Ch. 1241..1250

Chapter 1241

Chapter 1241

One year later, Lina successfully completed her studies and returned to Centrolis to start a new phase in life.

Not much had happened during that year, but all that did happen was positive.

Melissa's condition had stabilized, and she had been discharged from the hospital to rest at home. As long as she took her medication on time and maintained a good mood, there would be no significant problems.

Jesse enjoyed taking care of Melissa every day. He tended to the plants and flowers, cleaned the house, and found joy in being by her side. After so many ups and downs in life, he was grateful that she was the one who had stayed with him till the end. He understood now what he had meant when he told Lina that a young couple would accompany each other in old age.

Dave had successfully entered the University of Centrolis. He had excellent grades and an outgoing personality, and he was the target of many girls' pursuits upon admission. However, he was not in a rush to start a relationship and focused on his studies.

Linda's mental state had also improved. She no longer needed to take antidepressants and only took sleeping pills occasionally to help her sleep. Cordelia noticed her radiant face and weight gain during their last meeting.

"Cordelia, I can't even zip up the dress you took me to buy two years ago now. I've gained weight. I've lost all my looks!"

Cordelia smiled. "Having a bit of flesh is a sign of good fortune. Now that you have a daughter and you're content, it's not bad to gain a little weight!"

Linda could not hide her happiness whenever her daughter was brought up.

Nicholas and Zephyr often played golf together and sometimes went horse riding or fencing. However, these activities were more of an excuse for them to rest and chat. They now preferred activities that did not require too much physical exertion, such as dipping in hot springs, playing chess, or fishing together.

Zephyr would sometimes lament about how time went by. He used to be a fearless young boxer, and Nicholas had been a respected figure in the underworld. Now, the two of them could be seen sitting together with fishing rods for hours. If they got home late for dinner, their wives would scold them.

However, one thing that had not changed since their youth was their habit of discussing how to save secret funds whenever they were together. Jesse would occasionally join them, and he would laugh heartily once the topic of secret funds came up.

"My wife heard Zuko say that some men only get 70 dollars as their pocket money each month! Hahaha..."

As soon as he saw how Zephyr looked like he wanted to throw him into the pond, he stopped laughing and concentrated on fishing.

Toph visited his mother-in-law's house frequently, each time insisting on showing off his cooking skills. However, he always made a mess of the kitchen.

Surprisingly, his culinary skills improved significantly during these attempts!

When Lina and Zuko returned one year later, they were stunned to see the lavish reception dinner prepared by the esteemed second Hamerton heir. The table was filled with delicious delicacies! Toph grinned brightly like a little sun and said, "Bro, I finally have something I do better than you after all this time!"

Renee leaned happily against him, and Lina noticed they both wore engagement rings on their fingers.

Among the group, only Abigail and Jacob had not made much progress. Their relationship was lukewarm, and they were busy with their lives, occasionally contacting each other. Jacob spent his days browsing entertainment news, while Abigail always had her lawyer's exam materials with her, whether she was waiting on set or at the studio.

This made Jackie very anxious. What would happen if his precious Abigail decided to change careers?

As for Zuko, who had accompanied Lina to Denmaie for her studies, his situation was a bit miserable.

He initially thought that he could foster their relationship while being there to accompany her. However, Lina had been preoccupied with heavy coursework and tight schedules.

Lina was exceptionally competitive and did not want to fall behind her classmates. She would study day and night, not paying much attention to him as her accompanying spouse. Consequently, he had truly become just an "accompanying" spouse.

He would join her in the classroom while she solved problems, in the library while she wrote her thesis, and in the cafe while she studied. He would explore the city's streets and alleys with her, searching for ancient buildings. He would even accompany her on sunny weekends for hikes and sketches.

In short, he couldn't do whatever he had had in mind. Throughout the year, they had had fewer hugs and kisses than they used to have in Centrolis.

Once Zuko returned home, Toph closely examined him, holding his head.

"Bro, you have dark circles.

"Bro, you haven't rested well this year, huh?

"Ouch, bro! There's a pimple near your nose! Do you know what it means when a pimple appears there? It indicates a problem in the reproductive system!

"Bro... You've really been keeping it down this year, huh?"

"Toph Hamerton!" Zuko barked and chased him upstairs.

Soon after, the sounds of fighting, which had been absent from the house for a year, came back and were more intense than ever.

Wendy stood downstairs, looking helplessly at the situation, and sighed.

"Still fighting like little kids as soon as they get home. Mr. Zuko doesn't hold back at all. He better not hurt Mr. Toph!"

Lina had already completed her studies, and Nicholas planned to formally hand over the Thompson Group to his daughter and niece. With the protection and assistance of the two Hamerton gentlemen, there should not be any more issues within the company.

