Ch. 971..980

Chapter 971

Chapter 971

"Rent?" Zuko turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow and a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "Didn't we 'get married'? Are you still collecting rent from your husband?" "You..." Lina did not expect him to say that, and her face instantly turned red. She stared at him, unable to speak.

Zuko chuckled softly and stopped teasing her. He picked up his folding bed that was still standing outside the porch and prepared to put it back in the corner against the wall.

As he passed by Lina, he noticed her blushing ears and even the fine hairs on her face were clearly visible. The fragrance she naturally had wafted into his nose.

His heart suddenly skipped a beat, and his footsteps paused. He told her softly, "The bed... Thank you too."

Lina raised her eyes and met his gaze. Something in the depths of his eyes seemed to run into a secret place in her heart that no one knew about.

"Oh, by the way. I wanted to talk to you about something!" Lina suddenly remembered. "It's about the marriage certificate."

Zuko walked into the house and drank a glass of water without saying a word.

"Zeke..." Lina licked her lips and expressed her concerns. "I asked you to come to my house as a temporary measure. I don't want to provoke the Grists again! But Violet said she wanted to see our marriage certificate, or she'd come looking for trouble. It might have been a whim on her part, but I feel like she's capable of doing such things. So..."

"So you wouldn't really want to get a marriage certificate with me, right?" he asked.

"Of course not!" Lina denied it immediately.

A slightly playful smile appeared at the corner of Zuko's mouth.

"I just... I just wanted to discuss it with you." Lina lowered her voice and said, "Can you stay at the store for the next few days? I'm afraid Violet won't let it go and might send someone to cause trouble at the store."

Zuko fell silent for a moment, understanding her intention. She wanted him to act as the door guardian at home and the store.

Zuko smirked lightly, took out two clean garments from his bag, and walked into the bathroom without saying a word.

A while later, the sound of flowing water came from the inside, and Lina paced back and forth outside, not knowing whether to stay or leave. She glared at the bathroom door.

'This fellow is such a weirdo! Would it kill to speak a little more?'

He had not said if he agreed or not either. Everything he said felt as if according to his mood.

Lina breathed out. It seemed that she had to resolve this herself.

After a while, the sound of flowing water ceased, and Zuko emerged from the bathroom clad in a fresh T-shirt and shorts. He dried his hair with a towel as he walked, his long legs drawing attention, and a subtle hint of shower gel lingered in the air around him.

"Hey..." Lina did not get to finish what she said when Zuko left the house without even looking back.

This man's thoughts were as unpredictable as the weather.

Lina crossed her arms in front of her chest, rolled her eyes at his back, and slammed the door shut.

Zuko did not show up for the whole day, and it was not until after the small supermarket closed in the evening that he knocked on the door and returned to the Jenners.

The whole family gathered for dinner, and Dave kindly grabbed a chair. He was about to go and fetch the cutlery for Zuko, but the latter stopped him. "No need."

"Huh?" Dave was startled for a moment and jokingly said, "So, the door guardian really doesn't need to eat?"

Lina gave him a look.

Zuko did not care about what Dave said. He glanced at Lina, took two folded documents out of his pocket, and placed them on the table.

"What's this?" Dave curiously picked up the two folded documents, and his eyes almost popped out of his head. "Marriage certificates!?"

Jesse and Melissa were also stunned, looking at Zuko with confusion.

Lina was taken aback, her heart pounding.

'He... actually got the marriage certificates!?'

Chapter 972

Chapter 972

"You... How did you get these?" Melissa was the first to react and stared at Lina. "You, girl, didn't actually go and register with him, did you?"

"Mom, what are you saying!?" Dave defended his sister. "Lina didn't leave the house all day!"

"Yes, yes." Jesse nodded. "I came back home at noon, and Lina was working on her thesis!" "Everyone, don't panic," Zuko said in a deep voice. "These two marriage certificates are fake." "Fake!?" Everyone was even more surprised.

"Lina said she was afraid that Violet would come looking for trouble again. I thought about it and agreed that it's better to be prepared," Zuko explained simply. "So I got these."

Lina was surprised and picked up the marriage certificates to examine them carefully.

She had seen her parents' marriage certificates before, and they looked exactly the same as these ones. Her photo and Zuko's photo looked incredibly real, and the size was according to the standard of a marriage certificate.

The most unbelievable thing was the stamp.

Lina examined it repeatedly but could not find any flaws.

Jesse and Melissa exchanged glances, their gazes filled with doubt.

Finally, it was Dave who asked the question everyone wanted to ask, "Mr. Door Guardian, how did you get these? Never mind the certificates for now. How did you find my sister's photo?" Zuko's expression froze.

Of course, he could not say that he had asked Fredric's acquaintance there to make them. Fredric was a prominent lawyer with a wide network of contacts, including those who engaged in "special crafts," such as forging documents and hacking into networks.

The person who created pirated websites obtained Lina's photo from her school records in less than ten minutes.

Zuko cleared his throat and said with a straight face, "Well... I made it myself."

"You?" Lina widened her eyes. "You know how to do this too?"

