Ch. 981..990

Chapter 981

Chapter 981

Zuko was involved in various activities with the family. He would send and pick up Lina from school, and she would assist at the store.

Melissa would engage in conversations with him, while Jesse would pour him wine whenever he drank. Dave looked up to him and occasionally received fighting lessons from him. Overall, he felt connected with the family.

However, Zuko noticed that Lina had been ignoring him lately. She would not turn her head to acknowledge him when entering the university gate as she used to.

Moreover, she started leaving school later and would quickly walk ahead of him, keeping her head down. At home, she acted as if he didn't exist, and even at the store, she pretended he wasn't there. It was clear that she was deliberately avoiding him.

This confused Zuko. They were fine just two days ago, so why was she pushing him away now? Could it be that all women were fickle-minded?

Being accustomed to women approaching him whenever he was in a social setting, Zuko found it difficult to adjust to someone deliberately ignoring him. The sudden cold shoulder was something he couldn't easily get used to.

He lacked experience in such matters, so he didn't know with whom to discuss this.

To make matters worse, Zuko found that her behavior was starting to affect him. He would become anxious when she ignored him, resulting in mistakes like confusing sugar for salt or wine for vinegar while organizing the store shelves.

Desperate, he turned to an online forum and posted a thread.

[What's the reason for a girl with whom you have been close to suddenly start ignoring you?]

Within half an hour, he received numerous replies.

[What else? She doesn't like you anymore!]

[Did you do something that disgusts her, good-looking boy?]

[Perhaps she has a new prospect, and she's just treating you as a spare tire!]

Zuko frowned and clenched his fists.

'New prospect? Spare tire? Lina, that damned girl!'

He took deep breaths, trying his best to calm down. He replied to the comment saying that Lina had a "new prospect".

[May I know how to find out who her new prospect is?]

The person sent him a private message with a laughing emoji a moment later.

[Bro, I bet you haven't had a girlfriend before? Tell me, what have you done with her so far? Can you go into her room?]

Zuko rolled his eyes and looked upstairs.

Melissa had prohibited him from going into Lina's room. He had been such a good boy that he had never gone near her room.

However, she did not have the habit of locking her door. She would always open the door without having to unlock it.

He bit his lip and replied. [I can get into her room.]

The person replied. [Bro, girls have many secrets in their rooms. Sneak in secretly, and you might find something that might surprise you! That's all I can help you with. Good luck!] Zuko sighed, his eyes turning grim.

Should he really go into her room?

With no one in the house now-Jesse and Melissa at the store, Dave at school, and Lina involved in a university activity-Zuko saw this as the perfect opportunity to enter her room. He forcefully shook his head, fully aware that it was morally wrong. However, he felt an inexplicable force guiding his actions as he found himself standing in front of her door.

Deep in thought, he acknowledged that entering her room without permission was indeed inappropriate. But if he had a valid excuse, maybe he could be forgiven. Quickly, he located a downstairs, and after a moment of contemplation, he began scribbling on it.

pen

and paper

Chapter 982

Chapter 982

Lina looked melancholic and worried on her way home.

She was in no mood to participate in the university activity. The calendar filled her head-it was the 15th today, yet her period had been two weeks late.

Lina did not know what was happening.

A few days ago...

Lian happened to hear about a fellow student who had gotten pregnant from her boyfriend a few days ago. She was helpless and wanted to get an abortion at the hospital.

At that moment, Lina shivered as the strange night she had spent with Zeke flashed through her head!

Her arms and legs felt weak, so she bought a pregnancy test stick.

Lina tested uneasily and was only slightly relieved when she saw only one line on it. However, she had read on the Internet that many people said testing one time might not be accurate. As such, she was so stressed that she was almost breaking down.

Lina had been treating Zuko as if he were invisible and being cold to him the past few days.

Firstly, she felt numb from the stress. Secondly, she did not know how to face him.

She hesitated about whether to buy more pregnancy tests.