Lina was writing a project proposal in her office, with Zuko guiding her.

Toph knocked on the door and came in cheerfully, saying, "I knew my brother would be with you!"

Lina had her secretary bring him his favorite lemon tea.

Zuko looked at him and asked, "Is there something urgent you need from me?"

"Grandma's coming from Melorian!" Toph said smiling, "She's coming to see her granddaughter-in-law!"

Lina was taken aback, and Zuko smiled at her, gently patting her hair. "Don't worry. My grandmother's easy to get along with."

Lina did not doubt this, as Cordelia had told her that Janine was a remarkable woman who single-handedly supported the huge Baker Group. Her decisive methods were even more impressive than those of men.

However, seeing her for the first time still made Lina a little nervous.

Toph continued. "Oh, by the way, our grandmother's not the only one coming this time. She is bringing along several young members from the Bakers, relatives, and the Harpers, who are close to the Bakers!" "The Harpers?" Zuko frowned. "They're coming too?"

"Yes."

"Why are so many people coming?"

"Naturally, they're here to invest." Toph smiled. "With the excellent investment environment in Centrolis, it's hard to find a better place! Grandma wants to mentor the young Bakers, so she's bringing them here to learn and, incidentally, to see her granddaughter-in-law!"

"Then... are the Harpers also here to invest?" Zuko asked.

Chapter 1242

Chapter 1242

Toph shrugged, neither confirming nor denying the statement.

Indeed, a deep-rooted connection existed between the Bakers and the Harpers. It was said that both families had come to Melorian seeking opportunities in the early 20th century, and they had developed a strong friendship.

During a later war, someone from the Harpers took a bullet for someone from the Bakers, forging a life-saving bond. Once the Bakers' older generation prospered, they wholeheartedly helped the Harpers' olde generation achieve success as well, and this friendship continued to this day.

"It's not just that." Toph chuckled. "Some relatives from our grandmother's side also married into the Harpers. With this strong alliance, they're invincible in the investment industry in Melorian!"

As Toph said that, he stretched his arms and made a sweeping gesture as if clearing the enemy forces.

Lina couldn't help but laugh at his playful demeanor. However, when she glanced at Zuko, she saw that he remained calm with a straight face.

"Hey, Pammy!" Toph continued jokingly. "Many talented young men from the Bakers are coming with my grandmother. They're all intelligent and good-looking. Do you want to—" Before he could finish his sentence, he received a punch on his head.

Zuko glared at him as if he wanted to gobble him up.

"Uh... Anyway, I conveyed the message!" Toph rubbed his head while running away. "Grandma will arrive in Centrolis the day after tomorrow! Zuko, you go pick her up!"

The welcome party for Janine was arranged at Splendor Hotel. News of her arrival in Centrolis spread quickly, and many wealthy businessmen and politicians tried to get an invitation to the event. However, Zephyr had already announced that only the four major families and the Thompsons would be entertained.

Although Janine was getting older, her presence was still as imposing as ever. As soon as she entered the hall, she exuded a sense of pressure.

Cordelia happily greeted her and affectionately called, "Mom!"

Janine hugged her, and the two walked inside hand in hand, completely ignoring Zephyr, who was behind them with outstretched arms.

Zuko and Toph tried hard not to laugh, so they kept glancing around and avoiding looking at their father.

"Bro, our father's really pitiful... I heard that our grandmother has never treated him like her own son, but she treats our mother like her own daughter!"

Zuko was about to join his brother in mocking their father when he suddenly thought of his own situation. When Aurelia came last time, she had said that Lina was her niece, while he was just a nephew-in-law. Judging from the current situation, it seemed like his mother cared more for Lina than she did for him!

Could this be the Hamerton men's inevitable fate? Once they had a wife, they immediately became outsiders.

"Bro, what are you spacing out for? Our parents are calling us!"

"Oh... Oh!" Zuko snapped back to reality and instinctively reached for Lina's hand only to grab a big, rough one. Following the hand upward, he met Toph's look of utter helplessness. Startled, Zuko quickly let go, and the two of them simultaneously flicked their hands.

Lina and Renee, who stood aside, couldn't help laughing.

A short while later, the two couples stood together before Janine.

Seeing her two precious grandsons finally finding their partners, Janine was overjoyed. She walked in between Lina and Renee, with each of them holding one of her arms.

Toph's outstretched hand hovered in the air. He grimaced. "Bro, shouldn't our grandmother be holding our hands?"

Zuko laughed. "I guess we'll have to accept our fate..."

"What?"

"From now on, we're not her grandsons anymore. We've become grandsons-in-law!"

Lina didn't imagine her meeting with Janine would go so smoothly. Still, she was nervous about walking next to such a kind yet imposing grandmother, afraid she might upset her if she did something wrong.