"Uh, yes..." Zuko evaded the question. "I used to help people with fake documents."

The small living room suddenly felt like it was in a vacuum. Jesse let out a burp that sounded particularly loud.

Lina could only imagine the scene of those eye-catching words painted on the stone walls of the alleys-"Documents for Sale" followed by a string of phone numbers.

'Zeke used to do that?'

She could not help but burst into laughter thinking of that image.

"Oh my!" Melissa suddenly exclaimed, "Zeke, does that mean you went to prison because of forging documents?"

"Huh?" Zuko was stunned for a moment, then lowered his voice and replied, "Yes."

Melissa asked again, "Then why did you choose this line of work when you could earn a living with your physical strength?"

"I..." Zuko felt helpless and continued to bluff. "This line of work is easy, and it earns money quickly. I needed money at that time."

Meanwhile, Melissa had already imagined a family melodrama scene.

This poor child had no good background and had been forced to take this path. Did he also have a pair of parents who sucked his life out like blood-sucking locusts? With that in mind, her heart clenched. She quietly got up to go to the kitchen, scooped out the leftover food, and brought it to Zuko. "You haven't had dinner? Eat while it's hot!"

Zuko looked at the food and wondered whether to call the container a bowl or a basin.

Melissa smiled. "By the way, Zeke, since you went to prison for forging documents, you shouldn't have been sentenced for many years, right?"

Zuko really did not know how many years he should have been sentenced. To avoid slipping up, he quickly lowered his head and started eating. Melissa felt a huge weight lifted from her heart.

Chapter 973

Chapter 973

Melissa smiled and thought to herself that she initially thought Zuko was imprisoned for fighting and brawling, but it turned out to be for document forgery, which elevated his skills to a whole new level. Once someone had a talent, it was like they glowed.

"Zeke, if that's the case, you can be considered a skilled criminal!" Melissa said, "I can rest assured now since you went to prison for this! It's better than fighting!

"Zeke, it's alright to have taken the wrong path. What's important is to change! You made this marriage certificate so realistic, which shows that you have good skills! You should redirect your talent for forging documents and use it for something else—to contribute to society!"

"Yes! I completely agree!" Jesse chimed in. "Hey, Zeke, can you counterfeit money too?"

Zuko coughed and choked on his food, unable to respond.

Dave was holding back his laughter, and his face turned red.

Lina quickly shot her parents a look, signaling them to stop. She got up and poured a glass of water for Zuko.

Zuko struggled to swallow.

He could not make counterfeit money, but he could draw it. His painting skills were inherited from his maternal grandmother, who once fetched a staggering $30,000,000 for a painting of fireflies.

"I have to admit, your timing with the certificates was impeccable." Lina smiled at Zuko and put the marriage certificates away in a drawer. "I was worried all day today that Violet would come looking for trouble again!"

"With me around, she wouldn't dare," Zuko said softly.

Lina was startled, and her heart rate suddenly became irregular for some reason.

After dinner, Lina walked out of the alley alone. It was past 8:00 p.m., a time when people came out to chat and enjoy the cool evening breeze, especially since the beach was not far from there. She often went to the beach to relax.

The place was bustling with tourists, and the deep and enchanting sea at night captivated her. Lina gazed at the dark surface of the sea, the blurred boundary between the sea and sky, and enjoyed the gentle caress of the sea breeze. A smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

She found a secluded spot to sit down, but she heard a familiar voice as soon as she did. "You also like watching the sea?"

Lina was startled.

Zuko sat down next to her, his gaze fixed on the horizon, as mysterious and unpredictable as the sea itself.

"Ah... yes," Lina said softly. "I often take a walk after dinner, and it leads me to the beach."

"Lina."

"Yes?"

"Haven't you considered fighting back with how Violet's bullying you?"

Lina paused. Had she directed the conversation here?

"Why? You dare not tell?" Zuko turned to her with a smirk. "Or you've never thought of taking revenge?

"It had nothing to do with you, whether I have thought of it." Lina was sharp and would never tell someone anything before fully knowing the person.

Zuko smiled and turned his gaze back to the sea.

"If I were you, I wouldn't let someone who bullied me get away with it," he said with a lowered voice. "I'd make sure they suffer the consequences tenfold or even a hundredfold." He looked into her eyes. "Lina, don't you want to give it a try?"

Chapter 974

Chapter 974

Lina looked at Zuko for a while and asked softly, "I'm indignant, but what else can I do? The Grist Group is a big business, and crushing us is as simple as crushing an ant to them.

"It's my fault, actually." She smiled bitterly. "I shouldn't have impulsively reported problems with their products, and I shouldn't have gathered the merchants to boycott them. Sigh... I'm the one who suffered in the end, right? The merchants I approached are still selling the Grist Group's products!"

"Mm, it's good that you recognize your mistake," said Zuko with a calm expression.

Lina lowered her eyes and remained silent.

"A company like the Grist Group that's devoid of conscience will only disrupt the market order by continuing to exist." Zuko looked at her and said, "So, you were right in seeking justice, just using the wrong method."

Lina bit her lip. She had always thought he was reticent, but he spoke so much today.

