Zuko was expressionless as he turned his face to look at the thugs and asked, "You can film, but my face will be exposed. Are you going to pay me or what?""What did you say?" The leader frowned. "Ha, so you're not stupid!""You'll have to buy a ticket to watch the movie," said Zuko."Do it now, I'm warning you! Or I'll cripple you and then throw you onto her. My job will be done!" snarled the leader.Ignoring the man's presence, Zuko fixed his gaze directly on him. After a moment, a chuckle escaped his lips.His chuckle sent shivers down their spines. As they prepared to teach him a lesson, he swiftly dodged their attack with remarkable agility. With a quick turn, he delivered a powerful kick to the person behind him, precisely targeting a vital point."Ah!" The leader rolled on the ground in pain. When the rest saw that, they dared not go forward and looked at Zuko nervously.Zuko fought with the thugs in the small room.Meanwhile, Lina, hearing the chaos and commotion around
The ringing in Lina's ears persisted, distracting her as she stared blankly at the ceiling.Clutching the sheet tightly, she felt her heart ache, replaying the disturbing events in her mind. Violet had framed her, using a drug-laced handkerchief to incapacitate her.The realization left her in disbelief and filled her with anger.Tears welled up in Lina's eyes, falling silently into the pillow as the weight of the situation overwhelmed her. Sleep eluded her that night.She received calls from her family and Gia, but she couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth. Instead, she put on a brave face, assuring them that everything was fine and attributing her absence to exhaustion and a minor cold.When Lina finally spoke to Gia, her voice trembled with emotions. Unable to contain herself any longer, she confided in her friend, pouring out the painful details of what had happened."That's ridiculous!" Gia was roaring. "Don't let Violet go!"Lina forced a smile. How should she "not le
Jesse was also a Jenner, but he was tens of thousands of miles apart from the Jenners.Back then, William, whose eyes were on top of his head, did not even spare a glance at broke relatives like Jesse, a distant one especially.After Jesse's first attempt to seek refuge with William failed, he decided to rely on his own efforts. He started by setting up a stall on the night market street and eventually saved enough money to open a shop, which had now become this small supermarket. It had been a journey of hardships and struggles, waking up early and working late, and only those who had experienced it firsthand could truly understand.This small supermarket was more important to him than his own life. Now, he had to make a choice between his life and his daughter."Jesse, have you lost your voice?" Melissa hugged Lina in her arms, patting her head just like when she was a child, with tears streaming down her face."Anyway... I disagree! Is there no justice in this world anymore? Ho
As Zuko was about to reach the last store, he heard a commotion coming from across the street. Soon, shelves and merchandise were being thrown out of the small supermarket "Jazzy Mint".Zuko was taken aback. He heard a girl shouting in anger and a group of men mocking her and saw the arrogant Violet standing at the store entrance with a cold and malicious smirk."Lina Jenner, this is just a small warning for you!" Violet looked at the mess triumphantly. "If you dare to talk nonsense and defame us Grists again, I have ways to make you suffer!""Do the Grists need me to defame you when you do all those outrageous things?" Lina glared at her. "Violet, you better be careful. Karma will find your whole family!""You little b*tch, how dare you curse me?" barked Violet.Lina ignored her directly and tidied up the things on the ground. The fruits and vegetables in the store were smashed, and the bottled drinks were shattered. The only things she could salvage were the packaged snacks.Ho
"Violet, are you crazy!?" Lina trembled with anger.When Zuko stood before her, Lina instinctively took a few steps back."All of you... get lost! Or I'll call the police!""Don't scare me with the police!" Violet gloated. "Lina, if I don't see your marriage certificate with this idiot within three days, I'll return to smash your store!"Even if you call the police, they'll make me compensate you! Hah! The Grists don't lack money. I'll just think I'm feeding the dogs!Violet sneered coldly, her lips curling. "But it's different for your parents. If you're willing to let them see how I destroy their lifetime of hard work with their own eyes, then go ahead and oppose me!""You!" Lina raised her hand abruptly, but that slap never landed. She knew the Grists had power and influence, so the Grist Group's products would still circulate in the market even if she reported and resisted.Even though her family's small supermarket was smashed like this, there was not a single neighbor arou
Lina felt like she should say something but did not know what to say. Every time she thought about Ziuko, her heart felt like it was being gnawed at by ants, causing unbearable pain. However, if Ziko had not been there, she would have had a hard time dealing with it alone. Lina bit her lip, and in her mind, these words flashed like lightning—three days, marriage certificate, smashing the store.She took a deep breath, and a bold thought emerged."Z-Zeke," she tried calling his name, "Your name is Zeke, right?"Zuko's back stiffened, and he paused in arranging the shelves. Even though he was facing away from her, he could still sense her trembling."Zeke, how about... we stay together?" she asked."What?" Zuko's tone changed as he turned around abruptly, his deep gaze fixed on her.What nonsense was this girl saying!?He had only helped out a little when he saw an injustice. Was he being repaid with ingratitude? Was she going to cling to him for the rest of her life?Lina noti
"I am Lina Jenner," Lina uttered her name after a moment and continued turning around to tidy up the shelves.Zuko was somewhat surprised. "You're also a Jenner?"Lina looked at him. "What's wrong?" Zuko lightly shook his head, a cold and stern profile with a faint hint of a smile.'What a coincidence, she is also a Jenner.'However, Zuko's mother had only used the surname Jenner in the first half of her life. For this special reason, Zuko could not help but look at Lina a few more times.Unlike the disheveled appearance that night, she now exuded a sense of clarity and purity. Even in a regular white shirt and jeans, she appeared extraordinary. Moreover, she was beautiful.The corners of Zuko's lips curved up slightly, a smile he himself did not even notice....Lina and Zuko agreed that he would go home and pack his things tonight and move in the next day. However, she felt somewhat regretful in the evening.When she saw the astonished gazes of Jesse, Melissa, and Dave, sh
"Don't worry, mom!" Lina said, "He's coming to our house, and there's no other room for him, so he'll sleep on the living room floor!""Well..." Melissa said, gritting her teeth, "And don't expect me to show him any kindness!"Lina's heart lurched, and she hugged her mother to gently pat her back."Mom, actually... he has his strengths," she said with a smile. Yet tears were streaming down her face as she tried to say only positive things, "Look at how sturdy and reliable he looks! We'll feel safe at home! If you can't stand him, just treat him as a guard I invited."With him guarding the entrance, Violet won't dare cause trouble!"Melissa's tears turned into a smile as she nodded at Lina's words, letting out a helpless sigh.That night, the whole family went to sleep except for Melissa, who could not fall asleep. She sat by Lina's side, gently stroking her hair.20 years had passed like a fleeting moment, but it still felt like it happened just yesterday to her.At that time…