After entering the house, she suddenly noticed that her room door seemed to be open when she lifted her head!

She was shocked and quickly ran upstairs!

She and Zuko were shocked when she entered. At present, he was standing in front of her desk, and a used pregnancy test lay on it.

Lina recalled throwing it into the trash can after using it!

They stared at each other for a while, and it was Lina who took the initiative to speak in the end.

"W-What are you doing in my room!?" she asked with flushed cheeks and snatched the pregnancy test.

Zuko understood what had happened now-she had been ignoring him because she was trying to find out whether she was pregnant!

"So, this is what you've been worried about?" he asked.

"It's none of your business!" Lina was furious from the humiliation and pushed him out.

However, not anyone could move him easily due to his strong body.

Lina pushed a few times. Not only was she tired, but she was also pissed. She thought she would just stop and stare at him with the fiercest eyes she could give.

"Get out now, Zeke!"

"Think that through." Zuko smiled. "If you chase me out now, you might never discover what happened that night."

"You!"

"Lina," he called out to her.

It sounded as if he was reciting a poem when he called her name. There was hoarseness, yet romance in it.

He inched closer to her.

Her tiny head merely reached his chest, and her nose was pointing at his heart.

Lina suddenly felt that something was wrong with her heartbeat.

"Lina, that night... nothing actually happened," he confessed.

"What did you say?" Lina was stunned.

"Why do you look like that?" Zuko checked her out and grinned. "Are you sad that nothing happened between us?"

Lina was dumbstruck and frozen for a long time.

She was slow, and understanding what he said took her a long time. She then jumped up in an attempt to hit him.

"Okay, stop it!" Zuko grabbed her wrists.

She was grabbed just like that and could not move.

Zuko picked up the calendar with the date circled in a heart, chuckled, and explained, "I sent you to the hospital that night, but nothing happened between us. So... If something is wrong, you should check with the doctor, not guess blindly with the pregnancy test!"

Lina flushed while her heart was racing.

She suddenly saw something that he was holding in his other hand. It seemed to be money, but it was not.

"Zeke, what... are you holding?" asked Lina.

Chapter 983

Chapter 983

"Oh, this?"

Zuko took out what he was holding. It was a banknote.

Lina was stunned at first. She only realized that it was not a banknote but a drawn one!

It was just that the patterns and the lines were too real!

Zuko could totally fool someone with that.

Lina was dumbstruck and looked at him blankly.

Zuko noticed the complex emotions flashing through her eyes at that second.

Did she think that he was forging banknotes?

Zuko chuckled. "Your father asked me if I could forge banknotes. I don't, but I can draw them. I drew this, especially for you."

"For me?" asked Lina.

"Mm-hmm." He gestured and said, "Flip it over."

Lina flipped it over in doubt. The normal banknotes should have the location of the bank printed on the center-right side, but there were two alphabet characters in their place instead-LJ. Lina was confused at first and then stunned. She suddenly looked up. Zuko no longer looked unfathomable and cold like before. There was a strange warmth in his eyes now.

"I didn't know what I could give you, so I thought I'd give you this," he explained in a deep voice, pursing his lips. "I hope that... you'd like it."

He had never said such things before, so his tone was rather stiff.

Lina looked down and smiled. She put the "banknote" in the drawer and said after a while, "I accept it. Is there anything else?"

"Oh, that's all." He kept scratching his nose.

Lina did not look at him, but his presence lingered in the air.

Their shadows reflected on the wall, close to each other.

Lina could not help but smile.

Zuko sensed his heart beating irregularly, and he struggled to catch his breath. Additionally, he noticed an unusual warmth in his earlobes.

Reacting swiftly, he made up a quick excuse and departed. As he hurried down the stairs, he skipped a few steps and nearly stumbled, narrowly avoiding a fall.

From upstairs, Lina observed the scene and instinctively covered her lips as she smiled. Concerned about him, she anxiously gazed downward.