"But you..." She hesitated for a moment and asked, "Do you have any good ideas?"

"No," said Zuko.

Even if he had any, he would not tell her. If this girl was not speaking honestly with him, he would have no reason to confide in her.

"Oh..." Lina nodded, and the atmosphere became awkward. Both of them did not know what to say next.

Seeing her hesitation, Zuko suddenly felt a strange feeling in his heart.

He raised an eyebrow, his eyes carrying a hint of slyness, and said softly, "But if there's a good plan in the future, we can work together. How about that?"

"Huh?" Lina was initially startled, and then a sweet smile appeared on her face. "Okay!"

The distant lights reflected on her profile, with the sea and the starry sky behind her in harmony.

Zuko thought he had seen many elegant and charming ladies from prominent families, each vying to be more captivating than the other. However, it was the first time he looked at a girl, unable to take his eyes off her like he was looking at Lina now.

His mother managed half of the entertainment industry, and many female celebrities regarded him as a stepping stone to cut short their struggle by 20 years, rushing to throw themselves at him. Being overly protected since childhood, he did not understand the treacherousness of human hearts. Time and again, the paparazzi would take his photos, and they would make it to the trending searches.

When he caused yet another scandal, Zephyr could not hold back anymore, saying, "What exactly do you want to do? Have you ever thought about your future?"

Zuko stubbornly remained silent.

Indeed, he had pondered his future. Perhaps the lingering memory of Pammy's disappearance at sea subconsciously led him to yearn for a girl who would be linked to the seaside, with eyes as sparkling as the stars, capable of creating waves of emotions, and a lifetime filled with love and tenderness.

Lina, who was currently before him...

"Hey, Zeke!" Lina waved her hand in front of him. "Why are you daydreaming?"

Zuko suddenly snapped out of it, feeling for the first time that his heartbeat was out of his control.

"Zeke?"

"Oh..." He turned his face away, not looking into her eyes. "It's nothing, just feeling a bit warm."

"Warm?" Lina was puzzled for a moment. "I feel fine. The sea breeze is quite cool. I'm even a little cold!"

Zuko momentarily paused, took off his long-sleeved shirt, and intended to casually drape it over her. However, his hands went out of control, and he covered her face with it directly.

"Ah!" Lina was startled and pushed her head out from the shirt, staring at him in astonishment.

"Aren't you cold?" Zuko's voice was colder than the sea breeze. "Put it on, and let's go back!"

After speaking, he stuck his hands in his pockets and walked ahead with long strides.

Lina had to jog to keep up with his pace. "Hey, Zeke, wait for me! This path is dark, and there are no lights. Will it cost your life to wait for me?

"Zeke!"

Zuko listened to the hurried footsteps behind him as he looked at the starry sky. For some reason, a smile involuntarily formed on his lips, refusing to fade away.

These days, the Jenners' lives remained as peaceful as usual.

However, the neighbors kept gossiping about their unexpected guest.

Fortunately, Jesse and Melissa were not the types to care about the opinions of others, and they comforted their children. "People will always talk, so let them say whatever they want! As long as we live comfortably ourselves, that's all that matters."

Chapter 975

Chapter 975

Lina had just finished organizing the snacks on the shelves when she turned around and looked at her mother. "You two are really good at this, huh?"

"That's not it about your mom!" Jesse smirked. "She doesn't care when people talk about her as long as they don't touch her money. Try messing with her money, and they'll know!" "Jesse Jenner!" Melissa immediately threw a bottle of water at him, narrowly missing his head.

"I'm serious," Melissa said, looking at Zeke, who was moving the goods outside. "Since he came into our lives, our lives have been much more peaceful!

"Didn't Dave say that Lina found us a door guardian?

"How long can this guardian stay? Does he have any other family members?"

"What are you doing?" interjected Lina.

"I'm getting to know more about him!" Melissa thought for a moment. "Don't get involved in these matters. I'll interrogate him slowly and make him confess the truth!" Lina looked at her mother, feeling both amused and exasperated, and laughed softly.

After Jesse and Melissa finished organizing the goods, they went home to eat. Since Lina had no classes, she stayed behind to watch the store.

Zuko sat in a cool spot by the entrance, drinking cold water in big gulps.

Suddenly, a fair dainty hand reached out, holding two cups of milk tea.

"Here!"

Zuko looked up and saw a pair of sparkling eyes.

"One is strawberry slush, and the other is bubble milk tea. Which one do you like?" asked Lina.

"No, "

"Just take it and drink!" Lina insisted, handing him the strawberry slush. "This one's cold. It'll keep you cool!"

Zuko took it and sipped it with furrowed brows. He had never liked these cloying drinks.

Lina glanced at him. "What's wrong? Is it not good?"

"It's good," he replied.

"Then drink it quickly!"

Lina smiled and drank hers quickly, finishing half of the cup in a few sips. Her face showed a sense of satisfaction, as if she had gained the whole world.

Zuko spoke indifferently. "Drinking too much milk tea will make you gain weight,"

Lina choked on her sip and turned to glare at him. "What? Do you think I'm fat?"

