off my debts and gave me some money to live a good life..."Today, I sold a girl. I know I am walking down an irreversible path. It's a treacherous road, but I had no other choice... I remember someone once told me to live a good life, but I'm sorry, I won't be able to do it..."I sent my daughter to the countryside and send her money regularly. I know I'm not a good mother, but I hope my daughter can have the peaceful life I couldn't. That way, I won't let you down..."Nicholas Thompson."Lena took a deep breath and slowly closed the diary.The name Nicholas Thompson appeared several times in her mother's diary.Was he her father? He must be.Lena smiled but restrained it. Over the years, she had learned to hide her emotions, even when she was alone.She had finished most of the beer, and the fish soup was ready. There was some leftover rice in the kitc
Zuko smiled lightly. This was exactly what he wanted to say."That's right, it was Fred who found it," he said softly. "He has some expertise in this area, so investigating the formula was a piece of cake.""But..." Lina blinked. "I thought someone would secretly dispose of the drinks to destroy the evidence after the event that night. I never expected you could find a sample!""It wasn't my brother who found it!" Toph grinned. "Guess who helped us this time, Pammy?"Lina's heart skipped a beat.'Could it be her again? Lena?' she wondered."Someone did want to destroy the evidence." Zuko smiled faintly. "But that's a massive task. Just as that person was trying to get rid of the remaining problematic drinks, Lena caught him."Toph continued. "It's quite a coincidence. That person was trying to dispose of the evidence in the alley behind the bar where Lena works!"The subsequent events did not need to be explained further.Lena was already quite skilled at dealing with men, so