Chapter 1243

Chapter 1243

Lina was cautious with each step she took. When Janine introduced her and Renee to the other members of the Bakers, she paid close attention, not wanting to make any mistakes in the future. "Some of them are distant relatives of the Bakers," Janine told her with a smile. "But they're quite capable!

"In the future, you'll see. I don't care about anything else when I assess people. I don't ask about their background. As long as they have good character and are willing to make progress, I'm willing to support them!"

Lina nodded and smiled back at her.

There were both males and females among the Bakers. Young people always had endless topics to discuss when they gathered. Moreover, they were all familiar with Zuko and Toph, so Lina quickly fit in.

As they all chatted happily, someone entered the hall. Things seemed to pause momentarily as they watched the girl walk straight to Janine and hug her with a bright grin.

"Sorry, Grandma Janine! I snuck out of the hotel as soon as I arrived in Centrolis because I wanted to look around. But I got lost and just came back now!" she apologized.

"I'm sorry for being late!" The girl turned to tell the others. "Don't worry. I'll down three glasses later as a penalty!"

Lina observed her carefully. The girl had a bold sense of beauty and a unique style of dressing. She tied her long hair into a high ponytail and wasn't wearing an evening dress for the party. Instead, she wore a tight-fitting denim skirt with knee-high boots, making her stand out in the crowd.

Janine smiled faintly without saying anything and brought her over to Lina.

"This is Desiree, the Harpers' young heiress," Janine said, looking at her. "You two are about the same age... You'll probably have common topics."

After saying that, Janine left to socialize with Cordelia and Zephyr's company.

Once the elders left, the young ones relaxed. They listened to the music and chatted merrily.

After Desiree drank her penalty, she spotted Zuko and Toph and waved to them enthusiastically. "Hey, long time no see!"

"It hasn't been that long, has it?" Toph laughed. "When Zuko and I visited Melorian two years ago, we had dinner together, didn't we?"

"Yes, yes, my memory's failing me!" Desiree's voice was loud, and her laughter carried a hint of boyish charm.

She chatted with everyone happily, and Lina felt a little out of place.

Zuko noticed her expression and gently hugged her waist, whispering in her ear, "Toph and I did grow up with Desiree. Every time we went to Melorian when we were kids, we always played together." "Really? Why didn't you mention it before?"

"She's just a childhood friend. I didn't pay much attention to it."

Zuko spoke the truth. He was a Hamerton, so he wasn't as close to the Bakers as Desiree was and even further away from the Harpers.

Desiree was, at most, an acquaintance he did not dislike.

As he thought about it, a wine glass suddenly appeared in front of him, and then a clear voice said, "Z!"

Zuko was taken aback and saw Desiree standing before him, holding a glass of wine and ready to drink with him.

"Z, you used to come to Melorian every year. Why didn't you come last year? That's not okay. I have to penalize you with a drink!" she said warmly, but the atmosphere around them suddenly quieted. After a moment of silence, a distant cousin of the Bakers gently tugged Desiree's arm and said, "Desiree, what are you saying? That's Zuko!"

"Huh?"

"Yeah, we should call him 'Zuko'!" another guy reminded her. "Isn't that how we all call him?"

Desiree burst into laughter. Slightly flushed from the three glasses she had downed, she seemed tipsy. "You guys are really funny! What's the difference between Z... and Zuko?"

Chapter 1244

Chapter 1244

Everyone appeared slightly awkward.

Zuko smiled and spoke with a deep voice while tightly holding Lina's hand. "Of course, it's not the same.

"All the younger cousins call me 'Zuko', so you should call me the same." Zuko smirked, "As for 'Z', that's an exclusive title for our Pammy."

As he said that, he looked at Lina with a touch of tenderness rarely seen on his rugged face.

The younger cousins exchanged smiles but remained silent. Desiree's expression shifted slightly, and she managed to force out a smile.

The terms of address were only different by three additional letters, but for Zuko, they meant worlds apart. "Z" was only for Pammy and no one else.

Desiree's eyes flashed with a hint of complexity, and she felt the need to save her image in front of so many people. Half-jokingly, she said, "What Pammy? Hah! Isn't her name Lina Jenner?" "Desiree, what's gotten into you?" Toph looked at her. "Don't you know? Lina is Pammy! She's the Pammy whom Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda finally found!"

Desiree forced a smile.

How could she not know? Janine had told them this story like it was a legend along the way.

The story was about how destined people would end up together, no matter how they went around, and no one could separate a destined couple. Even God supported Zuko in finding Pammy. Desiree gripped her glass, and a shadow flickered in her eyes.

At the same time, she noticed that the darkness in Zuko's eyes seemed even deeper than hers.

