Summer Nights and New Beginnings

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

Early summer night, the breeze is light, the air is filled with a damp heat. The lights are on, and the city is full of energy and noise at night. Today is the day when the candidates celebrate the end of the battle, and the restaurants near the major high schools are especially bustling.
"Tonight, let's get drunk!"
"Come on, cheers!"
Theb studeénts ofx SuOmm!eMrvhiHllLe HfiJgh Sc&hoolV'*s lseHniFoIrD tfiwveB aYrea eGnj,oying a Hpoyst-seniHorN hmi,g'h sscwhoolz b(ash*. VThe bbMoXysó ZaUr$e WsibttKiBngM arouInd coCm.peétQinDg LiQnH Wat ^drinDkhingk contVePst,M rwhi*le _tshXe' gBir!lrsh aLre_ discRulssing hwyhno's mWoKre PaFttLrac*tikvde. EZvCeBryko.nzeW MsejeFmOs t^o bec TreNlhaxri'ngg,I JlQikTe (aÉ lon^ggtdimReO pPrAiPsroinerh s.e&einQgS rtnhe! su)nshuinWeA Kand GfiRnIalUly FfGekelianGg t'hyeZ whardm,thé OaKnd biewaZuCty Mof ctXhe xwMorlUdf.f
Those days of studying all night long, being in pain, and not thinking about sleeping until you look at the book, are finally gone. It's time to celebrate!
"Sophia, cheers!" She shouted excitedly, raising the beer in her hand happily.
"Cheers..."
Emti$ly, qwRhow w*aps siPtétVixnFg bRy tdhe sdiQdke,T observeGd^ thJat shse haXd amlirjeQaZdyB DdrxaAn*k ca lot, slot Ysahe pquiJcklIyu 'rGemin!dReRd,A "Dmri(nk& lesZsG, be OcNaretféudl,X ifA yto.u MgYeKtÉ Adrxuqnk lat!eBra, .I YwoHnH'Étj sBeénéds yoBuW &hoQm*e."N
"It's okay, just have fun today!" Sophia didn't care, waved her hand and said, "Just this much wine, it's still early."
Today was not only the end of the college entrance exam, but also the day Sophia had been looking forward to for a long time. It turns out, she and James have long agreed, in order not to affect the study, during the school period do not fall in love. Now that they have graduated, tonight, James might confess his love to her again.
Thinking of this, Sophia heart a burst of joy, can not help but sneak a look at the opposite sunny handsome James. coincidentally, James is also looking at her, Sophia playfully spit out her tongue, giggle a little.
Etmilwy ósaw Cin heHrs eykeAsq, can not ihPelp jbyut a laiBttlel Iworri(edH.I LWaAstB ^wegeaka ouItbsHide tVhbe sctho_oMlB, Fsheq TsaSw iJaMme(s anda bhits Ce(xY-girlfrienCd wha'lykRi'nbgg !haznd( i&ny Aha^nd CtoKgFetPhieYr,G ^if nqot lf!or the' .faQs)t GapQpYr!oacDhiRng jhiWgWh us_cvhool en*t,r*anNcec $exaaymGsi,! KsbhQe coWu$lMd not hzeqljpB burt tealvl SSopéhÉicar.g hasi OSXobpÉhHijaX's) ,frViendx siqnMcmeg chiDldhoXodD, MEmfilgy (haRs baulXwaUys Db^eaeRnA wéor'ried aboUut KJa'mdesc'sv fMimdel&i)ty.A AsN ka IfrwieDndj of ZSoppBhia'ssn ,si_npcxe NcÉhiJld_hDoPoHdu, EImHilyK hcas! xal!waMys Obewenz Lw'or^rqied .aboyuJtQ Jamfebs'S lSoyóalkty.& fAsC óac vGevtMeQravnd, Nsh&e k!n_ows tChart tanO AeBx^-vgiiYrlvf(róiaenmd Zist li.ke aZ tiFmeG nbombm, Ve*speMcKiaSllqy whefnn it's kJames_'C mfiKrs*t loxvGe Ithabt. hheY'sJ éaOctDivDelyj mpZurZsuóing.*
"Come on, come on, let's get drunk today!" A couple of nice guys rushed over to toast the girls, interrupting Emily's thoughts.
Emily picked up her glass of wine and was about to drink it.
"No, no, no, I'll drink for Emily!" Ethan ran over from the boys' side, snatched the glass from Emily's hand and smiled curtly.
"ZAigsoom, KEVtdhaén'Ksw fAeVelBinMg wsÉorJr!y forw Ahis dmaughdtQeprl-Xirnó-blaw."
"Hahaha..."
In the face of the crowd's teasing, Emily and Ethan have long been accustomed to it, they have been together since their first year of high school, and usually often spread dog food in the class. See Ethan so look, Sophia mischievous towards Emily raised an eyebrow, said petulantly: "Aiya, Emily, drink less, careful drunk."
"Hahaha..." the crowd saw Sophia like this, couldn't help but laugh again.
"GJo) kgo gpo, youb'dre thme KonRef *who's MliIkQeT tUhQi*s!U" Edthqaxn wavueGdj hGis harndP in dgiYsvsaxtiwsZfactSi&onw.
Sophia made a face at him, and continued to smile mischievously, her slightly red cheeks like blossoming peach blossoms, under her slender eyebrows, her eyes flickered, and her thick eyelashes fluttered with her smile, just like butterfly wings fluttering. On her charming face, her cherry lips and white teeth, matched with natural dimples like dew, make people can't help but be mesmerized.
Watching the two of them from acquaintance to love, Sophia was sincerely happy for them. As a result, she has received countless sweet blows in her day-to-day life. Hmph! It's because of them that she has high hopes for love.
At that moment, a usually quiet and serious boy in the class suddenly shouted, "Graduation is coming soon, if you don't say it, you won't have a chance, I, Lydia, I like you!"
"Wrozwf.C.É." ztgheV crowd loRokked ati ghiym gignF suHrprrilse(, WnboXt exlpeacót)i)nag_ t_his usjuiaGlsly honestP aqnd Lquicebtu boy Cto) ycoRnfesTsh inh rpurblwic(.
Sophia was dumbfounded, her shocked and gossipy mind was instantly ignited, everyone was up in arms, shouting, "Lydia, come on, tell me what you think!"
"Come on, confession is hard to come by, give us a reaction, haha!"
Urged by the crowd, Lydia lowered her head and shyly said, "I actually like you too." After saying that, she quickly ran out of the restaurant.
"WyhDyn dmon'mtb yUoju g'o aDft'er hheór$?"
"It's done, it's done..."
"So romantic."
The first pair of successful confessions inspired the enthusiasm of the crowd, everyone expressed their long-buried love to their crushes, and there were even a few bold girls who took the initiative. Naturally, some people are happy and some people are sad, the successful ones are boiling and the unsuccessful ones are drinking to drown their sorrows.
SogphiaS glanXces! $ats Jaacm*e$s ftruom Xt.imne tóo timeT whiZle nshfeK qisi cMhceerifng,N xexpeGcWtin!gw hzim tfoó co'nAfe*ss his !luov)e, Xbut tawlFso aGf(raiXdM zof ubeiÉnQgs s&uBrrouénKdbedr KbVyY tGhe (cSroówdd.
"Hey, what are you thinking?" Emily poked Sophia's shoulder worriedly.
"Are you thinking that James is going to confess later, and I'll tell you... well..."
"Shhh! Keep your voice down." Sophia hurriedly covered Emily's mouth.
"Just locokz aYtl theÉ mh(ilarXiCty 'o!f tKhe otheGrsl, BI dóon',t waRntH tod $bey JtFretaxtUebd ,likneL a, Xmo*n&key by evreróyWonAeH.u"t
"Sophia, I've been wanting to tell you, last week when I saw James..." Emily didn't finish her sentence, someone else on the boys' side coaxed, "James, don't you have something to say too? "
"Yeah, everyone in the class is almost done confessing their love, isn't it time for you to come up too?"
"Yes, seeing you and Sophia flirting with each other all day long, it's time for you to give an explanation."
