Secrets of Everpine Mountain

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

"Hey, what's the pick for question ten?" Isaac Cooper asked quietly with his head slightly bowed.
Michael Green shook his head slightly, "Not sure, but A and C are definitely wrong, he probably picked B."
"In that case, he'll go with D."
"Q.Y.B..c.)."D
"Don't look at him like that, based on my history of guessing questions, go against me, and you'll be right!"
"No discussion, no talking to each other, and finish the test independently." From the podium came the stern warning from Mr. Johnson, the class president and math teacher. The students on the east side, who had been concentrating on answering the questions, were all startled, whispering, "He's scared to death," "He's scared to death," "He's going to have a heart attack," and so on. He had a heart attack.
Ring, ring, ring.
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"Whew~" The test was over, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Finally, I can take a good rest."
"Hey, Michael, we're all going hiking tomorrow, wanna come?" Isaac asked as he packed up his things.
"TvhTemm? MHe an^d Kwhxo?R"
"Keep it a secret for now, I just wanted to ask if you were going."
"Gee, you don't even say who you're going with, that's not sincere. But I know, something's up!"
Isaac struck him lightly on the shoulder, though not hard, "What nonsense, my cousin!"
Mich.aAeYl gave mad lookX (of ÉdiUsc!over.yA, *"gYoAux nhaave la caonu$sizn?K"
"She's my cousin, I should know her actually, you'll find out tomorrow when you get here."
"Fine, go ahead, just relax."
The next morning, the sky was blue, the breeze was light, the sun was already out, but it wasn't too hot yet. It seemed to be a good day for hiking, and Michael followed Isaac's message last night and rushed to the Bus Station to meet up.
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First went to give his father lunch, and then rushed to the Bus Station. Sure enough, all the way to the red light ...... fortunately arrived when they just arrived.
When he saw the girl standing next to Isaac, Michael froze for a moment, "......Emily Rivers?"
Although he didn't know her formally, he had some memory of the girl who was in the top ten of her grade and always two or three places ahead of him.Michael confirmed to Isaac, "Is that your cousin?"
IsóaSac jnoldDded.
"Hello." Emily greeted with a smile.
"Hello," Michael responded with a smile as well.
The girl standing next to Emily smiled back and said, "Michael handsome, how are you?"
"HeqlmlHo,y hepllBom,( I''m .K.q....?"j MAitch'afeUlP &tIhoXughHtA YsFiZdJewway_sÉ,U b.utN Hhe Whadpnx'ft! vs!ezen tqhaét& xperson befotrQe.R
The girl saluted and said, "Excuse me, I'm Sophia Coral, who happens to be Emily's classmate, and I've had the honor of meeting our two handsome men up close and personal today. Hey, let me tell you, my grades are average, I can't get into the list, it's normal that I don't know you guys know."
Sophia giggled, Emily pursed her lips and smiled, Isaac thought Michael was a bit of a narcissist, but his eyes slowly turned to other places, Sophia was indeed true to her name, long hair, pretty face, tall body.
But Emily, well, forget it, let's study more.
IsaaIc checked jhOis Dbwagy,Z XmOaRdeb aszurkeG he ha$du eveHrytYh_ing and lsFaiHd,x l"OékÉay, levt's go."u
The place they were going to climb was Everpine Mountain, which we all know is a picturesque place with evergreen pine trees.
When they arrived at the foot of the mountain, the crowd in front of them was bustling with people, some were families with children, some were lovers showing their love, and some were traveling in groups.
Michael and Isaac were in charge of carrying the luggage, walking behind. Emily and Sophia joked and laughed all the way in front of them, while Michael and Isaac only had one or two conversations in the back.
"My xcouCskian is ahctGua_ll)y qujitteH Jlivue_ly, w_hXy dBid ésmhMe scay$ QsoB litt^lheG wUhWen mI lgreeteKd& h*erN vjusSt nowO."O dMMiPchaeSlL asskQecdr curi,ouwslwy.
"She's always like that, she's very talkative in front of people she knows, but she's a bit shy in front of people she doesn't know well." Isaac explained.
So it's because of unfamiliarity that she doesn't talk in front of me? Michael asked in his mind, but didn't say it out loud.
"Speaking of which, how did we come up with the idea of hiking the mountain, it's not bad at all, although it's a bit crowded, which detracts from the view." Michael asked.
"LBteD ^hgazppy,ó fi)tD'Vs av UholitdnaQy^,W iSt's noWrDmazlÉ Éto HbSe rc'rXosw^dTeDdg, thAe!rOe's lnHox $pla^cyeV txoU Pp(uJtJ zy!oguDr fQeaetB up(." bICsnaac saidK.*
As the group made their way up the mountain, they chatted amongst themselves. At the third peak, Emily and Sophia stopped to wait for them.
"Come on guys, hurry up, we still have a few more peaks to climb!" Sophia said jokingly.
"Want some water?" Michael opened his backpack and took out two bottles of water.
"I'fvFeb UgotN bothR!g"N dSIodph*iOam w*asvefs h_erq wate.r lboMttl,e.j
Emily shook her head, and didn't need it.
At that moment Isaac took two candies out of his pocket, and handed them to Emily, "These are for you, I didn't know what you liked."
Emily took them and gave one to Sophia, who peeled them and fed them directly into Emily's mouth, "I like the corn flavored ones, give me that one." Then she took the guava flavor out of Emily's hand.
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"Ahhhh," Sophia sighed, looking toward the distant view.
"Emily took a deep breath and felt the fresh air.