She temporarily suppressed her thoughts and looked apologetically at Zuko and Lina. "I'm really sorry! I always speak before thinking! Sis-in-law, Lina, you're not angry, are you?"

Lina smiled.

"I'm just such a straightforward person. Please don't take it to heart, Lina. And Zuko, don't mind me too, okay?"

Desiree knocked her own head and laughed in a carefree manner. "I called you Z when we were younger, too! But—"

"But that was when we were young," Zuko interrupted her. "We're all grown now. Things that need to be taken note of should be taken note of. What do you think?"

"Mm, yeah!" Desiree quickly nodded. "You're right!"

Zuko nodded with a gentle smile. His hand had never left Lina, and she stayed being embraced by him the entire time.

After the welcoming banquet, Lina occasionally thought of Desiree.

Sometimes, Renee would also discuss with her. "How come Desiree seems to be good at everything? Basketball, soccer, horse racing, gaming... It's like she excels at everything!" However, Renee could not muster any interest in all those things. She rested her head on the table with a hint of complaint in her voice.

Lina asked her, "What's wrong?"

Renee pouted and said in a low voice, "It's that game Toph often plays. Desiree plays it too! But I... I don't know how to."

Lina furrowed her brow and recalled something that had happened recently.

After the banquet, Desiree would occasionally invite her to hang out. She claimed she was unfamiliar with Centrolis and wanted to hang out together as friends.

Lina had accompanied her twice to eat, and Desiree insisted on paying the bill each time. Her generous and carefree attitude resembled that of a boy. Her most common phrase was: "I'm always straightforward and speak without thinking. My mom always says I'm as careless as a boy."

One time, Lina felt like her ears were going deaf from hearing the same thing too much. She smiled and said, "Not all boys are like that. Zuko's very thoughtful!"

Desiree was momentarily at a loss for words by Lina's retort and soon found an excuse to stop shopping, claiming to be tired.

Lina kept a polite distance from her all along, so when Desiree said she did not want to continue shopping, Lina just waved her hand casually. They then went their separate ways.

However, Lina suddenly felt something was amiss after hearing Renee's words. Desiree was clearly a girl, but her interests were all things that boys liked. It was not that girls could not like those things, but it just seemed too coincidental.

"Cuz, do you think I've misjudged her?" Renee looked at her with bright eyes. "Maybe Desiree's just more tomboyish. That's why she likes basketball and soccer and is laidback about most things." "Do you think so?" Lina felt a bit puzzled.

She did not want to speculate about others without reason, especially since the Harpers were close to the Bakers and Janine had brought Desiree to Centrolis.

Lina patted Renee's shoulder and smiled gently. "Let's not worry about her for now. The opening ceremony of the film studio project is in a few weeks, and many celebrities will be there. Have you prepared the proposal?"

Renee handed her a draft proposal with a smile.

The proposal was well-crafted, not only with Plan B but also with Plan C, D, E, and F, ready to deal with various emergencies and contingencies.

"Lina, I've been looking at the financial reports recently, and I feel that the Thompson Group's business is still too reliant on Sol Entertainment. For a large conglomerate, being overly reliant on one business is detrimental to the group's development."

"I've also considered this issue," Lina said softly, "But even if we want to make changes, we need to take it step by step. Some of the veterans on the board of directors have been with my father and worked their way up step by step. They're also seniors in Sol Entertainment, so we need to take their situation into account."

"I understand," Renee replied. "Anyway, we can't rush this matter. We need to take it slowly."

Just then, Lina's phone vibrated, and she looked at it. It was a message from Desiree, inviting her to have dinner together.

Lina was thinking about declining the invitation when Desiree called her.

"Lina, I've sent you the address. See you tonight. Don't be late! Oh, by the way, bring Renee along, too. Let's have some fun tonight!"

Chapter 1245

Chapter 1245

Lina hadn't had the chance to refuse before Desiree hung up.

Renee winced. "Why is she like this? Doesn't she even ask if others want to go?"

Lina smiled with a hint of helplessness. People with such personalities were usually self-centered, carefree, and straightforward, seemingly lacking a scheming mind.

Could she be wrong about Desiree all along, just like Renee suggested? However, her past experiences told her that it was always good to be cautious and have a guarded approach toward people and things. "Cuz, are we going?" Renee asked.

Lina paused momentarily and smiled gently. "Have you finished all your work?"

"More or less."

"Then let's go and relax!" She was also curious to see what Desiree had planned.

Not long after, Lina and Renee arrived at the agreed location-a small llbon-style bar.

Interestingly, the owner was a local from Jangasas. The bar was situated in a quiet part of the city center, surrounded by many mimosa trees. In summer, the pink fluffy blossoms created a dreamy and magical sight.

