Ch. 1001..1010

Chapter 1001

Chapter 1001

It was a clear and sunny weekend, but Zuko was not around, so time felt particularly slow for Lina.

She sat at the entryway, feeling bored and absentmindedly nibbling on watermelon. The sound of a car horn broke the silence of the empty alley, its loud honk resonating crisply in the air. Lina was taken aback and quickly ran out to see.

A striking red convertible sports car caught Lina's attention at the alley's entrance. Its sleek and dynamic body glistened under the sunlight, emanating a unique radiance.

As the car came to a stop, the driver, a person with wavy hair resembling a celebrity, removed her sunglasses and greeted Lina with a beaming smile. "Ready to have some fun today? Hop in!" Lina's surprise and delight were evident as she exclaimed, almost screaming, "Gia? Is that really you?!"

This version of Gia was completely different from the one she knew. Until last week, Gia had been a very low-key student, dressing modestly and carrying herself in a reserved manner. Then she was absent from class, and when Lina sent her a message, the only reply she received was a vague response: [I took sick leave.]

Today...

"Missy, are you coming or not?"

Lina smiled and eagerly hopped into Gia's luxury car after informing her parents.

The interior of the car was also extremely luxurious. It must have been expensive.

Lina took a deep breath as she glanced at her T-shirt and jeans, then at Gia's exquisite dress, high heels, gemstone necklace, and pearl bracelet. Suddenly, she felt like Gia had transformed into a swan while she remained an ugly duckling.

In the back of the car sat Gia's designer handbag-it seemed to be from a brand that required purchasing multiple items before being eligible to buy a bag.

Lina felt a bit dazed, unsure of what had transpired in these few days to bring about such a dramatic change in Gia.

Gia smiled. "Hey, what's wrong with you?"

The sports car sped down the road, and the wind blew through Gia's wavy hair, making her look radiant.

"Nothing," Lina replied with a smile.

Actually, she wanted to express that she suddenly felt like they were no longer in the same world, but the words that came out were, "I just suddenly find you so beautiful." Upon hearing that, Gia giggled happily.

"Lina, what they say is true. Glow-up is real! Look at how I dress myself up. Even Violet would be outshined by me, right?"

Lina smiled. "You were already prettier than her, to begin with!"

"Today... I'll make you beautiful too!"

"Huh?" Lina was stunned, but before she could react, Gia suddenly stepped on the accelerator, and the car raced down the riverside road.

Before long, Gia brought her to Jangasas' largest shopping center, Glamtique Plaza.

They often visited the place, but they would quicken their pace without saying a word every time they passed by Glamtique Plaza. This kind of place where a pair of socks could cost thousands of dollars was something they never dared to imagine.

Lina was stunned, and her next subconscious action was to hold Gia back by her hand. However, Gia did not stop. Instead, she pulled her in with a smile.

"Are you crazy..." Lina whispered, staring at her, "What are we doing here?"

"Shopping, of course! What else could it be?"

Lina could not believe it. "Gia, did you win the lottery?"

Gia smiled without saying anything and pointed at a pair of high heels to ask Lina if she liked them.

Lina was uneasy, but all the sales associates showed a standard professional smile and a polite bow when they saw Gia.

"Lina, try on these shoes!" Gia entered a luxury boutique and excitedly picked out clothes and shoes for her. "And this one, this one too. Try them all!"

Chapter 1002

Chapter 1002

"Lina, this bag matches you too!

"You should try everything on. I'll wait for you here!"

Upon saying that, Gia sat on the sofa in the center of the boutique, and immediately someone served her exquisite-looking pastries.

Lina felt like she was dreaming. Several shop assistants followed behind her, each with their hands full and a smile on their faces that only appeared when they saw potential customers. Seeing Lina hesitate to enter the fitting room, Gia walked over and took her hand with a light smile. "Okay, I'll tell you the truth. My parents did come into some money!"

"What?"

"It's a few stocks they bought in their early years." Gia's gaze was evasive. "Somehow, they skyrocketed recently to the point where they both start questioning reality! Heh, it's like a windfall, isn't it?"

Lina was half skeptical. She occasionally paid attention to the stock market news too. Although she did not understand it well, she could still read charts and trends. In her impression, the stock market had always been in decline, but a few stocks had risen unexpectedly and turned everything red. Perhaps Gia's parents did have some good luck.