Zuko seriously examined her from head to toe and gave his assessment in two words, "Slightly thin."

She was very thin, and the areas that should be curvier were not. However, this might also be due to her choice of clothing style. She always wore oversized T-shirts and straight jeans, not accentuating her figure at all. Her petite body was enveloped in loose clothing, so it was impossible to tell what she really looked like.

Lina huffed and continued sipping her milk tea.

Zuko continued with a blank expression. "These drinks are made with artificial sweeteners without any milk or tea. They aren't good for your health."

"You..." Lina rolled her eyes. "I kindly bought milk tea for you, and now you're criticizing it? If you think this one's made with artificial sweeteners, then why don't you make a cup of real milk tea for me?" Little did she know, Zuko nodded earnestly. "That won't be an issue."

Lina snorted and got up, walking toward the supermarket.

A screeching sound of brakes broke the afternoon silence just then.

Lina halted in her tracks and saw a luxury car parked at the entrance, followed by a van.

First, a few thugs got off the van, their eyes filled with malicious intent as they sneered at the small supermarket. Then, the car door opened, and Violet stepped out in high heels, looking down at the two people in front of her with arrogance.

"Not bad. You've actually started a little family business now?"

Chapter 976

Chapter 976

Lina's expression darkened, and anger surged within her. She was about to say something when Zuko stepped forward and blocked her behind him. It momentarily stunned her.

Zuko's broad back shielded her completely, preventing her from seeing Violet's malicious smile or the wicked faces of the thugs. He was like a wall, isolating her from the ugliness of the world. Lina's heart warmed, and she wore a barely noticeable smile.

Zuko's voice turned cold. "Ms. Grist, if you have something to say, say it to me."

"Say it to you? Who do you think you are?" Violet crossed her arms and sneered. "It seems like you're enjoying your newlywed life. You're quite protective of her! Is this little b*tch skilled in bed to make you so devoted?"

"Violet Grist, watch your mouth! You-"

Before Lina could finish her sentence, Zuko pressed her head back behind him.

Lina then lifted her little head from under Zuko's arm on the other side. "Violet! You-"

"Go back!" Zuko continued to press her like he was playing whack-a-mole.

Regardless, he would not allow Lina to face this group of people alone.

Violet clapped her hands and sarcastically remarked how deeply in love the two of them were. She then signaled with her eyes, and immediately someone from the van unloaded boxes of drinks.

Violet's voice became sharp. "Lina Jenner, let me tell you some good news. Our Rose Dew from the Grist Group has been rebranded and relaunched! Hahaha! Are you disappointed? You reported us for such a long time, but we're still making money! How many merchants are still on your side?"

Lina bit her lip. Unfortunately, this "wall" in front of her was thick and solid, denying her any opportunity to curse at people.

Violet was triumphantly pleased as she pulled out a procurement contract.

It clearly stated that all beverages in Jazzy Mint supermarket were to be procured from the Grist Group for a period of 20 years.

"Lina, this contract bears the signatures of your parents. You wouldn't dare to default, would you?" Violet smiled cunningly. "I kindly brought these few boxes of goods for you. Sell them all within three days!" "You're shameless!" Lina's head emerged from under Zuko's arm again. "This contract was signed last year, but it's clearly an unfair clause! You took advantage of my parents' lack of understanding and forced them to sign it!"

Violet sneered. "Heh! The contract has been signed. Are you trying to back out? You little b*tch, be careful. I'll sue you in court!"

"Fine! I'd love to ask the judge why we merchants have to continue selling your products with quality issues!"

"You!" Violet could not gain any advantage in the argument, so she ordered the thugs to smash the store!

Since the day Lina started reporting the Grists, Violet had planned it out. This small supermarket was the only capital for Lina's family's survival. As long as she caused trouble every now and then, made things difficult for Lina at university, and prevented her family from doing business, she would love to see what else Lina could do against her.

However, Lina not only dared to continue fighting against her, but she also seemed more aggressive than before. Violet gritted her teeth in anger.

It was said that someone had started investigating the accounts of the Grist Group. All of this was thanks to that despicable girl!

"What are you all standing there for?" Violet clenched her fists. Every word she spoke seemed to carry a nail. "Since they refuse to sell our products, I'll ruin their store!"

"Wait!" Zuko let out a low roar.

His low, chilling voice was like a lion intimidating a pack of hyenas, leaving everyone stunned. The thugs all looked at each other, afraid to make a move.

As Zuko's icy gaze swept across the crowd, eventually fixing upon Violet, a shiver ran down her spine. However, she fought to maintain her composure.

Zuko spoke slowly, enunciating each word. "Ms. Grist, how's this contract written? Can I take a look?"

"You?" Violet sneered.

She held a deep-seated belief that he was nothing more than a truck driver, lacking intelligence, relying on brute force, and with a history of criminal activities and time spent behind bars. "Zeke, can you read?" she asked mockingly.

"Ms. Grist, are you testing me?" Zuko smirked. "If you want to know if I can read, give me the contract. I'll read it line by line, and you'll know, won't you?" "Hahaha!" Violet and the thugs burst into laughter.