At the same time, he glanced upward as if he could sense her watchful presence. Their eyes locked, and they saw nothing but each other in that intense gaze.

Lina slept well tonight.

Ever since she was young, Lina had recurrent dreams of the beach. The ocean in her dreams differed from the one in Jangasas. Moreover, she would transform into a child, stumbling along unsteadily. In her dreams, there was always a boy who held her hand and drew fireflies on the beach, making her smile.

However, she would awaken abruptly whenever she attempted to see the boy's face.

Today, Lina woke up earlier than usual.

She stretched her body, fully aware that she couldn't afford to delay, as she had an early class. Hastily, she rose from the bed, freshened up, and changed, rushing out without delay. Unbeknownst to her, Zuko quietly trailed behind from a distance.

As Lina approached the university entrance, Zuko quickened his pace and gently tapped her shoulder when he caught up with her.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"You didn't have breakfast." He handed her a cup of fresh orange juice and a granola bar.

He had bought those from the cafe by the street.

Lina felt warm inside when she took them over shyly. She suddenly recalled something embarrassing.

"Zeke, I..." It was hard for her to tell him. "I forgot my homework."

Chapter 984

Chapter 984

Zuko was stunned.

"My class starts at 8:30 a.m., and it's already 8:20 a.m." Lina felt troubled. "I need it for the third period. I—"

Zuko turned around and departed without saying another word, leaving her standing there alone.

Lina stood there, lost in thought. She couldn't seem to comprehend this man's intentions... After arriving in the classroom, she still had five minutes to spare. She took a bite of her granola bar and noticed that it contained sugar, yet it failed to taste sweet.

As the third period approached, Lina struggled to focus. The lecturer's words felt like rocket science to her. She filled her mind with excuses for potentially being unable to submit her homework on time. During a break, she made a quick visit to the bathroom.

Upon her return, Gia intercepted her outside the classroom. "Lina!"

"Hmm?" Lina was stunned. "What's up?"

"Don't... go in yet." Gia looked rather odd.

Lina looked into the classroom.

Violet was spewing nonsense. "I guess you guys didn't know that Lina is already married!"

Those classmates who loved to gossip gathered.

"Do you know who her husband is? That man used to be the Grist Group's truck driver before. He was a delivery man! Ha! He's always quiet with a grim face on. He's no different than a mute person, so everyone calls him a fool! Hahaha!"

Her voice was shrill. It was extra harsh even in the rather noisy classroom.

Lina clenched her fists, and her shoulders shuddered out of control.

"Ridiculous!" Gia yelled while looking at the classroom. "Ignore her, Lina! She's like a crazy dog now. She-"

Lina rushed in before Gia could finish.

Although Lina was not a troublemaker, she was not a pushover either.

Moreover, class was starting soon. Violet did not own the classroom, so why could she not enter?

Lina stirred quite a commotion as she returned to her seat. The gossiping stopped instantly, and the classroom was so quiet that they could hear everyone's breathing.

To these wealthy students, Lina was an alien, so the person she married was even stranger than she was.

They had never treated her as their own and would look at her in curiosity and pity. The better ones would respect her and maintain their distance.

The terrible ones, like Violet, would mock her and humiliate her. Even worse, they would shun her.

Lina did not care about how people looked at her. All she cared about was doing well, as her parents had spent a lot to get her into this university. However, she could not learn in peace now.

Violet scoffed, walked to her, knocked on her table, and said sarcastically. "Hey Lina, tell us about your husband, will you? What made you fall for him?" Lina ignored her.

"Do you know this?" Violet intentionally raised her voice. "Your husband used to be in prison. Did you know that?"

The classmates gasped. Everyone stared at Lina as if there were thorns in their eyes.

Lina took a deep breath in and glared fiercely at Violet.

"Why are you looking at me?" This was the exact reaction Violet wanted. "I'm right about this! Lina, you're married. You should share your romantic experience with your classmates, right? How did you end up marrying such a man?