"Even so, we shouldn't be wasteful like this!" Lina placed her hand on the back of Gia's hand. "Besides, this money belongs to your parents. We can't spend it recklessly."

"No, no, some of it is mine!" Gia hurriedly explained, "Anyway... Anyway, you can spend it. I'll buy whatever you like today, my treat!"

"Gia—"

"Lina, you're my best friend!" Gia looked into her eyes, genuine and sincere. "Don't you remember me hiding at your place when I had fights with my parents and got kicked out of the house? You always take me in and stand up for me when I face difficulties. I'll remember this for a lifetime!"

Lina's heart warmed, and she smiled gently.

"Lina, I've always wanted to find an opportunity to repay you." Gia's voice gradually lowered with a hint of pleading. "Let me repay you today, okay?"

"Silly, do we need to be so polite between us?" said Lina.

"Lina!"

"Okay, okay..." Lina knew she could not persuade Gia, so she smiled and said, "But don't buy so much, just one clothing item and one pair of shoes for me. Is that alright?"

Gia looked at her, a complex expression fleeting across her face. However, the abnormality lasted for less than two seconds before she turned back into Lina's best friend.

"Fine, it's up to you!" Gia said, "Last year, I said I'd give you a big birthday present this year. Even though your birthday hasn't arrived yet, you can choose now. After all, we have a long time ahead of us!" "Okay!" Lina also smiled and picked out something she liked to take into the fitting room.

Gia licked her lips, somewhat lost as she stared in the direction of the fitting room. She felt guilty too.

She touched the large sapphire ring on her hand, then looked at her handbag with the car key hanging on it-the logo on the key was often seen as a symbol of a rich person.

If it were not for Lina... or rather, if it were not for Pamela, Gia would never have all these.

Suddenly, Gia's heart skipped a beat, and she clenched her fist tightly.

Her phone rang then, displaying an unidentified number. However, she clearly recognized the number, and her expression instantly became unnatural. She walked outside the store to answer the call. The man on the other end let out two cold laughs and lowered his voice. "Ms. Chapman, enjoying your shopping spree?"

Gia scanned around abruptly, feeling a chill down her spine!

"Don't worry. We're all working for the boss. Why would I cause trouble for you?" The man sneered. "I'm at the plaza where you're shopping. I want to meet you face to face and relay a few words from the boss."

Gia took a deep breath and forced herself to remain calm. "Fine, but you can't get too close to me. After you're done, I still have to continue shopping with Lina."

"Hahaha! Such deep sisterly love!" The man mocked her. "Fine, I agree. Five minutes later, at the cafe on the basement floor of the mall. It's relatively secluded. I'll speak fast and leave!"

"Got it."

The man chuckled. "Oh, by the way, spend your money a little more conservatively. Your good friend has a sharper mind than you. She might see through you if she notices anything suspicious about your spending! And it'll be troublesome for you when she confronts you about it seriously!"

Chapter 1003

Chapter 1003

Gia hung up, her palms sweating. She collected herself and turned back to the store, where Lina had not come out yet. Gia pretended as if nothing had happened and softly asked, "Lina, are you done trying the clothes on?"

"This one's a bit big. I need a smaller size..."

Gia immediately asked the store staff to find the right size.

"Lina, um... Why don't you go ahead and try it on? I... I need to use the restroom!"

Lina agreed, and Gia quickly rushed out of the store, heading toward the cafe on the basement floor.

The man was already seated in the far corner. Gia's legs trembled slightly as she forced herself to appear calm and sat down in front of him. The man handed her a card. With most of his face covered by a baseball cap, the slight curve of his lips sent shivers down her spine.

"The boss says you've done a good job. This is your reward."

"Thank you..."

"Your next task is to keep Lina here and ensure she doesn't appear in Centrolis."

Gia's heart skipped a beat. "But... I plan to work in Centrolis after I graduate!"

"Future matters will be dealt with in the future."

Gia wanted to say something more, but the cold expression on the man's face silenced her. After giving their boss' instructions, the man stood up and prepared to leave.

The man said with a sneer, "Ms. Chapman, the boss says as long as you can complete each task, he'll definitely not treat you unfairly."

