At Southeast Aciatic…
Lina, unable to sleep, tossed and turned in bed. She considered making a phone call to find out what was going on.
The image of Zuko and Dave locking eyes replayed in her mind, causing her to burst into laughter.
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Startled, Lina approached quietly and peeked through the peephole. To
her surprise, it was Gia.
“Lina, are you awake?”
Lina hesitated for a moment before deciding to open the door.
Gia looked into her eyes and gave a weak smile. “Lina, can we have a proper talk?”
Lina remained silent, sensing that Gia had changed. People would change, and she didn’t hold it against Gia, but she
wanted to know the reason.
Gia continued cautiously. “Lina, let’s find a quiet place to talk, okay?”
“Let’s just stay here,” Lina replied, leaning against the door frame, not inviting her in or showing any desire to
accompany her. A few words would suffice to clarify things.
Gia looked around hesitantly. “But this place…”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“It’s quiet here,” Lina stated with an expressionless face. “Not many people pass by in the corridor, so no one will
overhear our conversation. Besides, I was about to go to sleep and don’t want to go too far.”
“At this hour?” Gia softly chuckled. “Our classmates are still out shopping, going crazy with their purchases!”
“Hah, I don’t have that much money for shopping. I only brought a small suitcase,” Lina replied with a distant smile.
“Lina…”
“Is there anything else?”
“I just want to explain,” Gia pleaded, looking at her with a pitiful expression. “What happened today wasn’t
intentional.”
Lina’s lips twitched slightly. “What happened?”
“Lina, you know exactly what I’m talking about… This morning, when Ms. Lister didn’t let you join the visit, and no
one stood up against it. Do you think I could go against the majority?
“Lina, can’t you understand me? I have my own difficulties in reaching this point…”
“Yes, I understand,” Lina said, suppressing a flicker of anger. “You have your difficulties, so you can disregard our
friendship!”
“Lina…” Gia wanted to reach out and hold Lina’s hand, but the latter pushed her away.
“You weren’t like this before!” Lina finally shouted, looking at her with immense disappointment. “No matter what
happened, you always stood by my side! Whenever Violet targeted me, you were the one who spoke up for me!”
“Yes, I was wrong.” Gia paused, tears welling up in her eyes, looking pitiful. “Lina, let me tell you the truth… A-
Actually, my parents work for the Grists! That’s why the Grists revealed some information about the stock market,
causing their stocks to rise…
“So, our family is also under the Grists’ control!”
Lina was stunned, a hint of surprise in her dark eyes.
Gia’s family background was ordinary. If they could climb up the Grists’ ladder, why would they give up easily? This
must be the difficulty Gia mentioned.
Lina bit her lip, and her hardened heart seemed to crack.
Gia said softly, “Lina, I’ve been thinking about our past these past few days. Didn’t we promise that regardless of
marriage, we’d buy a small house and live together
“We said we’d be best friends forever!”
Lina closed her eyes, then opened them and took a deep breath.
Silence hung in the air before she uttered softly, “Are you done speaking?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Lina?”
“If you’re done, please leave. I need to rest.”
“Wait!” Gia stopped her from closing the door and placed a beautifully packaged facial cream in her hands.
“Lina, I know you’re angry with me, but I genuinely want to apologize to you.” Gia spoke sincerely. “I bought this at
the duty-free store today. It’s an international brand and works great!”
“I don’t need—”
“Lina, please accept it!” Gia insisted, forcing it into her hands. “I noticed that your skin hasn’t been in the best
condition these past few days, probably due to the change in environment. This skincare product specifically
targets that, and it’s very effective!”
Lina did not want to accept it, but Gia held onto her hand and would not let go.
Gia could feel Lina’s hands trembling and smiled. She knew Lina’s weakness was her soft heart and fatal flaw.
“Try using it tonight,” Gia said deliberately. “I know your husband is a typical straight guy and probably doesn’t know
about these things or buy them for you, right?”
Lina remained silent for a moment before slowly accepting the jar of facial cream.
Gia smirked.
However, a harsh voice interrupted them. “You’re giving such a gem to her? Gia, are you out of your mind?”