"Hey, is it super exciting to marry someone who was in prison before?

"How's your husband feeding you since he's not working? Lina, why don't I be generous and let him continue being the Grist Group's driver?

"Hey, I'm talking to you! You-"

"I heard you." Lina looked calm as she enunciated each word. "I heard every single word you said, but I'm sorry to say that although I heard you, I don't understand you!" "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is..." Lina scoffed. "I'm a human, so I don't understand a dog's barks!"

Chapter 985

Chapter 985

"You!" Violet was mad from the humiliation and almost hit Lina. However, she held back as her classmates were watching.

After all, she had been putting on the facade of a friendly and generous princess. If she really slapped her and those ill-intentioned people uploaded the clip onto the Internet, the facade she had put so much effort into would be completely ruined!

Her lips quivered, and she tried her best to smile.

"Get over yourself, Lina!" Violet gnashed her teeth and enunciated each word. "Don't think you're safe just because you married that fool! I'll never let you go!"

Lina glanced at her and continued reading as if nothing happened.

Gia went to sit next to Lina and held her hand softly.

Zuko stood at the door, having witnessed everything. Frowning in disgust, he cast a glance of disapproval at Violet. He then turned around and made his way to a quiet corner in the corridor, where he made a call, speaking softly. "Jacob, it's me."

The latter was surprised as Zuko hardly took the initiative to call!

"What's up?" asked Jacob.

"How much do you know about the Grists?" asked Zuko.

Jacob was perplexed. "The Grists? Aren't you investigating them? Why are you asking me that?"

Zuko faked a cough and fell quiet.

Jacob could feel the intense suppression on him even through the phone. He dared not joke with him, so he said after thinking for a moment. "The family isn't too powerful, but they have some support." Zuko nodded. Such occurrences were common in Centrolis. Certain families, who might not possess inherent power, relied on connections to acquire influence and authority.

Jacob lowered his voice. "Zuko, we can't rush things with the Grists' scandal just yet. We don't have enough evidence now, so don't make things worse!"

"Hmm, I know," replied Zuko.

"You do?" Jacob was stunned. "Then why did you ask that when you do?"

"I'm not asking about that!"

Jacob was confused. "Then what-"

"How much do you know about Violet Grist?" asked Zuko.

Jacob was completely dumbstruck now.

However, that fitted Zuko's personality. Nobody ever knew what he was going to do.

At that moment, Jacob could only answer honestly. "Violet creates this good, wealthy girl persona for herself, but the people in the circle know how terrible she is.

"You'll find out if you frequent those video applications. She has many fans. Everyone thinks that she comes from a powerful family and is a good girl and someone to look up to, so... Ha! In reality, she's just a piece of trash!"

"Oh?" Zuko smiled. "Since she's a piece of trash, we should put her where she belongs!"

"What do you mean?"

Zuko sneered. "It's time for her fans to find out how to sort trash!"

Jacob was confused again.

Before he could react, Zuko gave him a mission. "Monitor Violet for the next few days!"

"Sure..."

The prince of the Hamertons hung up right after that.

There would be whispers going on in the classroom every now and then.

Violet was upset that she had lost to Lina in the last round, so she kept pestering her about her marriage.

"Don't be so petty, Lina! We're classmates. Aren't you going to buy us a meal to celebrate?"

"What's wrong with you?" Gia could no longer hold back. "She won't invite you even if she's doing that!"

Violet glared at her. "You have no right to speak!"

Lina pulled Gia away and signaled her.

Chapter 986

Chapter 986

Violet grinned. "So, Lina, when will you guys hold a party? I'm sure you can't afford that, right?

"That man is poor, yet you insisted on marrying him. What do you like about him?"

Gia gnashed her teeth. "Violet, you know very well why she got married!"

"How would I know?" Violet laughed out loud. "Don't tell me she's keeping a secret?"

