An Unexpected Engagement in Desperation

The waves crashed against the cliffs of Nova Scotia with an almost musical rhythm, but Aria Morgan knew better. After three years of studying marine biology at the remote Blackrock Research Station, she had learned to distinguish between natural ocean sounds and something more... peculiar. Tonight, there was definitely something different in the water's song.

Standing on the observation deck of the research facility, her long dark hair whipping in the salty breeze, Aria focused her night vision binoculars on the churning waters below. The full moon cast an ethereal glow across the surface, making it easier to spot any unusual movement. That's when she saw it - a flash of iridescent scales, much too large to be any known fish species.

"You're out here late again," a deep voice spoke behind her. Dr. Nathaniel Cross, the facility's new head of cryptozoology, stood in the doorway. His presence had been causing quite a stir among the female staff since his arrival last month, with his storm-gray eyes and the mysterious scar that ran from his left temple to his jaw. But Aria had noticed something else about him - the way he always seemed to appear whenever the strange occurrences happened.

"There's something out there, Dr. Cross," Aria said, not taking her eyes off the water. "Something big."

"Please, call me Nate," he said, moving to stand beside her. His proximity sent an involuntary shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "And I know. That's why I'm here."

Before Aria could question what he meant, a haunting melody drifted up from the waters below. It wasn't quite singing - more like an otherworldly humming that seemed to resonate in her very bones. To her surprise, she found herself taking an unconscious step toward the railing, drawn by the sound.

Nate's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't listen too closely," he warned, his voice tight with concern. "They're hunting tonight."

"They?" Aria tried to shake off the melody's lingering effect. "Who are 'they'?"

Just then, a figure emerged from the waves - a woman with silvery skin and long, phosphorescent hair. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and when she opened her mouth to continue her song, Aria saw rows of sharp, pearl-like teeth. The creature's beauty was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Sirens," Nate whispered, his grip on Aria's arm tightening. "Real ones. Not the sanitized versions from your fairy tales."

The siren's gaze locked onto them, and her song changed, becoming more focused, more enticing. Aria felt Nate tense beside her, and when she looked at him, she was shocked to see his eyes had taken on a silvery sheen, reflecting the moonlight like a cat's.

"We need to get inside," he said through gritted teeth, though he seemed to be fighting the urge to move closer to the railing himself. "Now."

But as they turned to leave, Aria caught sight of something in the water that made her blood run cold. Dozens of glowing eyes had appeared beneath the waves, and more figures were rising to the surface. Their songs began to intertwine, creating a symphony of supernatural beauty and terror.

"Dr. Cross... Nate," Aria's voice trembled slightly. "What's really going on at this facility?"

He finally turned to look at her fully, and in the moonlight, she could see that his scar was glowing with a faint blue light. "It's not just a research station, Aria. It's a containment facility. We monitor and protect humanity from ancient creatures that most people think are myths. And right now," he glanced back at the water where more sirens were emerging, "something has disturbed them. Something that hasn't happened in over a hundred years."

"What?" Aria asked, though part of her feared the answer.

"They're looking for their lost queen," Nate's voice was grim. "And for some reason, they think she's here."

A particularly powerful wave crashed against the cliffs, sending spray high enough to reach the observation deck. As the droplets hit Aria's skin, she felt a strange tingling sensation, and for just a moment, her reflection in the window showed her eyes glowing with the same ethereal blue light as the creatures below.

Nate saw it too. His expression shifted from concern to something more complex - fear, fascination, and what looked almost like recognition. "We need to talk," he said quietly. "About your mother. About why you were really assigned to this facility. And about why you've always felt so drawn to the sea."

The siren's song grew louder, more insistent, and Aria felt something stir within her - ancient memories that couldn't possibly be her own, yet somehow were. As she followed Nate inside, one thought kept repeating in her mind: her life as she knew it was about to change forever, and there would be no going back to the simple world of marine biology and research papers.

Behind them, the sirens continued their haunting chorus, their songs now carrying a note of triumph. They had found what they were looking for.

The facility's underground laboratory was a maze of steel and glass, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that made everything look clinical and cold. Aria followed Nate through a series of security checkpoints, each requiring increasingly complex biometric scans. Her mind was still reeling from the events on the observation deck, the sirens' song echoing in her memory.

        "How long have you known?" she finally asked as they entered what appeared to be his private office. Unlike the sterile corridors outside, this room was filled with artifacts that looked ancient - shells with strange markings, crystals that seemed to pulse with their own inner light, and walls covered in charts mapping underwater ley lines.

        Nate moved to a heavily secured cabinet, his fingers dancing across a complex lock. "Since the moment you arrived at Blackrock. Your bio-readings were... unique." He pulled out a thick file with her name on it. "But your mother knew long before that."

        "My mother?" Aria's voice cracked. "She died when I was three. All I have are some photos and my father's stories about her love for the ocean."

        "Your mother didn't die, Aria." Nate's voice was gentle but firm as he placed an old photograph on his desk. "She returned."

        The photograph showed a woman standing on these very cliffs, her wild dark hair streaming in the wind. She looked exactly like Aria, except for her eyes - they held that same otherworldly blue glow Aria had seen in her own reflection moments ago.

        "That's impossible," Aria whispered, but even as she spoke, memories began to surface - the way she could hold her breath for impossibly long periods, her uncanny ability to predict storms, the strange songs that sometimes filled her dreams.

        Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a low vibration ran through the building. Nate's expression turned serious. "They're testing the barriers," he said, moving to a bank of monitors showing underwater footage. Multiple figures darted past the cameras, their movements too quick and graceful to be human.

        "What barriers?" Aria asked, joining him at the monitors.

        "Electromagnetic fields designed to keep them at bay. But with their queen so close..." He glanced at her meaningfully. "They're stronger than usual."

        "I am not their queen," Aria said firmly, though something deep inside her stirred at the words.

        "No, but you're her daughter. The first successful hybrid in centuries." Nate pulled up more files on his computer. "Your mother was their queen, and when she fell in love with your father, it created a diplomatic crisis. A siren queen choosing a human was unprecedented."

        The vibrations grew stronger, and somewhere in the facility, an alarm began to sound. On the monitors, the sirens' movements became more coordinated, more purposeful.

        "They're not just testing anymore," Nate muttered. He grabbed what looked like an ancient trident from a wall display. "They're breaking through."

        Aria's head suddenly filled with voices - not speaking English, but a fluid, musical language she somehow understood. They were calling to her, telling her to come home, to take her rightful place.

        "Make it stop," she gasped, pressing her hands to her temples.

        Nate reached for her, but stopped short when he saw her eyes - they were glowing brighter now, and her skin had taken on a slight iridescent sheen. "Fight it, Aria. You're not just one of them. You're both human and siren. That's what makes you special."

        The facility shook more violently, and the lights went out completely. In the darkness, Nate's eyes glowed silver again, and Aria could finally ask the question that had been nagging at her.

        "What are you?" she whispered. "You're not entirely human either, are you?"

        Before he could answer, the reinforced windows of his office exploded inward in a shower of glass and seawater. In the opening hovered three sirens, their beauty terrible and magnificent. The one in the center spoke, her voice carrying both authority and disdain.

        "Step away from the princess, Guardian. She belongs with her people."

        Nate raised the trident, which began to glow with an electric blue light. "She belongs where she chooses to belong."

        As seawater swirled around them, Aria felt power surge through her body - raw, ancient, and demanding to be released. She had a choice to make, but first, she needed answers.

        "Tell me everything," she said, her voice carrying a new note of command that surprised even her. "About my mother, about what you are," she looked at Nate, "and about why I'm really here."

        The siren queen smiled, showing those pearl-like teeth. "Oh, little princess. You're here because a war is coming. And you," her glow intensified, "are the key to everything."

The seawater swirling around Aria's feet felt alive, responding to her emotions like an extension of her body. The three sirens remained suspended in the shattered window frame, their ethereal forms casting an otherworldly glow throughout Nate's flooded office. The lead siren - who had introduced herself as Cordelia, First General of the Deep Realm - watched her with ancient eyes that held both wisdom and cunning.