The owner knew that many Jangasas people were working in Centrolis, so he added Jangasas dishes to the menu, allowing those far from home to taste the flavors of their hometown.

As Lina stepped inside, she couldn't help but pause, catching a whiff of the aroma of home-cooked dishes.

Desiree emerged from a private room, greeting them warmly and leading them to a room with mats to sit on.

Lina and Renee were surprised to find familiar faces in the room.

"Why are you two here?" Renee was taken aback when she saw Toph.

Lina also met Zuko's gaze in surprise.

"Ms. Harper, did you not just invite Lina and me?" Renee pursed her lips, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

When Toph asked her to sit with him, she deliberately moved her cushion away, keeping her distance.

Toph chuckled. Renee might as well have "jealous" written on her face. He grabbed Renee's cushion and gave it a yank. With a gasp, Renee was pulled to Toph's side and fell into his arms. "Desiree said she'd buy us a meal today, but we didn't plan to come initially," Toph explained to Renee and Lina. "But she said you two were coming, so we changed our minds and decided to come!" Renee asked, "Why didn't you tell me? You didn't even make a call."

Desiree laughed. "I invited you both at the same time. Maybe Toph didn't have time to call!"

"Zuko and I just arrived!" Toph picked up the menu. "We've been busy all day and haven't eaten yet! I'm starving! Oh, Renee, your favorite. I'll order it for you..."

Renee smiled and started to focus on the menu with him.

Lina glanced at Zuko. Unlike Renee, she did not move from her seat. It was Zuko who eagerly moved his cushion closer to sit beside her.

"I can't believe you guys!" Desiree sat alone at the table and said with a smile, "Isn't it too warm sitting so close? This private room is spacious enough. You can sit a bit farther apart!"

However, her words fell on deaf ears, and none of the four responded to her. She tried to start a few more conversations, but the result was the same.

Toph and Renee were busy ordering food, while Zuko was busy holding Lina's hand under the table.

Desiree's smile faltered as she noticed Lina's slightly shy expression. This scene wasn't quite what she had imagined. Nonetheless, she still managed to force a smile and inched closer to Zuko without saying anything.

"Hey, Toph!" Desiree shook her phone. "What level are you at? Do you want to play a round?"

Toph's eyes immediately lit up as he fixed his gaze on Desiree's phone screen, seeing her playing the same game he usually played.

Chapter 1246

Chapter 1246

"Wow, you're good! Your rank is so high?"

"Of course!" Desiree proudly showed her equipment. "Look at these. Not only did they cost me a lot of pocket money, but also a lot of effort!"

"I have a lot of equipment too, but my level is not as high as yours!" Toph gave her a thumbs-up. "It seems like you've deployed your resources well. Very strategic!"

"Cough..." Renee's expression changed as she looked at Toph, chuckling lightly, "Playing games all day long... Be careful not to let it consume you!"

"Renee, you don't understand!" Desiree laughed, "This game is called God of War, and it's incredibly fun! You start as a small soldier and gradually rise to become a general, expanding your territory step by step. The game tests your patience, perseverance, strategic thinking, and more!

"Heh! Maybe you won't quite understand anyway since most girls like you don't enjoy playing military games."

Renee glanced at her. "Aren't you a girl?"

"Her?" Toph burst into laughter. "She's not. She's our bro!"

"That's right!" Desiree squinted. "It's strange. I feel like I should've been born a boy. I get along better with boys, and our discussions are more in sync! I guess I was meant to be a boy!"

Desiree paused the game to look at Zuko with a smile, tilting her body slightly toward him. "Isn't that so, Zuko?"

Zuko did not respond and "unintentionally" moved his cushion to the other side of Lina. Now, with a wall on one side and Lina on the other, no one else could get close to him.

Desiree was taken aback. She froze before she dragged her cushion back to its original position.

"This establishment is so slow. I'm getting parched waiting!" She struggled to find a topic and noticed Zuko's cup on the table.

Zuko had moved to another side of Lina, but his cup had yet to follow.

Just as Zuko was about to reach for it, Desiree smirked slyly as she quickly took the cup for a sip!

"Oh, Zuko, I'm so sorry!" She looked at Zuko. "I used your cup... It's an old habit from childhood, and I still haven't changed! Excuse me."

Lina frowned. Desiree was holding Zuko's cup that he had not touched. Her expression seemed to be filled with remorse and guilt, but why did Lina see a hint of smugness and provocation in her gaze? As she began to doubt her judgment, Zuko smiled and said, "It's fine. You can use it."

Desiree smiled as well and looked at Lina. "Lina, you... won't misunderstand, right? You see, Zuko says it's okay... In fact, we were like this when we were young. These two and I are buddies. Sometimes, we don't pay too much attention to certain things. Please forgive me! Ask Zuko to tell you about our childhood stories next time!"