"Absolutely not," Lina declared, rising from her seat. Her gaze turned cold as she scanned the room, ultimately fixing it firmly on Violet. Lina displayed no fear as she confronted Violet. The latter was taken aback by Lina's unwavering posture, rendering her speechless. "Since everyone is so curious about why I got married, I'll fulfill your wish today." She smiled and said, "It's because... I love him!"

"What!?"

Everyone was shocked, including shell-shocked Violet.

Lina smiled. She was happy that Zuko was not there, or she would feel embarrassed.

"Yes, I love him!" She raised her voice intentionally. "My husband is the best man in the world. He protects me so that nobody will bully me! Someone kept coming to my family store these days to disturb us, and my husband stopped that person. Ha! Why would I not love such a husband? Why would I not marry him? That would be ridiculous!"

Lina looked at Violet as she spoke and scoffed. "Am I right, Ms. Grist?"

The latter blinked in silence.

Someone whispered softly, "They love each other, Violet! What else do you have to say about that? Ugh!"

Soon, the gossipers dispersed as their class was about to start, so Violet lost again.

Violet had initially expected to witness Lina's embarrassment. She couldn't fathom how Lina could lead a fulfilling life following a forced marriage to such a man.

However, it became apparent that not only was Lina leading a prosperous life, but she also appeared genuinely happy in her marriage.

Violet clenched the corner of her clothes tightly, feeling a sharp pang in her heart as if a needle had pricked it.

Could she have facilitated a joyful union for that wretched girl!?

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a noise emanated from the door. And there, Zuko stood!

An immediate hush fell over the entire classroom.

The man exuded an air of dominance, capable of compelling anyone to submit to him at any moment.

Lina rose from her seat slowly, her unwavering gaze fixed upon him.

"You..."

"I brought you your homework," he said in a soft voice.

He carefully took out the paper she had printed out last night. The papers were neat, without even a single crinkle. Lina's heart was racing.

"Didn't you say you need this in the third period? I went home to get it for you. Check if this is the one." said Zuko. Lina was stunned before she snapped back to her senses. She quickly held her head down to check. "Yes, this is it." "Great." He smiled, "Be good. I'm leaving."

Zuko started to walk away, but after taking a few steps, he abruptly turned back.

Lina stood in place, still as a statue. Zuko smiled and affectionately tousled her hair, patting her head gently.

"Don't eat junk food for lunch. It's not good for you," he advised in his deep voice. "I'll bring you a proper lunch later!"

"Wow, so that's Lina's... husband?" someone whispered, initiating a discussion amongst themselves.

"He's good-looking!"

"And he's treating her well!"

"He doesn't look like he's wonky in the head!"

"Did Violet... make up nonsense to entertain us?"

Chapter 987

Chapter 987

A hush fell over the students as the lecturer entered the classroom.

It was a design theory class, and Lina had consistently excelled, earning praise for her homework numerous times. However, her heart was in disarray right now.

Her gaze fixated emptily on her homework, her thoughts consumed by Zuko's presence as he entered the room.

She absentmindedly touched her hair, still feeling the lingering warmth from his touch...

A smile gradually spread across her face as she stared into space.

What had he said before he left? He had mentioned bringing her lunch.

For a moment, she was taken aback, revealing an awkward smile.

How could that be possible? The store would be crowded at noon, and he was expected to remain there with her parents. How could he possibly find the time to bring her lunch? Moreover, did he even know how to cook?

Perhaps he had simply said it without much thought.

Yet, despite her skepticism, his words brought her joy.

Soon, It was noon, and the students were discussing what to have for lunch.

Gia pulled Lina to ask. "Do you want to go to the restaurant?"

"Are you stupid?" Violet mocked her. "Her husband is bringing her lunch. Why are you pestering her to go out with you?"

Gia rolled her eyes at her and criticized under her breath. "Crazy!"