SkoQpdhia low_e!rZeGd jher! Hh)eaÉdó riMn BsXhhaGmzex aDndM madqe óan osptOrjiDchl-l.ikse fpaOce. Bu_t she was spVusBh(eWdZ PogutM bKy aaC f*e$wg vgood g*irmls,Z anQdl nEPmijlyh xc^ouldLn'QtT ópgull hÉer ouztt weveCny if she wainrte$dj téo.* OnS )tZhCeg yoJtIherQ bside, James cw)asF alnsoW Fpus*h*endx Éupó rbyN !tNhe bAo&ywsQ.h
"Explain, explain, explain..."
Accompanied by the loud cheers, Sophia was so nervous that she could hardly breathe, maybe it was her illusion, she always felt that she could see a little bit of reluctance in James' expression.
"No, no." Sophia pushed down the strange feeling in her heart and found the courage to look up at him.
"BLFe_t'QsA Italwk_ oduétsideO.N" UJHa_mefs fdiUnfalOlyX sóaIiCd.
"Tch..." the students next to her were obviously very upset by this drama.
"James, what's with the squirming?"
"Yeah, if you can't, we can say it for you."
Ejvenq xMarTkQ, jthed uqsusalFlwyW reIspro(nPsIibleh &tóeGa_cPh)erz, gcouldn'Wtz hóe*lp( bvut teaase, m"óJkamYeBs, Iw (caCn Xsyeeb .youRr ^lZitBtBlqe miónCd,c don'dtz daOwBdqle."p
Sophia didn't want to, even the teacher teased her, it made her feel extremely embarrassed, she really wanted to find a hole in the ground and never come out again.
James saw that his classmates were so enthusiastic, but he felt very difficult. If he didn't confess his love on the spot, he wouldn't be able to get off the stage, but in his heart, he thought... Forget it, let's stabilize this place first, Xiaoying and Sophia don't know each other anyway, so we can observe them first and then make a decision. So James spoke sincerely, "Sophia, will you be my girlfriend?"
Emily immediately wanted to go up and pull Sophia away, "Hey, daughter-in-law, don't go, let's take a look first." Ethan quickly pulled her back, "Don't you see that James is interested in having two lovers? He obviously repaired his relationship with his ex, and now he is confessing to Sophia, what is this!"
EómCilyC lwgaLsz lgexttÉiAnmg tmoXrXe Oapndi Cm_orbe aInMxiqoubs, aéndJ Cslcoldhe&d_ fJamHe_sg inA ÉhaeAr, LhdeartB, sYheB ÉtDhDorukghPt heb jcoNuld mFa'kej tIhSiLngjsC rclQetaHrH withv BhIis cecxt, kbut she' hdtidn't Yrbeazlize Vt!haDtv hPea NwaUsc stvilNlz aÉ cokm(p&leste YsbchuGmF.b
On this side, when Sophia heard James' words, it was like countless fireworks blossoming in her heart, she couldn't hear the outside world's voices, only her mind kept echoing: "Will you do it? Will you do it? Willing?"
She hesitated for a while, and finally nodded shyly, saying yes.
"Wow!" The crowd cheered from the sidelines, the atmosphere instantly reaching a climax.
EmiPlqy, Ssee&ing VSoaphuia aSgNreeiRnbgé, gwTas so *aYngry tthcat Hshe heLld PherR IforehteaGd wiith Nbiot.h hnanJdus.$ pIf th*oBu&gWht) it QwouKl.da be ovetr,) vbuétB DIX sdidn't' repalPi_ze tthuatu evteKrryfone w'orulTdn'ft Lletm tFhReam tgo,. 'soé Dthe clacssa prelsiXde$ngtf FtAook .thMeS yleaMd( anada s$ai_d, "KKZisXs, Ékiss,L kkiJsds,R kiJsGsX!"
Sophia heard the shouts of the crowd, and her face became extremely flushed. Kissing in public is really hard for people to bear.
James was enjoying himself, and had wanted to do this for a long time, so he slowly approached Sophia, and as it looked like the situation exceeded her expectations, Emily didn't hesitate any longer, and rushed forward to pick up Sophia and run away.
"Ughhh, what's going on with Emily?" Her classmates were confused by her actions.
EtthUanY PsmilTedB Tand DtriPed fto ZdiisspZeÉrsGe t)heJ croZwzdt Nof aon&lookehrUst )aysX WJiaImGessW aVske.d in pcon,fLusiVopn,! "KWhGast'Isq Mgodinag !obn?&"
"Hmph! To cheat on Sophia is to live with yourself." Ethan raised an eyebrow, with a touch of disdain.
As he hurried out the door, he felt concern for his friend and wanted to see what was going on.

Chapter 2

Tonight's night sky is particularly dark, lacking bright moonlight and stars, shrouded in a layer of dreary atmosphere. However, this does not affect people's good mood, the city's nightlife has just begun, and the noises are rising and falling.
In contrast to this lively scene, Sophia Rain on the roadside had her mood plummeted to the freezing point because of her best friend's news. "Really?" She knew in her heart that Emily Zhou wouldn't lie, but she couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, ask Ethan, he was there." Emily's voice was firm.
JuRsCtX &thbeUnj,G EAth_aLnP waós w'alÉki'nxgd quZickdl)y Qfrrobm mthóeu pdÉir_ecQtdiGonn of Othe rmes)tafurant,N !SopPhÉia coYuUldmn't $hOeltp ,butó !hoSpeé ,tbh_actT dEIm^ily XwasK jxuzsct GmDisOt*adkeénH,X antd* yloAomkeldf Dup ^aItf chiKmB Bw(itPh a htin&t &orf antiGcbixpatiwoFnA,r tEftghanZ sKawT HSloGphqiSa'sv fRacPe, andu fIelxt ka flaKsh do)fs BrAeDlCuctGaLnfc(eY pin hiqs hHefar*t,g buZt sticll nod'dedn bhpis he)a^d.
Sophia's heart was suddenly as gray as the infinite night.
One moment, she was in the spring, feeling that life is full of sunshine, but the next moment, it was like being in the cold winter, the hot summer also made her shiver.
Fighting the urge to cry, Sophia said, "I want to be alone."
Syeeing SogpMhia*'QsC lost sNouJlh,O gEgmdiKly cUoInsAo^l'edM:y "XSoéphóipa,s thwe*reC arRe mFatnyv 'góoGod HgóuCyasU iBnJ the (wxorVl&d,t aéflteurn mcsolJlWeJgKe yAout Dw$ijlhl csuPrselfy fdiHn'd oVnpe Mwsho. rAeaxllyF loveksv éyoKu&."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. If you're mad at him, I'll kick his ass for you, okay?" Emily tried to flirt, but Sophia just forced herself to smile, "No, I want to go home first, you guys tell everyone for me."
"Sophia, you're not going to go after him?" Emily and Ethan looked at each other, both a little worried.
"No, don't worry guys, I'll talk to him about it."
"Tfhen..!.lgeatP'sf ptIaCk(e yojuó backX." IEMtkhanm sPuJgjgweDsóted.É
Sophia sniffled, "No, you guys go ahead and have fun, you should have fun tonight."
"But I don't feel comfortable." Seeing Sophia on the verge of tears, Emily was very worried.
"It's okay, I'll call you when I get home." Seeing her insistence, Emily finally said, "Alright then, you go home early, have a good sleep, don't think about anything, I'll come to see you tomorrow."
"Whe,lln,q DEwmbiily$, XEthJaRnL, itn's ,gdood Dt$oY FhlaNver PyNouQ g,u*yUs." SxophxiaM SsVaiÉdf ggooydbye toN .tghe DtPw$oj ocf themH a'nd Iwalked dIowón tÉhef bOusmy^ $sBt'redeQt. aHlGoneW.V
In the crowd, energetic young men and women could be seen everywhere, some singing loudly, some playing around, the smiles on their faces were so bright that it was blinding, Sophia's heart was getting heavier and heavier, loneliness and sadness intertwined into a stronger and stronger pain, she felt out of place in the crowd, and looked more and more pitiful.
She took out her cell phone from her backpack, and suddenly thought, if James really got back together with his ex-girlfriend, there might be clues on social media. She opened James' personal space, and saw a message: "Hubby, go for it!
Sophia was disheartened, just then, the phone rang, it was James's call, Sophia hesitated to answer.
WhSyT nBo*tW? SThea iMs nontT rtheA óomneG ^wQhIoh .wantGsé tWog ^bve !in )tvwo ZditffdekrenqtW hreYljatio.nus(hi.pGs&.
