Zuko had just finished eating some grilled chicken wings on a skewer. He glanced at Toph, wishing he could use that bamboo skewer on him."Mom was right about you.""What do you mean?" Toph asked, confused.Zuko gritted out two words through his teeth, "Too dramatic!"With that, he got up and left, heading over to where Chris and the others were.Toph remained bewildered but was tempted by the lively scene on the other side. He had a natural desire for lively atmospheres.He smiled and picked up his paintbrush to sketch the scene. He outlined everyone else, but he drew meticulously when it came to a certain person. That person stood out oddly in the sketch.-With everything settled, it was time for Chris and Lena's wedding.Zuko also wanted to contribute, so he had been staying at home these past few days, discussing plans with his parents to carefully arrange things for his dear cousin."Chris and Lenny prefer things to be quiet, so there's no need for a big ceremony. Somet
Despite that, Arya and Toph appeared quite content with their current situation. Over the past two years, they had been painting together, selling copyrights, adapting works, and even working as animation directors side by side. Their days were filled with activity as they supported each other in their careers and shared the simple joys of life.Yet, when two artists spent time together, clashes over their artistic philosophies were inevitable. There were numerous instances when Zuko and Lina feared that the two of them would completely fall out.Surprisingly, after heated arguments, they would burst into laughter, filling their art studio with warmth.Lina asked her daughter, "Did you say all the things I taught you?"Persephone nodded earnestly."How did Uncle Toph react?" she asked."Hmm…" Persephone paused to think. "I don't think those words work on him.""What?" Lina was taken aback.Zuko chuckled and embraced her. "Well, let's take it slow. I don't think Toph is that stu
"I'm her uncle!" Toph claimed.The PE teacher thought for a moment and then crouched down to ask, "Do you know him, Sephy?"Toph frowned and said, "Hey, you! You don't believe me?""I'm sorry," the teacher replied with a courteous smile. "It's a rule at the kindergarten that we must be familiar with those picking up the children. The bodyguard and nanny usually come, and sometimes it's her parents or grandparents."There was even an uncle and an aunt named Lena who came once, but I've never seen you before. So, I have to be cautious about handing her over to a stranger."Toph was rendered speechless.He had never picked up his niece before. He wouldn't have bothered if it weren't for his curiosity about his romantic rival's appearance.The PE teacher asked again, "Do you know him, Sephy?"Toph gestured to Persephone.She pouted and appeared confused.Toph made a silly face at her and then pretended to threaten her, baring his teeth as if he was going to playfully strangle her
At that moment, Arya rushed over from around the corner."I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She had no makeup on and was wearing sunglasses. "I lost track of time while painting. Can you forgive me, Sephy?"She panted after running and hadn't even washed the paint off her hands.But Persephone smiled as soon as she saw her and hugged her like a puppy.Toph stood next to them, wearing a light smile.The PE teacher looked at Arya. "Sephy, is she your family, too?""Yes!" Persephone nodded.Arya blushed and instinctively looked at Toph, then quickly looked away.However, Persephone suddenly had a thought—hadn't she brought Arya to meet her PE teacher today? But what if she liked her uncle more?Despite his usual teasing, he was very protective of her when it mattered!She frowned and decided not to introduce them as her parents had asked. Teachers could be replaced, but she only had one uncle who was so close to her in the entire world!Thus, she grabbed Toph and Arya's hands on each side
It was Arya who calmed both of them down when it mattered most."What's wrong? Just let her ride the horse if she wants to!" Arya smiled and pulled out a pair of pants she had prepared in advance. "Look, Pammy knows her daughter's temperament well enough to have asked me to bring these pants!"Persephone beamed with happiness and accompanied Arya to the ladies' room. Soon after, a cheerful little girl confidently galloped over and rode the majestic fake horse with pure joy, swaying to the sweet melody."Uncle, I want to ride a real horse next time!" she exclaimed."Sure, sure!" Toph was at a loss for words. "Other princesses are so proper. You're unique...""I don't like being called a princess. Don't call me that again!" she protested."Then what should I call you?" he asked."Hmm... a lady warrior!"Toph and Arya burst into laughter.Had she inherited this from her great-grandmother? It seemed like she wouldn't grow up to be a fragile lady but rather a strong and assertive l
Persephone looked at that man shyly. She had many questions flashing through her mind at the moment.'Mommy said I should have good manners. Should I call him "sir" now?'No, he looks much older than my uncle! So should I call him "mister"?'But I've smudged my whole ice cream on his jacket. Maybe I should say sorry first?'The ice cream was vanilla-flavored, and she had taken only a few licks.The man spoke first. "Little girl, you're Persephone, right?" His voice was deep, like a cello. She was shocked.He smiled mysteriously and glanced at his jacket, then heard a man and a woman screaming, "Sephy! Are you okay?"Nervously, Toph and Arya rushed over. They checked if she was hurt, then noticed the ice cream on the man's black jacket."We're sorry, sir!" Toph apologized, nodding. "Your jacket is dirty now. How about we exchange phone numbers? I'll have someone send you a new one after I buy it!"The man shook his head. His eyes were enigmatic, impossible to read.Toph studie
Zuko approached Toph and playfully flicked his head, creating a loud noise."Ouch!" Toph yelped in pain. His eyes and hands, however, remained fixed on his phone. "Bro, that was mean! Will you still feed me if my head isn't working anymore?""The Bayers will take care of that, not me!""You..."Suddenly, Toph's expression changed, and he let out a frustrated yell as he punched the sofa. He was so close to passing that level in his game."Stop playing," Zuko said as he sat down next to Toph, getting down to business. "How did things go with Arya this afternoon? You've been with her all day. Don't tell me there's been no progress.""I..." Toph stammered, unsure of where to begin.Two years ago, he couldn't move on from his past trauma. Two years later, he believed he had completely healed and was ready for a new relationship.However, he wasn't sure if Arya felt the same way. Besides work-related topics, they didn't seem to talk about much when they were alone."Toph? Hey!" Zuko
Toph was troubled. He hadn't expected this project to be so complicated. All he wanted was to surprise Arya."There are a few things I need to tell you," Zuko said in his usual serious tone, getting straight to business. He pulled up the theme park on his computer's map, urging Toph to look."Take a look at this... Geographically, this theme park is right at the intersection of the new and old town. It doesn't have a strategic location advantage."Nowadays, transportation is well-developed, so people who want to go to theme parks tend to choose larger ones outside the city. And if they prefer staying in the city, there are a couple of options with convenient transportation that can meet their needs."Zuko couldn't stop talking, and Toph was struggling to stay awake.Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Zuko reached his conclusion. "So, I don't think this project is profitable. Do you understand?"Toph jumped up, suddenly more alert. "Oh... Huh?"Toph asked, "Bro, must it