Violet did not hear that, so she pushed it even further. "It's 12:00 p.m. now, Lina. Where's your husband? Ha! Was he only fooling you?"

"It's none of your concern, Violet!" Gia could no longer hold back and stood up to fight back.

"You-"

Before she could finish, a lecturer at the door called out, "Who is Lina?"

Lina was stunned and stood up slowly.

The lecturer turned around and looked behind.

At that moment, a couple of men in suits and white gloves stood in one line. They walked in slowly with a pretty food container in their hands. The logo of the top luxury hotel in Jangasas, Best Level, was embossed on the containers.

Lina was shocked.

Best Level, situated in the heart of the bustling city center, exuded a captivating splendor. It was rumored that every dish served at the hotel equated to an entire month's salary for an average worker, and the portion sizes were known to be modest.

Yet, as the array of dishes was presented before them...

How much did they cost?

Lina's heart was racing as she could not believe what she was seeing.

"Ms. Lina?" A man who looked like the manager walked to her and bowed respectfully, smiling professionally. "These are our hotel's seasonal dishes. Do taste them and tell us your precious opinion!" "Y-You must have sent them to the wrong person, right?" She dared not breathe loudly. "I didn't order your food!"

The manager frowned, looked at the order form, and continued smiling. "You're Ms. Lina Jenner, right?"

She nodded like a robot.

"I guess this is your phone number."

She glanced at it-it was really her phone number.

It was Zeke who had ordered the food.

The university's address and classroom number were correct too!

The manager smiled and bowed again. "Enjoy your meal, Ms. Lina!"

The people behind him said simultaneously, "Enjoy your meal, Ms. Lina!"

Lina almost fell from the shock.

Meanwhile, the students in the classroom were amazed when they looked at her.

They were wealthy sons and daughters in Jangasas who were born with a golden spoon in their mouths.

Money was just a number to people like Violet.

However, they would not do that even if they went to eat at Best Level, let alone get the manager to come himself.

The hotel had garnered a reputation for its exclusivity and snobbishness. It catered solely to the affluent and influential, who relentlessly pursued its services, while the establishment remained unyielding, refusing to bow to anyone.

And now...

The onlooker's eyes were filled with curiosity and doubt, mixed with jealousy as they looked at Lina.

"D-Did you guys make a mistake?" Violet rushed over and looked at the manager in disbelief. "You guys delivered food to this little b*tch!?"

Chapter 988

Chapter 988

The manager looked up to look at Violet. "Are you Ms. Lina?"

Violet gulped. "I'm not."

"That's right," he said with a smile. "I'm delivering the food for Ms. Lina and Ms. Lina only. This is no mistake!"

"But she-"

Violet yearned to say more, but the manager didn't allow her any opportunity. Without warning, he stood tall, gesturing for the others behind to do the same. Their voices grew louder. "Enjoy your meal, Ms. Lina!"

To be honest, Lina felt extremely uneasy as she ate.

More than ten attendants stood around the classroom while the manager served her. Numerous students watched from outside.

She started to perspire. The more she pondered, the stranger it seemed.

Upon returning home, her first instinct was to confront Zuko.

"What was that during lunch?" she inquired.

He furrowed his brow. Hadn't he arranged a meal for her through the owner of Best Level?

Could it be that the food wasn't good?

"Zeke!" Lina's expression grew anxious. Suspicion clouded her innocent eyes. "Tell me the truth..."

She hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "Who are you really?"

Zuko stared at her, his confusion evident. Just as he was attempting to discern what had gone awry, Melissa's voice echoed from the other room. She requested Lina's assistance with an account. Lina glared at him fiercely and declared, "I'll question you later!"

Zuko was left bewildered, his gaze fixed on Lina's retreating figure.

Just then, he received a text message.

Glancing around, he made his way to the courtyard and opened the message, revealing a video clip. It was from the owner of Best Level, claiming credit for their actions.