He really was a big fool. He could not even tell that she was mocking him!

The more it was like that, the more entertaining it became.

Violet arrogantly handed him the contract. "I'm coincidentally in a good mood today. Go ahead and read it! I'm listening."

Zuko smiled and took the contract.

There was a red stamp on the last page, meaning this was not a photocopy of the original document.

Lina glanced at him and pointed to a certain line—the contract consisted of two copies, with each party holding one copy. Photocopies had no legal effect. Zuko nodded and gave her a look.

Lina immediately understood and whispered in his ear, "The other copy is at home."

"Good." Zuko smirked.

In fact, unfair agreements like this were easy to challenge. It would have no legal effect even if it were the original document.

It was just that the other merchants had been enduring silently under the tyranny of the Grists, only seeking to live in peace.

"Hey, are you going to read it or not?" Violet shook her head and teased Lina. "Lina, what did you tell him? Did you tell him how to read those words?" Zuko blocked Lina with his arm, pushing her behind him.

In the split second, when no one reacted, he quickly tore the contract into pieces!

"Zeke Hamerton!" Violet screamed, watching the shredded pieces of paper fall to the ground. Anger distorted her facial features.

"What are you doing? You unilaterally breached the contract! I... I can sue you! I'll sue you until you go bankrupt!" she barked. "Breach the contract?" Zuko raised an eyebrow. "What contract did I breach, Ms. Grist? Do you have any evidence?" "You breached the procurement contract just now! You-"

"And where is the contract?" asked Zuko.

Violet froze.

The original contract had only two copies-one in Lina's hands, and the other had just been torn to shreds by this man.

Zuko sneered. "Ms. Grist, since this contract wasn't signed through proper channels, there's no need to terminate it through proper means. Proper ways should be reserved for proper people." He turned to look at Lina. "Lina, am I right?"

Chapter 977

Chapter 977

Lina was momentarily stunned. She saw Zuko's gaze with a hint of rebellion and disdain for everything shining through. In that instant, she not only felt safe but also filled with courage. As long as he was by her side, it was as if she could walk the path without hesitation, even if it was full of thorns ahead.

"Zeke!" Violet screamed hysterically, "Who do you think you are? How dare you help this b*tch against me? Have you considered the consequences?"

"Consequences?" Zuko sneered, his lips curling. "Ms. Grist, I didn't receive much education, so I don't know how to write the word 'consequences.' Can you teach me?"

"You-"

"And!" Zuko's gaze darkened as he approached her step by step. "If you dare to disrespect Lina again with your filthy mouth, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Violet, who had always been proud and arrogant, had never been threatened like this before. She was infuriated, shaking with a red face and shouting like a mad woman, ordering the thugs to vandalize the store.

The thugs immediately took action wielding their clubs.

Zuko pulled Lina by the shoulder, pushing her into the store while he stayed outside.

Lina took out her phone, intending to call the police but suddenly heard a deep roar from the man.

"Try me!"

The thugs froze in their tracks. Zuko's cold and powerful presence made them hesitate and not dare to approach with just a single glance. He seemed like the underworld king emerging from hell.

Even Violet felt afraid. She did not know what she was afraid of in this man, but he emitted an invisible pressure that made her too afraid to breathe.

"Why are all of you standing there like idiots?" Violet's voice trembled. "There are so many of you, and you can't defeat a single person? Smash the store!"

Zuko's expression grew even darker, his gaze sharp as he coldly scanned the faces of everyone present.

The thugs, inexperienced and frightened, hesitated and dared not move forward. The one who had taken the lead to save face raised his rod and shouted as he charged at Zuko!

Zuko dodged swiftly and grabbed hold of the thug's rod to viciously fling him away!

The thug crashed into the wall like a dog, his head bleeding, and he lay on the ground wailing in pain.

The remaining thugs were scared out of their wits and quickly fled without a trace.

The Grists' driver hurriedly came over, worried about Violet's safety. He forcefully dragged her and pushed her into the car.

As the chaos subsided, the entrance of the small supermarket became quiet once again.

Lina stared in astonishment. Her phone was still in her hand with the emergency number not yet dialed.

Zuko turned around and came back, expressionless. He picked up the strawberry slush he had not finished drinking earlier and took a big sip.

The air seemed to freeze, and after a long silence, Lina timidly walked up to him and said softly, "Thank you."

Zuko was taken aback. He looked up, and there seemed to be something different in her beautiful eyes. "Uh... it was just a small favor. No need to thank me."

"No, I really have to thank you! If it weren't for you today, our family would have definitely suffered again."

"So, what do you plan to do?" Zuko's expression remained calm. "Repay me?"

Lina blushed.

Zuko furrowed his brow. "I haven't said anything yet, so why are you blushing?"

"You..." Lina glared at him, biting her lip.

A customer came in to make a purchase, so she turned her head to the cashier, leaving him with a slender back.

Zuko could not help but curl his lips.

He enjoyed teasing her, playing pranks on her, and seeing her pout without being able to say a word.