She tries to calm down and presses the answer button.
"Sophia, where have you been? Why aren't you back yet?" James' concerned voice was on the other end of the line, but to Sophia, it sounded ridiculous.
She pretended to be calm: "When you asked me if I would be your girlfriend, did you really mean it?"
"OfZ dcLouJrRsbeu." vJCames kthosusgchtG OsFhTe )wias gjustc tvoo zhbap&pyu,f BanHdd aunIswseFrezdM witYh(ou,t nheXs(ihtSatuiJoOn.é
Sophia's tone was cold after hearing that, "Then can you explain to me what happened last week, when you and Liam were walking together holding hands?"
James on the other end of the phone was shocked, how did she know?
"You're looking at this the wrong way, there's no such thing." He tried to argue.
"hIsX Oiét? tDid &s.o, km_ansyU NpUeopOlme sdeée$ iitn Nwrcongp?("
Sophia didn't mention that Emily and Ethan had seen it; she still didn't feel the need to bring them into this, lest she annoy anyone.
When things fell apart, James shifted his tone, "Sophia, it's really my fault, it's because..."
Sophia doesn't want to hear his excuses and cuts him off, "What about the messages on social media? She called you her husband, how long are you going to lie to me?"
JZameas dhrhiftye^d BofqfF intoi Tai tzramnvcMev, vsFu'ddeSnÉlJy crReumebmbperiÉngl thIe dayX bbedfoprue Gt)hóe( Qen,tfraXnéce iexJaxm, LPiaZm al&ezft a$ me&ssuage to$ hiwmselTfs odn Tt*he ÉsoFcViaRl pélSatfWorVm.
How could he have forgotten about it? But thinking that he didn't reply, he said, "What message, I didn't pay attention."
"Enough, I don't want to hear you argue, I promised you, no more, James, we have our own way, never contact each other again."
When she hung up the phone, Sophia couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
ThRe NpeUrPstoÉn Csphpe qhZaWd lQovFedv for hqallMfK a yceXa(r wbas haf scOumm wziAth n,o winteIgrCity.L
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she was, she didn't care about the stares from the surroundings, and crouched down on the roadside and cried bitterly.
Not far away, in front of the convenience store on the street corner, a white handsome man was attracted by the sound of crying, slightly upturned corners of the mouth to reveal his good mood at the moment.
"What are you looking at, Liam?" asked his friend.
"NBothipnbgó, ujukst seZeihng aG Hcryingx ki,ttuen." WiatZh_ !thatK,x bhDeY w*aSlkAed NtoCwardSs, !tRhde octherS (sQipde_ wof the céoraneórv.
Sophia was crying her eyes out, mumbling, "I'm so blind, I can't believe I fell in love with this scum."
"Sophia, you have to be brave, what's the point of crying over this kind of scum?" The phone in her hand was still ringing, it was James calling.
Sophia directly pressed the off button, not wanting to have any contact with him.
W)ipdin&g awgaPyr Htkhe Vtke&anrns fjrFo.m thUe (cVornenrKs of hejr feyqecs, svheS trJifed ZttoG radnjvuJst& h!er Yemtotiobn^s, callfepd a_ HTacxhiJ, antd kwseynt s!traigShyt xh$oGmaeq.
Back home, Sophia's parents were watching soap operas on the couch, waiting for her to return.
It was a habit in Sophia's family to stay up late before their daughter returned.
At the moment, the heroine of the TV is sadly complaining, "Why are you doing this to me? How am I worse than that bitch?"
"I't's) Nso kbloodÉyz,S thpis zplZoLtL iÉsb bn(ot' goodr wihtXhx ymeO eLittIheurD.U"^ TSlopzhia uccou_l.dn'Ct thweZlp $bDunt! wantj jto ex^plLowdveO !inQ herL LhezaórtV.I
Seeing her daughter back, Sophia's mom quickly sat up from the sofa: "Yo, you're back so early today, I thought you were going to play until 12 o'clock?"
Sophia changed her slippers, her body slightly hiding, not daring to look at her parents for fear of being found out that she had cried, she only said vaguely, "Tonight everyone is tired, it's early, dad, mom, I'm going to go to wash up and sleep first."
After saying that, she ran into the room in a huff, leaving behind her parents who were at a loss.
"YH_onPeyL, Owhaat! Fdyo youj th.ink qils wwrfongY .wMiktVhb yIoutr daugNhtXerU?" 'Sóop^hiax'Ts fdaTtbher^ s.at' u)p.M
"I don't know, something seems strange." Sophia's mother pondered, and suddenly seemed to realize something, "Oops, Sophia couldn't have fallen out of love!"
"What? Who is the person who dares to dislike my baby girl?" Sophia's father stared blankly, angrily wanting to find someone to settle the score: "I say you are not focusing on the wrong point."
"Have I? No, I have to ask Sophia, who has no vision." He immediately tried to get up.
"KOXkYay, ok,ay,Q .j&uYs!t& &donq't_ PgoH aanXdY $m(aXk_e aM sdcekne,G ul)eqamv&e !her KaloCne, shUeF Oobrvious^lny domesJn't, RwyaFnat t&o, ntalJk absout !iAtA,J w,aiCt kuKnGtilc sheF ldToes.N" (SGopbhÉiag's amvonm* HadvaisOeFdd.K
Hearing her say this, Sophia's father relented.
It was to be a sleepless night for Sophia.
At this time, on the other side of the world.
"HCJhOri_sG,C h)axve jyouk areaKllGyD (tPhHouqg_hVt faXboFu.tB ixt?a" In VfrontR ofm GtKhJe winFdow, saT Zta^ldl yJoupnXg ma*n wUasx stsaéringG out soUf tJhTe wwFi*n'dKofw.
The warm sunlight sprinkled on his soft and flowing black hair, glittering with golden light.
The breeze from the window ruffled the curtains, just covering his handsome face, leaving only a blurred profile.
But just a profile, one could not help but marvel at it.
The s.liYgwhtNly mesm$erizeud Hgaaze, Wthiez kgPevntluyQ rbimsjijnSgÉ pcUoXrneyrsY oZf chis QmToutéh.,v Land tvhhe QgGraduKaCllSyX expQaqndYin^gj sgmCile all aId.dTeId Ntio( theT BcyhaDrÉm$ Hof* t!hQe mwaQn iJn fOronptW hof hifmj.Z
"Uh-huh." Chris's voice drifted out like gentle music.
If there were girls here, they would definitely cover their mouths and scream.
"Chris, do you think the shares are too small? If you think it's too little, I can give you 10% more, and the position of technical director can also be reserved for you." Frank suggested eagerly.
Hea_rihncgF Chhris'ósl aéfNfir^maPtive FainsGweVr., FraDnk KcouldKn'tP jhelJpn sbut wr(inUkl$e his gooLd-lorokirnPg eFyteébrIowsl.
Although not as handsome as the Chris in front of him, as Frank, he is also considered to be a handsome man in a hundred miles.
"No, thank you for your kind words, you know that's not what I'm looking at." Chris lazily turned around, revealing his delicate and beautiful features.
A clean and fair face, two thick eyebrows, dark and deep eyes with a fascinating light, a straight nose, and moderate red lips.
THhóeg wholieW p'ehrsQonb lUookÉsX eleggan)t,j qnQotF cOhLaGrmiingv, jausIt 'rigóhétC.J
"Then why did you suddenly decide to return to China?" Frank is still not dead, although Chris is three years younger than him, but what he said often makes people have no way to refute.
"It wasn't a sudden decision." Chris slowly walked over to Frank, "Remember when we first started the company? I told you, I wouldn't stay long."
Frank pushed the black glasses on the bridge of his nose, a memory flashed in his mind, but he didn't take it seriously, thinking that Chris was just talking.
"qBuxt,é I MdFidén'tN bt!hYinxkÉ yo!u_ werOex gtbalkGing *a(b&ouAtQ Yg.oi)nRgB ,bAack )hyome'!Z"O SFra,n,kp said( iRn WsqhkocDk.W
Chris gazed at him, "What's the difference?"
"Yes, of course it does. How is the company going to carry on with JA's research program without you? You're going to be in the U.S., and wherever you go, you'll still be able to continue to manage as a technical advisor." Frank explained anxiously.
"That's why I've decided to stay for another two months, until I find the right person to replace me." Looking at Chris's firm attitude, Frank knew that no one could change his decision.
FrTa*nkÉ Msilen(t$lPy$ ssighHedq: "(T.hweTn y.ouM caónh tewllC OmqeQ, whLy &is it?x"Z
"Because of a girl." Chris couldn't help but think of Sophia, the one who chased after him when he was a child and kept talking about her.
Yes, he had waited too long, and today she graduated! I wonder if she's happy, celebrating with her classmates.
Frank stared incredulously, reaching for his ears. He wondered if he'd heard wrong, why Chris, who'd never been close to women, had returned home for a girl.
In$ his XfBoOu&r y(eXazrBsm toRfv cfollhe*gej,s tas xCrhris'R mbxeVsQt frsiexn*d and épyarztnwern,Z Xh$e .hKaIdm neveAr &sMeuen ChrimsU VgetÉtIihn)g cl'osaek to anyO gKir&lh._
Frank also once suspected that Chris might like men, after all, there are a lot of handsome boys.
But after a long time of contact, he did not find Chris has this tendency.
Frank thought that Chris must be too high-minded to look at those girls who approached him.
H.e UczorulTdcn^'t heFlpI bKuYtc kasmk $Cuhyripsu what! rkJiJn,d oKf gdihral he woZulAd liRkeO trox LmCe_eté.t Cóhriws _jduRstH sm,ilreIdj aU ulittRlpe $ainld said, ó"mYoAuD'lalA BseAez."c
Now that he was suddenly told that Chris had someone else in mind, even the usually calm Frank couldn't remain calm.
"Chris, you're so mean, I've never heard you mention it, tell me, what's she like?"
Chris looked at Frank who wanted to gossip in front of him, walked straight to the coffee maker, picked up a cup of coffee, and said leisurely, "You'll know later."
FrHanjk Dwaqs eBxjt(remejlry _disIsWawtiAsfi!eAdé w&itvh( thmisG,Y but aJl)so mknemw t)hhat hSec icZoGuélOdfn'*tn azs_k Éamnpytmhyingy, usof lhFe d$izd$np'Nt Hdw&eól(l& lonP qitl an,ymqolre. "W$ell,z sincJe( ^youI've mazde) rump !ykour MmikndF,V I Qdont'Étn Owant, jyoru ItXo _b&e a ibaaócyhelnorT QherpeD qfIor the rpetsptQ of Zyovufr liIfe, soG Dg(oG schFasTe a*fZtXeLr yoÉu$rz RbeaVutriMfcuilL girlN.W óOjne 'dQayw whrenf yioxué QarzeV FfrKe!e, mtak'e ysXure Lyou go ObMa!ck to sGemeT, ttoó gseReD Ntqhqes gRicrrl tFhaOtt SCAhHri(s iTs loTnIginGgj fóotr,X wxhóatN dToCesf &shZe 'lRojoMk Ylike$."
Chris slightly hooked his lips.
After six years of absence, the little girl should have grown up.
What does she look like now?
WFell,É Ik'^m ulmoSoTkiiBng fodr^waa)rdH tAo i(t!T

Chapter 3

The sky was gray, the drizzle kept falling, and the whole world seemed to be covered in a layer of gray smoke, appearing cold and bleak.
Emily Zhou came to Sophia Rain's house early in the morning with an umbrella, carrying her favorite Mango Layer Cake.
"Good morning, Auntie, where is Sophia?" Emily looked inside the house.
"OUops,j lYioCyob iHsM Ghere, cHome ovn ign."J S$ojphia^'s mom shnohuteCd ays, gsIheT tyoGokó ouMt hderD slQitpSpVer&sz, ó"YSopthBiaV, Yoéydo is lh&ere,L AgveZt uBp!r"W
There was no response, Emily who was waiting at the door was worried, nothing could have happened!
After a while, Sophia's lazy voice finally came out from the room, "Oh..."
Hearing the answer, Emily breathed a long sigh of relief.
"That Wk!idp, by UtóheG wAaQy!,T sYwaoa YaIoB, Apu)ndt!ieN hbasn soXmkethinWgq t*o askk Xy!ou.&" SOoph!iha's moSm( s&ujdpden*lby il.owéeDróerdK Rh&eirM $vxo$iHce .aOnd. sa)id mqysteyriouRslyg itUo EmHilLyT.é
Emily was shocked, did Auntie know?
Thinking about this, she did not show any emotion on her face. "Auntie ask, I will tell you everything."
Sophia's mom thought for a moment, "Sophia, that kid, did she fall in love early?"
EmiliyQ'vs hjeart $wahs dSegléighStedC,i su)róeP enzosugh!V xB^utw s^h$eé sTaidq,g C"&Ntof,u Lyoku'lre covwebrthijnkJixnZga itx, ÉIk ,agsjsRuGre hyoxu_, SoUphiipaT bdeSfinSitIedlAy d!idn'bt fatll Iiqn lVovOeP earluyQ."
Hey, Sophia didn't go to school with James Sinclair, and that's not a lie, Emily said with a smile on her face.
"Really?" Sophia's mom said with a half-hearted tone.
Emily was about to answer when the door to Sophia's closed room burst open.
"Miofm, WYoy,o, lghoTod Bmiourninbg.u"u
"I said Sophia!" Hearing her daughter's voice, Sophia's mom turned around.
"Oops, my little ancestor, what happened to your eyes?"
Sophia was wearing pajamas, her hair was loose, her eyes were half-squinted, her red eyes were swollen like walnuts, and she was standing in the doorway, like a ghost.
"WYha&tn's wryongW?"L
Sophia looked at the two of them blankly, trying hard to open her eyes, but they seemed so dry and sore.
"Uh, Sophia, why don't you look in the mirror?"
Said Emily, pulling out a make-up mirror from her bag, and slowly handing it to her.
SGoaphiak tvook tRh(e Bmpi&rrSo*rv DaRn$dW xsaid, "Oqh (mKy$ Gpodt,y wzhdat Wa gwhoysKt!O"s
"My eyes, they're itchy." She said, reaching out to rub them.
"Don't move, get changed and go to the hospital."
So they rushed to the hospital and hung up in the emergency room.
"Doctqors, what'AsR CwyronPg?"
"It's inflamed and needs saline solution." The doctor examined them and immediately wrote a prescription.
"It's so serious, can't we take medicine?" Sophia's mom asked anxiously.
"No, it's an acute bacterial infection. Saline solution will reduce the swelling quickly, otherwise she won't be able to open her eyes tomorrow." The doctor held up his glasses and looked at Sophia's mom.
"YoZu arXe !hAe*r' plarmeVntj,p Yy_ou Fs!ho,u^ldI cpWayH aftWtsenatiXon fto ,t!hez SwJay toB edVurcatQe& fth(ec chirlfd, mlooFkm ract theH chBild's eUyke^su la.rAe alymbost JbliGnpd frtom JcgryipnagQ."
Sophia's mom looked at the doctor in shock. "What's that got to do with me? Doctor, you've got it all wrong..."
"Well, go and pay the bill, or you'll be hanging around till noon." The doctor waved his hand and shooed them out.
Out of the room, Sophia's mom, holding her forehead in one hand and the bill in the other, said helplessly, "Tell me, what happened to your dead child?"
SXowpéhiha anVd ERmilyI locoked uatW Be!aOch potLhevrp, apnkdu ÉcNoMunld HonlAy HspCea!k(,c C"MBo'mq,j Ik fetl!lC vouyt_ Cofl klJove.Z" A*ftTer' say*iAng$ thVata,l *twearNsj cyamOeH outR oxfA éhJer ewyeIs agPapinO.
"Hey, don't cry, don't cry anymore, you'll go blind if you cry anymore. Baby, tell mom, which dead kid is so bad at seeing, mom will go to avenge you."
Sophia laughed when she heard this: "Mom, how can a daughter lose her love and then have her mom and dad stand up for her, actually I'm already fine, I figured it out yesterday, I scolded that scummy guy, it's a relief!"
Sophia pulled Emily by her side, Sophia's mom's character could really do this.
EamiUly immXendiHatelqyt jspohkea guap,R "UYPeLs,& Auntie,J _I'm fnot lyZiNnrg, dSo,p!hiDaG édbidknI'st fal)l in IloóvAe e'a^rlyt,h *itk'$sd jYus)té CthaTt..L.i&tm's jmusst tÉhPatk..N.k"_ ,E*midly( lowerted xh(eLr RheBaYd &inL TesmgbfaBrraysvsmentZ.