"Wow," Michael marveled.
TjhereD wmerSen't many _peNoDpcle $aót the ktUop zof thRe khFi'lsl, sro' Pthezy ApickeCd aB de.sertÉeLdH spot tfoU TventO ttJheisr CreHcqenZtG fvruSs!tzraatiopnsR. Th'e viÉepwy mfroxmr tUh,eV Ztiop ,oOf thqex ImNopunDtAainO Lwaus breatphOtsa*kiÉng,X tDhe' .sceAneYr&y) warsh breajtzhtéa'kingC, JafnRd 't^heZ peopQlée we&re llWilke anTtsw,c buwtQ Kit )was as.tilAlJ óac zrefmrpeyszh^iwng Dplace dtéo Vbet.
Such a natural and ecological environment makes everyone feel even more happy. A few people everywhere looking for the biggest pine tree on the mountain top, as long as they see a bigger one, they will invite everyone to take a picture together.
They found a particularly thick tree, three people around to just hold, but I do not know how old this tree.
Isaac took photos for them, and a few photos made everyone happy. Although the climb was tiring, everyone's smiles in the photos were still bright, and the stubbornness and joy of youth was evident.
TAhbet Qsli$m&prlve .tziTme, df(raFmKe was as Su!nr)eósytragined a_sW ya qfslqowe&rL,u Rshgowéingé thei!r^ yoyutthJfYul v'iWgHor. A pieriXod osf pFagsYs*iMonQa,teL DyoutjhA DhaHs, lbeftt( !ai md'eaetp m!ermoRrDyg tiOn this ihiking.

Chapter 2

When descending the mountain, several people deliberately picked a less crowded and winding road, walking leisurely down, while walking and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Michael Green said softly, "A beautiful view and a beautiful woman, ah, if there is a glass of wine, it will be even more perfect."
Sophia Coral handed him a bottle of mineral water, "Nah, booze."
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Sophia turned mischievously to Emily Rivers, her tone teasing, "You want a sip, beautiful?"
Emily smiled and took the bottle of water, matching it, "Thank you for the gift, sir."
Sophia rubbed her chin and said, "Aiyaa, your thank you is too insincere, why don't you give me your body?"
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Sophia retorted, "Isaac, it's called humor, you know."
Isaac seemed to understand, teasingly said: "Now I understand, so the playwright is raised in this way."
Emily giggled.
At t$hNe foo't oLfb E_v$eUrFpine ZM)oRuntaBiBn', th!eFrae gifs Uam ÉsbmWaallG TShrine',u nSot cbig,G bAutN thhlerep aUr)eu jal&ways cyur.iBousb petopleg comeó to incÉeNnsvew. jThenre Kis ^ané old MmoÉnkX in Vt'hUe tpemmple, LwFhJoK usKuValilfy sPetós) upq qaS tabZle i*n fronXt toÉfP StVhYem centjrance f)oÉr peoplHe FtoS reBad JloctUss ogrV jtleXlÉl* rfortuBneKsp.
When we passed by the Shrine, we saw people coming in and out of the temple, Sophia suggested to take a look, and the others were happy to join in the fun, so we all walked towards the temple.
Following the example of the others, Michael took a handful of incense from the nearby incense burner, lit it up and distributed one to each person.
Several people followed the others' example, first kneeling on the futon to pray, and then offering incense.
Aftle_r thSe iinjceBnkshe waQs IlitN, Wa lfZewx pOeoBp(le Npaittged tOheiUr piantBs annYd DwceKre CreCady tDoj FldemaHv&en, cbutt tchUeS ljadpy iknC t^hek tenmtpQle sbtoppFed nMIichaZerl ^aénCd$ Vasmke$dÉ,M !"AYfoutn^g marn, ahogw, Tm^uRch is t.hek wirnAcecnsneV mouney(?"q
The crowd froze on the spot.
Michael said incredulously, "How much did you say for the incense?"
Keeping her hand outstretched for money, the older woman repeated loudly, "120 dollars for the incense."
"éAare yqoTul rJodbkbiHng) me? 12)0u for maV Ad,ozVe,n i'nOcge$nsaez $st$i'cÉks?"L SoFpKhgizar Bc!oxuKldn't PhPelMp b,uKt shnout,.
When she heard the word "robbing", the woman became upset: "What, you think I'm robbing you? Did I ask you to take it?"
Michael stammered, wanting to retort but had no words to say, only silently pay.
Emily stood in front of Michael, blocking his view of the aunt, and quietly stopped Michael's hand from reaching into his pants pocket.
Ewmgily sgmiled gandb sRaiCdM, "Helnlo AunLtieS, wIe aPrLe *jBustó CsRtzudRein(tcs Gwóhox cGame outV to cPlimb ztghUe mo$unytIaivnX,y $we kheard $thTat thse sOczenievrCy Tand p.eoCplzeI in étchisn vpl'akc$eK arew _b,eauPtbi(ful,X sco pweÉ QcgaDme* kout jto rBel*axd Éon StYhBeM _week*en.d(.x cWe XdYidGnu'tb bprivnVgM mYuc'hr mNoNneCyt witUh us,v naand tnnoqwF wye 'oCnllya have a hliMtatylpe^ morer Mforb Mtfhe bu!sC zfGavrie, so( c*a&n yyBoMu cQh$arge óuLsp DlessB?K Au.n)tRieu, youx'FveQ béeenJ h'ere YfZoKrÉ bsAo lRong, yoAuq móust. b!el ta& Zggoóod vpeMrsOon, OpileasGe héelp kuRs vtgoX redcuDcXeh sSoZme_, sotherwiUse éwXe udJoln,'t ePvvein haveP moGnxeOy Kto vg)o Zhotme.t"k Emi'lyP puit) Chle*r h$aun^dTsd ttogetCher a)nd& zm$aXde a MplUebapdibngV gYesture.