Zuko raised a brow. His smile at Desiree was barely a smile, and his eyes were as cold as ice. "I'm sorry, I haven't finished what I said earlier."

"What?"

"I said, you can use my cup, it doesn't matter-because I haven't used it." Zuko casually picked up Lina's cup and took a sip of water.

He had specifically observed that Lina used this cup earlier. The spot where he drank from was where her lips had touched.

Desiree froze, clutching the cup tightly until her knuckles turned white.

"Oh, really?" Desiree forced a smile. "Zuko, how could you? You're so careless. Lina's a girl. She's clean. Would she be willing to share a cup with you?"

"You didn't ask if I was willing or not when you used my cup!" Zuko's gaze was like a gleaming dagger thrust directly at Desiree.

Desiree panicked. "W-We are buddies! I'm different from those girls!"

Lina, who had been quiet all along, suddenly spoke in a gentle tone. "Desiree, it's kind of annoying to always emphasize genders."

"Huh?"

Lina smiled and took the cup that Zuko had just used to also take a sip.

"That cup is yours." Lina raised a brow. "I'm willing to share one with Zuko. He's my fiance. We'll share everything when we get married, so what's the issue with a cup? Am I right?"

Chapter 1247

Chapter 1247

Desiree was at a loss for words. The two cups in front of her felt like two mocking clowns, representing her failure and frustration. Renee enjoyed the drama and discreetly gave Lina a thumbs-up while placing both hands on the table.

Toph was engrossed in his game and shouted, "Hey, Desiree, weren't you online just now? Why is your profile icon black again?" Renee frowned and patted him, trying to get his attention.

Toph had no idea what had just happened due to his focus on the game.

"The cups..." Renee pointed out.

Suddenly, Toph realized that the cups were unevenly distributed. Desiree had two cups, while Lina and Zuko only had one.

"What's the big deal? Excuse me!" Toph raised his voice, "Bring us ten more cups!"

Renee chuckled, enjoying Desiree's expression.

"Ask for more cups if there aren't enough!" Toph said seriously, "They're charging a service charge here, so what's the big deal about asking for a few more cups?"

Desiree took a deep breath. When the dishes were served, she revealed that she hadn't invited them solely for dinner but to discuss business.

"I'd like to discuss business with you," she said.

Toph ate happily, replying, "The Harpers are big and successful in Melorian. If you want to discuss business, you should talk to your family members. What if your business secrets leak out one day? We won't bear the consequences-"

Renee pinched him to interrupt his train of thought.

Not realizing his mistake, Toph looked puzzled until he saw Renee's joyful gaze.

"Toph, what were you saying?" Renee encouraged, "Let's hear what Desiree has to say!"

"It's simple," Desiree said softly. "I'm here in Centrolis mainly to learn about investments from Grandma Janine. I want to find some investment projects here to gain experience.

"Investing requires courage, vision, and connections." Desiree continued with a smile. "The Harpers have experience and connections in the investment field. Lina, if the Thompson Group doesn't want to rely too much on a single business model, it might also be a good idea to focus on investments!"

Lina paused, realizing there was truth in what Desiree said.

The Thompson Group heavily depended on Sol Entertainment, which could hinder its long-term development. Establishing an investment department could help diversify their operations.

Desiree handed her a document. "Lina, these are the industries and companies I've compiled. Based on my observation and analysis, I think they're worth investing in. Take a look, and we can discuss further i you're interested!"

After spending over an hour at the meal, the four of them decided to take a leisurely walk along the coastal road instead of driving, enjoying the sea breeze and chatting.

Throughout the walk, Toph made an effort to cheer up Renee, who had been in a sulky mood. He succeeded when he bought a headpiece from a street vendor and pretended to be a kitten, making her laugh. Relieved, Toph asked, "Can you tell me what you were so mad about earlier now?"

Lina and Zuko smiled at each other, holding hands.

Renee didn't hesitate and replied, "I don't like Desiree. Let's not hang out with her anymore!"

"Huh?"

"She keeps talking about how you guys were back in the day and what you did in your childhood. Whenever she talks about your childhood, it's like Lina and I are complete outsiders!"

"Just... Just for that?" Toph was quite confused.

"Renee, she did grow up with us, and she's an old family friend from my grandmother's side. I have to take these into consideration. It's not too much to be polite with her since my grandmother brought her here..."

"But you should also see what kind of person she is, right?" Renee said.

"What kind of person?" Toph was naive and couldn't grasp the deeper meaning. "She... She's quite boyish, always hanging around the boys. I find her easy to get along with."

Lina asked, "Toph, I want to ask you something."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Does Desiree have a boyfriend?" she asked.

