Zuko couldn’t tell her that he couldn’t control himself. He gently held her small hand, caressing the back of it with
his thumb, and looked into her eyes with a tender smile.
“I don’t want to trouble you.” He made up an excuse. “When we came back, we ran into Gia. She might spread
rumors about us staying together.”
Lina’s expression changed, and she nodded solemnly. What he said made sense. Gia’s attitude toward her had
already shifted, and Lina had to be cautious. If it became known that they were sharing a room without proper
registration, it could lead to a big commotion and even involve the police, causing trouble.
However…
Lina looked at him, her worry shifting to his well-being. She was more concerned about him not having a place to
stay.
Zuko understood her thoughts. He gently ruffled her hair and whispered, “Don’t worry. I was just joking about
sleeping on the streets. I have enough money to stay at a hotel.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLina voiced her concern. “But those small hotels will surely be worse than here.”
“I can manage no matter how bad they are,” Zuko reassured her, hugging her closely. “As long as I can be with
you.”
Lina’s heart warmed, and she nestled against him. “Sometimes, I can’t believe how lucky I am to have met you in
this lifetime…”
“I’m the lucky one.” Zuko’s voice was tender. “I must have saved up all my good luck from my past life to be able to
meet you in this one.”
Lina smiled up at him.
“Alright, let’s eat quickly.” He patted her back. “After eating, you should rest early. You have classes tomorrow, and
I’ll go out to find a place to stay and move my things.”
Once he moved out, he wouldn’t have to endure the torment of seeing her but not being able to fully embrace her
every day…
Zuko smiled and planned to visit his grandparents first the next day.
As for where to stay, he could go to the general’s residence. It had been a while since he had seen his award-
winning actor of an uncle.
If possible, he would also pay a visit to the palace and meet the king. After all, he held an important place in his
father’s life…
However, the next morning, before Zuko had a chance to leave, a series of urgent knocks on the door echoed
through the room.
The sound was loud, as if it could shatter the door, and there was a commotion outside, indicating something
significant had happened.
Lina, who had just finished getting dressed, looked at Zuko in confusion. Instinctively, Zuko stood in front of her, his
broad shoulders acting as a protective shield.
Lina asked with concern, “Zeke… what’s going on?”
Before Lina could finish speaking, Heidi’s voice could be heard shouting from outside, “Lina Jenner, why aren’t you
opening the door? Is someone hiding inside?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLina’s heart raced in her chest.
“Open the door!” Heidi’s angry roar could be heard. “If you don’t open it, I’ll call the police! They’ll come and open
it for you!”
Lina’s petite body trembled slightly.
Zuko calmly held Lina’s hand, preparing himself for what was about to happen. It appeared that his warning to Gia
the previous night had no effect. Since she seemed determined to dig her own grave, he would grant her wish.
“Don’t be afraid, Lina,” he reassured her in a soft voice. “I’ll go and answer the door.”
“Zeke…”
“Don’t worry,” he said confidently, wearing a reassuring smile. “I have everything under control.”
Lost in her thoughts, Lina was searching for a solution while Zuko, already composed, walked toward the door and
opened it.
Unsurprisingly, Heidi was standing outside.
The female teacher’s black-framed glasses were askew, pushed up repeatedly in her anger.
“Well, well, who do we have here?” she greeted with an unfriendly demeanor. “If I recall correctly, this room is
occupied by my student, Lina Jenner!”
“I am Lina’s husband,” Zuko slyly replied with a smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lister.”
Heidi scrutinized him from head to toe, rolling her eyes a few times.