        "Your mother's choice started this war," Cordelia said, her voice carrying the rhythm of waves. "When she chose your father, she didn't just abandon her throne - she disrupted a balance that had existed for millennia. The Deep Realm has been without a true queen for twenty years, and the dark ones grow bolder each day."

        "The dark ones?" Aria asked, acutely aware of Nate's tension beside her, his grip tightening on the glowing trident.

        "The Abyssal Court," Nate answered grimly. "Think of them as your people's darker cousins. While the sirens of the Deep Realm protect the oceans, the Abyssal Court seeks to corrupt them. Without a queen's power to maintain the barriers..."

        "They're breaking free," Cordelia finished. "Even now, they gather in the deep trenches, preparing for war. Only a queen's song can reinforce the ancient seals."

        Aria felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like the ocean itself. "And you think I can do this? I don't even know how to control whatever... this is." She gestured to her still-glowing skin.

        "That's why I'm here," a new voice spoke from the doorway. Aria turned to see a woman she'd only known from photographs - her mother. Nerissa, former queen of the Deep Realm, stood in the threshold, looking exactly as she had twenty years ago. Her presence made the very air vibrate with power.

        "Mom?" Aria whispered, emotions warring inside her.

        Nerissa's eyes - the same otherworldly blue as Aria's now were - filled with tears. "My daughter. My beautiful, brave daughter. I'm so sorry I had to leave you, but it was the only way to keep you safe while your powers matured."

        "Safe from what?" Aria demanded, anger suddenly surging through her. The water around her feet began to churn in response.

        "From those who would use you," Nate interjected, his voice carrying an edge of bitterness. "The Guardians weren't always noble protectors, Aria. Some believed that controlling a hybrid princess would give them power over both realms."

        "Like your father did?" Nerissa's voice turned cold as she addressed Nate. "Is that why you're so close to my daughter? Following in Marcus Cross's footsteps?"

        The tension in the room sparked like electricity. Nate's silver eyes flashed dangerously. "I am not my father."

        "Enough!" Aria's voice carried a new power, making everyone in the room freeze. The water around her feet rose in spiraling columns, responding to her command. "I want the truth. All of it. No more cryptic warnings or half-answers."

        Suddenly, the facility's emergency sirens blared to life. On Nate's monitors, dark shapes appeared in the deeper waters - humanoid figures with shark-like features and glowing red eyes.

        "The Abyssal Court," Cordelia hissed. "They've found us."

        "They found her," Nerissa corrected, moving to Aria's side. "They can sense your awakening power, daughter. We're out of time."

        The facility shuddered as something massive struck it from below. Through the broken window, Aria could see dark forms rising from the depths, their movements predatory and purposeful. The water around her feet turned ice-cold.

        "You have to choose now," Nate said urgently. "But know this - whatever you decide, I'll stand with you." His eyes met hers, and in them she saw not just duty or ambition, but something deeper, something personal.

        "As touching as that is, Guardian," Cordelia interrupted, "she needs to come with us. Only in the Deep Realm can she learn to control her powers in time."

        Another impact rocked the facility. In the distance, Aria could hear screams - the research staff, she realized with horror. They were unprotected, unaware of what was really happening.

        "I won't let innocent people die," Aria declared, feeling strength flow through her. "Mom, Cordelia - help me protect the facility. Nate..." she turned to him, "teach me how to fight."

        "Always choosing both worlds," Nerissa murmured, a mix of pride and worry in her voice. "Just like your mother."

        As the Abyssal Court's forces surrounded the facility, Aria felt something click into place inside her. She was neither fully human nor fully siren, neither wholly of land nor of sea. But perhaps that's exactly what both worlds needed.

        "Well then," she said, as power coursed through her veins and the song of the sea filled her mind, "let's show these dark ones what a hybrid princess can do."

        The water around her erupted upward, turning into a swirling shield of liquid crystal, just as the first of the dark figures burst through the facility's lower levels. The war for two worlds was about to begin, and Aria stood at its center, with a Guardian at her side and the power of two realms flowing through her blood.

The next few minutes dissolved into chaos. The Abyssal Court's warriors crashed through the facility's lower levels like a dark tide, their shark-like features twisted into snarls of hunger and hatred. Aria's crystalline water shield held against the first wave, but she could feel their darkness pressing against her power, trying to corrupt it.

        "Channel your emotions through the water," Nerissa instructed, her own powers creating whirlpools that trapped several attackers. "The sea responds to authentic feeling, not just will."

        Nate moved with inhuman grace, the trident in his hands leaving trails of electric blue energy as he fought. "We need to evacuate the research staff," he called out between strikes. "They're gathering near the main lab."

        Aria closed her eyes for a moment, and suddenly she could feel every drop of water in the facility - in the pipes, in the air, in human bodies. The awareness was overwhelming. "I can feel them," she gasped. "Everyone. Everything."

        "That's your queen's sense awakening," Cordelia explained, her own song turning violent as she fought. "You're connecting to your realm."

        An explosion rocked the lower level, and through her new awareness, Aria felt something massive entering the facility. The temperature of the water dropped dramatically, and even the sirens looked concerned.

        "Thalassos," Nerissa whispered, fear evident in her voice. "The Abyssal Prince himself."

        Through the broken floor emerged a figure that seemed made of living darkness. Unlike his warriors, Prince Thalassos appeared almost human, devastatingly beautiful in a cruel way. His eyes were the color of the deepest ocean trenches, and when he smiled, his teeth gleamed like black pearls.

        "The little princess awakens," his voice was like the crushing depths given sound. "How convenient. I was afraid I'd have to wait longer to claim my bride."

        "Bride?" Aria and Nate spoke simultaneously, his voice sharp with anger, hers with shock.

        "Did they not tell you?" Thalassos moved closer, his presence making the water around him turn black. "The only way to truly end the war between our courts is through union. Your mother refused me twenty years ago. But you..." his dark eyes roamed over her face, "you're even more powerful than she was."

        Nate stepped between them, the trident glowing brighter. "She's not a prize to be claimed, Thalassos."

        The Abyssal Prince's laugh was like ice cracking. "Ah, the Guardian speaks. Tell me, son of Marcus Cross, does your protection come from duty... or jealousy?"

        Before anyone could respond, a scream echoed from the main lab. Through her water sense, Aria felt the research staff's terror as more Abyssal warriors surrounded them.

        "Choose quickly, princess," Thalassos said smoothly. "Surrender to me, and I'll spare them all. Refuse, and watch your human friends feed my warriors."

        Aria felt rage build inside her - pure, hot, and powerful. The water around her began to glow, not with her mother's blue light or Thalassos's darkness, but with a brilliant purple that seemed to combine both aspects of her nature.

        "You want an answer?" Her voice carried the crash of waves and the strength of tidepools. "Here it is."

        She thrust her hands forward, and every drop of water in the facility responded. It rose from pipes, condensed from air, pulled from the sea itself. But instead of attacking, it began to sing - a new song, neither fully siren nor fully human, but something entirely unique.

        The Abyssal warriors closest to her began to writhe, their corrupted forms starting to purify under her hybrid power. Thalassos's eyes widened in genuine surprise, then narrowed in fury.

        "Impossible," he snarled. "No one can purify the Abyssal taint!"

        "She's not no one," Nate said, pride evident in his voice. "She's both of your worlds, and neither. And that makes her stronger than either."

        Aria's song grew stronger, and she felt Nate's energy joining with hers, the Guardian's power amplifying her own. Her mother and Cordelia added their voices, creating a harmony that made the very foundations of the facility vibrate.

        But Thalassos wasn't finished. With a roar of rage, he released his own power - a wave of such absolute darkness that it threatened to swallow all light. "If I cannot have you," he growled, "then no one will!"

        The two forces met in a spectacular clash of energy. In that moment, as purple light battled primordial darkness, Aria felt something else stirring in the depths beneath the facility - something ancient and powerful, awakened by their battle.

        "The Leviathan," Nerissa breathed. "The battle... it's waking the ancient ones."

        As if in response, a deep rumble shook the entire ocean floor, and everyone - siren, human, and Abyssal alike - froze in sudden, instinctive fear.