Gia's voice trembled as she asked, "Why didn't the boss... choose me?"

"Choose you?"

Gia looked up at him.

Yes, since they needed someone to impersonate the daughter of the Thompsons, why had they not chosen her? Instead, they had her approach Lina from the beginning of university, acquire Lina's DNA sample, and even take Lina to remove her birthmark and add a mole.

After all that effort, they found another girl to impersonate Pamela. Gia could not understand. She always thought she was the perfect candidate to be Pamela.

The man paused and turned to look at her. Although she could not see his gaze clearly, she could sense the contempt and mockery emanating from him.

The man scoffed lightly. "Ms. Chapman, you should understand this as someone who buys designer handbags. Even if it's a counterfeit, there are different grades. Heh! What a pity. Even if you carry an Hermès, you still can't become a true socialite!"

"You-"

The man raised his hand slightly and quickly disappeared into the crowd of the mall. "Spend the money in your account wisely!"

In fact, he did not mention one thing. The person his boss wanted to use had to be a suitable puppet. Gia was too independent and would not be someone who obediently followed orders. They could control her with money for now. What about the future?

If she successfully impersonated Pamela, gained the Thompsons' trust, and married into the Hamertons, she would turn her back on them! They would not obtain anything they desired. It was better to keep he in Jangasas and restrain Lina, ensuring that Lina's identity would never be revealed.

At the Thompson residence in Centrolis...

Zuko met Pamela there, who had been missing for so many years.

She was fair-skinned, delicate, and obedient. Zuko was momentarily stunned when he saw her for the first time. He had initially assumed that this Pamela they had found was an impersonator, but he suddenly felt that his judgment might have been wrong this time.

He glanced at his parents. Zephyr and Cordelia shared the same expression of confusion.

"Pammy, greet them!" Linda held the girl's hand. She had been holding her daughter's hand like that for the past few days. Even when sleeping, she would stay by her daughter's side quietly, kissing her hand repeatedly, unwilling to let go even for a moment.

Pamela lowered her head slightly. She had a beautiful oval face with not overly stunning features but pleasant to look at. What surprised Zuko even more was that she resembled Nicholas slightly. Toph whispered in Zuko's ear, "Zuko, do you think she looks like Uncle Nicholas?"

Zuko remained silent for a moment and replied softly, "A little."

"I think... it might just be an illusion," muttered Toph. "Even if you put two strangers together, you'll start to think they look alike after a long time. We're all human beings with two eyes and one mouth. There's nothing special..."

Realization struck Zuko as he found the explanation quite reasonable.

Lost in thought, he was abruptly jolted by a soft voice calling him, "Zuko."

Zuko froze.

Pamela stood in front of him, nodding slightly as a gesture of greeting.

Zuko's expression changed slightly, showing a polite but distant coldness toward her.

Hearty peals of laughter echoed from the entrance hall. Nicholas strode in, accompanied by another man. Zuko followed the sound and saw a man similar in age and appearance to Nicholas. Both of them were engaged in a lively conversation as they walked.

"Zephyr, Cordelia, you're all here too!" Nicholas exclaimed with excitement. "Let me introduce you. He's my younger cousin, Melvin... My daughter's return is all thanks to him!"

Melvin waved his hand, revealing a deep smile. "Actually, I just got lucky. In any case, my niece is also a Thompson! How could a Thompson child be left to wander outside?

"I'm glad to have helped my cousin this time!" Melvin spoke earnestly and choked up as he continued. "Seeing their family reunited, I feel that the hardships of these past 20 years were not in vain..." Melvin's eyes turned red. "Nicholas, Linda, you must stay happy!"

Nicholas and Linda were emotional individuals, so tears welled up in their eyes upon hearing his words.

Zephyr patted Nicholas' shoulder while Cordelia busied herself comforting Linda.

Toph also went over to cheer them up. Only Zuko seemed to be detached, observing everything with a cold demeanor.

When he inadvertently made eye contact with Pamela, the girl paused for a moment before quickly lowering her head, nervously fiddling with her skirt.

Chapter 1004

Chapter 1004

"This must be the eldest son of the Hamertons, right?"

Melvin suddenly turned his gaze toward Zuko at the dining table.