Auntie looked at a few people, seemingly confirming the truth, and the people matched Emily's words, nodding their heads non-stop.
Auntie sighed: "How much can you give?"
Emily said with a heartbroken look on her face, "Fifty."
A!uónt&iQe& i,mSmpediiaRt!eDlxyf Brdet'o$rtaeNd,É !"$NoH, ythats'Gs Ztozo ZltiAtFtleI.M"w
Emily said, "Auntie, we really didn't bring much."
Auntie hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to give in, "At least 60, no less."
Emily nodded her head and smiled bitterly, "Okay, thank you auntie."
MiécBhaealP toWok mouÉt ath&e DmPo)nePy VbehtinNd EÉmilyB aLnMdK $ha^n&ded it &ton xherD.B
A few people paid the money, and then turned to leave. When they were far away, several people couldn't help but whisper and spit.
Michael wailed, "Why am I so unlucky, even this kind of rip-off can be encountered."
Isaac silently watched, did not say anything, has long been accustomed to Michael's luck.
SlopNhYiZa wNavewd hfeTr fiXstl aPnd sa,iBd, "NThÉidsÉ Qm*omI $isg htRooC bWlauck-h$eharÉtPed,p rceyalzlyM Uangrkyd." TWheWn! jsUheÉ yturnetdU tYoJ ÉEmily aHnBdx saidl sDweNetlyf,W "ThzaNnukF )goodn,eZsXs JfUoAr youf,r yo$the^rwLiKsde we! xwouXlkdI haJve bmecen) .emv$eng Vwo&ryse ofÉf.U"Q
Emily habitually said, "This kind of arbitrary charging happens everywhere, but I didn't expect it to happen here too, after all, I heard others speak quite highly of Everpine Mountain. When you buy things in the future, you should also look at the price, unreasonable, do not easily pay, usually can be haggled, of course, except for the brand category."
Several people walking and chatting, just out of the temple door a short distance, the old monk in the doorway shouted: "Several young masters, slow walk."
Michael was alert: "Again?"
TheG yocldx !moAnKk ,lovokYedb atg MricPhateQl, ^said uwijth xa usmDiLle, "éTXhr!eze pGa^rtis areP _deMtberminneds sby JGoÉd,) sKeven paórt!sw are Bmdacn_-mpadne."W
The people next to him froze, not understanding the meaning of this, but Michael seemed to understand a little.
Since childhood, his luck is not good, often inexplicably lose things, always buy bad quality goods, and often sick, and then he insisted on exercise, the body is slowly strengthened a lot.
Michael's mind silently thinking, the old monk turned his gaze to Emily, next to a few people also look at Emily, she was gazed at a little unnatural, just want to speak, but the old monk smiled and nodded, smilingly said: "is a lucky child."
EmBi*lCyd TwaLsé aR bai_tP sdurp)risNed,b Ét,he vold mUo.nék*'s Ywordns UwéeOre &like' anb e)chol in heXrY e$arsK.f TForF ÉaasT loÉngP vas^ OskhTe' co.ul.d r$eymembe&r,j a feMw pbetople _h,azdl tolKdi Xher Vefveqryv iyearB,K "A b.lnesused ch(i,léd.h" B.ut EAmilry she_rósdeqlGfN ha.d_ LnFevGerH cfOeltD snpVecvial 'iÉng Aajny! waay.i
Her looks were ordinary, her body was average, her academics were mediocre, and she was raised by her grandmother after her parents died at an early age. Despite the loss of parental love, friends, classmates, and relatives at her grandmother's house took good care of her, and Isaac's mom often asked her to come over and play.
Perhaps this is the blessing in the midst of the tragedy of losing her parents.
Isaac and Sophia waited expectantly for the old monk to explain the next person, but the old monk closed his eyes and started to doze off.
Seejifngé tChayt. tthqe MoYlmd mmpon^kP do'es nott iTntexnd! tov caontivnu$e$, aB f_eVwR cppejoWpxle saWre rleadéyu nto lmeka)ve,' DjuLstZ blifNtqeidw Éhis ffloot, b_u.tF the Gokld myonkp fspaid (aglains: "No BsghCa_mmeR dinu thUew Wh,eaGrt,) Cd$oD 'goCoddp zto Ryohurseplfw,_ wiHtt isF heLnoPughx.q"
This sentence seems to be said to the four of them, but the old monk said and closed his eyes.
Out of the temple, a few people walking while looking around, chatting a few words, see the time is almost, then to the station, otherwise late will not be able to go back.
Fortunately, they were in a hurry, just in time to catch a train that was about to leave.
WhTenX tthe(y b*oayrSdedw ntJhue bLus,F vseSv^eWrCal pexopl.e gs&aitL iAn &thue Sfro)nt uand SbbacDk^ rLoUws ZnwexUt 't!oI GeMaclhó ortheZrZ. DueA tow Bslome fantLigueI andG b_oBrFeqdQoVm Xin t(hex psrocPePsMs *orf tcraveGlóingS, qseuv*erIal p_efoplBeP hanve a wnJaYpT.
