“Oh, this?”Zuko took out what he was holding. It was a banknote.Lina was stunned at first. She only realized that it was not a banknote but a drawn one!It was just that the patterns and the lines were too real!Zuko could totally fool someone with that.Lina was dumbstruck and looked at him blankly.Zuko noticed the complex emotions flashing through her eyes at that second.Did she think that he was forging banknotes?Zuko chuckled. “Your father asked me if I could forge banknotes. I don’t, but I can draw them. I drew this, especially for you.”“For me?” asked Lina.“Mm-hmm.” He gestured and said, “Flip it over.”Lina flipped it over in doubt. The normal banknotes should have the location of the bank printed on the center-right side, but there were two alphabet characters in their place instead—LJ.Lina was confused at first and then stunned. She suddenly looked up. Zuko no longer looked unfathomable and cold like before. There was a strange warmth in his eyes now.“I d
Zuko was stunned."My class starts at 8:30 a.m., and it's already 8:20 a.m." Lina felt troubled. "I need it for the third period. I—"Zuko turned around and departed without saying another word, leaving her standing there alone.Lina stood there, lost in thought. She couldn't seem to comprehend this man's intentions... After arriving in the classroom, she still had five minutes to spare. She took a bite of her granola bar and noticed that it contained sugar, yet it failed to taste sweet.As the third period approached, Lina struggled to focus. The lecturer's words felt like rocket science to her. She filled her mind with excuses for potentially being unable to submit her homework on time.During a break, she made a quick visit to the bathroom.Upon her return, Gia intercepted her outside the classroom. "Lina!""Hmm?" Lina was stunned. "What's up?""Don't… go in yet." Gia looked rather odd.Lina looked into the classroom.Violet was spewing nonsense. "I guess you guys didn't k
"You!" Violet was mad from the humiliation and almost hit Lina. However, she held back as her classmates were watching.After all, she had been putting on the facade of a friendly and generous princess. If she really slapped her and those ill-intentioned people uploaded the clip onto the Internet, the facade she had put so much effort into would be completely ruined!Her lips quivered, and she tried her best to smile."Get over yourself, Lina!" Violet gnashed her teeth and enunciated each word. "Don't think you're safe just because you married that fool! I'll never let you go!"Lina glanced at her and continued reading as if nothing happened.Gia went to sit next to Lina and held her hand softly.Zuko stood at the door, having witnessed everything. Frowning in disgust, he cast a glance of disapproval at Violet. He then turned around and made his way to a quiet corner in the corridor, where he made a call, speaking softly. "Jacob, it's me."The latter was surprised as Zuko hardly
Violet grinned. "So, Lina, when will you guys hold a party? I'm sure you can't afford that, right?"That man is poor, yet you insisted on marrying him. What do you like about him?"Gia gnashed her teeth. "Violet, you know very well why she got married!""How would I know?" Violet laughed out loud. "Don't tell me she's keeping a secret?""Absolutely not," Lina declared, rising from her seat. Her gaze turned cold as she scanned the room, ultimately fixing it firmly on Violet.Lina displayed no fear as she confronted Violet. The latter was taken aback by Lina's unwavering posture, rendering her speechless."Since everyone is so curious about why I got married, I'll fulfill your wish today." She smiled and said, "It's because… I love him!""What!?"Everyone was shocked, including shell-shocked Violet.Lina smiled. She was happy that Zuko was not there, or she would feel embarrassed."Yes, I love him!" She raised her voice intentionally. "My husband is the best man in the world. H
A hush fell over the students as the lecturer entered the classroom.It was a design theory class, and Lina had consistently excelled, earning praise for her homework numerous times.However, her heart was in disarray right now.Her gaze fixated emptily on her homework, her thoughts consumed by Zuko's presence as he entered the room.She absentmindedly touched her hair, still feeling the lingering warmth from his touch...A smile gradually spread across her face as she stared into space.What had he said before he left? He had mentioned bringing her lunch.For a moment, she was taken aback, revealing an awkward smile.How could that be possible? The store would be crowded at noon, and he was expected to remain there with her parents. How could he possibly find the time to bring her lunch? Moreover, did he even know how to cook?Perhaps he had simply said it without much thought.Yet, despite her skepticism, his words brought her joy.…Soon, It was noon, and the students we
The manager looked up to look at Violet. "Are you Ms. Lina?"Violet gulped. "I'm not.""That's right," he said with a smile. "I'm delivering the food for Ms. Lina and Ms. Lina only. This is no mistake!""But she—"Violet yearned to say more, but the manager didn't allow her any opportunity. Without warning, he stood tall, gesturing for the others behind to do the same. Their voices grew louder."Enjoy your meal, Ms. Lina!"…To be honest, Lina felt extremely uneasy as she ate.More than ten attendants stood around the classroom while the manager served her. Numerous students watched from outside.She started to perspire. The more she pondered, the stranger it seemed.Upon returning home, her first instinct was to confront Zuko."What was that during lunch?" she inquired.He furrowed his brow. Hadn't he arranged a meal for her through the owner of Best Level?Could it be that the food wasn't good?"Zeke!" Lina's expression grew anxious. Suspicion clouded her innocent eyes.
Zuko licked his lips, feeling his throat dry. He was adept at concealing his emotions, never allowing them to show on his face.However, lying was not his strong suit. He had been forbidden from lying since childhood.Now, he found himself struggling to fabricate what might be the biggest lie of his life.Lina's eyes grew increasingly suspicious. "Zeke, a meal at that hotel could cost someone's entire annual income, so...""I did something, but it's not illegal," he replied, his voice deep, avoiding direct eye contact.In the past, he never looked people in the eyes because he simply didn't care. But now, he felt a pang of guilt, hence avoiding her gaze.Her anxiety grew instantly. "What did you do?"Zuko fell into a momentary silence. Immersing himself in the persona of "Zeke," he quickly brainstormed what kind of activity could have yielded such a large sum of money in a short period of time.Then, he remembered his uncle, a renowned actor, in Southeast Asia. Although Zuko wa
If Zuko knew he was going to make up such a lie, he would have pretended to be sick these two days. How could he work so hard!?"Zeke, come over. Let me have a look!" said Lina."What?" Zuko turned back to glare at her. "W-What do you want to look at?""If you're badly injured! We have ointments and stuff at home. I'll apply them for you if your injuries are bad!""No need!" Zuko blurted and put both his hands up in front of him as if Lina was trying to take advantage of him. "Uh… There's really no need. I'm thick-skinned and rugged, used to falling and knocking around. There's no need for ointment!""Zeke Hamerton!" Lina grabbed his T-shirt, ready to yank it up. "Just let me take a look!""Don't come over!""Why are you shouting?""Are you done? Don't touch me!"Zuko glared at Lina, causing her to stand frozen in shock."Zeke, I was just trying to be kind..." Lina softly explained.It would be untrue to say that his reaction didn't hurt her.Melissa couldn't stand to see h