Just as Shirley teetered on the edge of losing her composure, she abruptly detected an imposing presence emanating from the girl before her. A chill ran down her spine, prompting an instinctive step backward.Persephone smiled, yet her eyes exuded an icy demeanor. She took a deliberate step forward and said, "My friend and I are heading to the shopping mall now. Do you still intend to stop us?"Shirley breathed heavily and glared at her fiercely."Also, there's something I'd like to make clear." Persephone displayed no hint of fear. "I don't know what issue you have with Wynn, but everyone has the right to live life on their terms. I respect his choices, and I'm willing to be his friend. That's none of your concern. I don't need you dictating my actions! If I catch you being rude to him again, I won't let you off easily!"Her assertiveness stunned Shirley.She had assumed the girl Kourtney had handed over to Morpheus to be weak, never expecting her to be quite resilient. Now infur

There seemed to be a voice inside Persephone that said, "Don't do this. It's someone else's money."She recalled what Wynn had told her. Morpheus' life hung on the edge every day working at the underground arena. The slightest mistake could cost him his life.However, the audience watching the competitions were avid gamblers who cared little for the fighters' lives, deriving pleasure from the adrenaline of gambling.Her hands shook.She glimpsed Morpheus' blood-stained wrist wrap, a testament to the toll he paid for every cent earned. Yet, she...After some thought, she held onto the credit card."What's wrong?" Wynn asked softly."I-I'm sorry." She turned to face him. "I suddenly remembered that this is Morpheus' hard-earned money. Even though he gave me his card, I shouldn't spend it thoughtlessly. Also, taking credit for using his money to buy you things doesn't make sense…"She was sincere, "Wynn, can we buy these later? When I have the money, I—""Of course!" He smiled ha

"Is there something you'd like to tell me?" Morpheus asked."Umm…" Persephone pursed her lips. "Do you think I was being unreasonable at the store?""What?""The brand is known for its quality. Basically, nobody would get a refund," she said softly. "As soon as the manager finds out that someone requested a refund, the shop assistant will be questioned and might be fired.""What? You can't bear for that to happen to her?""No." She looked into his eyes. All the words were stuck in her throat—she had no idea how to say it.It was not that she couldn't bear to do it—she cared about what he thought.She was worried he might think she was being stubborn and stirring trouble.She was worried she might become an unreasonable and self-centered girl to him.Even she was shocked when that thought came up. Why did she care about that so much?"That's how the world is." Morpheus' voice was deep. "If we don't bully anyone, we can't just take it blindly when we're bullied. Is it fair if y

Persephone had never witnessed the cruelty of life, nor had she fathomed the extent to which it could push a person. While her brother, back in the Hamertons, had a boxing trainer to enhance his physique as a personal interest, Morpheus engaged in it for survival.The realization hit her, and a wave of sadness washed over Persephone, prompting tears to fall. She struggled to speak, her voice choked. "Who... was it... Who subjected you to such brutality... Does it... hurt?"Morpheus' heart tightened at her words. Slowly, he turned to face her, questioning if the glistening tears on her face were for him. Touched by the unspoken emotion, he refrained from expressing it overtly.After a prolonged silence, he handed her a bottle of ointment. In the darkness, his deep voice resonated. "I can't reach my back, indeed. Please apply this for me."Persephone was taken aback. Wiping away her tears, she accepted the bottle. As she ceased crying, he softened his demeanor.In the quiet house,

Persephone pointed at them. "These two herbs together are for promoting blood circulation and removing bruises. Soaking them in bathwater and using them to wash can reduce swelling and alleviate pain..."Morpheus gazed at her steadily. Yet, Persephone interpreted his complex expression as his surprise.Waving her hand, she chuckled and continued. "No need to thank me. These are small matters to me! And you don't have to worry about the proportion. It's absolutely precise!"Morpheus narrowed his eyes. The herbs were quite common, but not in Flinge, not even familiar. However, in Southeast Aciatic... His heart lurched, and his gaze toward Persephone deepened."Hey, this is the culmination of my lifelong learning!" Persephone looked at him. "You should go to the pharmacy for them when you have time!"After a prolonged silence, Morpheus asked in a low voice, "How do you know these prescriptions?"Persephone felt proud. What was so difficult about it? Her grandmother was a descendant