Zuko paused and looked back at him.

It was worth mentioning that Melvin also belonged to the category who aged well. Despite reaching middle age, he did not show any sign of that. On the contrary, he looked even more energetic than a young

man.

He also looked good. He bore a striking resemblance to Nicholas, and anyone could tell at first glance that they were cousins from the same lineage.

Zuko frowned and glanced at the nearby Pamela, feeling something was off.

"Zuko, Uncle Melvin's talking to you!" Cordelia reminded him in a low voice. "Since you call Nicholas' Uncle Nicholas', just call him Uncle Melvin." Zuko nodded slightly, politely acknowledging it.

Melvin smiled and praised him. "The children of the Hamertons are all outstanding, truly exceptional!"

"Mr. Melvin, you're too kind." Cordelia chuckled. "My eldest son is great in every way, except he doesn't like talking much. Please don't mind him."

"Don't worry about it. They say silence is golden, and only lucky ones speak slowly, right?"

Cordelia and Zephyr exchanged a glance and gently curled their lips. They had a feeling that Melvin was more shrewd than Nicholas because the latter would never resort to such flattery.

A few rounds of drinks later, Melvin put his hand on Nicholas' shoulder and began to reminisce about their chaotic childhood. However, he suddenly changed the topic and smiled with a squint. "Nicholas, I remember you once said that if I found you your daughter, you'd use 1/3 of Sol Entertainment to thank me, right?"

Nicholas' face was red from drinking, and he was intoxicated, almost agreeing to it without thinking.

Zephyr anxiously watched this unfold and viciously kicked Nicholas' leg under the table while glaring at him, yet the guy did not react at all.

Zuko suddenly spoke, smirking. "Uncle Melvin, are you joking, or are you being serious?"

Melvin looked over as he replied, "Zuko, this is an agreement between me and my cousin. It's none of your business. Ha, have some more dishes!"

"Uncle Melvin, what you said isn't right." Zuko put down his cutlery and looked at Melvin directly. "Sol Entertainment and the Hamertons' Imperial Media are evenly matched in show business in recent years. We don't want to create a competitive relationship. Working together for mutual benefit can let us go further.

"So, Imperial Media injected a certain amount of capital into Sol Entertainment five years ago, acquiring a 10% stake. It's not much, but there are shares of the Hamertons within Sol Entertainment.

"I don't care how you want to get this 1/3 share, Uncle Melvin, but before you do it, shouldn't you separate the Hamertons' money first?"

At that point, Zuko sneered. "Besides, Sol Entertainment is Uncle Nicholas' empire he worked hand and foot for. You probably have no idea how many hardships he has been through. Why didn't I see you stepping forward to help Uncle Nicholas when he faced difficulties?"

Melvin's expression stiffened, and his eyes darted around.

He reevaluated Zuko. It seemed that he had underestimated this young heir. He thought that being in his mid-20s and born with a silver spoon, Zuko was sheltered and ignorant of the world. Melvin never expected him to say such words in front of his elders!

Zephyr watched his son with a pleased smile and smoothly brought the conversation to a close. "Mr. Melvin, please don't take offense. It's my incompetence as a father. This kid's talking nonsense. Please don't lower yourself to his level. I'll educate him properly back home!"

Melvin smiled superficially as he raised his wine glass and finished it in one gulp.

'Hah, if you really think you're incompetent as a father, where were you when Zuko was blabbering earlier?'

The couple had been listening to their son happily!

Melvin winced and looked at Nicholas. "Nicholas, sigh... Look at the mess this has become! I was just joking earlier! I genuinely wanted to help you find your daughter and help the Thompsons! I really have no ulterior motives. I-"

"Alright, alright, I know you've had too much to drink!" Nicholas chuckled. "But my daughter's back. It's a joyous occasion! I'll definitely hold a grand celebration!"

Chapter 1005

Chapter 1005

Nicholas put a hand on Melvin's shoulder and gave it a firm pat. "You have to be there by then! You hear?"

Melvin quickly nodded and raised his glass, celebrating their supposedly deep family bond.

Zuko glanced at Pammy beside him. It seemed like she had not spoken a word since sitting at the dining table. She kept her head down, poking at the food on her plate with her fork, her large eyes seemingly holding countless thoughts.