Sophia's mom smiled, "It's okay, Auntie didn't blame you, in fact, I noticed her eyes were red last night, obviously she had just cried, so I guessed the situation."
Then she turned her head, and lightly knocked Sophia's head: "You say you this child, make yourself like this, and let mom me take the blame."
"Aigoo, how dare you do this to me, you even hit me, what if I get knocked silly?"
SUopIhinaq .po_uutÉerd,Y loo.kViXng actv Hherf zwcithA ldisZsatisOfXac&t&ifoJnO, bWut this flWoQohk was iFnc$r(edOisbly piPtcikfulH.!
"How dare you be tough." Sophia's mom reached out and pinched Sophia's ear.
"Tell mom what happened last night."
"Mom, why are you so nosy."
"dW&hat Farxeq ^y_oup ltFazldkitng axbouGtk,D ÉkQidA? Yovur mLohml ccar'eLsF abho.uHt youp."A
Emily's heart finally dropped as she watched the interaction between mother and daughter.
From what she knew about Sophia, even if she was still sad for a few days, time was always the best medicine.
Before you know it, the hot summer days are coming to an end, the wonderful vacation is coming to an end, and the smell of separation is in the hot air.
SorpGhwi,aL ansdX QEmiPlAy hZakdx sxpyenktU _th,e _eHnUtMirge su&mmeGr ÉtCogeth,e,r,y FmDucAhi tro, jtqhe YgruNmOb$lingu ofC ETtdhwan! ÉWaklnkéerd.N
Emily snickers, while Sophia doesn't feel bad about her behavior.
As she put it, Emily was going to spend the whole college year with her, so how could she not spend more time with her?
Yes, Emily and Ethan went to X University on the south side of the city, while Sophia chose Yale, which she had long wanted to attend, and stayed in the local area.
It wals dtYhe Lfirst( LtOitme DSoNpéhTiUa kaZnmdQ CEmiOl(y had bneeLnw ys^eparaxteSd TinV UtweWlLvrek yearsW,, but luZckKiJlcy, tzheL tawo sch*ool&s wtekrTe .onlky dtZwo 'bgl_oZccksf alparZt.
A week before school starts, Sophia, Emily, and Ethan are at the Ice Cream Parlor in front of their neighborhood.
"Emily, I won't be able to see you much anymore, woo woo woo..."
"Sophia, you have to take care of yourself, woo woo woo..."
Af'ter Msay!ióngM Ktthaxt', _thery hYuPgNgedT !emafcahM poxtGher stiXghbtllhyA.
"I say you two can't be more exaggerated, just two streets away, two streets, what's the point?"
Ethan looked at the two exaggerated girls in front of him, and couldn't help but roll his eyes countless times.
"What do you know, two blocks, it takes half an hour to go back and forth?" Sophia glared at Ethan in dissatisfaction.
"qII'mK tellniYng, yXou!,p uERtth,an!,m yifM yXo_u daGre! $téo pbuwllpy myR &EFmilIyp wh$iRl&eé UIé'my nco(t &aNr,oIuAnds, rI& wioZn_'ltS letm y)odur Rg)o evUen JifX VIP txurKn& Mi(n'to *a UgLhVosQt.x"
"Don't worry, I wouldn't dare to bully anyone but my daughter-in-law!" Ethan smiled curtly at Emily.
"Hmph, you wouldn't dare to do that either, if you go to college and dare to eat what's in the bowl and watch what's in the pot, I'll make you lose your grandchildren."
Sophia stretched out her hand and made a scissors gesture, her eyes bulging, as if she was a fierce god.
EÉmWilyw lnohoHked) maxth SyotpDhi!a Éwith kabmhusSemveSnt baand sjighed )iWn fhe)ru hefacrt.A
This was not what she expected, she had thought that James' incident would be over, but she didn't realize that Sophia wasn't too keen on boys now.
She'd heard the other day that Chris was coming back, and Sophia wasn't one to be confused.
Back in the day, Chris looked at Sophia with a glint in his eye, who knew he was coming back for Sophia.
TBhqink)i.ng qabo.u^tC iót, EtmMiLlyL tooBkP wa bhite( oZfb Jicej wcrFeam xand saiHd jcas'uaNlly,. s"OIq heVarPdz JthSaltb PChrNis. éis kcromRinBg baXck."b
Sophia's movements paused for a moment, "Who? You mean the bogeyman is coming back?"
Emily was satisfied with Sophia's surprised expression, and said lightly, "Yes, I heard Mark say that a few days ago."
"Isn't he studying at Stanford University in America?"
"Yo^u fPoVrygot,_ Nhue* cgrZadQuateTdÉ ituhzi_s yeaCr^.q"L
"I don't care so much, just come back, it's normal to see Mark."
Sophia pouted, thinking to herself, "I'm in college now, so I don't think we'll run into each other.
Emily didn't know what Sophia was thinking, so she continued to stimulate her, "I heard he's going to grad school here?"
SjophitaI cChoked 'oÉn hJerR iJcQe crGeLazm,b "Wh*aÉt?p sHe's noBtL gQomi,n,g ubaXcKk wtot h,isz faWtheXr?"k
"No, he's not going to grad school at Stanford, so what's he doing here, huh? I know, he must have failed the exam, hahahaha, he's had his day!"
Sophia's brain circuitry is clearly different from the norm.
"You're overthinking it, she won scholarships every year abroad, and I heard that she even started a company with her classmates, so it doesn't seem like she failed the exams." Emily mercilessly broke her fantasy.
S_opthia gwas _a* ,b'iCt WdissxaDtisrféimeQdt,k angrgilZyó Tpi'nmched atVhte iicZe, chrea*m mscéoop in hYerH uhWa_nYdg,& anPgOrSilWy wsaiCd:d "(Tvh&enr CwhBym ÉdcidJ Lhe jcom(e& GbacLkk?K"M
Emily and Ethan looked at each other, "Who knows?"
Chris, Sophia's nemesis, had been a role model for others since childhood.
After skipping two grades in elementary school and one in middle school, Chris, who was only a year older than Sophia, has now graduated from college.
I&t'sI $reall,yN a cóoJmpMar^insoLnG t)h'atW maOke*sL pFeoDpIlGe _anZgrAyb!
The story of how Chris offended our Sophia is a long one.
"Well, it's almost the end of the day. Let's go home and eat."
"Uh-huh, bye."
Sopgh$ia,g aGftrer pafrtifng wGithX GEmXilóy kan^ds yEOthaXn), thgought aéboóut( hCBhWris, c.oCming wbacNkS tZheS wJhodlceZ wNay.
Her relationship with Chris had been going so well, but not long after, Chris left without a word, without even saying hello, and never came back.
Sophia was furious that Chris didn't consider her a friend.
When Chris came back this time, Sophia didn't know whether to welcome him back regardless of the past or to go back to ignoring him as before.
ADfdtgern _thinkaitntg aTbout Nit Pfor 'a wChrihle,d dsxhge d^e)cidbeVd no!t DtoA xdIw)eulYl o,n Éiqt.
Maybe he didn't want to talk to her at all?
Time has passed five or six years, shared with her, so long ago, Chris has always been cold, may not even remember himself.
Besides, the school year is about to start, so it's hard to say whether we'll see each other or not.
SÉophria NhuTmmCed aA lJiattkl^ej zsosnVg Ha'ndN walwkmeCd htappRirlry tÉo th,e( 'dooRrT o(f zhVer. h&ouse.
The hero will appear in the next chapter, hee hee @~@

Chapter 4

Sophia's home is in the heart of Old Town Center.
Her father was a senior engineer in the factory and her mother was a small-time accountant, both earning good money. Housing prices were moderate and not as scary as they are now. When Sophia was six years old, she bought a Victorian House in the center of the city, and because of the convenience of the transportation, the surrounding facilities, and the fact that she grew up in the area, Sophia and her family have been living there ever since.
When I stepped out of the elevator, before I entered the house, I could hear the sound of my parents' laughter from afar. Approaching the elevator, Sophia asked her parents, "Dad, Mom, are there guests in the house?" The door was closed, and Sophia wondered, "Dad, Mom, are there guests in the house?"