[We served Ms. Lina the finest dishes at noon, accompanied by our top-notch manager and attendants! I hope you are pleased with our service, Mr. Zuko.] Zuko's facial expression changed!

He watched the video clip in silence. The extravagant display was almost unbearable to watch.

Taking a deep breath, Zuko covered his face with one hand. He had merely requested the owner to send Lina a meal, not orchestrate a grand spectacle fit for a national leader!

No wonder Lina had fiercely questioned his identity earlier. She would undoubtedly discover the truth with a little effort.

Just as he was lost in thought, Zuko's phone vibrated. He picked it up, and it was the hotel owner, fawning over him. "Sir, I... I hope you enjoyed..."

"I am satisfied," Zuko replied curtly, forcing the words through his grim expression.

The person on the other end was overjoyed. "Since that's the case, I will make arrangements for tomorrow—"

"You did great today," Zuko said coldly. "Don't do it again!"

"Huh? What "

Zuko hung up abruptly, cutting off the conversation.

Suddenly, a tap on his shoulder startled him. He turned around to find Lina's bright eyes fixed on him.

"Umm, I..." Zuko stuttered, struggling to find the right words.

"Did you do something illegal again?" Lina's voice was filled with suspicion.

Stunned by her accusation, Zuko felt like her unwavering gaze was judging him.

"Zeke, the hotel's food is expensive!" Lina emphasized, her tone serious. "If you didn't acquire the money legally, how did you afford it? Did you forge IDs again?" Caught off guard, Zuko hesitated, searching for an explanation.

"Umm..." he began, his mind racing to find the right response.

"If that's not the case..." Lina leaned closer, her penetrating eyes locked on him. "Then tell me, who are you exactly?"

Chapter 989

Chapter 989

Zuko licked his lips, feeling his throat dry. He was adept at concealing his emotions, never allowing them to show on his face. However, lying was not his strong suit. He had been forbidden from lying since childhood.

Now, he found himself struggling to fabricate what might be the biggest lie of his life.

Lina's eyes grew increasingly suspicious. "Zeke, a meal at that hotel could cost someone's entire annual income, so..."

"I did something, but it's not illegal," he replied, his voice deep, avoiding direct eye contact.

In the past, he never looked people in the eyes because he simply didn't care. But now, he felt a pang of guilt, hence avoiding her gaze.

Her anxiety grew instantly. "What did you do?"

Zuko fell into a momentary silence. Immersing himself in the persona of "Zeke," he quickly brainstormed what kind of activity could have yielded such a large sum of money in a short period of time.

Then, he remembered his uncle, a renowned actor, in Southeast Asia. Although Zuko was no longer involved in acting, his uncle's success in the entertainment industry had brought him significant wealth. So... being an actor might be a lucrative profession, right? Especially for someone like Zeke, with a tarnished reputation, no educational background, but undeniable good looks. Selling his appearance seemed to be his only option.

Biting his lip, a sense of disgust washed over him. He never anticipated that one day he would have to sell his looks "for a living."

"Umm, I..." He became more skilled at crafting lies. "I became an actor."

"What?" Zuko's response was far from what Lina expected. She stood there, stunned for ten seconds, her brows furrowed. "Are you lying to me? You? Acting? Who would want you in a production?" Zuko quickly sorted through his excuses.

"There is," he replied, trying to convince her. "Besides doing deliveries, I sometimes go to Southern Bay... I've been going there for the past few days. I'm still in touch with the director who cast me before!" Lina crossed her arms and stared at him. Indeed, there was a large film industry presence in Southern Bay, Jangasas. Multiple film crews were always shooting there, and film school students often gathered in the area. Given Zeke's striking appearance, it would be relatively easy for him to stand out.

"You were just part of a group performance, right?" She scrutinized him. "You can't make money from that!"

"It's not just that," he effortlessly added more lies. "I am a stunt double and perform dangerous scenes or actions that the actors themselves won't do."

She was taken aback.