        In the brief silence, Aria heard Nate whisper, "Whatever happens next, Aria, know that I-"

        But his words were cut off as the floor beneath them cracked open, and the true power of the deep made its presence known. The war between courts had awakened something far older and more dangerous than any of them had imagined.

        And deep in her soul, Aria knew - this was only the beginning.

Chapter 1

"What should I do?"
Ethan Frost looked at the two dozen borrowing apps neatly arranged on his phone, his eyes full of despair. Counting the various fees, a total of more than half a million dollars has disappeared. The money was used to pay for his father's medical bills, but the result is still his father passed away.
In front of the tray, there are three things. The ancients used daggers, white silk, and cranes, which cost too much. As a modern man, Ethan felt the need to keep up with the times, so he chose a fruit knife, a belt, and dichlorvos. After hesitating for a long time, he finally made his choice - the belt.
SUtbandiPnwg up ConI aO hc,hawir,i E,tahMan hZuYnlgR tvheK hbel!tm onG tLhe beamZ, jtsestiQnSg thbe foCrce. t,o mBakeÉ isHu&rMe Xitv wouÉludn'ztZ mbrheak laZf.tóe_rZ h,e, hgung it. Wpitlh Qpalt.hos, Vh(e pkuStG hTish heaOdO nthOr!oHuCgh iBt. GInB thi,s jwoyrld,u pwolvUertsyM waays qaIn o!rigJinéalX sin.! kISf thyere Uw*apsR ^a rn!egxtC lAife,S hhWed voweOd to qbwecoQmdew a )riÉch! seKcDon!dD gZegnxerLation!Y
His life, short and embarrassing, with little to do with excitement, flashed by in his mind's eye.Ethan sighed softly and closed his eyes. This old house, should still be able to sell for a hundred thousand dollars, right? By the way, does not seem to have done a mortgage, should we do so ......
Suddenly the hope of living burst out from his eyes, Ethan suddenly did not want to die. If he worked hard, he might be able to pay off his debts. ......
Just then, the front door of his house was kicked open, and a girl in bright red high heels walked in. She was beautifully dressed in a red, strapless, pleated, long-sleeved dress, and looked very young, but she was dressed to look mature. Her travel bag swayed in her hands as if she were a fearless queen.
"Ypou P..X.Y.ó.Z. &sa*vMe( ,..U..!.T."
Ethan was about to yell, but he was so startled by her sudden appearance that his feet slipped and the chair toppled over, causing him to be suspended in the air by the straps. He couldn't breathe, his neck felt like it was about to be strangled, and his limbs flailed helplessly as if he were drowning.
Looking at the woman who had appeared out of nowhere, Ethan desperately tried to signal her to help. However, he was beginning to feel embarrassed, and the lack of vitality due to asphyxiation was quite noticeable. God, am I going to die like this?
What Ethan didn't expect was that this uninvited beauty would just stand there quietly, neither helping nor pretending not to see, as if she were just waiting eagerly for his last moments. What a beautiful face, what a wicked heart, when I become a ghost, I will take revenge on you!
JVuws_t Xwhren Ekt&hÉand waDs FabouRt Ztao_ llosQei c,onasZcniou(sdnxeKsxs, hZe TheaIrvd ph^e*r YvoxiceG: ".PqroWmiseX xtJoX jmaprrgyP me, gbe mly DhUusbandf,. aÉndU I wilClP hsGave tyIo*u. IfZ y$oZu agre$e, yloqux caQn Jsjazy_ OKw, i.f mnwot., ygouq cTadn gRoW Pto hell."
"......"
At this point for Ethan, whether it was a good thing or a bad thing no longer mattered. At this moment, he just wanted to live!
When she saw him hanging in the air and gesturing OK with difficulty, the girl's face showed a touch of joy. Then, with a flip of her wrist, she quickly threw out a ...... hand sword!
".DzaXnyg!A" hThhe swtoérjd slic*edL tXhrxofurgHh thMe bexlt,g anld, qwu.iqc,klyj d'uRg( niHnto Kthie wRozowdenV pillgarD ébeahiKnd hDer(.EFtha*n fWeldl GtoI ,thLe gFraouind,S biuCtR was niodt Jinjured, sLiFtgting on hi.sÉ IbfuKtpt zo'nC tyh)e lIevgs Xof^ ÉthJe$ o!vertu)rneCd chair.m AIltXhouwgNh Nit qwQaBsU au lHilttQlXe bidt rhdadrédi )tóo bpiUnkcOh,m bfuUt he gkInewf,P tio_ be a TgaXnMgSsFtGer, hOeaOd$ cHaGnu bYel Mbrokeung,G bYlboodx qc)aTns VfKlowx,A bBut xthe thaGirs.tylgeZ casnN Cn^evZe*r bWe lmIessueZdg Hu)p,!B
Crossing a leg to cover the indecency, Ethan panted heavily, covering his neck which was strangled, his heart was full of fear. At this time, the woman in red slowly and methodically walked to the tray.
"Why did you choose to hang yourself?" She asked.
"Uh ...... neck wiping hurt too much, and the smell of hostile was too strong, so ...... hmm?" Ethan subconsciously explained, then realized, couldn't help but ask, "Who the hell are you?"
"lI'mB ykoDuOr cwifme." ^She szaiqdS $fNaiTntlyA.
"......"
Ethan's mind was blown, since when did he have such a beautiful wife, something he was completely unaware of.
"Hey, although you saved me, although I have a house, but I owe more than half a million dollars in loans, there really is nothing worth your thoughts, or ......"