He faintly recalled the image of him holding the hand of a little girl. The little girl took unsteady steps and had yet to learn how to speak. He would pinch her face, and she would cry in protest. That little girl was called Pammy. She would be the same age as Lina this year if she were still alive.

Chapter 978

Chapter 978

Zuko was momentarily distracted and accidentally choked on the drink.

After closing the supermarket for the night, Lina locked the door and headed home with Zuko. Everyone in the family had already gone to sleep. Zuko was about to move the folding bed to the porch when Lina softly stopped him. "Um..."

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Well, are you hungry?" Lina lowered her head. "Let me prepare something for you to eat before you sleep."

Upon saying that, she turned and entered the kitchen.

Zuko stood alone on the porch, feeling a gentle breeze blowing. There seemed to be a sweet tinge in the air.

After a while, Lina came out of the kitchen with a late-night snack. When Zuko caught a whiff of the aroma, his stomach could not help but growl.

"Come and eat!" Lina smiled and handed him a spoon.

The late-night snack was lobster risotto. Zuko paused for a moment, and Lina explained, "The lobster you bought that day, my dad didn't eat it, and it's been in the fridge."

He nodded and scooped a spoonful into his mouth. The first bite left him a bit stunned. He had never known that risotto could be so delicious, especially with the addition of lobster meat and garlic flavor. It was incredibly flavorful.

"How is it?" Lina asked, smiling.

Zuko replied with a muffled "Mm."

A hint of dissatisfaction flashed across Lina's eyes. "What do you mean? Is it not good?"

Zuko did not answer but showed through his action of devouring the rice that it was incredibly delicious.

Lina pouted and was about to say something when the door to the master bedroom downstairs opened, and Melissa walked out, yawning.

"Lina... what are you doing?" Melissa glanced into the kitchen.

Seeing the scene of the just-cooked meal and the plate of risotto being eaten, she instantly understood what was going on.

She gave her a meaningful look. "Lina, come to the kitchen and heat up a cup of milk for me!"

"Mom, can't you do it yourself?" Lina protested.

"Just do what I asked! Why so much nonsense?" retorted Melissa.

Lina was puzzled and followed Melissa into the kitchen. Melissa closed the door behind them and scolded with a slightly irritated tone, "Not sleeping and making food for him in the middle of the night? Are you treating this person as your husband or what?"

"Mom..." Lina blushed and looked at her reproachfully.

Melissa grabbed her daughter's hand. There were a few red marks on the back of her fair and tender hands from the speckles of hot oil. She felt her heart ache.

"Oh, your hands... got burned like this! I raised you all these years just so you could serve someone?"

Lina pursed her lips, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart and unable to hold back her smile.

Her parents had always cherished her. Although their family was not wealthy, she was their precious girl. Growing up, she never even had to wash any cutlery. Only after she went to university did she slowly learn to cook a few dishes from her mother. Sometimes her parents were busy with their store and could not come back in time to take care of her.

Her parents loved her in every possible way, but now she was making late-night snacks for someone else. No wonder Melissa was anxious and upset.

Zuko was tall, handsome, and exuded a strong masculinity. He had helped their family several times. Girls often had a hero complex, especially Lina at the age of blossoming love, who had never been in a relationship before. Suddenly encountering someone like him, it was hard for her not to lose herself...

Melissa was worried that her daughter would be deceived and not find happiness.

She held her daughter's hand and earnestly advised her, "Lina, we haven't figured out this person's background yet. You must keep some boundaries with him and take care of yourself, understand?" Lina felt a bit embarrassed. "Mom, what are you saying?"

"What I mean is, girls should protect themselves!"

"Alright, alright, I understand!" Whenever this matter came up, Lina could not help but recall that night, feeling uncomfortable, as if worms were gnawing at her.

"Oh, I think he finished eating." Melissa peeked outside and made a clicking sound. "Oh my... such a large plate and it's already finished in no time! Not only does he eat fast, but he also eats so much! Should we ask him for money for future living expenses?"

Chapter 979

Chapter 979

Lina was rendered speechless.

"Mom, we owe a lot to Zeke today... He was busy all day and didn't eat much, so I—"

"Just wait. Mom will train him!"

"Huh?"

Before Lina could say anything, Melissa abruptly opened the kitchen door with a loud noise and said sternly, "Zeke! Bring the plate in!"

Zuko was taken aback and instinctively looked at Lina. The latter turned her face away, exasperated.

"Zeke, come in quickly!" Melissa beckoned.

Zuko reluctantly walked into the kitchen, holding the plate and a spoon.

Melissa had a smile on her face and raised her eyebrows as she looked at the sink. "Put them in there!"

Zuko did as she said.

"Wash the plates and also clean the pots!" Melissa instructed.

Zuko stared at her blankly.

Since he arrived, it seemed like he had not done any household chores. The last time he cooked for Lina, the kitchen had turned into a battlefield, and Melissa had ended up cleaning it up. What was Melissa planning to do now? Teaching him how to do housework?

Zuko was confused. It was not that he did not want to do housework, but he did not know how. From childhood to adulthood, he had at least five or six housekeepers taking care of his daily life. Even when he came to Jangasas, he lived in a villa area Zephyr had invested in during his early years.