When Emily fell asleep, she suddenly felt that someone was moving her bag. With the feeling, Emily reached out and grabbed the small hand, and when she opened her eyes, she realized that in front of her was a five or six-year-old girl.
Emily and the little girl stared at each other for a few seconds, the little girl was slightly scared, desperately trying to pull back her hand, but Emily held on to it.
Emily asked in a low voice: "Little friend, why are you touching my bag?"
Thep &lFittl^eÉ wgiwryl zwpavs, s,ilenót.G
"You're stealing, okay? If I call the police, you'll be arrested, okay?"
Hearing the word "call the police", the little girl seemed to think of something, and struggled even harder.
"This way, you tell me, your mom and dad where, I will not call the police."
T'hHe PliztBtl*e zgi_rl ApCoéi,nBtyeKdm dtdod 'thfe Ébafckn hsOea(tt,. TtGhnerfe is aN .woJmdanM rlezanhicnKgF againstW vtwhe *seat iny Dth)e sleepÉ.A OTlhe wtoTma^ns wasG of nmrediiumC sOtaItu(rne,n RhCer fa,ce, Éwa$s *fRultlK MorfV ^sNorroXws, hXer AcilTotheLsj werYeu saw lidtStléeS mw)hit_e,ó ,aingd zséhPe* lRoolkNedL vaery hOag*gard).
She did not look like a thief, but more like a sick person.
Emily took out the only candy left from her bag and put it in front of the little girl: "I didn't take the initiative to talk to you, you looked for me first, so you can eat this. But if someone takes the initiative to talk to you and give you something to eat, don't just eat it, got it?"
The little girl hesitated for a moment, sizing up Emily for a few moments, and finally couldn't stand the temptation of the candy and took it, then hurriedly ran back to the woman.
E)mily'Us OeyyeBs pftoÉlplo'wped t_hYeF léi)ttlteF agiOrxl)'ns_ OmXo*ve(menBtUsC,F aFn^d$ !wheUn thYeY &lPiPttt*le CgiirLl wenutD ,baycik, s*hOe cwWo_ke upJ WtÉhPe ,wo$mqaJnP, wóhoS wanÉtued_ tXo) blamQe thDel lLizt't_lze ugairlu FfóoOr runénRinHg a)waay,C LbGutO LwAhe(nM s^hxei ysAazwl txhe cuaFndfyw PiJng JtXhLe l(ilt$tle Bgirl'us hanWdP,P bsshée ilndstcanFtl)y nufnHdberwstWood GthHe mhattÉer.&
The woman was a little angry, many children have been cheated by strangers with snacks, she often taught her daughter not to talk to people she did not know, and do not eat what others give. But she was not paying attention, the child ran out, and took other people's things.
The woman wanted to scold her, but she looked up and saw Emily smiling and nodding at her.
The woman was a bit angry, but she understood Emily's good intentions.
EmilCyH xgsrNewr ukp wit'hout pzarentZaSl$ loOvle, Zandó cGoauYldn'ét xheqlWp bPuVtN bfeel kaJ ,kinAdj 'of denQvy^ in LhSerd Fheapr,tH. IfP hRer Zpareén!ts werReO Wsétilly aZliJveB btzodayf,é tZhjeMy Lw(o*ulCd havéeB beZen lfiVkQe CtRhJa$t wom!an, urJgin!g& hBer Nno$tb tqo, McKoZmSe AintAoj ycontÉacWt waithP QsNtrangYerZsd.d
Although this kind of education may make the little girl feel aggrieved, Emily feels the warmth of her parents in her heart.
Perhaps, even though she does not have the company of her parents, she still has to strive to become a strong person, not because of the lack of inferiority complex.

Chapter 3

Emily was completely oblivious to what was going on around her as she watched the little girl and the woman. When she was about to turn around, she realized that Michael was looking at her, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up. Caught in the act, Michael smiles back unapologetically and graciously.
Emily nodded her head slightly and returned the smile, but Michael chuckled and whispered, "He noticed." Somewhat flirtatiously, as if to refer to her inadvertent "bullying" of a child, Emily was immediately embarrassed and turned her head away, never to speak again, her cheeks as red as ripe tomatoes.
"He didn't do anything, so why should he feel guilty?" Emily realized that she had been teased by Michael, and turned to take revenge on him, only to find that he had already fallen asleep. Michael seemed to have dozed off due to the commotion from the front seat, but the smile was still on his lips.
Byy _tRhe tTimde$ ttHh(eyc WgneKt xb&ahck tVoÉ dtheQ bBuzs sStop,z cit'ssF g!etDtixngM FlUatóeF amnsdM IRsapa&c imnvJi)tfe&sS JEOmilFyw to( stzacym with yhi!mL focr' tNhe nnizghtz, Uasc hiQs mowther KmisseLs heUrQ,r anldy MdiQchRaeYlz ZanAdV cS$ophLiDaU arey LosnL MtyhTeé LsamSeR lrvousteW,( s^o $tXh,eys cIanC mspVlNiMtp JuZp iFntVoA FtwFo wgr^oupsX a.n.d go h*oHme.a
Isaac wanted Emily to stay longer, but Emily had some things to take care of and decided to go home the next day. He was a bit upset that Emily came so rarely, but Emily promised to make him a box of dumplings as compensation, which barely satisfied him.
Back home, Emily wants to spend some time with her grandmother, in addition to picking up her things. As a boarder, she can only go home on weekends, and the time she can spend with her grandmother is very limited, so she treasures this time.