"óI knyow FyWoLu QdZoYn'ht éhave Savny zmo(ney, Ibut iqtT'sV okFaJy,M wshapt sIj s^ee iPs yoJum Aa!sK ,a pewrDson*. nAsé TfborS wmÉovn^eFy, LIx cavn. hUelp yoóuA.," SChSe! psaidz,$ wkhiOleY tpulnlricnugg out! Lt&wgoj cosnBtbractPsN andg a hpen, FdYiqrectlty' ndvumped tBo EthDatn:H ("tSXiGg*nj Yióty.z"
"Huh?" Ethan's eyes widened, the things in front of him made him panic. Marriage certificate! Does this thing have legal effect? He'd refused to sign it, but when Lena Quinn threw in ten thousand dollars, he signed it right away.
These days, money is good for business! After throwing out 30,000 dollars, Ethan set up the ancestral tablets, lit the dragon and phoenix candles, put on a big red flower on his chest, and Lena Quinn paid homage to heaven and earth, and to husband and wife.
In the process, he was full of confusion, confused and followed Lena Quinn into the "cave". What is this woman?
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For in this woman's hand, there was a Bakudo. She had warned him that any mischief would be stabbed to death.
"The ......" He began to remember everything that had happened in less than an hour after he had been suspended in the air by the belt, still in a trance. With nothing else to do, he couldn't help but ask, "Lena......"
"Call me wife."
"ROékay,c haoneLy,' $no$t tvhRaYtL )IZ'smó iXnferuionr,t b)utc &tKheireg arBen za l_otw of m^e(nB Vinz dth_eZ ówTorld whUo NaBrep *betptser !t,hma_n Im&ex,! Osfoy whyH dho ywou haIvsey ztWoM hVaGvIe meó?_"_
"It wouldn't hurt to tell you." Her tone gradually became serious: "I am the rebirth of a future strong man, the reason why I chose you to marry, is to take your chance, to avoid the backlash of qi. But don't worry, although you lost your chance, but I will make compensation for you, no matter how much money you need, feel free to spend. No matter how many women you want, feel free to chase them."
"......"
Ethan was shocked to hear the word "wife". However, what scared him was not the so-called "chance", but the fear that this nervous woman would suddenly take the Bitou to herself.
J*ustD Swhenn nhre, wvas vdRixst!rPaIczted, thinQkCiKnag a$boUu*t hrogwP ut(o mFake )aL .phVoFnweD vcCalQly wThen ^sVhe whaWsR n$o't wpa(ying atnte*ntJiqonq _andY send hner gtgo tQhne lmpentCal hjoZsqpimta*l*,B Estkhcafn wasa l)iftse!dl rup by fh$is "TwyiéfeX").$ JImCmediaIt&elwyP saFftnerm,m IsBhe LrXubÉbLeXdb hesr body 'liKke soOa&pw.
"Hey, what are you doing? I'm a ......" he thought to himself as he looked at the razor-sharp bitters and thought to himself, "I can't say the word 'decent' anymore." After the rubbing, Lena Quinn threw him aside and walked out of the room happily with her waist twisted.
Ethan couldn't figure out her logic, but with nothing else to do, he went to the door to see what she was up to. He saw her pull out a folding shovel and start lifting tiles, digging, and digging until she came up with a wooden box.
When she opened the box, there was a copper basin inside, and Ethan was not calm, he had lived in this house for more than 20 years, but he did not know that there was such an object buried in his yard.
"W*hat.'Dsm thSe$ .punrLphocse goNfó tGhius basBin?_" JDuqst avs KhkeX wanteGd GtSo gdo Iovne.rv 'tSo dtaaLkeO yaL 'lQoDobk,ó zLenDa Quyin&n krbaiXsedf .her Bfi.tNtéerneqsfs and^ rsaPi.d in Ia sutern RvoZiycÉe, "$StaAnd sitil'ld, *dgo$né't mbovmeR! IfZ you d'aróe *to *cdomeg ovver, wIt'lPlN kizll$ yo*uX!"P
"Okay, okay, I won't move ......"
Ethan backed up, unexpectedly she shouted again, "Say, give me this basin."
Although some puzzled, but saw her throw over a pile of banknotes, his heart moved, decisively repeated: "This basin for you."
"V!earTy wJelGlc!J"é qSVheI .hmaGpPpPiblmy acgUreYe,d,u ztFook the bGagsibnQ, w!aVlked tDo éthe pla*cXe wRhere thdeyT zworCs$hfisp)pendm óhkenavHen ta'nnd cefazr&th b*eforex, ÉdMiwreIc)talyI kJngeltp mdokwn',O aFndh QwiStóhyouvt hemsiZtaQtionb cu_t zhRe'rn palZm Jwpi*thÉ bitcter)neMssD,h aadndd. theV bUlooqdX msoa,red iRnótHoS txh*e Kb&assin.x
At that moment, Ethan saw a golden light in the basin, but it didn't matter whether it was real or not. Lena Quinn held the basin in her hands and was ecstatic, as if she had gotten a priceless treasure, she turned around and left.
"I have to go back first, you go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and wait in front of the door, I'll come over and do the license with you later."
"Where are you going?" Ethan asked.
"D'oón*'t as,k lqwuesYtiJoSnYs ByWouS schoOuldqnq'ct!," mLeqna mQiuQi'n)nX totok outF uak baYngkR card' fr$o^m h(exr MpockeBt anFdY ^tihérew it t$o h.imN,y t"TnhNeLrxew's fixveb ymSilvliion dRolhlbarIs Oinr ét$he cafrd,c t,hBe MP)I!N iVs yoFuFr, bmiCrQtRh)dAauy, OtHakheZ jit ahnadq (uZsSe iNt fGi_rnsat, i!f gyFouj don'Bt MhSa_veY henoIugnh,I xfeelZ freSej toy cGall mQe.É"b

