At dusk, Zuko and Lina strolled hand in hand along the beach, immersed in the golden afterglow of the sunset.
Seagulls soared above, and a gentle breeze swept through, creating a humid yet cool atmosphere.
Their footsteps left two rows of imprints on the sandy beach.
Zuko occasionally turned his head with a smile on his face. It reminded him of the times when he held Pammy’s
hand as they played on the beach during their youth. Pammy’s footprints were unsteady back then, as she had just
learned to walk.
“I often came to this beach when you were missing,” he said, his voice deep with a hint of melancholy. “They said
you died in the sea accident, but I didn’t believe it. I thought… you turned into a mermaid princess.”
Lina was taken aback, turning to look at him. Although he smiled, a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. Every time
he embraced her, he held on tightly as if afraid she would slip away again.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“They said Uncle Nicholas wants you to join the film studio project?” Zuko asked.
A smile graced his face as they stood still, and Lina’s head rested on his chest.
“Yes.” She nodded, looking up at him. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me to apply what I’ve learned.”
Zuko frowned. “What position did he assign you?”
“Intern.” Lina chuckled. “To be precise, an intern assistant. After all, I haven’t graduated yet. I’m participating in this
project to gain experience.”
Zuko understood Nicholas’ intentions. Since Lina’s return, her true identity had not been announced. By having her
participate as an intern, Nicholas hoped to avoid attracting unwanted attention, like what had happened with
Melvin. He also wanted to assess Lina’s capabilities.
The name Lina Jenner was safe, but as Pamela Thompson, there was no guarantee that she wouldn’t face
dangerous schemes again.
Nicholas and Linda remained cautious. For their daughter’s safety, they preferred to keep her true identity hidden.
They didn’t want the world to know they had found their daughter.
Zuko gently caressed her face, smiling. “It’s good to learn more. But be prepared for some torture, as I heard the
main designer, Mr. Sam, is quite strict!”
“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Lina said, raising her chin. “I’m more afraid of underperforming and embarrassing
the Thompsons.”
“So, you accept that you are one of the Thompsons now?” Zuko teased.
Lina was taken aback, momentarily speechless.
Zuko’s voice was deep as he said, “Lina, certain things are ingrained in your DNA: character, courage,
determination, and wisdom. These are traits passed down by your parents.
“Do you remember Aunt Mary from Jangasas?” he asked.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLina burst into laughter.
How could she forget? Her mother and Mary had been at odds for half their lives. There was even that incident
where Melissa was pushed into the pond and hit her head!
“She always insisted that your biological parents weren’t hillbillies.” Zuko smiled. “She couldn’t believe your
adoptive parents could raise such an exceptional daughter like you. It’s a terrible thing to say, but there’s some
truth to it.”
“Don’t you dare speak ill of my parents!” Lina playfully punched him. “Regardless of where I came from, they will
always be my parents!”
“Yes, I know,” he reassured her, holding her hands. “It was Mary who said it, not me!”
Lina fell into a brief silence before speaking again. “You know, Zuko, sometimes I feel like I have too much luck in
my life.”
Zuko wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be concerned. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, if someone has too much luck in one aspect, it seems like fate compensates by taking it away from other
areas.”
Zuko couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s just nonsense, my dear. You’re thinking too much.”