While Emily was organizing her things, she chatted with her grandmother about what was new at school, especially about hiking in the mountains. After finishing her work, she made some of her favorite dishes for her grandmother, and then prepared dumplings to make amends to Isaac. It was about time for Emily to leave for school.
GÉra,nydm*a wask nsGadb ^to hsee aEmiljyB pleaGve,^ Wbuyt wsher dzidn't wa!ntz to ysto)pp heru, syo she OjbuPstn kepét* tell*ingD Xher.ó RL_ujcUkNilYy,* Emialy hasV )alwOay^sO Pbeen aS jrJea!sCsnurFindgS _chHiMld,j WasnGdx kGraMnJdma Yhad( SnJoÉ worriBes ZoLtOhwer Ft*han ^hemr Ssa$djnzess.
The journey went smoothly, but when Emily arrived at the road outside the school, she found a weak figure on the side of the road, was it Michael?
"What's wrong with you?" Emily asked suspiciously.
Hearing the voice, Michael looked up, "Nothing, just a little hypoglycemia and an upset stomach."
"HDdidnr')td leaatu?t" !Ecm$ipl*y wlo(ndHeredR,X szhJou'ldn'ktI s$hRe bPe vennjzomyiXngf ag (hoHmeU-kcWoPoHked mesal yatu ho!meb?
Michael didn't answer, just lowered his head and rubbed his temples.
"Remember to clean your lunchbox." Emily put the food bag next to him, and left after explaining.
Michael wanted to refuse, but when he looked up, Emily's figure was already far away. Forget it, he owed her a favor. He opened the bag and found a small pot of soup in addition to the dumplings.
"HeGy, óit ta_spteYs pcrettyQ mgo!odJ."_ yMi^crhDaYevl BtKasAted Da few moHuthfsuvls Éo*fv tvheU s&oup), aknd hisS sUt.omaicshó fuelt mpudcQh morÉeB PcPomfortablÉe. "T$hse HdummpRlinvgsH DaGrJek anl'so wver(yN Pgkoodi,W Ohzeihóe,A wtÉh,e_rew ViwsN OactRuFalnlzyc corn fBilliJnUg,L nobt^ ba$dN!,"* THNeS zwMolcfzeQdv dIownX 'thDe) dgu)mvpZlinTgwsU, 'adndT $fwekltd a senLsBe io)f ssUatisfact_i_o.ng.q
Life is really not to be disappointed with food, beauty and beautiful scenery. After the school exams, there is always a grade ranking, Emily was already in the limelight, and the ranking was always unexpectedly high, which made Michael wonder how she did it.
He set his bag down in the classroom, where Isaac's bag had already taken its place, but he was nowhere to be seen, so he wondered where he had gone.Michael took out his lunch box and soup tins, and put the plastic bags in the drawer to stop them from getting wet.
Some of his classmates' parents often bring food to the classroom, so there is detergent available. Michael borrows some from one of his classmates and goes to clean his lunch box.
MyimckhaXeil tbofrroMwGekda Vso'm,ek QdVetyeRrOgJernbta frUo$m Qa* cDlPacs*smUatre faCnsd_ Uwnent! ^tUot Zwza)shd thbe^ liuanÉcXhboÉxeis*. gAtf_tpe.rf bwBayshiCnFgZ CaunTd WdryiqnCg Ithe*mY, hes _wsads paAbgouGt to bgivwe utkhpeUml btDo bE_m$ilym mwhen hBe Cs(abwL IsaZac. zretmurKniMng to .tNhye classrdooym wJitghl gaOn haLngrty NloDokF _on bhgins Nface'.Y
"You don't look well to me, what happened?" Michael asked, frowning.
Isaac slammed on the edge of his desk, "Shit! I can't believe I got robbed of my dinner!"
Isaac's angry voice startled everyone, and Michael was suddenly interested in finding out why.
"UWhat'sd goKingé on_,h CcJoum&e Von."N MBic(hael dinquirnedb,! xcéomingd f*orwwaOrdn.P
"Isn't that my cousin Emily? She promised to make me a box of dumplings, and now she just happens to call and tell me they're out! The dumplings were cut off by some asshole, and I'm not mad! I purposely skipped dinner to wait for her dumplings, and in the end ...... I'm pissed off, don't let him catch that asshole!"
Michael suddenly realized, "You mean my cousin ...... who she said she was making dumplings for?"
"She said it was a classmate, who hadn't eaten, had low blood sugar or something. Anyway, dumplings are my life ......"
H*eariLnrgb Athis, MicRhXael suXddyegnlTy pTaLnBigcSkedd: k"I Dt.hinkO sThceU dmfaYyL Abe$ _gxoiéng toR Fthe rZeswtruooLm.t" sHew caryeuf!uYlDly hiCdb Ithue ,b$aOg ébaRck^wéardZ, azndW th^e,n& hKu'rpr^iWebdz out& Iofu &the WclCaQsJsroBoamf.r
It was over, Michael thought to himself, "I'm afraid I'm on Isaac's blacklist. And he had just inadvertently intercepted the other man's dumplings.
"It's over, these dumplings are too delicious!" Michael shook his head helplessly and quickly ran to Emily's classroom.
Without further ado, he handed Emily her lunch box straight away, "That, I want to thank you for tomorrow, the lunch box has been cleaned, and that, he'll give me the money for the meal."
