Zuko quickly grabbed his phone to call Lina. But he worried that a few words might not adequately convey the situation, potentially causing her unnecessary worry. After a moment's thought, he remembered someone more suitable and made a call."Chris, head over to the Thompsons right away. Toph's emotions are unstable, and it's best to take Lena somewhere else for a while...""Huh?" Chris was confused.Zuko didn't have time for a detailed explanation. "Just do as I say!""Okay, I'll go!"Chris acknowledged and rushed to the Thompsons, but he realized he was too late upon arrival.A commotion was coming from the courtyard."What do you mean by this?""You've gone too far! Stay away from me, Renee, and Aunt Kaitlyn in the future! We don't need you to guard us like we're thieves!"Lena, answer me! What are you trying to do?"Chris was taken aback. It was Toph's loud voice.Toph was yelling at Lena, who stood to the side without saying a word, her expression still indifferent.Ch
Toph glanced around, feeling uneasy.Chris was older and exuded a military aura. It made Toph cautious about acting recklessly in front of him.Suddenly, the world seemed to hush, and each passing second felt like an eternity in the silent atmosphere.Lena's heart raced as she did not want to involve Chris. She decided not to argue with Toph about whatever he said concerning her, hoping he would eventually let her go after scolding her enough. But with Chris caught in the middle, she felt distressed.As Lena was about to tug at Chris' sleeve, Toph shouted in frustration, "You're actually siding with her?""Toph...""Chris Hamerton! How could you side with her against me? What are you thinking?""Because I believe that Lenny isn't that kind of person!" Chris almost roared.Toph and Lena were shocked.Chris was surprised by his own outburst, but the words couldn't be taken back. He firmly held Lena's hand and looked straight into Toph's eyes, saying, "She may have a peculiar tem
Renee fidgeted with her clothes and avoided eye contact with Lina, giving the impression that she had something difficult to express.After a long pause, Renee finally looked up and forced a smile. "My mom needs constant care.""Just that?" Lina sighed, concerned. "Renee, you need to consider this carefully. Taking care of your mom is important, but you shouldn't jeopardize your career for it.""Lina, she's my mom." Renee's eyes showed a hint of sadness. "Since her surgery, her health has been declining. She can't be away from me even for a moment. I have to take care of her!""Is her condition serious?"Renee shook her head.Lina felt puzzled. She remembered Lena mentioning Kaitlyn and describing her as healthy, not someone seriously ill like Renee implied.Lina considered that different people might perceive illness severity differently, leading to this discrepancy.She composed herself and continued to advise, "Renee, don't you have nurses and caregivers at home? They can ta
Renee held Lina's hand earnestly and said, "Lina, I apologize for not working on those new projects with you."Lina smiled and replied, "No need to be so formal with me."She had planned to tell Renee about the completed engineering drawings and ask for help with cost calculations, but she stopped herself.After all, Renee had already resigned and was no longer part of the Thompson Group. The information about the sketches and cost calculations was considered confidential. Even though Lina trusted Renee, she wanted to establish a clear boundary on such matters.-When Renee returned home, she saw Kaitlyn sitting motionless on the sofa. It saddened her.Ever since Kaitlyn returned from the hospital, she had developed a habit of sitting like this, often wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat or pulling the hood up on her sweatshirt.Renee didn't understand what had happened. Her mother used to be affectionate and loved hugging her. Even as Renee grew older, their bond remained strong. How
"Oh, it's nothing," Kaitlyn replied, lowering her head briefly before looking up with a soft smile. "Renee, I haven't been feeling very comfortable after my surgery, so I prefer not to be touched... Can you understand?""Mom?" Renee's eyes widened. "Where are you feeling uncomfortable? I can ask Lina and Zuko to help...""No need."Kaitlyn grabbed her, and Renee was taken aback, noticing that her mother's hand didn't feel as hard as before.Kaitlyn had always been sick, weak, and frail, making her hands feel like dry twigs. But now..."Renee, I have something to tell you."Renee refocused and looked at her mother attentively."What kind of person is Lena?""Why are you suddenly asking about this?""Just asking casually."Renee pondered for a moment and replied softly, "Is this about the incident where she blocked you from entering the study and argued with you?"Mom, you might have misunderstood her. She has a cold personality and prefers to keep her distance from strangers,
"Oh... yes," Renee chuckled softly. "We couldn't afford a computer before. This one was actually a gift from Lina.""Why haven't I seen it before?"Renee linked her arm with Kaitlyn's. "Mom, you were sick before, so you probably didn't pay attention to these things. Plus, I've always kept this computer in my office and rarely brought it home. It's because now that I've resigned...""I see." Kaitlyn fell silent for a moment, then looked at her with a smile. "Could I use it for a while?"Renee was a bit puzzled."Renee, actually... I want to learn some new things. I've been sick for so long, always depending on you. I feel really guilty. But now that my health is gradually improving, I have the energy to learn these things. Can you teach me how to use your computer to go online in case I get bored at home?""Of course!"This request from Kaitlyn was quite reasonable. Besides, Renee could not refuse any of Kaitlyn's requests."Renee, I can also start some small online business onc
This time, the "overtime" lasted until late into the night.Lina struggled to get up from the couch, picked up her scattered clothes from the floor, and felt sore all over her body."Let me help you."Zuko wrapped his arms around her from behind with a satisfied smile. Lina felt his warm chest and his heart beating right along hers against her bare back.She did not dare to let him help her. She quickly broke free and put on her clothes.Zuko smiled and got dressed as well. His hand instinctively reached into his pocket, but... there were no more cigarettes.He finally understood now what his father meant by the "cigarette money" he used to earn.Lina forced herself to finish reviewing the last bit of information, and then Zuko took her home.-The next day. They slept until almost 8:00 a.m., only to be awakened by their phones."Is it your phone?""It's yours...""Hmm?"They woke up, realizing that their phones were vibrating simultaneously.One was from Lina's secreta
Lina giggled and playfully tugged at his ear. "Doraemon doesn't seem to have ears, though?""I'm different." Zuko's eyes were smiling. "I'm Lina's exclusive Doraemon, the only one in the world! That's why I have ears.""What do you need ears for?"Zuko leaned closer, his nose nuzzling her small face, his voice husky. "To... obey your every command!"Lina's heart warmed, and she hugged him. With him by her side, she would no longer be afraid of anything.They entered the Thompson residence hand in hand. There seemed to be quite a few people in the living room.Before Zuko could even see who was there, he heard Toph's enthusiastic voice booming. "Hey, bro!"Zuko paused. "You're here as well?""Of course. Since you're accompanying your wife back to her family, can't I come to see my dearest Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda?"Toph was still the carefree young man he used to be. Their argument at the horse ranch seemed to have been quickly forgotten.Zuko felt relief and concern for
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak