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Zuko had just finished eating some grilled chicken wings on a skewer. He glanced at Toph, wishing he could use that
bamboo skewer on him.
"Mom was right about you."
"What do you mean?" Toph asked, confused.
Zuko gritted out two words through his teeth, "Too dramatic!"
With that, he got up and left, heading over to where Chris and the others were.
Toph remained bewildered but was tempted by the lively scene on the other side. He had a natural desire for lively
atmospheres.
He smiled and picked up his paintbrush to sketch the scene. He outlined everyone else, but he drew meticulously
when it came to a certain person. That person stood out oddly in the sketch.
-
With everything settled, it was time for Chris and Lena's wedding.
Zuko also wanted to contribute, so he had been staying at home these past few days, discussing plans with his
parents to carefully arrange things for his dear cousin.
"Chris and Lenny prefer things to be quiet, so there's no need for a big ceremony. Something small and pleasant
will suffice."
Zephyr took various treasures from a box to use as gifts. Cordelia noticed a set of pink pearl jewelry. "This one is
perfect. Lenny will look great in it!"
Zuko hesitated. "Mom, isn't this the set Grandpa Rowan gave you? I remember these pearls are a specialty from
the waters around Southeast Aciatic."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Yes, but..." Cordelia blinked. "The pink is so delicate, and how old am I now? It doesn't suit me anymore!"
"Who said that?" Zephyr retorted, trying to put the pearl jewelry away, but Cordelia slapped his hand away.
"I'm giving this to Lenny. Why are you interfering?"
"Let's choose something else. Keep this set!"
"Hey..."
They started another round of bickering, and Zephyr eventually conceded.
Zuko smiled. His father had never won an argument with his mother—she had complete control over him.
"Fine, give it to her," Zephyr told Cordelia. "I'll buy you a better one!"
Zuko coughed lightly. He hadn't brought Lina with him today, which was a mistake. It was uncomfortable to witness
this display of affection all alone.
Cordelia continued to pick out several other gifts and took an exquisite little box to put them in.
"Now it's complete," she said with a light smile, then turned to her son. "So, what have you prepared for Chris and
Lenny?"
"You don't need to worry about the gift from Lina and me." Zuko smiled. "As for Toph, I don't think he has the time
right now."
"What has he been busy with lately?"
"Saying goodbye to the past," Zuko said nonchalantly.
Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged glances, understanding instantly. It seemed that their youngest son had fallen back
into his old habits and couldn't escape the shadow left by Renee.
Zuko said seriously, "Should we... find a psychologist to help him?"
Zephyr frowned. "Why look for one? A good beating should do the trick!"
Cordelia looked at him disdainfully but took his side. "Your father is right. Your brother has had it too easy his whole
life!"
"That's right!" Zephyr continued. "He grew up with everyone in the family spoiling him, and he thinks the whole
world should treat him the same way!"
"In reality, this world is full of challenges." Cordelia sighed. "If he backs down with Renee, what will he do if he
meets a second or third girl like her?"
"It won't happen," Zuko hurriedly said. "I can see that Arya is really good for him..."
"That's why we can't let him ruin her life!" Zephyr emphasized.
"Huh?"
"Yes," Cordelia agreed. "Your dad and your Uncle Josiah are lifelong friends. If Toph ruins Arya's life, how can we
face the Bayers?"
"I think their engagement should be called off. I'll talk to Josiah. Toph is really making it difficult for me!" Zephyr
complained.
Cordelia nodded. "Yeah, darling. I think we should do that. It's better to embarrass ourselves a little now than to
waste a nice girl's life!"
"That's right!"
"Uh..." Zuko was dumbfounded.
He had initially mentioned Toph's situation to seek advice from his parents, but they would just cancel the
engagement without discussion.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmZuko looked unfazed, but he was sweating. While he tried to think of a way to save Toph, Cordelia took her purse to
head out.
Zuko hurried to keep up. "Mom, dad? Where are you going?"
Cordelia walked fast, already waiting outside for the chauffeur, and did not answer her son.
Zephyr chuckled and told Zuko in the back, "We're going to check out some shops with your mom!"
"What kind of shop?" Zuko asked.
"Didn't your mom want to open a cafe?" Cordelia asked back.
Zuko was bewildered. Why would they need to search for shops? Their family had empty houses and shop lots!
"You don't understand," Zephyr adjusted his tie. "You find satisfaction in what you work hard for!"
Zuko pursed his lips without anything to say. If he guessed correctly, Zephyr would continue to work for Cordelia
once they found a store. He would design and decorate the store, manage inventory, and serve customers. He
might even have to plant a garden full of purple irises in the yard.
Two years passed unnoticed.
Persephone was now a kindergarten student. Just like her parents, she was intelligent and sometimes came up with
profound statements. For example, when playing with her unmarried Uncle Toph, she once told him, "Making a girl
who likes you wait for so long is unfair!"
Toph grew flustered with widened eyes. "Zuko, do something about her!"
Zuko squatted down calmly, smiling gently at his daughter. "So, Sephy, what do you think we should do to end this
'unfair' situation?"
Persephone pouted and said loudly, "I've decided to introduce our kindergarten's PE teacher to Aunt Arya!"
"Pftt!" Toph nearly choked on his own breath.
When he looked at the father and daughter, they had already burst into laughter.
When Zuko picked up Persephone, she lay against her father's shoulder and told Toph cutely, "Uncle Toph, ask Aunt
Arya to pick me up tomorrow! The PE teacher is always by the door!"