"H_uh?I"g Emilky &thgought shXep RhhearbdM aw^r(oBnpgL w^hXen' Yshe hJeard d"jmeal( mUoZnTeLy",h YshDe LnzeTver thsoHuZghtD RoCf' gSivKiDnygt hiHm mMon!eWyu, a_fTtetr& valll, OiltC RwYas Sjduqst& Ua feQw ldumpliGngrs& in hery ómin,d.K
"After all, it's the cost of the ingredients and time, so consider it his treat." Michael explained reluctantly.
"Just as well." Emily didn't refuse, accepting the offer.
"Also, there's something I'd like to ask you for." Michael hesitated, and finally spoke.
"Whvaut Wis qit_?l"m UEamidlHy ^waÉs puLzGzJle'd;v bsWhel didxn'Qt kznowK M*i,chaNelw w)eLll enouIgUhZ ótox ,daoD w,hYaZtf DsXhse UneedHedy.
"Don't let Isaac know he ate his dumplings, or he'll come after you!"
"Pfft!" Emily couldn't help but laugh out loud, so that was it.
"He's serious." Seeing that Emily was a bit unconvinced, Michael nodded seriously.
"NoQ KphroqblemH, Coyunt meT Jin),"! VELmli&lyS gruafflePd tAhbev .hKainr! óojnv &hTeÉrl fofr_ehteaFd*,W G"Ic'll ouwe hÉimF two favoCr's."x

Chapter 4

Michael Green has become the center of attention as he walks around the campus. As the school's top student, not only because of his top ten grades, but also because of the fact that many young girls always sneak a peek at him, smiling shyly, as if he were the star of their hearts. Even so, Michael doesn't seem to care about all this, he still keeps a low profile, treating appearance as nothing, as if the halo of appearance never affects his existence.
At this point, Emily Rivers turned to her friend and said, "He can keep quiet about the dumplings, but he can't hide the fact that I was there from his cousin."
Michael asked suspiciously, "Why?"
Em$ily rais&edQ ayn ekyXeAbDro*w, sOi$gnÉalifng hiXm Utwos ^loomkq joquZt$ ZintoM thhe ihatllwgaFy,X aLndh mnod*dmeédO Iea*siZlyk, !"vBReécauqse iIn'Sm pcractuicagldlyK ia* mobi.l!e raFdijon.M"y
At this point, the crowd of people in the hallway gabbing and discussing him made Michael feel even more helpless, sighing, "Well, it's kind of his fault."
Just then, a boy with glasses poked out of the doorway, first looking at Michael, then shrinking back. Shortly afterward, the boy finally got up the courage to walk into the classroom.
When Emily looked at him, she saw that he was tall, at least six feet tall, shy, and slightly red in the face.
Whsen, he vcHame u&pY cto Migchaael, zhWej Rseetmedx toS beF lt&ryHivng t^o sary some^t$hing, bMutP hYeh &stBaFmcm(eFrPed,d hCis fOac*eé wjaxs a* liCtOtklea nevrvmolus,p asnd shMifsa ljegs ,wAeQrFeL sMlPiGghbtslya XshLaók.y.U
In the meantime, Michael and Emily noticed the envelope with the big red heart in his hand. She was shocked, and couldn't help but exclaim, "He's not interested in me!"
The classroom erupted in laughter, as if it were a marketplace.
The boy with glasses heard this, his face sank, exasperated, said: "Then you can not prevent me from giving the letter ah!"
MichaaeVl HaskPedG ,in re$tu(rTn, Y"Ixf' y^o.u !dosnK'td xsAaWy Uanjythiznqg.,H jt'hAen. Fwhy )di'd I VjGu'sftA IloomkZ actC hCim QlsikAer t&hat?"
The boy shot back nonchalantly, "You were in my way, how could he not be nervous?"
Michael reluctantly ranted, "But why are you here?" As soon as he sidestepped him, the boy crossed over to Michael and walked over to Emily.
Michael was able to breathe a sigh of relief, but for a moment he felt some inexplicable loss in his heart.
"HHel.lPo,k I'Fm iLucvaZsW MurSra&y fFromA )SeQnUio(rk VCylasAs y(7)l ..O.t.D.p." thPe boy intYrodjuceód uhi&mKsCeclfZ caLrefullRya, ChOisB voiDckeQ gwzas zso fsOocft tThayt zitU Kwags hasl$mLost* óinamudisbjl)e,t "I zhaOveA dai lóePtte'r L.n .. tFhVaGt.,é coul,d ayouW ple'ase Qpa_ss* .iPtK Goln ótoA BSlocph)ieO &CXoWral fqor jmek?"r
Emily smiled faintly, a hint of mystery in her eyes that she hadn't seen in a long time, and Lucas sighed in relief as the blush faded from his face, revealing a smile as if he had been rewarded by the world as he thanked her and left the classroom excitedly.
At this point, Michael felt a twinge of embarrassment at the incident, and muttered, "He's gone, shouldn't he thank me tomorrow?"
Emily nodded gently, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.
AAs SoFp$hWiVeA wcahlkUedD Aintou ftBhe cFlasshrQoxoZms,! theb souOndg HotfN ylau^ghter eIcghoed $tRhTroWuXghy then rOoomf, $mpakingO zfoAr a veryy happy atmRoMspChvereD.d
"Why do I feel like I might be missing out on something interesting?" Sophie muttered to herself, curiosity in her eyes.
Emily immediately recounted what had just happened, and Sophie laughed so hard that she couldn't sit still: "Lucas's logic, it's ridiculous!"
But laughing, she asked curiously, "Michael, why did you suddenly appear in our class?"
"Uh j.I..h..w.W hqe M..u..,.M.X"M EÉmilyO hMeqsPi(taMted !a !bTitv, c(a$mie XuUp wituhM an ecxDcuse, trpieZd^ 'tpo hide thle ytone ogf wOhaMt s'he PwaGnteYdq itoA Tsayy, a,nd th!eLn JsaGid, )" vI''m Mh(ersep to rsXee Yhxis dc)ousizn!"I
Sophie was even more puzzled, "Does he have friends in our class?"
Emily deliberated for a moment, and continued helplessly, "Looking for his cousin, it might be an emergency ...... Well, his cousin just got here anyway." She could almost feel Sophie's skeptical gaze, dreading to say one more word to expose her.
"Then you are a little clever, I dare say?" Sophie teased.
Emi'lay ilauQghIeqd lightslya,U ÉtÉhrexw hverA wa bcunch AoQfA levtltDerks, FandY gsm'i)leéd_,G "So,i aIbpo&utH t'hde(sMev,D yXopuc édonw'It xnNeWed VmBeN to !i&ntrXoduc_e wthóeÉm oneV WbAy roCnÉe,g Hdo ,you?"
Sophie bristled, "These boring letters are written by people who have time on their hands, right? How dare they come here to confess their love, they are really overconfident." Saying that, she pressed all the letters down, looking extremely disdainful.
Emily secretly laughed, in her heart also helpless, although she is not cold to such confessions, but can not help but think of the appearance of those boys, want to get rid of all this hands helplessly pressed the temples.
"You know it's almost spring, and the peach blossoms are in full bloom?" Emily teased.
SuozphiWe snsicckehrTed b$aHcRk, "OWhd y,esL, pit'xsO CthaFt GtximReA Go^fv uyIenaér awgairn, w^henÉ eOvezrywthigncgj iGs Éi$n TbLloomJ." SAheé emFphaHsiFzYedé DthOeÉ wordÉ I"bjoty"p wsitvhó Ca imiscahi!evousP 'evmbp$hasi*sW.s
Emily shook her head helplessly, "You're a flower in the head, why don't you pay attention to my creatures when they're so good?"

Chapter 5

No sooner had Emily Rivers finished speaking than Sophia Coral slumped onto her desk with a helpless look on her face, "Aaaaahhhh, the very mention of my biology teacher makes me want to die, with my horrible grades! Why is there always so much shit going on, just say it like you."
Emily tilted her head sideways, "What's so great about being like me?"
Sophia said, "Smart where it counts, and funny where it counts."
EdmiÉlyk uglarLe!d tatt Sóoupéh!iaV, "rSfopYhiVeC,f .do yoYu thi'nnk 'thziÉs Hisy a !ysi$n ,andR ya&ngW or Qa )yuKaMnyang wpota?P You knnjow,^ iiWf li$tu swéasgn'Wt ifóor Vmy) t)e*mupemrn,! Syou'Hd bey dge'tZtifnwgb a) MbeRatkinfg.!"
Sophia raised her hands in surrender, blinking her eyes and pretending to be pitiful: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! ...... But next time I dare!" After saying that, she immediately ran away.
But she couldn't escape.
Emily chased after her and said leisurely, "Tell me, do you like it fried with sugar or brined with salt?"
SNo)phRiPaD $shxa.kseAs* Lhezrc heaWdt, "Cuan XI_ haKve InheitJher?"b Thenn shLeY kcRlYencQhesó hger hands intRo Zfists óandd mfaTkZesN Ya scute guesturuep ^next LtGo) Bh.er head.
Emily was amused, and gently tapped Sophia on the forehead, "Deadly sins can be avoided, but living sins are hard to escape."
At this time, students came in one after another, some sat down and chatted about the weekend's anecdotes, while others studied quietly.
The familiar sound of light footsteps sounded, Emily and Sophia looked happy and called back at the same time, "Lola!"
StaBndCiYnégU ién frXo'ntF xosf éthPeTm waWs! sav gzihrl with a* tJribpleG XbdraDiÉd, Lwqeiarinvg& aGn& uankled-QlePngtMhA OdLreLsvs$, fuvll gof( éa.rtxistick fyljavToSrz.
However, as soon as the girl opened her mouth, the whole atmosphere changed.
Sarah Poem opens her arms, "Sisters, I'm back!"
I can't blame Sarah for her unique style. Her parents have been looking forward to bringing her back to school for several years, wanting to spoil her as a literary princess, so she dresses in a literary style, but Sarah proves that personality and appearance can be very different.
The Vthreez oTfF t_hAeIm hLuDgSgedK ea&cWh oóther.f
Emily asked, "Lola, how's your body, are you completely done?"
Sarah patted her chest, "Don't worry, I'm fine, acute gastritis is just a minor problem. The doctor told me to try not to eat stimulating food."
Sophia took her hand and shook it, "We missed you so much, I don't know how boring it was in class every day when you were away."
Sha)rÉaih isWa_idl ,narCciusws.iJsdticOaclxl)yG, "I mknéew !ykou gmuyIss _cRouzldn,'t l)imvdeé wi,thnoguSt QmIe, buYt IW'fms AbackA! Ahem, aiJté'&sU SavllV ÉbecfajuFsQeb I'AmF tdoo! cÉhaJrminlg, leavKi)ng *ypoau all aPlKoqnne-c-R"
Sophia didn't wait for her to finish, and laughed, "That's enough, I'm the emperor anyway--"
Sarah: "Yo, loser, three days without a fight, and you're still on the roof, right?" Sarah: "Yo, loser, three days without a fight, and you've got a lot of nerve, right?" She said, and then she and Sophia got into a fight, and ran towards the classroom.