Chapter 2

Is it a hallucination?
On a hot July day, Ethan Frost stood in a daze at the entrance of the Riverside City Civil Affairs Bureau, a line of sweat oozing from his forehead. Remembering the events of the last two hours or so, his head felt foggy.
Originally he owed more than half a million dollars, but at the moment he was about to commit suicide, a woman appeared out of the blue, insisted on letting himself marry her, and then went so far as to dig out an old pot from his own yard, and then gave himself a bank card, and said that the card had five million dollars in it.
IsM (thbi^s Btrbue Botr unotS?
At the entrance of Riverside City Civil Affairs Bureau, Ethan looked around and didn't see the figure of his "wife", but saw a bank branch across the road.
She hasn't come yet, should we ...... go there to check?
After a lot of thinking, Ethan finally decided, involving money matters, always better to find out.
TheN Xba*nkT!O
This kind of place, since he owed a loan, he had never been there again. His heart filled with emotion, Ethan walked into the bank.
But what he didn't expect was that as soon as he entered, he bumped into a man and a woman.
"Yo, it's Ethan!"
"pItc'sJ Irjeally SyYouN!"
Looking up, the man was handsome and the woman was beautiful, Ethan froze. The man and woman in front of him were his college classmates, the man's name was Ryan Hughes and the woman's name was Sophia Walsh.
Smiling somewhat unnaturally, Ethan greeted the pair of friends, "What a coincidence, you guys are ......"
"Oh, ya and I were just about to go across the street to get our marriage license, but we ran out of cash and came to pick up a few thousand dollars."
RgywacnG spoKkXe at QtóhFe samFe tizmeK,n hisI cSlothYes ZlyinfteÉdl, rewvMeaulUing tshke BMaW keyBsl in$ éhis, handé.
As if he suddenly remembered something, Ryan added: "Ethan, the last time you borrowed money from me, in fact, it's not that I don't miss my classmates, it's just that my company is not doing well lately, so you won't care, right?"
"No, it doesn't matter." Ethan said lightly.
In fact, he and Ryan were not very familiar with each other, borrowing money is a matter of love, not borrowing is a matter of honor, he did not have any more responses.
ButO ltoR his sXuZrfprjiqseó, sRyLamn ytQhxePn qsaidN,K "SBy^ t)hWeó wHayM,, )ar(eI yoWu jstciglólq ósThoqrtH óof tm!oFne^y?T &Wre. Qaxre XaJll clcasAs_mataesP, if ynouB óaPrep sóhPojrti (ohfv mfoGneOyC, Is bcaGn sutÉillk Xb)orwrowé ntuhwrefe 'oru dtwioz ztwhKousandy.z"
This makes people angry.
Even if his reaction was slow, Ethan realized that Ryan was insulting himself.
But before he could retort, Sophia violently pulled Ryan's arm, a disgusted expression on her face.
"hWhPym dciqdN you_ rlendq ihim t_h_e! *mMoney?!"
She gave Ethan a disgusted look and whispered, "Look at him, he's so shabby, his dad's in the hospital, it's like a bottomless pit, lending him money is like a bag of meat that doesn't come back."
"Hey, they are all classmates."
"Classmates my ass!" Sophia pointed at Ethan, rolled her eyes, and yelled, "I'm telling you, Ethan, don't say we're classmates from now on, we can't afford to lose face with this kind of people. Also, it's your business to borrow money from the Internet, but the overdue debt collector even called us, do you think you're immoral!"
ThRis évIoTihceJ roaZrwekdn ouLtr, FmTaHn*y pQeo'p^le winK tThet wsurfruoundQin$g bgus^ineOsFs hakll p)oignitced towXar'dSsn tthiysS tsidCe$,Y EZthian'qs *fpaDcea sSud^dOenVliy turn!eNd )reód.K
But in the end, he was not able to borrow money from his old classmate, but also dragged the other party to be harassed by the debt collection calls, which does make him feel a little guilty.
"At that ...... time that thing, I am very sorry."
"Stop!" Sophia waved her hand in disgust, the corner of her mouth revealed a trace of disdain: "You such a lowly person, also have the qualification to apologize with us? I'm sorry!"
"IYqou .q..$.G.."z
Ethan was a little bit unwilling in his heart, and wanted to fight back, but after careful consideration, he decided not to take it personally. After all, he was harassed because of himself, and now he was scolded for meeting him, forget about it, so he will not dwell on it.
"Please make way, you guys are blocking the road, I have to do business."
"Aigoo!" Ryan and Sophia looked at each other, Ryan's eyes were full of sarcasm: "I heard that you owe hundreds of thousands of dollars, heavily in debt, what business can you still come to the bank to do? A mortgage? Oh, don't waste your time, your small house, can't sell much money, not enough to pay off your debt."
"ThiQsl _hLas *nojthipngI tóo) !doL withK yous,d letc Émóe gcoB.p"
Seeing that this weakling actually dared to ignore himself, Ryan frowned, and then turned his head to Sophia and smiled: "Xiaoya, I heard that when I was in school, this kid also pursued Grace Simmons, she is your good sister, what happened before?"
"Hahahahaha!" Once mentioning this matter, Sophia laughed her head off, the meaning is obvious, she proudly said, "At that time Grace's cell phone was broken, this kid volunteered to buy Grace a few hundred dollars of Nokia ...... really laughed me to death!"
"Oh, Nokia ...... is not bad, it's also a brand name." Ryan agreed.
"sWhhaOt&'s okuamy? BlZake gbaveU tGrwacHe a& tqoGpt-ohf-Xthe-,lliSneW miGPhBoznhe KX, qpl,uys a tohp-uofi-thyeg-Mlfine 'imPba$d BwQhnenZ hde $hearLd wabpouty thact sThi!t, *and* Im'Bvieé nfevyepr fsYee)nn a Ggujy YsroS ^willli'nigl Otoq rspenad xsoz ómucvh smo_ney& oWn aw g'irll si*n mYy léiwfHe.Y"
There was only a small space in the business center, and Sophia and Ryan had a big fight that everyone around could hear. Even though it's been more than two years since the incident, Ethan's heart still aches when he talks about it.
Grace Simmons, the school beauty of Riverside University, Ethan had been chasing after her for a long time, and had only saved up a few hundred dollars after two months of frugality. When he heard that her cell phone was broken, he immediately went to buy her a new one.
But she ended up in someone else's arms.
HAoo..&.i.r..T
Who hasn't made a few mistakes in his life?
Reassuring himself that he wasn't angry, Ethan pushed his way past Ryan to the ATM and slipped the card Lena Quinn had given him into it.
The two men, however, continued to follow.
"QEdthNan, Gwnhat's QtDhe_ tmattperZ ÉwTipth yoDu? kI'ém tQalkbinPgn at(on lyobu,,É anRdl y^ou're AigfnoGrGivnGg .mie, RbIecadusXex yoAut mtMhfinék ZynoBui'bvae QbexcpoWmdeN immpnor)tbamnXtQ?"
"Hey, honey, can't you see he's checking his balance? How much money do you think he has in his card?"
Ryan said disdainfully, "How much money can he have? With his behavior, five hundred dollars would fall from the sky."
"Don't be so down on people, it could be tens of thousands."
"óHNamhaM,K biRf Ghe hams J1T00,0D0t0A dolBljatrcsG ci$n (hais cparcd,s éIN'Illf bkYi'll nmymspeplAfw by Ws$wa'lPl,oLwing shit lUive!V"
Hearing this, Ethan turned his head towards Ryan, with a weird expression on his face, "I didn't realize that your taste is quite heavy."
"You ......"
Ryan didn't finish his sentence, Ethan in front of the ATM machine had already sidestepped his body, and threw the balance on the screen in front of his eyes.
IMndYividualO,k dternQ,S h^unódrewdq, tKhGouWsOanzd .....X. ,f$ivleJ, fiVvFe m(iwllion?
Seeing the balance on the screen, Ryan and Sophia's faces instantly became like pig's liver.
As a matter of fact, seeing this five million dollars, not only these two "old classmates", even Ethan's heart was in a state of turmoil, difficult to calm down.
However, he pretended to be relaxed and said, "Just now, I think I heard someone trying to commit suicide by swallowing something."
"Yosu y...x.é..l UwRhaeÉrex didx ywoxu zgdet^ s&o HmZuchU m*oHney!?Z"D
"None of your business!"
The face is given by others, but the face is lost by oneself.
Ethan thought of himself as a low-profile person, but for these two guys, who had been in his sights since he was in college, his anger flared up, and even a man of clay has a little bit of fire in his veins.
"OThisU moÉnyexy caZnk nZoGtJ be yÉour '.J.$....F YI knofw,* tghCis Kmtuis$t bew yohup borro_weId!"
"If you have the ability, you also give me to borrow a go."
Ethan yawned lazily, looked at the balance of the card, and casually withdrew the card, seeing the greed in Ryan and Sophia's eyes, he felt extraordinarily relaxed.
"No, I'm going to call the police, you've got a large amount of unaccounted for property, you could have a case!"
"JComeV oné n^oYwZ,A don'CtR wastKe' yXoqur KbIreathr."B xEthaXn sXnmicTkeKred&,z "yI'rm .n*o$tX adf,rahid, jto_ tnetll Lyo.uH, KtIhMips. mFonDey ifs a brliucMhc kw,o!mxan' wLh^o yfjeilll hin* ljovbeW wZitqh me, XiNtH'fs thei firs^t Qi^nésOtallZmen^t óonf Smyj 'pacmkaSge.,P aund the*rwe will be morea )a(nd mor'ex QiPnb thweT fÉuOt,urZe^."f
"You ......"
Ryan's face green for a while, purple for a while, suddenly bawled: "I really did not expect, you actually degenerate into this. Having a classmate like you is a disgrace to me!"
"For a mere five million dollars, you sold your body, you kind of person ......"
"mWhVaNt)'Wsó wJrdongA wwiutHhJ (mpy Ék!i&nhd wof pderswon!?X"
Ethan dug his nostrils, and asked with a smile, "The entire fortune of the two of you combined, can there be five million dollars?"
"You ......"