"She probably doesn't," Toph answered truthfully.

"Does she have any close female friends?"

"Um... I've never heard about that." Toph scratched his head. "She has a boyish personality and prefers to hang out with boys. So, I don't think she has many close female friends." Lina smiled. "If she really had such a good personality, many girls would like hanging out with her."

Zuko looked at Lina with a smile. Toph didn't understand what she meant, but he got the message. Zuko said softly, "Lina, what are you trying to say?"

Chapter 1248

Chapter 1248

Lina glanced at Zuko with a hint of coquettishness in her eyes.

"I don't want to jump to conclusions or say anything unnecessary. After all, she's just your 'good buddy"!" Lina drawled teasingly, blinking like a cunning little fox.

Amused by her playful banter, Zuko felt the urge to tease her further, but he also wanted to give her a taste of "violence". Thus, he playfully pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly. Upon sensing his mischievous intent, Lina pushed him away and looked at him teasingly.

Meanwhile, Toph held Renee's hand and intentionally walked ahead, paying little attention to the couple behind them.

Zuko grinned and whispered in Lina's ear, "If you don't like Desiree, I'll stop associating with her."

"Don't do that!" Lina widened her eyes. "She's a guest from grandma's side and your childhood playmate with Toph. Suddenly distancing yourself from her doesn't seem appropriate, right?" "Oh..." Zuko nodded. "Then I'll slowly keep my distance."

Lina smiled and wrapped her hand around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.

The sea breeze cooled the summer night as the starry sky sparkled like gemstones on a blue curtain, creating a tranquil and distant atmosphere. The laughter of the four friends blended into the peaceful night.

During this time, Zuko felt a bit resentful as Lina was always occupied with work, leaving him feeling neglected. Even during company meetings, he seemed absent-minded, frequently checking his phone for messages, which never seemed to come.

Zuko slammed his phone down on the table, screen-down, startling the others in the middle of the meeting.

Zephyr glared at him. "What's the matter?"

Toph quickly came up with an excuse. "It's nothing, dad. Zuko's just worried about a pimple near his nose! He's got a lot on his mind!"

Zephyr didn't quite understand the euphemism but simply pursed his lips and continued the meeting.

Zuko refocused on the matters at hand and proposed several well-prepared investment plans with substantial returns. Finally, he managed to impress his usually stern father.

"I heard your Uncle Nicholas is also transitioning to the venture capital field," Zephyr said, looking at Zuko. "You should visit the Thompson Group if you have time and-"

Before Zephyr could finish his sentence, he looked up and saw that his son had vanished without a trace.

Zuko rushed to the Thompson Group as fast as he could.

The secretary guided Zuko to Lina's office, where he found her diligently working amidst a mess of documents and design sketches.

Unlike glamorous office workers from TV dramas, Lina was dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, her hair tied loosely in a ponytail, with a few strands falling on her forehead.

She had followed Zuko's advice on keeping casual clothes in the office to improve efficiency, especially when they didn't have client meetings. As workaholics who often spent over ten hours a day at the office, it made sense not to exhaust themselves with formal attire.

"Mr. Hamerton, are you going in?" the secretary asked.

Zuko gestured for her to leave with a light smile and stood at the office door for a moment until Lina noticed him.

"When did you come?" Lina exclaimed with delight, rushing over to hold his hand. "You didn't tell me you were coming. How long have you been standing there?"

Zuko checked his watch and chuckled. "Half an hour."

Chapter 1249

Chapter 1249

Lina was surprised. "What?"

"I saw you studying the materials seriously, so I didn't disturb you."

Zuko gently stroked Lina's face. She already had a small face, and now she appeared even thinner. Distressed, he immediately called the hotel to order some food, specifically requesting tonic chicken soup. As he pondered his own situation....

Despite having a fiancee, he couldn't even hold hands with her these days. A few days ago, he finally got a chance to go on a date with Lina, but she fell asleep as soon as she got in the car, showing no reservation.

Amused and helpless, he didn't want to disturb her sleep, so he ended up driving around the streets, wanting to spend more time with her. This led him to feel a bit sorry for himself, prompting him to call the hotel again and order two servings of tonic chicken soup.

Lina smiled and playfully pinched his face.

"When can you spare some time for me?" Zuko's gaze was filled with grievances.

Softly, Lina replied, "The Thompson Group is going through a transition right now, and venture capital is indeed a promising industry. Can you wait until I clearly understand the basics in this field?"

Zuko looked at the pile of documents on the desk and sighed softly. "You studied architectural art, and now you're so engrossed in studying economic investment!"

Though he sensed a touch of pretense in his tone, Lina just smiled without saying anything.