He was a truck driver for the Grist Group in the day, but he returned to the villa at night and was served. He had no idea how to wash plates or clean pots.

"First, get some water and add dishwashing detergent." Melissa leaned against the kitchen door frame, directing him. "Yes, like that. Use that sponge!

"Hey, Zeke, turn down the water! Do you think water's free?"

"Yes, wash it like that, inside and out. Make sure it's all clean!"

Zuko was afraid of these greasy things, but his hands were now soaked in this greasy water with foamy dishwashing liquid floating on the surface. He held a dishwashing sponge like a warrior and battled with the pots and pans.

Water splashed all over, some splashed onto his face, and he felt a sense of irritation building up inside him like a volcano about to erupt. He managed to suppress it in the end.

Zuko took a deep breath and followed Melissa's instructions, laboriously completing the final step. He saw a satisfied smile on her face by then.

"Lina, you should go rest!" Melissa signaled to her daughter with her eyes, then turned to Zuko and praised him. "Look, even men can do housework excellently! You did a good job washing these dishes!"

Lina frowned and shook her head, but Melissa gestured for her to go back to her room. Lina reluctantly walked upstairs, glancing back at Zuko with concern.

Zuko's calm and composed face showed no trace of emotional fluctuations.

Melissa smiled as she leaned against the door and continued to chat with him. "Zeke, how old are you this year?"

Lina stood at the staircase, listening intently.

Zuko answered softly, "26."

"Oh, so you're six years older than our Lina." Melissa looked around. "You didn't go to college during the sentence, right?" Zuko did not know how to answer the question, so he remained silent.

"By the way, are there other people in your family?"

"..."

"Are your parents still alive?"

"Of course!"

Zuko's temples throbbed. Conversing with Lina was not as exhausting as this!

Melissa continued to stare at him and asked, "What do your parents do?"

Zuko glanced at her and felt his temples pounding even harder. With things coming to this point, he could only make things up.

"My parents... don't work. They stay at home," Zuko said in a low voice.

It was true that they did not have to work since plenty of talented individuals in the company made money for them.

"Oh, they don't work?" Melissa furrowed her eyebrows. "Your parents should be around the same age as me... They're not retired yet at this age! They don't work anymore?" "Uh... Yeah!"

"So how do they live without working?"

"They..." Zuko broke into a sweat on his forehead. "Sometimes they go to the company..."

'Just to take a look and check the accounts.'

Melissa suddenly realized something. "Oh, they do odd jobs in big companies? Like security or janitorial work?"

Zuko stayed silent.

"Zeke, are there other people in your family?"

Zuko mechanically replied, "I have a younger brother."

Melissa's frown deepened. "Does your younger brother also not work?"

"My younger brother's still in school."

"Oh?" Melissa's expression relaxed a bit upon hearing that. "In university?"

"Uh... It's not a very good university," he said.

Toph's school was not impressive to Zuko as it did not make it into the top three among the most prestigious schools.

"Oh, it's good enough that young people are going to university. Who cares if it's good or not?" Melissa laughed.

She was thinking that even though Zeke's younger brother did not go to a good school, he was still a university student. He would find a better job in the future, and there was a higher chance that their parents would follow his younger brother.

This way, Zuko's burden probably would not be too heavy.

After spending a few days together, she felt that this child was not bad at heart, and he looked good too. If he could stay with them...

The more Melissa thought about it, the more she felt fondly toward Zuko. She looked at him with a kind and loving gaze.

Zuko stood there, not knowing where to put his hands, especially avoiding Melissa's gaze. For a proud Hamerton heir like him, it was the first time he felt so intimidated by a middle-aged woman!

He heaved a sigh of relief, hesitated for a while, and stammered, "Ma'am, can I... go to sleep now?"

"Oh!" Melissa snapped back to reality and told him with a smile, "It's already late. Go rest quickly!"

Zuko hurriedly ran to the porch as if escaping.

"Hey, Zeke!" Melissa's voice, like a nightmare, came from behind again!

"What's the matter?"

"Bring the bed to the living room. Don't sleep outside! It may be a bit chilly in the middle of the night, even though it's hot now! Don't catch a cold."

"I..."

"Our family doesn't have the habit of getting up at night, so you can sleep peacefully here!" Melissa warmly invited him in. "Do you need a new set of sheets? I'll get another one for you!"

Chapter 980

Chapter 980

Zuko shook his head like a rattle drum and rushed out of the living room in a panic. Melissa wore a cryptic smile watching his anxious figure.

"Oh, honey!" Jesse rubbed his eyes and came out, startled by Melissa standing at the bedroom door. "Are you summoning spirits here when you're not sleeping in the middle of the night?" "Get lost!" Melissa slapped his head with a palm and rolled her eyes.

Jesse became much more awake. He saw the figure on the porch and looked at his wife's mysterious smile, suddenly understanding something.

He pulled her back into the room and lowered his voice. "Say, you wouldn't really choose him as our daughter's husband, would you?"

"Why not?" Melissa raised an eyebrow, looking pleased. "I just asked about his family background! His family background may not be great, but if we want to find a son-in-law for Lina, he's quite suitable!"