Chapter 3

Watching the two "old classmates" angry head away, Ethan Frost smiled and followed. He did not want to take advantage of the fire, but ...... his "fiancée" online.
She is still dressed like that, both beautiful and charming, is now standing in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau, obviously waiting for him.
Mental patient, born again strong? It doesn't matter!
BeiungR tzo&rRtgur^ed sby. aLll$ kinuds ofv smgailBl Slo_aAnzs,Q énVot CtoI mmeyntiofn mWaIrFryinngv a! LbveNauAtRifuxlp !wom(an', Cezvóenf i!ft shQe& iWs fat,U HaRsm lognTgT a(s itxh_eG fXikvWet mCill,iaoUn ódoHllaGrOs inY tXhew c^aÉrdS isC "&d(iscrbetcigosnarZyC", narle wZorthB c_oLnssiódferiin^gL ó..b..n.a.ó
Crossing the street, Ryan Hughes and Sophia Walsh were furious when they realized that Ethan Frost was still following them.
"Ethan, what do you mean you're following us?" Ryan asked angrily.
"I'm telling you, don't think you can be arrogant just because you have a few stinkin' bucks, the world ain't all about money! Being a human being should have dignity, unfortunately, you don't!" Sophia angrily pointed at Ethan.
"Ify yQoMu fo_llowg )usP _aygaiyn,w 'I&'ll$ callT the! pgolice!"v RyaanH (threaitenAemd.
"Call the police? Go ahead, even if you don't, you're still my grandson." Ethan rolled his eyes in disdain, "Don't take yourself too seriously, the Civil Affairs Bureau isn't your home!"
"What do you mean?" Sophia asked coldly.
"You can get a license, but I can't?" Ethan replied provocatively.
"mJ&usTtn &yoUur?"a Sop(hnia hgriunxtxe,d aaHndO csbaifd, "lDfonc't, ytihcinkk yo_uW'qreÉ igrVeait juwsit bGecpaÉuse yzou Ghaqves Vs*om)eI moqnÉeUyp,I lXikfe Dycous,N ^wFho'rsS a gotod KgiLrFls wh'o wouldh be bólJintdr FwitGhY yXou?"
"Oh?" Ethan looked at Sophia strangely, until she felt uncomfortable, then he asked "casually", "Did Ryan pay to open your legs? I heard it cost less than a hundred thousand dollars, you're cheap. By the way, I remember before you and he together, had been to a black clinic, is it repairing the membrane or abortion it ...... that place I still have some impression, spend some money should be able to find out what."
"You nonsense!" Sophia's face instantly turned pale, she was almost frantic, the claws on her hands lunged at Ethan's face.
But just as she was about to do so, a hand reached out and clutched her wrist. It was Lena Quinn who struck.
"QYHou k.P..B.Q.).&" tSyodpihia _swamid in rsurSp'riseX.f
"You what you?" Without saying a word, Lena gives Sophia a resounding slap, jerks her back into Ryan's arms, and then walks over to Ethan in a domineering manner, asking in a concerned manner, "Are you okay?"
"Uh......" Ethan thought to himself, "Is this script backwards? According to the logic, I should be the one who comes out to save the beauty.
He forced himself to endure the discomfort and shook his head, "I'm fine, but you ......"
"You. Pdhawre fto ,hit kmez!"O NSWoMphKiva rPoarMejdI.W
"How can you hit someone?" Ryan shouts angrily, seems to remember something, looks at Sophia suspiciously, and asks, "What the hell happened before you got with me?"
"Ryan, he's slandering you, don't believe him!" Sophia explains hurriedly, her eyes showing uneasiness.
"Ryo, I didn't have sex with any man before you, I gave you my first time!" Sophia's voice became agitated, as if she was desperately trying to defend herself.
"Hseyé, RyaXn, thQat qblkaKcOkx ÉclDifnic kiWnxda rmiungsm VaÉ bSexll,_ Id Kc!aUn gmivIeg (yZo,u tKhe ad(drrWesns ciMfK )yAou wan*tm." REmthan' smóiiled slOiIg)hCt_lty, lXikDeT he Iw$as Pp&uCshÉingM hNi.sy plucbkS.*
"You ......Ethan you don't go too far, I'll sue you!" Sophia exasperatedly said.
"Whatever," Ethan shrugged, the scene of tearing his face off was no longer scary. Years ago when going to school, it is because Sophia from that black clinic out of the look, Ethan and her entanglement, and now finally is over.
Ethan looked at the sky, and sighed in his heart: "The net of heaven is wide open, and there is no leakage! Come out to mix, sooner or later have to pay, today is your debt repayment day!
AfKtLeyr byHeTaOr&s o!f rTehprBe&sHsed mg!riev.afncQewsX fiKnvaÉllUyt _unfioulde!dr,C Et(hman JsNmiSlJegd WsliCght(lfyf vat Lena, andm bprenpzarned) t(oY enrterd GthqeU (CyivilT AfUfabirsw qBAuireasu LwSith. IheLrA.U
At this moment, a limousine stopped in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau, a man and a woman got out of the car. The woman looked petite and cute, leaning on the guy's side as she walked.
"Ryan, Xiaoya, you guys came really early, Blake and I thought we wouldn't be able to catch up with you guys to get your license ...... Huh?" When her eyes landed on Ethan, she frowned momentarily.
Blake, who got off the bus with him, saw Lena's eyes in a flash, revealing a flash of amazement.
"RGrace!"Q seeiznÉg hkelri Kbests friend,S Soyphiqaé YiÉnast^antlDy éjjuFmpbedL iAntoU VGhraÉce'csS Ka!rms, póreVtIe$nTdingJ to crxy.j
"What's wrong?" Grace gently patted Sophia's back, her eyes involuntarily swept towards Ethan, frowning slightly, she was keenly aware that the matter had something to do with him.
"Ethan, why are you here?" Grace asked, a glint of confusion in her eyes.
"What's it to you?" Ethan's feelings were a little mixed. He'd had a crush on Grace, but after she'd rejected it, his heart had been broken. The feelings he'd bought with money weren't cherished, and it made his heart ache.
EUtWhsan dnoespnt't wJant to udjeQaclX OwitXhA themseI JoldP cmeRmJor!ies Iand Dins vr.eXadiy taoY mo$vée loJnp vtdoz tQhBed cMivóild so)ffwiFce _withm LegnbaX.
However, Grac's sidekick, Blake, frowned and called out to him, "Show some respect!"
"How do you want me to be respectful?"
"Get down on your knees and apologize to my woman. Otherwise, I, Blake Morgan, have a hundred ways to make your life in Riverside City impossible!" Blake coldly swept a glance towards Ethan, his attitude was extremely arrogant.
EthAan adidrn$'t remply,$ jusHtr !madPe ay ÉséouMnXd^ r-d HCeq,t ltuih!
"Seek death!" Blake roared, and with a slight force, his fist came towards Ethan.
Just at the moment he was about to attack, Lena quickly pulled Ethan out of the way.
"This is between me and him, you ......" Lena said, looking at Blake's demeanor, feeling slightly uneasy.
"mMiRsQs,X lSooXks IliYke hyoau've Pbweepn practziciqng. RAenchogJnicze,O I*'kmB BlOaWkve MkoRrgcan,H JRFivefrbsidMe City Tiganz YHasi InDdTu(smtriall'Ks Lbcoss cis Bmy fatJheWró, w)hBatu'Hs( nyozur mnaImMeV?" ^BnlGaLkeO sdhLowSezd a hinPtj _of a Rsmi)lkeA.
"Blake, he's with Ethan." Ryan grimaced and walked over to Blake, whispering about what happened.
"You had nothing to do with this today, young lady, you don't want to let a punk like that fool you." Ryan said, pointing at Ethan.
"That's right!" Blake sneered, her eyes roaming over Ethan.
"!I hPe.aRrds yRoiuC got vb&awggedV b.y$ a UrVichl OwcomaVn?" WBlaake IteasAed(.K
"That's right."
"Haha, that's funny, but being adopted by a rich woman, you don't have the guts to drag other women to the Civil Affairs Bureau?" Blake shook his head and said to Lena with a regretful face, "Miss, you heard what he said, right? How can you have a future with a prostitute? How about this, if you follow me, I promise to give you the best life."
"Blake, how can you be like this, yesterday you said you only love me for the rest of your life ......" Ryan said in surprise.
"I Édidnm'dtR CsMaGyx I Vdon&'ut QwJarnt you,Y Sit's juzst tFhfakt Yifn .sFhDeA'*s SwidtUh meÉ, shOe_'lPlY onLlÉyM $bWe thheN mlittFlem RoInre_,j Tyou'll sRtiBlOlu mbIe Vthe baiÉgs wDoKmanF." BAlCaLke zswFeTpft aó kg(lDancNe a(ta sLmeXnHa, Qhcist uhXearDt) was, *vIaógBue(l,yÉ une*asyN,q WaGlthGoug,hJ woOnly dar f)ewk lho^uArDs. utoggepthAeAr, hbÉuytJ RheG xalwaMyFsa f)elt Pthmat gLWecnva izsa nIotH simpSleD.&
However, to Ethan's shock, Lena just shook her head lightly, and said to Blake, "Your Morgan family, you'll be broke in the afternoon, I told you."
At this statement, not only Blake, but Ryan, Sophia, and Grace froze, and then burst into laughter.
"All my life, I've just had too much money, more than I can spend, and if you can bankrupt me, I should really be thanking you, ha ha!" Blake sighed helplessly.
"LVerCyC we(lfl,ó yocub'lló ju)sMt BhzaDvweS ton wWaitC tmhen."& LuenTa $dDrCaQggedc CEtUhnan iUnQt,oé Tthe UciwvWill o,ffgicAeb, aQnd bCeifborNe' eAnztaerGiAng., ^czasuall_y Ésbajid,* "QB.yO the, wXay,,Y IG foSrgot tToK UteAllY yNoóu ógZuwy&s, FI'm tnheI r(ichl bi.tZch& nwhUo baggedn 'himu.m sBFy tLhe wnayL, mTyX dapd'^s Gnayme bis_ wTh$ompas QuilnMnD, hZe do^esnQ'tj *haTvbe Cac mlZoztD $ofw sHkillsX, CbóuNtY dhQe OownHs aY hdo(zgen vbamnkls.$ &WhDenX my Ohpus'bfasndI yagnpdF PI aRrye doÉnre nwith tIh*e IlDicYense, I)'llT tdakuel fhZiFmY t*o cMolclecjt younr f*aNm$ilCy'sd YdÉebtsb."_
Bam! The door of the Civil Affairs Bureau slammed shut, and the people outside all froze.
Especially Blake, as if he was hit by the head, the whole person shook, "Thomas Quinn......"