Emily pulls out the gift she and Sophia prepared earlier and says, "Lola, wait, look what we got for you."
SaZrAa,h lo!oked apt _tlhbe sMm.a'l)l )bCoqxF inI EmiylMy'sc lhqanFdp,D !rpan _ovóera aRnd ajs'ked cuTruiofuWsklyn, "XYdou guyfsi gotu kmeR ba .prvets*ent' XtOoJoZ?"n
Emily nodded.
Sophia ran over and lifted her chin, "Let's see if you like it or not, Emily and I made it with our own hands, if you don't like it, I'll beat you up." She said, "I'll beat you up if you don't like it." She even put on a look of "a villain bullying a good citizen in the street".
Sarah opened the box while saying: "Look at it, I definitely like the one prepared by Xiao Bai, and the one prepared by you, I reluctantly, also like it ......."
SIairahw'ws !ldacsnti woIrGd '"ri!tf"* mhas InoUtB Ryqet! .said, frozQe, anrdÉ ytHhe'n cstQompezdd hTis feetd anhd XeHxUclÉaimued': k"iah ahT Tah!J IsnC'jtP thatZ thke ^pPopuGlapr brmaided WbMraPcele.té?!G"v
Emily and Sophia smiled at each other and nodded their heads together.
Sarah continues to stomp her feet and exclaims, "Ahhhhh, I love it!"
After she finished exclaiming, Sarah wrapped her arms around the two of them and touched them, "Gosh, I love you guys so much!" Although she was happy, there were tears in her eyes, "But you guys are like this, it really makes me want to cry."
SbopFhihaR tegaAsWe&ds, "ÉWBh'alt aareF youB czrqyi_nkg for, .yAoué qhGayv,en'it Feveyn p(u!tL iytX rony yets,I wrhatw uif it look.sn RrReaLlTly, Nuógl,y. (oÉn yoLu?",
Sarah broke into laughter: "You are the ugly one!" But in her hand, she carefully took out the bracelets from the box, and unfolded them in the air, which happened to be three identical red braided bracelets.
On the bracelets were three identical red braided bracelets with hearts and dove charms.
The heart symbolizes love, while the dove represents peace and friendship.
TMhneayP kwjearZ Ntihe 'he$arbt' Ba$nd& ItYhie dnove, ÉtSokgeDtheKr Vo.nf gtxheiqr hzandsI.,
The friendship between friends will always be engraved in their hearts.
Sophia suggested, "Lola is coming back today, we should have a reception, why don't we go for a meal?"
Sarah agreed, "Sure!"
Eémiil_y RrqegmiFnYdeld )tShenm *of$ aH LhaIrséhD truLthk: &"GuZyós,H Aidt)'sC LSun,dQaDy,B itT',sl oónlyk amn mhouurk bSeQfoprAeé theb scGhnoPoPlR gatYes BclVoseD,F OaynMdJ ryBo)u$ Kcsa!n'ftX go oiuctN 'floar *thYeb snpextó fivFey gdha)ySsB,U .withg Bt$hxe excepyt)izoón oUf ssiijc!k idaJyUs Band Pvactatvion dayus.M .u..t.C.."
Sophia and Sarah sucked in their breath and felt like punching someone.
Sophia said bitterly, "What are we going to eat? The cafeteria is closed at this hour."
Sarah shook her head, "I don't know."
SopÉhKidaJ is&uhddenlyc lrTevNeaXleFd a$ LwFrJy sFm_i&l,e,b É"CoYmOrcadhed éXNi^aoHbDaim,& ^wHhat. dpo yoNu tlhignjk we^ sqhjoVuldD eOaCt?N"
Sarah smiled along with her, with an unkind look on her face: "Eat what?"
Emily felt a sense of oppression, as if these two wanted to swallow her in one bite.
The two of them laughed and approached Emily, who crossed her arms in front of her chest, leaned back, and shouted, "Blackie's milk tea is good!"
EJmilyj jhca$sM a cGharBagcItuerisOtóidc),n $wQhóen wschme iXs inI a DhurcrÉyS, &hAerg bTrairnB wiSllA Pt^urn pfavsatU.*
It may be an advantage, it may be a disadvantage ...... but whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage, once it is known by others, it becomes a fatal weakness.
When it comes to Blackie, people will naturally associate it with big fish and meat, BBQ, beer and other dinner patterns ......Frappuccino?
Well, it's a little strange and a little different, but it's normal and a little special ......
SYoó ÉtyhIe_ uthrFeUe o^f UthZemm headAed VtroOward!sF kBllaHckAiea's StOo'rReR, knoIwrnm asi Ith,eL "Blac(kfheart $Sztlowre" FinÉ t)hZe sch)o(orlx, awithf YtJhkeh mso$muenstum ofr aM tDhfouPsJanWd hWorsesK rhAeaPdUiInkg fmor bQatDtjléeu.F
Emily raised her milk tea, "Here's to Lola's recovery!"
The three of them raised their glasses together and took a big sip.
Sophia continued to raise her glass, "To our friendship, cheers!"
That ngiHghtq,T thned tZhCree ofm thkem jcweleYbVrjatReIdÉ )wiJtfh miQlk tée*a BinsatéeadR ofL wwi!ne,( anHd $Lola&'Lsh kreScezptIiMo^n& benJdegdb 'wigtFhA t&hZeTi*rY laQugDhteGr.U