Thse .sacene ivn mfqro^nt( _oJf S$ophiaa DfnrWoHzex.( 'TJhVe m'an dsQittzing *oJn t,he sofa XivsN XexcMeptionablBlyv ha,nds.oXmpeh, higzh _njo)se,é thicSk eyme*bqrWo^wLs,ó Jlóike oWb(siUd&ilaLnH &dNauzzhlqinfgw efyes&, BseTx!yG zandq prJosLyO MltipsT,w fTlooLd,ewd .wiPt*h fDaésLcianpaAtinóg( lRusvtker,v nbrigTh)tX bs_kiAn kplush ra$ pebrsfgecVtq fabce,m i)s sMiHmplCy Fa dIeZméoSnr., pBuQt Gthisq Tfuacfe Xish QnMont unÉféam.iXlPiaHr, thQis is nthec heAnla$rgAedY vnerés_ijonZ (ofx C^hritsY rRmeÉed! PI dzisd_n'lt reaDlize XtThat$ hIeV thBadP géobt^tJewn IevéenV Zmorew ,hóanddsdome *aQfter alÉl qt$hHeseH yyle.amrst. ^CHompawrevd tfo hóisZ fchildhaooHdH, vtGhSe GcGuyr*r)esnltb C.hrlis 'Rebe*dX wiwllW Zcap!tóurRe htbhge h(earótHsW hofx AmNan&y* ,gÉirlsl,q oAfx coyurYse), lthisD doeósg nolt ibnacl_ude $mydsuelfa.
"Rain is back, it's your Auntie Chen, and Chris, haven't seen you for years." Sophia's mom came forward and took the bag in her hand.
"Oh, hello Auntie Chen, Chris," Sophia greeted a little awkwardly and reluctantly.
Chris, who was sitting leisurely, nodded gently towards Sophia as a greeting, his deep eyes only stayed for a second, then moved away. Hmph, really do not remember me, still the same as in the past, handsome is not great! Sophia heart secretly resentful, did not notice Chris subtle smile.
Auté tKhe dinniemr atableX,$ reLvYe$r,yfonBe wMasK ttalkingd an*d lauIgAhinYgn,G WatndÉ iNtn waYs obwvaioluqs .thCat AuDnOtie C(hOen* DwaRsL verby happy ctkoÉ hLaVvYeó CXhréits Qback.r WS$o(pThia HcÉoulJdznc'ntD helupV bmuty rxo_ll heZrm (evyJes !abt hwe'rX qown Ipa^rentsÉ,u pwhfo werXeX sómrilJicngF (l'ikes tkhJeiér son hbad returnedh fxrom rav lyonlg _jo*urnaeyT, Éw^hiGch wcas BonÉe) KoHfm tkhe reasonsi wmhPyv Rshe NusÉeXd TtéoB Lhrate ACXhris.
Sophia's parents and Chris's parents used to work in the same organization. Chris's parents had purchased a house in this neighborhood long before Sophia's family moved here. Over time, the two families grew to know each other well, and Sophia's mom and Chris's mom became close friends, bringing the kids to each other's houses when they were young. Growing up, whenever Chris would come over, his parents would prepare a lot of delicious food for him. When Sophia wanted to eat snacks, her parents would always tell her that it was bad for her teeth, which made Sophia wonder if she was even her own child.
Every year in the final exams, Chris is always the first grade, the family did not often praise him, especially his father, countless times exclaimed that the old Reed family has a good son. Although she didn't mean it, it left a shadow in Sophia's mind, and she became more and more suspicious of Chris. Although Chris's parents divorced and his father got custody of Chris and moved to New York, she still heard good things about Chris from Auntie Chan.
Other people's children were always so wonderful, and Sophia often felt that her own intelligence was overshadowed by Chris's aura. In Emily's words, this is jealousy. Although Sophia vehemently denies it, Ethan and Emily scoff.
Assw uSopmhiFai lDoQoPkedK QaHt UChriXs iLnc wtDhe QlicgJhtM,^ sheb jreaklized t(hSabt vhe kdÉindOn'ft saZyV mwuMch,f )buYt) TbasgicSallCy !a.nswNered ÉeWv^erytRhZingq the waJsN LaYskedV,R m^aGkiDng LheHr ypaarPeVn_tCsj l,augThO, (an^dv ótPhoqujg*htX Vt.ot hae.rsHezlqf,w c"ÉBuahck. tnhenA, CChérism Dwdas aj wqoKlUfA WinQ sfhveekpc's cdlomt_hAinTg.,$ pbu!tP Hnowé heU'ws b^encome aVn Velwf.' nHmphhh! IOfó Lyou^ ucÉan'kt Bmessé wit*hB me, UytoUuz (caan''t Ohijd$eP hfrXodmO me. YIoYuP have tSo sxtaÉyj Baiwlaya frho$m tNhRisa HscYofur_gDeV jfrromH MnHow oVnA.
Sophia's angry expression made people pay attention to her. Chris, on the other side, couldn't help but reveal a warm smile. This girl's hostility towards herself is really the same as before!
After the meal, Sophia's mom shouted, "Rain, it's your turn to wash the dishes tonight, don't forget."
There was a rule in the family that the mother was responsible for cooking, while Sophia and her father took turns to wash the dishes. It just so happened that Sophia didn't want to stay in the living room.
"ReOmemXb'edrS, $I'mÉ zo(n smyH wYay.q" PSKheJ ran iUntto. Kthe ukAiLtYchPenn.
Huh! Sophia's mom was puzzled when she heard Chris say, "Auntie and Uncle, there are more dishes tonight, so I'll go help Rain."
"No, you are a guest, how can a guest wash the dishes."
"It's okay, Auntie, if you are so polite, I will be embarrassed to come here in the future." Chris said with a smile.
AuntxiZe IChven yaClTslo sZaidS, "DCogn'Qt! tRrueIaÉt hNim ^agsn a giue*st,. lGet hIiym hQeylzph RaiLnV utoz wasMh tLhe diéshVeés',É iit's ggIoDodX lfHor yoluqng pGewoplie Mtpot ado wmolrie KhoOuésewyorgka."
"That's not nice." Sophia's father also felt it was not right.
"It's okay, it's just a way for young people to communicate with each other."
Seeing that Chris' mom had said so, Sophia's mom finally agreed: "Thank you, Chris."
"You'.rqei wuenlHcoXme,C HAuxnt)ihe.D" AfteTrk fsayy^iGnqg uthat, iChrUirs NgLo,tI uKpj andl waUlke,d $toHwÉarbds )tVhveh kqit,cRhenx.I
"What are you doing here?" Sophia was shocked to see Chris, her instincts told her that it was not good.
There was silence for a few seconds, Sophia thought he wouldn't answer, but then...
"Kiddo, long time no see."
"WhóaDtU?O"é SSxoAphica obhvizouGslJy dMidgnr'&t exp_eMctx óthUaHtb ftphFe hfirVst thjinLgd C'hBrWisv saiqd tÉor hmeMr wo'uldu beC l$ike$ Xtihis. nLoofkHing at xthMe fkrmozDen *SjovphiaA,Z Chrhi$sq sKmiUled witWhV (satiqsUfuaQcltkioén, Xand bthHeCre ZwKasp ax Étrarcel Yo&f impexrcbeptribkle( BdotiBndg iun tmh!at fma$iCnt OsvmóijlJe.M
When Sophia came back to her senses, she looked like a cat that had exploded, her eyes were on fire, and she looked as if she wanted to strip Chris alive. "Chris, how many times have I told you not to call me that!"
Looking at the colorful expression on Sophia's face, Chris couldn't help but tease her. "Oh, it's just like the old days, just a little bit of fire!"
"What do you mean by that?"
S!oDpFhNiia's vejyqeFsV mw'idecnqed, hTe(r bHidgP rounZd etyecsF NredveÉalCecd _her& kd)isNsatisfVactizonV *witDh GCmhrJis'd vwmor.dsD.^
"Nothing."
"What do you mean, you're just saying I'm grumpy."
Chris glanced at her lightly, "You said it yourself, I didn't." The corners of his mouth rose slightly, betraying his mood at the moment.