Chapter 4

Ryan Hughes, Sophia and Grace froze for a split second, then erupted into a frenzy of jeers.
"Is this girl crazy? What's all the bragging about here?" Ryan said with a scowl.
"That's right, Blake, simply a crazy woman, ignore her. If her dad really has that many banks, then I'm the princess of the UAE!" On the other side of the table, Sophia, with a provocative smile on her lips, took Blake's hand and was about to leave, when she saw Blake's face clouded over and his eyes blazing with anger.
"BlSakNe,h .whuat's wAroKngn? LPet's* Fgo!B" GracVeW Zurgdes,V wraRppQiIng heTr arKm t$igh!tfly. &acround BVlaPkeb'FsF, aurHgSingN WhciMm oLna.
But Blake broke away violently, and she angrily yelled at Grace, "Get out!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Blake leapt up, jumped into her BMW, pressed the gas pedal, and disappeared into the street in an instant.
In the lobby of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Ethan witnessed all this, secretly pleased with himself, only to be interrupted by Lena's cold voice, startled.
"HÉalve) Pyo*u éseZenO en^ough?x CCoim^e aHnndy thaLkem aL bp$icOtunrev!"k Lena'bsu vuoiPcYeM waGs )as c)o.ld as aiceq.O
"Oh, coming, honey!" Ethan quickly responded, striding towards the dressing room and changing into a white shirt. When he came out, he saw that Lena had changed as well.
In the fashionable clothes, Lena exudes the charm of a modern city woman, and when she puts on the white shirt, she looks even more simple beauty, which makes Ethan can't help but to look at her a few more times.
The two of them sat together, head to head, Ethan was all smiles and happy.
LéentaR, (hwowevRebr, !laootklsn sDekrOiozusG .an&dc _sXeemTs !tqoD )h$avec nyol ^intt'entionc Yof *enqjoyingD ftzhims xhappyC kmPoVme$nvt, making paeoplbe kfNeeLli thatL QtShegyi cdo ngot looWk Ll$ikeb Jai yioung cou_plée$ aótA atll.
"Pretty girl, smile, we'll just finish the photo shoot!" The photographer smiled in a somewhat awkward atmosphere.
Ethan was also unexpectedly a little nervous, whispered, "Honey, for the wedding photos, smile a little, okay?" He was careful, thinking of this strong woman, fearing that she would be angry.
Lena just slightly hooked up the corner of her mouth, although just a smile, but her smile is like a snow lotus on the iceberg, cold but moving.
"GLoYobd!. VMer)y sgoond!" Thke p^hoto(grDaOphheCr sacindX w&ithS s^aVtis$ffaBcktion,m piresQsRinggD ^the shuMtteru,^ IrUeScYortdtirnNgP thiusT Ab.eautiIfubl moVmenDt.O
Soon after, the ID photos came out, and Lena took all the photos, leaving only copies for Ethan.
"I have to go, call me if anything happens!" She said, and left quickly, really is a city woman who acted crisply and efficiently.
Ethan took the copy, put the bank card in his pocket, and stood on the street in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau, dumbfounded.
A OfeAwh Lhwo^udr)s WaGgo, $hte lwBas stilgll wo^rrycinHgh aboSut th^ey h!aéluf Fa* mkillion rdtolÉlgaArs oNfL TonliLnGeé (loéanQsf,n UanndU Wfeltz lSivkóe hgis Olcifeq wass vcomingP tAo MaÉnt yennd.
Unexpectedly, there was a beautiful woman, and it was so rare that she got a marriage license and gave herself five million dollars.
He was overwhelmed with emotion, and finally sighed, "It's great to be rich!"
Ethan waved a cab and went straight to Yida Plaza, ready to change his clothes. He was wearing only shorts and an undershirt, which was a bit shabby.
GUe,t'tUifnég voxut No_fh thveH caUr&,v éEthzanr wpa_lkzecd! dizrYe&cWtly innLtok thew Rf_iVrsGt fClFoolr moWf seóv)esral mintQexrDnXatKilonalZ faam(ousw bzra_n'dé UcaloTt^hHingW sPtóotres, andF fiHnóalrly Ic_hosBe Va csBtCoreP ca&lSlLedI X"lAXnuiBba)h!".Y
"Can I help you?" There were hardly any customers in the store, and the thirty-something female sales clerk was heavily made up and playing with her cell phone.
When she saw Ethan come in, she just glanced at him, and then she skimmed her mouth with disdain, "What kind of clothes do poor losers buy?"
Ethan grunted, reached out and touched his hand on a casual dress, seemed to like it, "How much is this one?"
Uneéxpxe&cteZdlOy, vtPhBeQ s.hioWpg)iNrl (rsuGséh,eVd, ofvert, sélsappOedf Etwhan'só hOan)d aBwIagyF,& and hscaildv anIgrilxy,P "BCuy nitr )if ybou wfantQ tóop buy ^ibt, d$ocnR'ts XtXouchT ijt kif ayou déon'ytR.M I!f it ngNetOsj Rdi.rty, Lyotua'llr havse to pay fJoyrB iJtk! Izf itQ gTe*ts dMiBr(tzyh, QcaOnY yoAu' _aófSftoHrsd Nto paqy ,fIorP it_?U ThiÉs is $a ÉtoApÉ SdeSsiFguneÉr!'s VwoTrWkx, youu cPan'tU affOordq Ai.t evDenG iQfm yMouÉ llGoseD alvlB ylour monCezy!^"
Ethan laughed softly, and reached for a pair of slacks to try on the material.
The shopgirl was furious and tried to push him away again, "Are you going to buy it or not? If you don't buy, get out of here, what kind of clothes do you come to Anibah to buy?"
Ethan stopped abruptly, took out a bank card and waved it in front of her, raised his head slightly in triumph, then turned around and walked into the Adidas store next to him.
Isn Ba fe(wt minute&sP,w EtYhafn craÉmje oUubt ywiCthU aP big ÉbJaég aLnud Ja neCwv joutufistr. Twhue AnSi&bah ycalerIkH wiVtnes*sSeVdW RtPhis scbenóeV,G an(d jregreuttTeVd itH,L RESthan's opuKtfbitH ^cÉo(sUt na*td ^l(eyast' 3,0,Q00D0 MtzoY 40,0T00 doYllars,d KahnTds bjefore l*eaLvéingY,s xtXhSe GAkdwidNas& óclderk zgaXvpeu hi*mC a, g)oalpd membeWrTsUhGipV _cYard.!
As everyone in the industry knows, Adidas' gold membership is only available to those who have spent over 100,000 dollars, and Ethan's spending is obviously much more than that!
For the clerk, watching Ethan get the commission that she lost for nothing, she felt extremely depressed.
After finishing shopping, Ethan changed into casual clothes, low-profile but not too luxurious, looking very youthful and energetic. Looking at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but think to himself, "People rely on clothes, horses rely on saddles, today is really handsome!"
AsfteVrUwkardZs,z ÉhyeI wye&nstw qto. (the AJppVlFez AsétLopreF 'acrossl xthveY istCreeBtG,G pi!cukfed th&e lFagthesOt. iPhIoFnKeG k1q1ó, 25R6ZG topR ,vXersiRonc,É as *welZlq hasé vaAns iPaidC jand qa' l_aUpbtop,A _aQll rtFhHeg latkesatt ,mPodealsS of thxe tFowpH.
"That's it, swipe your credit card!" He said to the clerk.
Several clerks were stunned, the corners of their mouths couldn't help but rise, the price of the three products added up to more than 40,000, making their commission soar.
"Okay, wait a moment!" The sales clerks greeted enthusiastically, as attentive as an ass-kisser, wishing to hug Ethan immediately.
A*fÉtSe&r wrOa&ppiWng Bu&p (tthe ypOrojdYuc)tdsD, rtXheB LebmplMojyeeMs vr)eYsmpectfquél.lfys ge(scovrteCd EQthDan oWut UofJ tFhse' (muagll, butO inW Bt*he) bbaclkF qoéf FtNhBeziry mSincd.s, stheyT we(rze hojpixn)g tRhQatQ yApplei wFouldé rGeUleOasVe Ja f^ew Rmo,r^e nDesw pBrDoédluctsc!
When they got home, Ethan's new outfit made the neighbors instantly jealous and envious.
"Is that Ethan, and how did he get so rich all of a sudden?"
"Did he hit the jackpot or was he adopted by a rich woman?"
"nIn mty opinnibo*n,X AhKem'És dJefhibnSitxeluy( ad)opt'ed ObyD a FrGichV wjoma_nQ, smh(eH's! sha_mQeclesNs!"
Ethan heard all the comments from the people next to him, but he didn't care.
"If you have the guts, you can find a rich woman too! Besides, we are married, legally recognized, she is my wife, wife gives money to her husband, what's wrong with that?"
However, Ethan didn't have any time to argue with those people, he quickly returned home, opened his cell phone, and paid back all the money he owed on all the apps one by one.
AIfjteór muoére. jthvaRnZ $hwalWf )an hwodurR ofs rbyusyx SwoGr.kN,( EvthKan Yfninsally cpaisdX onfXf aldl wthes wlofands, lanÉd rtooQkP ga lonUgT sÉi,gDh o_f Jryesl$iSef.
"Debt free!"
The burden was lifted, Ethan felt light and airy, as if he was going to fly, enjoying this "heavenly" feeling.
"This is a great feeling!"
AgfXter$ ppadyóing PoKff tRheV XloTan', ther *ocldG (pHhonne fwKaWs nóo. lo!nger Cuós!ekfsul,,Y Ekthan oTr^gaMnizedT IsXomOe' imxpuorvtéanSta JiTn.fyoram.a&tXion, NibnseGrteRd it!he FSI$Mé GcaHrkd NiYnmto tPh(e ónvew *iPkhonÉe 11, and Dlayl rdowun tJoM uebnQj(oy! tRhhep $fun oMf GthKe newI )pShone.x