"What!?"

"Do you want our daughter to marry into another family and leave us in the future?"

Jesse froze, shaking his head vigorously.

Just the thought of one day walking his daughter down the aisle and handing her over to another man made him extremely worried and reluctant.

"That's why!" Melissa became more excited. "If we can keep Zeke at home, not only can he be a guardian, but our daughter's future will also be secured!"

"But..."

Due to the conflicting emotions as a father, Jesse hoped for someone who would genuinely love and care for Lina, but he could not stand any man getting close to her at the same time.

"Don't worry. It won't happen so quickly!" Melissa held his hand. "I'll train and transform him! Mold him into the ideal son-in-law we want! The only trouble now is that he has a criminal record. "Well, it's not a big deal as long as it's not something like fighting. People make mistakes in order to survive, right?"

Melissa became more thrilled as she spoke. "Honey, I think this kid's not bad in nature. With some transformation and training for a year or so, it'll definitely work!"

"Good!" Jesse gnashed his teeth, his heart determined. "I'll leave it to you as you say! You must transform him well, understand?"

The middle-aged couple held hands tightly, displaying a resolute unity.

"Don't worry! I'll definitely transform him into a perfect son-in-law for our daughter!"

"Yeah!"

Zuko had just unfolded the folding bed on the porch when he suddenly felt a chill behind him and sneezed a few times.

Strange, he had been sleeping fine here a few days ago, so why did he feel cold today? What was even stranger was that his body felt cold, but his ears were itchy and hot.

Zuko shook his head and did not think too much about it. He wrapped the blanket around himself, tossed, and turned for a long time before falling asleep.

During this period, Lina felt particularly secure.

Whether it was on her way to university or back home, Zuko would follow behind her. On deserted paths, he would be close to her, but in places where she might run into her classmates, he would keep his distance.

Every time Lina entered the university gate, she instinctively turned around and scanned the area. The first thing she did after classes every day was to look for that familiar figure.

Gia sometimes complained to her, "Have you become a commuting student recently? I never see you in the dorm! I'm so bored all by myself!"

"Oh... My parents want me to go home and spend more time with them," Lina said, her cheeks involuntarily pinking.

"Is that so?" Gia teased her with a mischievous smile. "Is it to spend more time with them, or is there another reason that attracts you back home?"

Lina glared at her.

Seeing her reaction, Gia stopped teasing her and ran away with a smile.

As Lina approached the university gate, she looked toward a familiar figure not far away. Zuko was standing under a big tree, as expected. He smiled and waved, and even Lina herself did not realize that she was running toward him like a joyful little bunny, hopping and jumping.

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, Zuko took out his phone and quietly took a photo of the original copy of the contract left with Lina.

After the incident when Violet came to cause trouble, Lina had shown him the original copy of the contract. Zuko had noticed that she had placed the contract in the drawer in the living room.

He had been sleeping in the living room for the past few days, so obtaining the contract was easy.

Zuko lay on the folding bed and sent the photo. Soon, his phone vibrated. He momentarily hesitated before walking quietly into the yard and answered in a low voice, "Hello?"

"Zuko, I received what you sent," said the party on the other end.

"Good." Zuko frowned. "Did you really need to call me to inform me about such a small matter?"

A low peal of laughter came from the other end.

Jacob Welsh was a rather extraordinary, rich heir in Jangasas. Despite studying law, he resolutely refused to rely on his family connections. He was currently working as a mere lawyer's assistant at Fredric's law firm and enjoyed his work.

He liked this job and wanted to become a great lawyer like Fredric, step by step through his own efforts. He had chosen this law firm because of its reputation in the industry and because he could be closer to Zuko, the senior he had admired since his university days.

The two of them had established a deep friendship since their university days, and most of the time, Jacob followed Zuko like a loyal little follower.

"If you have something to say, just say it!" Zuko coughed lightly. "I can't stay out for too long!"

"No way! You're already so infatuated with your wife?" Jacob's voice sounded teasing.

Zuko's tone turned sharp. "Are you asking for a beating?"

Jacob laughed even more brightly, but he stopped after a while.

"Alright, alright... I won't joke with you anymore," Jacob said seriously. "I just wanted to let you know that you must keep the original copy of this contract safe. I took a look at it just now, and there are indeed some oppressive clauses that can serve as evidence."

"I know."

Jacob paused. "Also, I'll be on a business trip to Centrolis next week. I'm going to visit your parents and let them know about your recent situation."

"Okay." Zuko hesitated for a moment, then changed his mind. "Forget it. You don't have to go."

"What's wrong? Are you afraid I'll let something slip?" Jacob chuckled lightly. "Actually, you and Lina aren't really married, so it's fine if they know!" Zuko fell silent for a moment.

The words "aren't really married" struck a chord in his heart, and he felt inexplicably restless.

"Hello? Zuko, are you still there?"

Zuko snapped back to reality and talked a bit more before hanging up.

He looked up at the night sky. It was not a clear night tonight, with some clouds obscuring the moon. His heart felt as tumultuous as the night sky right now.