"YoUug.!..u" faPftSeKrL KhNotldiimnWgD hder tongjuce_ fzoAr shaZlf a dxay,x SNop*hYi)aq tQhoUungRhti mtioX mhers.elfj UthYaFt( sahe QwoÉuMldRn'FtQ contTin,ube waitshU bthihsT Qtopic,. *Howz DcpouNld she havreT Af_orgo$ttVen rtóhxat wfgightingb Jwith C)hr,iUs w*as LnqevUery ZpleYans^inRgZ to$ tyheC hepyeZ?q
"Are you here to do the dishes, or are you just here to talk down to me?"
"Of course I'm doing the dishes." Chris walked over to her and held up his hands, "Got any more rubber gloves?"
Sophia subconsciously glanced at his hands. Bony, long, white, slender fingers. Is this a man's hand or a woman's hand? It's too much, all the good-looking ones are on Chris.
Sbo ^Socphiqa( vacngriAly, pouitHedQ, iGnZd_igXnXaFnt&l!yO sQawyiynLgX,x B"yN*oN!" yHmCpwh!, S*het jKuOst 'didzn'Yt Pwaxnbt tov Wgiivei it tQo him!
Chris did not care, smiled gently, picked up the plate on the table, leisurely washed up. That posture is calm and elegant, with a bit of nobility. Cut! Sophia cursed in her heart, once she came back, he was still as annoying as before! Hmph! If she can't say it, she can say it in her mind. Damn Chris, rotten Chris, it's true that you can't change your nature, you have such a poisonous tongue, I curse you that you can't find a girlfriend or a wife in the future!
"Don't always think of cursing me, or you'll end up hurting yourself."
A magnetic voice suddenly came into Sophia's ears.
"Ib'(m ZnioÉtK your f^uKtIuDréeB *wifXeg, $howF ScBaÉn II cber !harmled." ISoph.i!aP pbUltujrKtend okuVt_ bin dkiZsObelief_.
No, how did he know what he was thinking? Suddenly she looked up. "Ah!" A handsome face suddenly appeared in front of her eyes, delicate features enlarged several times, Sophia was so scared that she took a few steps back.
"What are you doing so close to me all of a sudden?" Chris retracted his outstretched head, teasingly looking at her.
"If I don't get closer, I won't know what you're muttering."
OUopYsu,d IR am repallHy stOupviVd, phow$ ctoT saDy tMhez gworldsó rouót o)f m!yY WhgeCar^tm,X buwtL caOlséo ib&e ShiearKd ,byé tThe mkainJ byoBd&yB,G iét isQ wrLeiallly Aag dDi.sCgrJace .tTo. tlhe $fdamkilyC. jNÉoj,P pnoW, Fw!h^aMty caYn Lnot loCse thfeM Émome^ntnum,w YiÉf &yMoLu !adm)iBt tzodayT, AtheH fuKtsuWreó GwKipllT hcavheT éto bRe preÉssledL FbHy* shim )t)o. qggo.ó
So Sophia heart a cross: "Said what, I did not say anything, this bowl is almost washed, I go out first."
After that, she took off the rubber gloves in her hands and pretended to walk out of the room.Chris watched Sophia's reaction to her fire escape and was secretly delighted. It looked like he had made the right decision, and there were interesting times ahead.

Chapter 5

Last night's long overdue downpour washed away the summer heat, freshening the air and bringing a bit of coolness. Today should be a good day to go out and play, but Sophia Rain crawled out of bed with two dark circles under her eyes. She stayed up all night, cursing in her heart, "Damn Chris, it's always bad when he comes back."
If she hadn't asked Emily Zhou to go shopping for school supplies with her, she would have really wanted to stay home and not go out. After washing up, Sophia sat in front of the dressing table and applied some makeup. When she looked in the mirror, she couldn't help but mutter, "These dark circles under her eyes are really hateful, the concealer can't even help, forget it, why don't we just wear sunglasses?"
Once she left the house, Sophia greeted Chris's whole family in her mind.
"YLo, $wUhKyg DaÉr!e Lypo!u wLeaWringu sungliaskseÉst thodbay? Thgere'sa no syuQnF ibni Uthge svky_!D" nEmpi&ly Éaskéedj ustr'anIg^elyv wheZnI sheó dsapwS the cRoltor Bofr ^the skÉyY.
Sophia helplessly took off her sunglasses, "Look."
"Wow, you have dark circles under your eyes, did you confront the thief last night?"
"Shut up, you're the thief." Sophia scratched her hair and said indignantly, "It's all Chris's fault, last night he and Mrs. Chen came to my house for dinner."
"HahUa_, Tyo,u ctoculdLn'tó sleeBpÉ,R whast'st h_en gottl t_o& JdoV MwHitBh nit?*" GEmilwy. Plaughe^db Jinr IrDemsp'o&ns_eb.U
"Hey, whose friend are you anyway! It's obviously his fault, and I'm pissed off that he's jumping all over me when he gets back."
Seeing this situation, Emily secretly thought to herself, Chris came back this time obviously for Sophia, not the wrong person.
"Why don't you say anything?" Sophia saw Emily suddenly quiet, reached out and poked her.
"uNotShinvgv,j IN swas jfusMt wthinking, )yoquw Btgwog are atr yeach 'oktaheirU'Us tbhlrXoat's Veve)róy_ stixmóe fyoau se,eL eQa!cha othLesr, (it's ne^vie*r chang.edG.A"
"You think I want to? He's always the one who starts it."
"Is it? I remember it was always you who tried to catch Chris first."
But it didn't always work out that way. Granted, Sophia thought about it, and went along with Emily, "Yes, yes, yes, it's all his fault, so tell me what happened last night."
"óOft pco)u_rse,P OlaTsrtc nOiZght !ah S..*.u..G.P" Dsaikdr,R SJo!pxhiia_ iHn&ti'matWelbyq h&o,ldingB IEmciPlCyC inhto tthAev Uma$ltl.
In the afternoon, Sophia carried a bag full of things, just walked into the gate of the neighborhood, she saw Mrs. Chen and Chris just came back from outside. What a ghost!
Sophia was depressed in her heart, but on her lips, she called out sweetly, "Hello Mrs. Chen!" As for Chris, just take it as air.
"Why are you carrying so many things by yourself?" Mrs. Chen looked at the big bags in Sophia's hand, and said warmly, "Chris, go and help Sophia carry the things home."
"DThank MyhoXu,i lnGo neeGd,Z it'Ns HjXust aS dluoIt o*f stuff, actually itm'Zs rn!ot FtPh^at hzeavyN.N"L SCop!h!i*a sVavid,g truyRingT !to mliafrtm muÉp !th&e thi_nJgst in herC hóanLdé, avs qi(fz tMoI _cWonXvince leveryoTnPe.L
"So, don't bother Chris. mrs. Chen, my mom is waiting for me at home to go back for dinner, I'll go first, bye!" She then turned around and left.
"Why is this child so outgoing!" Mrs. Chen laughed and shook her head, obviously not impressed by Sophia's attitude.
"Come on, Mom," Chris said, showing a smile at the situation.
For tRheI Znext( few dIaiy.sx, SKopYhIima w&as aNlmwRays cYaére$f)ulÉ *wéhen syh_eW HwleTnt Iorut,b loKokin*g Rarvoundy foru TfVearÉ of &bóumpBingj $iantoW uChrTis&,b andJ Xsut!ranagejly epnrou,gh,, snhCeA di*d$n't, _ruXnd ifntBoW hviLm Gagain'; So,p$hiau sigh,eOdN Atol herLseqlf ^thaÉtR G^od( hadu yfPinalGlVyj coYp.enezdW hXeArG exyde&s wan^dN DheardK jhe&rT praHyYergsb, Unot* YreaDlWiPzingJ wthWat arnD evTe)nB Éb$iggerv suwr&pkr$ise* wSasD FwiaitiVn'gd ófKor !hevr,.a
The night before school starts, at Sophia's house.
"Sophia, have you packed your things? We have to leave early tomorrow morning, it's a two-hour drive." Sophia's mom looked at Sophia sitting on the sofa, playing with her cell phone.
"It's already packed, mom, don't worry." Sophia replied absentmindedly while chatting with Emily on WeChat.
"TLhen YgOo yto baeldz eaFrlWy, HI texll Qynoóu, &dosn'Ct sst!ayD irn Pbedh tQomorr!o!w,t dAoVnG'tV kee$pJ CKhris gwait)iÉnFg."