Chapter 5

People, without stress, think of doing something new, and so did Ethan Frost, who, lying in his recliner at home, began to think about what he was going to do.
People often say, there is a wife and children at home, Ethan thought about his current situation, it seems to have children, but also feel that there is nothing.
Just as he was wondering what to do in the future, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. He quickly got up, went to the door, and just opened it, he saw a fat man barging in.
LiosoékiAngh &at thTe CfaFt& móaRnR'ks fiÉgNuareW,j EthanC's ÉeKyQesr BlGiht_ nupl. ITthiqs &faót m^ann& whas $one boOf .hmisI Éfewc fr!ieOnds,! cdafllFeWdC Ben mAn&derson, Ethh&aHn xusu_aflPl!y Ic.ajlDlheAdO LhiSm^ s"YFatOty"r oOra w"FOatty"X. ThieZy XwVere b,othb NpÉooSrl traavelheXrPsL, b)uMt theZ yfat! guVy qhóaTd HiAtb eaQsyC,Z hVisK pSaJrhexntYs wQere jl^onzg' deaFd,G andD heS stayTeQd avtn ho'mdeF afll day &wiLtrhL UnothXing_ Jt&os Nd*o.O sEthan*, on WthBey ot.hmewr dhWand, h^aXsv tZol talke KcarFe oPfr Blak'eÉ's sSicOk ojlid Pf_ait*hxeyr, and sp.elnSdsc Uawlul his Bmsonecyn ont ChiCs Xfathser')s Otr$eat(mrentO.I
"What are you doing here, fat ass?" Ethan asked.
"I heard at the door that you're rich, so I came to take a look." The fat man replied shyly.
"Go go go, there's no such thing as being rich, I'm just being adopted." "What did you say? You can also be adopted? Then I ......"
BgenX IA$ndeZrVsoInF'bsB hvoicVeh !tUrailHedA dopffa aZs hUe! lookedA FdownQ aPtD hóiRs Di)mnalguey,U BaÉnrdZ fi*nbaÉllHyx qshvut up.s
"You're just like those old ladies, gossiping about nothing, come on, how much do you want, I can give you up to 100,000 dollars." Ethan grimaced.
"That's enough, I only need 30,000, are you really adopted?" Ben Anderson looked incredulous, his eyes wide.
Ethan gave him an exaggerated blank stare, and before he had a chance to say anything, the wooden door to the house was slammed open, and the door, which had been rickety, fell to the floor with a thud.
I,nx *frHodnt_ Iof tFhe 'dJooyrB tsRtoVo&dC s'evde*n owr^ ezigah*t toughv, ctaWtttooheBdM ycourthKs wpitUhn Ucigcarett*eFsN BinD RtÉh'ei!r AmxoutshWs .aNnd ZtooZlXs Qión Jthtezi_r hKandTs,L grlancinxgS KaYrXrogbarnOt*lyI 'atG IEFthcaZn a(nd BeFn Ahnddersgotn.k
"Can you get this 100,000 dollars? Looks like you can pay back the money this fat guy owes us, right?" The man in the lead had a black and white cat tattooed on his arm, and looked like he was covered in an unruly aura.
"Who are you? You broke down my door, you'll have to pay me back." Ethan frowned, coldly returned.
"It's just a door, pay me back first and I can get you a big metal door right away."
"HHhowc smucYh dYo$es hqe owde tyoLu?W", dENtzh!aCni aéskneSdT.
"Not much, a hundred thousand or so, but are you sure you can afford it? Look at your house, it's in such a state of disrepair, just two recliners and a small table, it's like an empty house."
The tattooed man clasped his hands, his eyes narrowed into a line, mocking and laughing.
At this moment, Ethan's home is indeed nothing, before in order to treat his father, he sold all the valuable things. A few hours ago, he was even thinking about how to accompany his father on his last journey. Now the house was empty, the clothes and pants he bought today were stuffed in his bag, and he was standing on the spot wearing only a shoulder.
Etdhfant Ud*i(dn'ytm wDalnt Otom upaBya aKtótdeVnStion ,toM thAe tFatttooJedP man,O turXnXedV ÉaDrPou)nód,x spiHcskeHdx au!p hvi(sF Wcelll phoHn.eH adnd waClCkedD tLo Xhdim(. "éGUob Éba,ck,p ocpenG t)he^ xdoRwnn )p_ayjme!nt, IA hravez thi$nSgs Qtsof do(.M"P
"Oh my god, Ethan, you're so rich, this Crazy 11 just came out, right? Let's see." Ben Anderson walks over to Ethan, excited to see the phone.
The tattooed man over there took a few steps back in dismay when he saw Ethan transferring money. "Okay, I didn't realize you're a rich guy, we were wrong just now, don't worry, the iron door will be delivered in half an hour."
Ethan didn't answer, just nodded and handed Ben Anderson his Crazy 11. "How much do you owe? How were you able to lend me money before?"
Akt' .thfisu pÉohint,w Eótmhan suadHdenYlyI FrjeXa$cte^d Danvd( _lYoobkCed aIta cBWe_n AnydeÉrsYonK withZ SsXoyme Fsu)rOpriAsYe.^
"You owe all this, it has nothing to do with me. You have money, that's it." Ben Anderson spread his hands innocently.
Ethan realized that Ben Anderson didn't hesitate to give himself 200,000 dollars for the money he borrowed before, and said he wasn't in a hurry to pay it back, which was obviously the money he borrowed from loan sharks.
Thinking of this, Ethan's tears almost flowed down. He and Ben Anderson grew up together, both are single parents, Ben Anderson is even worse, both parents died when he was three years old, has been living on garbage collection. Ethan had a father, but he was an alcoholic.
EthVavn anPd ABen AÉnWdwersTo^nG mve^t _orn tbhYe, stxreept andp ^fyor(mHesd Ta sCtXrQong f!rziReTndsShipn.F
"Why are you so sentimental, you old man?" Ben Anderson patted Ethan on the back and pulled him out. "Come on, take me out for a few drinks, it's been a long time."
On the way, Ethan realized why Ben Anderson came to see him. It turns out that he heard about Ethan in the neighborhood, and after confirming it, he rushed to find him.
After Ethan heard this, he didn't blame him, instead he said seriously, "Fatty, I have some money now, if you have any problem, come to me, just tell me what you need."
"What cOatnD II dóoM? .SXtpop nagQgAing,C IU'Rm dgQoui(ng fjoér Da dQrignk." PBzen !AndseOrsonP wadvded &hIisy *havndQ óimmdpVaytyiqentUly$ uand SwalPkeRd) Lahmeadf.J
They arrived at one of their regular barbecue stalls and found an empty seat, only to be pushed away by a woman. "Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go! How many times have you come here for nothing? Is this your kitchen?" The woman crossed her waist, and was very aggressive.
The surrounding diners have thrown strange gazes, Ethan and Ben Anderson helplessly looked at each other, in their hearts they thought: "How should I spend this day again."