On the way back, Zuko remained silent. Cordelia and Zephyr also looked grim.

The situation was too bizarre.

The person who had kidnapped Pammy years ago was a distant relative of Nicholas, someone almost completely unrelated to him. He had just risked it to get some money. Now, the person who had brought Pammy back was Nicholas' cousin.

Before Nicholas acquired his current wealth, none of his relatives had been willing to associate with him.

"Honey, I'm a little worried." Zephyr spoke softly. "That relative of Nicholas kidnapped Pammy for money back then, and now Melvin returned with her. Something doesn't feel right."

"Yeah, I feel uneasy too." Cordelia muttered, "But seeing Linda so excited, I can't bear to... Besides, what if she is Pammy?"

"Mom, dad, why are you troubled by such things?" Toph, who had been silent, took off his earphones and smiled. "Find a way to get that Pammy to someone we know and do a DNA test. It's easy to get samples from Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda. The key is Pammy!"

Cordelia glanced at him. "Do you have any ideas?"

Toph smirked mischievously and cast a wicked gaze at his own brother.

"My brother's engaged to the Thompson heiress, isn't he? If they get married and sleep together, getting some samples wouldn't be difficult, right? You'll get the sample on their wedding night- Oww!" Before Toph could finish his sentence, his older brother's palm struck the back of his head.

"Mom, he hit me!" whined Toph.

"Mom, he started it!" protested Zuko.

"You're bullying your younger brother!" retorted Toph.

"You're not respecting your elder brother!" Zuko barked back.

Cordelia felt both amused and exasperated. She had put an end to countless disputes between these two brothers as they grew up, and it always ended with Zephyr kicking them away and telling them to "go play elsewhere".

Now, Zephyr was still the one dealing with them. "Both of you, shut up! Can't you see that your mother wants to take a nap?"

He then spoke softly again. "Sweetheart, lean on me and rest your eyes for a while. I'll wake you up when we get home." Cordelia smiled and happily leaned on his shoulder.

Zuko and Toph shrank back simultaneously, one focusing on his phone and the other listening to music. Most likely, even when they arrived home, their father would not have the heart to wake up their mother and would quietly carry her from the car all the way home. The two of them sighed in unison before they looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Their parents' lovey-dovey moments were not meant to be watched, or their eyes would sting!

Zuko looked at the rapidly receding scenery outside and glanced upward. A full moon hung in the navy night sky. He wondered if the moon in Jangasas was as round and bright and what the people beneath it were thinking.

He checked the time on his watch. It was now past 8:00 p.m., and according to Lina's usual habits, she should be taking a walk by the seaside at this time. However, she had to pass through a dark path to get from the alley to the seaside.

Zuko jolted, and his heart raced as he quickly dialed a number on his phone.

Chapter 1006

Chapter 1006

The phone rang for a while without anyone answering, making Zuko even more anxious. His face turned pale, and tiny beads of sweat formed on his nose. By then, the car had already entered Hamerton Manor.

As expected, Cordelia had fallen asleep in the car. Zephyr made a gesture for everyone to stay quiet and carefully carried her out of the car.

Toph, wearing headphones and whistling, watched his father's back and almost had "envious" written on his forehead.

"Ah, I wonder when I'll meet someone I like. Just like dad doting on mom, I want to dote on her forever! Right, bro?"

Zuko did not react.

Toph then noticed that his brother's face had turned pale with a look of tension.

"What's wrong?" asked Toph.

Zuko glanced at him indifferently, telling him to go back and rest, then he walked briskly to a secluded corner of the courtyard. He dialed the number repeatedly, but no one answered. With each passing minute his heart grew more troubled.

Countless possibilities filled his mind.

Perhaps she encountered danger while walking that small path.

Perhaps Violet had plotted something against her.

Perhaps she was already...

Zuko's heart pounded, and it felt like his blood surged through his body in reverse. He was about to ask the butler to arrange a private plane to rush back to Jangasas when his phone suddenly vibrated in his hand.

"Hello!?"

"What's gotten into you?" The voice on the other end was soft and carried a hint of laughter. "Why does your voice sound like that? It's scary!"

Zuko was stunned for a few seconds and gradually calmed down. Not only did Lina find it scary, but he also found it scary.