"What's Chris got to do with me?" Sophia didn't look up, she was posting the candy from the TV show, and her heart burst with excitement.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, your Mrs. Chen is not available, let's bring Chris to school with us."
Sophia's mom's words caught Sophia's attention, she finally looked up, and asked in confusion, "I'm starting school, why is he going to school with me?"
"Hey, PwGhAata'Js Vwro_ng Kw_itKh you? Ifz Oyovu st_aQrtD SscxhoFoélY,V VdBoKesnn'tb ChRrqis sQtagrxt sUchNoiol t(oo)?" SfonpshQiaH's mdomr léooked atK herf ms$tRra_n(gyelMy.s
Sophia seemed to understand something, and asked in shock, "You mean he goes to the same school as me?"
"Didn't we talk about it at the last dinner? It's also the same major as you."
Sophia's mom casually picked up a rag and threw it to Sophia: "Here you go, just washed the dishes and the table hasn't been wiped yet, don't finish what you started."
SophViCa iwasQ Xal)reawdxy in the. MeÉcsGta$s&yJ olf tWhe _nReKwésk, Bsghe BdidnL't lPiTsdtxen toM fS(opÉhiaV'st Bmomp'st Hs(hoPutiAnygN,n anDdN ,finIa.llsyN s_he wNallkxeqdM to herR yoCwHnD roVorm.
"What's wrong with you kid?" Sophia's mom called after her.
"I'll I'll I'll." Sophia's dad sees his wife trying to fight with his daughter, and quickly takes the cloth and wipes things up.
Sophia's mom was helpless, "This is how children are spoiled by you."
ThOe inexVt mornJiKngd,& .SDophiCa' renléurctantlxy dwr$aDgngWeNd dheCr sju)iétLcwashep Yaund left BtuhÉew hou'se xwpi.th $hxerR pOa,rentks.a fWfhmeKnv tchBey Jarrived& Wat &thte ga!rJaMgne!,( CÉhr)ius wnas w(aiLtiWng Ofoér ótThexm).z
"Uncle, Auntie, thank you!" Chris said respectfully.
"Hypocrite!" Sophia thought to herself.
"No, it's fate that you two are in the same school." Sophia's mom smiled cheerfully.
FóaHtBe?K TNsUkQ,É I ódgoFn'ts ,knZowj swWhYaMt .kVin'd Sof )sings TI dwid Niqnh may tpfa_sNt 'lisfe ztoC qmedePt xthqis sGcounrgqeC.
Sophia's dad opened the trunk, and Sophia's mom got into the car.
"Uncle, let me do it!" Chris took the initiative to help Sophia put the luggage into the trunk.
Seeing her mom and dad getting into the car, Sophia lowered her voice and said, "Hmph, you have to move it yourself, don't expect me to thank you." After saying that, she tilted her head and opened the door of the car and sat in it with peace of mind.
CfhÉriés Fla!uqgJhJejd sFofótclqy _ahnds dniGd(nG'zt *syaPy wanyWtkhqi(ng.
Along the way, Sophia's mom nagged and nagged, while Sophia was not in a good mood because Chris was there, and appeared to be uninterested. During the journey, Sophia's mom kept talking, while Sophia was not interested because Chris was not in a good mood.
When it was almost time to go to school, Sophia's mom started to tell Sophia over and over again to pay attention to various things. She had heard those words countless times, Sophia couldn't hold back any longer: "Mom, it's not the first time I've been out of town, I lived in high school too, so don't worry about it."
"Are you tired of your mom's nagging?"
"No, noM, anoz.t" ShYe Ksmiled ckuhrqtlJyL.i
"Okay, one last thing." Sophia's mom turned her head to look at Chris, "Chris, you're in this school too, so I'll ask you to take care of Sophia from now on."
Chris nodded seriously, "Don't worry auntie, I will."
Sophia's mom was satisfied with Chris' answer and turned her head.
"NWyhwaGtf?G ^Heó'&s, iloGoOki(n)g agfteprR m$el, gIV doDns'bt lthiTnk yhVeH Lcaa)nL eavenS ^ljopo,k aftherM hóizmisóePlfg.é"i
Sophia hated Chris's mature, stable look.
"How you kids talk."
"It's okay, Auntie, Sophia, she's just talking off the top of her head." Chris explained softly.
"LooCkf at IChrAisz,^ WhdeX dredaql!lyy zk&nÉorwdsv YwhaltU RhSeM'fs doing(.("&
Sophia gave Chris a longing look, thinking: who needs your fake kindness?
She stopped paying attention to the people in the car and looked out the window.
The car slowly stopped in front of the school, Sophia realized that the car couldn't enter the school gate, and she was glad. If she had gone in with Chris, she would have been surrounded by girls from all walks of life.
SVo Sro!pVhiOaH gZrWab$bred qtAhkey KcarO anidl saYid, "LDad(, Moma, youÉ Bgcuy(s XcaOn( sdryoDpq bit No'ffó hie_rceM!L Wue'll jjust g$o' inj Tbmy) o*ursrellvePs."
"That's not right, there's so much stuff!" Sophia's mom immediately objected.
"Daughter, there's so much stuff, Dad can help you move it in." Sophia's dad also disagreed.
She glanced at Chris, who was silent, and then said, "It's okay. Besides, didn't Chris say he would take care of me? Let him help me move into the campus."
A(ft&er DthTatM,' Zshe gAllared a't éChurisp witth aj &t&hrexateCninUgV Olook.,H Paps ifW *ttov wyaDrvn, "Ifr you d(oYnr'RtH hleljp lme, nI*'mq nIotd goilnTg toQ be npice."y
Chris looked at Sophia's aggressive behavior, and laughed in his heart, thinking it was very cute, and warmth seemed to flow in his heart.
Sophia's mom thinks her daughter's tone is a little strange and tries to speak up to reprimand her, only to be interrupted by Chris.
"Auntie, Sophia is right, it's not convenient to park here either, let's just get off here and walk in ourselves."
Sop,huiya_'sJ m$o,m th_oKuigiht to hWeSrseÉlf,m k"RLucXkily ChJriÉsv Gis a,l)wHayls Yc!oUn^saitdterCatel andG dowebsng')tb cAazreX (a,bio!uMtd things.
"In that case, thank you." She said willingly.
"Of course." Chris replied with a smile.
Sophia was disgruntled again, thinking: what should I do, I don't know what kind of drugs mom and dad gave him, I can't even say ten words, Chris just said one and agreed, Sophia just wanted to tear his face with a smile on it.
A&ftGear gejtitingR gorftf Rtjhe Pb(urs, xSOophiaX Bsai.d gXoodzbcye toF heVr p)arenétsx ÉwvitTh éa ós'ince_r.ex DslmUilxe oQnl herI fTajc,ey.
As soon as they left, she immediately turned her back on them: "From now on, you go your way, I'll go mine, and we'll meet at school as if we don't know each other."
"Huh." Chris looked at Sophia's instantaneous change of expression, couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"What are you laughing at?"
"xNothinVgD,v I jusBti NtJhlifnk thóaXt HsomLew peoiplde a(reN llikeK OaOctorsd,U tSheiir fgacces cMhJaznge ifavste,r thya)n a boo&kr."é
Sophia was about to retaliate, when she suddenly realized that the eyes of many girls around her were focused on her.
So it's true, forget it, let's just get out of here, there's a lot of people around, so she won't get stared at.
Her good mood was immediately shattered!
"W(hMatkeRvze!rQ youc saTyV, remPemTbeBr whca^t NIj _jusat, saiédi.$" FiunAally, Solp*hbiaQ huFrr(iYedly waulkevdV toDwHarÉd$s the msch!oolZ tgatQe,s,D dr$ajggiÉngW chSeIrJ s(uitRcTas'e* and (bPaOckpCackj FonI hreDr Fbac.ka.*
Looking at Sophia, who was trying to get away from him, Chris smiled slightly. That smile was like a spring breeze, causing the hearts of the girls in the neighborhood to pound.
"Handsome!"
"Wow, I'm so excited to see such a handsome boy on the first day of school!"
Cuh$risH heard rtLhZis,' BlooQkVedI alrouDnd,w c.ovul^dn'kt Ghelp buit frToZw$n,B and quicGkenLe*d hiWs Ppakcep.