"Lina, I still hope you can draw architectural plans and build houses." Zuko took a step closer to her and whispered warmly in her ear, "Build a house just for me." Lina smiled playfully. "A golden house to keep you all to myself?"

Zuko's eyes lit up. "Sure, sure, I don't mind!"

"But I do!" Lina playfully knocked on his head. "You're such a big guy! I can't fit you in there. Think about how many materials that would take!"

Both of them burst into laughter.

Suddenly, Zuko noticed a familiar document on the desk. It was the investment list that Desiree had given to Lina.

"You still have this?" He was quite surprised.

"Yes," Lina replied calmly. "I've done detailed background checks on these companies. They're all prominent players in emerging industries. They're not local companies in Centrolis, but they're worth a try." Zuko narrowed his eyes.

After seeing this list the other day, he had discreetly investigated these companies. They all seemed promising, but he still felt something was amiss.

He said in a low voice, "Lina, investing carries risks. I think you should be careful."

"I understand." Lina smiled. "But the Thompson Group is currently undergoing a transformation, and this list saves me a lot of effort."

"Be cautious in everything!"

"Okay." Lina nodded in agreement.

After finishing lunch, Zuko hurried back to the company.

Lina stretched lazily. She was ready to get back to work, but her phone vibrated. It was a message from Desiree.

[Lina, how's your consideration regarding those new companies I mentioned last time? Several entrepreneurs are eager to meet! How about we arrange a meeting at the bar? It's lively, and we'll have a higher success rate discussing matters there!]

Lina was momentarily stunned, but a sly glint flashed in her eyes. She replied with two words-[Sure thing.]

Chapter 1250

Chapter 1250

Lina was supposed to meet Desiree at a high-end bar in Centrolis. To her surprise, all the attendees there were women. They exuded extraordinary temperament, dressed professionally, and behaved elegantly. They truly embodied the image of successful female entrepreneurs.

As soon as Lina entered the private room, Desiree warmly waved at her. Although distracted, Lina discreetly hid the small pistol she carried in her bag.

When she received Desiree's message, she hesitated for a moment but decided to come anyway.

Firstly, she wanted to meet these bosses, learn more about their companies, and gain knowledge about entrepreneurs. Secondly, she harbored a glimmer of hope that Desiree would not deceive her. Despite that, she brought the small pistol that Krystal had given her when she was kidnapped. After all, a bar was a place where anything could happen, and she wanted to be prepared just in case Desiree had any ill intentions.

Lina took a deep breath and sat down. She secretly sent a message to Zuko to let him know she was safe. She had told Zuko about this meeting because she did not want to keep anything from him and didn't want to take any risks alone.

At first, Zuko strongly opposed her going to the bar to discuss business matters. Later, he relented, allowing her to talk about business but insisting on arranging for his men to guard the area.

Lina widened her eyes, looking cute and alert like a deer. "But I've already arranged my people!"

"Huh?"

"Uncle lan will be outside the bar with his men."

Zuko heaved a sigh of relief. 'Right, her father was the head of a gang. I had forgotten about that.'

"Lina!" Desiree nudged her. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Lina regained her composure and stood up to look at the women with a smile. "Each one of you is truly remarkable to excel in the venture capital industry dominated by men. It's admirable!" "Don't be so polite!" Desiree laughed heartily, putting her arm around Lina's shoulder, and said to the rest, "Let's have a drink first, and then we can discuss business, alright?"

Everyone in the room agreed to the proposal.

As the alcohol took effect, the atmosphere gradually heated up.

Lina kept a light smile on her face and did not drink much.

On the other hand, Desiree kept downing one drink after another, becoming more enthusiastic as she chatted with the other women.

In the end, she either got too tipsy or did it intentionally as she suddenly blurted out, "Do you know who Lina's father is? He's none other than the famous Nicholas Thompson-the once legendary underworld's big boss! You'll need to get his protection!"

Her words instantly silenced the room. Everyone's gaze turned to Lina.

"So, her father's... actually involved in the gangs?"

Someone started whispering, "But when Desiree invited us here, she didn't mention that we were meeting with someone from the Thompson Group!"

"There's nothing surprising since it's the gangs. Hah! No wonder they're so rich. It must be from ill-gotten gains!"

"We came all the way from out of town only to be dealing with a gang?"

"I'd rather not do it if it's collaborating with the Thompson Group! Can we trust money from the underworld?"

"Exactly! I'm afraid of getting involved in lawsuits!"

"I'd rather not make this money if it means letting this gang of scoundrels have their ways."

"Hush! Keep your voices down. Aren't you afraid of retaliation from the underworld heiress? Besides, it seems like the Thompson Group has already cleaned up its act."

"Even if they've whitewashed themselves, can they erase the past? So what if she's the underworld heiress? This is a society governed by law. Can't I choose an investor freely?"