"Stunt doubles earn a lot." Zuko continued weaving his web of deception. "And it's not like I only started going there in the past two days. I've been doing it for a while and earned some money." "So... you spent it all today?"

"Almost."

"Zeke..."

Lina couldn't quite express what she was feeling. It was a mixture of warmth and a gentle ache in her heart.

"It's okay." Zuko finally looked up, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I thought your classmates often visit that hotel, so I wanted to give you the same treatment. They won't look down on you now." Lina pursed her lips.

Observing her reaction, Zuko believed he had passed the test. He was about to go shower and change.

However, she called out to him suddenly. "You must be... hurt?"

"What?" His heart skipped a beat.

"Didn't you say you did stunt work in the past two days? Being a stunt double is physically demanding, and you'll likely get injured. I'm sure you have wounds all over your body, right?" "It's minor, nothing serious," Zuko replied, his heart racing.

Chapter 990

Chapter 990

If Zuko knew he was going to make up such a lie, he would have pretended to be sick these two days. How could he work so hard!?

"Zeke, come over. Let me have a look!" said Lina.

"What?" Zuko turned back to glare at her. "W-What do you want to look at?"

"If you're badly injured! We have ointments and stuff at home. I'll apply them for you if your injuries are bad!"

"No need!" Zuko blurted and put both his hands up in front of him as if Lina was trying to take advantage of him. "Uh... There's really no need. I'm thick-skinned and rugged, used to falling and knocking around There's no need for ointment!"

"Zeke Hamerton!" Lina grabbed his T-shirt, ready to yank it up. "Just let me take a look!"

"Don't come over!"

"Why are you shouting?"

"Are you done? Don't touch me!"

Zuko glared at Lina, causing her to stand frozen in shock.

"Zeke, I was just trying to be kind..." Lina softly explained.

It would be untrue to say that his reaction didn't hurt her.

Melissa couldn't stand to see her daughter being mistreated. She hadn't overheard their conversation while she was in the room earlier, but she clearly heard Zuko's shout.

Was this some kind of joke? Was her precious daughter, who had been the center of her world for 20 years, being yelled at by a man? This son-in-law of hers needed to learn a lesson! "Lina, Zeke, what are you two doing?" Melissa rushed out from the kitchen, holding a cleaver.

Zuko felt a cold glint flash before his eyes and quieted down instantly when he saw the cleaver in the woman's hand.

"Lina, go back to your room first. Come down to eat later!" Melissa smiled softly at her daughter. Her expression changed once her daughter left, and she stared at Zuko sternly. "Zeke, come help me in the kitchen!"

"Ma'am, I—"

"Are you coming or not!?"

When Melissa raised her voice with one hand propped on her hips and the other brandishing the cleaver, her presence was intimidating.

Zuko followed her meekly and put on an apron after entering the kitchen.

"Here." Melissa retrieved five onions with a smile. "Cut there!"

While Zuko was still dazed, the cleaver was thrust into his hand.

With Melissa's loud "Cut them!", Zuko quickly moved the knife and chopped the onions on the chopping board. Then he teared up while cutting them.

For the most part, his tears were due to the onions, but a small part was due to his genuine feelings. The Hamerton heir, who had never served others growing up, was actually there chopping onions for a middle-aged woman!

It was absurd!

"Hmm, Zeke, well done!

"Just got to improve your cutting skills a bit more.

"Yes, cut diagonally. Looks nice and easy to cook like that!

"Zeke, we're having fish tonight... Uh, go clean the fish up!"

Zuko, who had just battled the onions, froze on the spot.

Lina could not bear it and called for her mother softly by the kitchen door. "Mom, that's about enough! How can you order him around like this?"

"Goodness, you're taking his side? I'm helping you train him!" protested Melissa.

Without even thinking, Lina exclaimed, "He's my husband. There's no need for you to train him!"

"Eh?" Melissa was taken aback. "W-What did you say?"