For someone who had been mature beyond his years and accustomed to disguising his emotions, what had just happened was truly abnormal.

Zuko used a light cough to cover up his embarrassment, but his words came out incoherently. "N-Nothing, I-I just, I suddenly remembered that you might be taking a walk by the seaside, and I wanted to call and remind you that... it's cold, so layer up."

Lina was puzzled and took a while to react. "What are you talking about? It's summer now!"

"Oh, then it's hot, so layer up."

"Zeke!" Lina burst into laughter. "What's wrong with you? I remember that Jangasas isn't far from Centrolis! Why does it feel like we're living in different hemispheres?"

Zuko bit his tongue and grimaced, wishing he could take back what he had just said!

"Besides, I didn't go for a walk today." Lina spoke softly. "There's no moon tonight, and I didn't feel like going out."

"No moon?"

Lina confirmed it. "Hmm, it's overcast in Jangasas, and the fog has set in."

Zuko naturally replied, "Oh... Can you tell me the shape of the fog tonight?" "Huh?"

Zuko cursed himself again for his foolishness.

He did not want to admit that he was worried about her safety, which was why he kept calling. He did not want to admit that he was rambling on because he wanted to hear her voice more and have a conversation with her.

He also did not want to admit that Lina had unknowingly entered his heart.

Lina's heart also raced like a startled deer's as she held her phone. Just moments ago, she had been doing her homework and had put her phone on silent mode. Once she was done and saw over 20 missed calls-all from the same person-her smile became sweeter than honey. She felt like she had the whole world in that instant.

What happened next?

He rambled on with a few sentences and stopped. Now, she could only hear his slightly heavy breathing through the phone. After a moment of silence, Lina finally gathered her courage and asked, "Zeke... w- when are you coming back?"

Zuko's heart melted right away. Then, countless possibilities flooded his mind.

Could it be that she liked him?

Perhaps she was also thinking of him when he was looking at the moon and thinking of her?

Or maybe... her family really could not do without him as their door guardian.

Zuko sighed, feeling that the last possibility was the most likely.

"Zeke, are you even listening?" she asked,

Zuko hurriedly answered, "Oh, yes!"

"So when are you coming back?"

Zuko almost blurted out "tomorrow" but managed to suppress it with reason. "I... I might have to stay a few more days. After finally coming back to see my parents, how can I just leave?" "Yeah, that's true." Lina was understanding. "But don't stay away for too long, okay? Because I..."

She did not continue her sentence.

Another awkward silence followed.

However, Lina quickly smiled and said, "Before you come back, send me the train schedule, and I'll pick you up at the train station!"

Zuko nodded in agreement. "Okay."

"Zeke, I saw a little squirrel at university today!"

Zuko laughed. "Really?"

"Yes, it was small and very agile!"

"Mm."

"Oh, by the way, I learned how to fry crullers and sweet rolls. I'll secretly make some for you when you come back!"

"Oh." Zuko furrowed his brows but smiled after that. Why did she have to make them "secretly"?

"And also, I found a snack that's really delicious and sells well! When you come back, let's stock up on it!"

"No problem."

"Zeke, and..."

Zuko found a rock to sit on and listened quietly. The gentle moonlight bathed him, smoothing away his sharp edges, and a hint of warmth colored his gaze.

She was willing to share every bit of her life with him, and he was willing to listen. Whatever she said, he would listen.

That phone call lasted nearly two hours, and the phone had heated up. Only when Lina mentioned wanting to sleep did he reluctantly hang up.

As he turned around, a figure flashed by in the bushes!

"Who's there?" he shouted.

"Bro, it's me!" Toph walked out with a carefree smile. "You took a while with that call! Did you find a girlfriend in Jangasas?"

"Go play somewhere else!" Zuko carefully put his phone back in his pocket.

"Aww, Zuko." Toph's gossip-loving heart started to stir. "You don't really have a girlfriend, do you? That won't do. You still have to fulfill your engagement with Pammy..." "What Pammy?" Zuko furrowed his brow. "We still don't know if it's actually her or an impostor."

"What if it's actually her?" Toph glanced at him. "That girl from Jangasas, will she take the initiative to step back and let you fulfill your engagement?"