At Spirit Moon Antiques, Christine was bored and cleaning when she heard footsteps. Thinking it was a customer, she looked up and smiled, “Welcome…”
Christine’s words got stuck in her throat halfway.
After a moment, she managed to speak again, “Big Al, Little Al, you…”
“Miss Christine,” Big Al and Little Al greeted respectfully in unison.
“What are you doing here?” Christine asked.
Little Al, looking displeased, replied, “Miss Christine, after you and Miss Arlene left, the atmosphere in the family became very unpleasant.”
“Everyone is just focused on making money for their own benefit. Big Al and I couldn’t stand it anymore, so we came here to ask the young lady to take us in.”
The antique shop indeed needed help, so Christine naturally kept Big Al and Little Al.
…
After leaving Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, Leo, missing his wife, went to Sophia Cosmetics.
Sophia Henley gave herself a half-day off and asked Leo to take her to a movie.
The movie was called “Stay with Me Forever.”
From the title alone, it was clear it was a romantic tearjerker.
They bought tickets on their phone and headed straight to the cinema.
The location was Wanda Cinema.
Taking the elevator to the top floor, Leo and Sophia Henley went to the ticket machine.
There was already a long line at the ticket machine, clearly indicating that most people were there to see “Stay with Me Forever.”
Sophia Henley didn’t want to wait in line. She told Leo, “You get the tickets; I’ll buy popcorn and drinks.”
Bored, Leo looked around. There were indeed many couples.
Soon, Leo’s gaze fell on a guy in front of him in line.
The man had his right arm around a tall woman and occasionally groped her rounded parts.
“Keep your hands to yourself; mind your manners,” the woman lightly scolded.
The man chuckled, “Your outfit today is driving me crazy. How about we skip the movie and go… you know.”
Seeing the man’s somewhat lecherous profile, Leo smiled and left the line. He walked up and patted the man’s shoulder, “Barry William, what a coincidence to run into you here.”
Barry William turned around, initially stunned. When he saw it was Leo, his expression changed dramatically.
He quickly let go of the woman’s waist and stepped back repeatedly without saying a word before turning to run away.
Barry William’s companion stood there in a daze, not understanding what had happened. She only started chasing after him when she saw Barry William disappear.
Leo touched his face. Was he that scary?
Sophia Henley came over with the snacks. She had seen what happened but hadn’t recognized Barry William’s face. Curious, she asked, “Who was that? Why did he run when he saw you?”
“An old friend,” Leo replied with a smile.
“Why is your old friend so afraid of you?” Sophia Henley asked, puzzled.
“He owes me a lot of money,” Leo offered a plausible explanation.
Sophia Henley nodded in understanding.
They checked their tickets and entered the theater.
Leo initially thought the movie would be interesting. After watching for over twenty minutes, he concluded it was boring.
Yawning and feeling sleepy, Leo would have dozed off if not for the occasional explosive music from the speakers.
In contrast, Sophia Henley watched intently. At emotional moments, she even wiped tears from her eyes.
It was just a typical romantic drama with either heart-wrenching scenes or lovey-dovey moments. What was so great about it?
Leo didn’t understand and didn’t want to understand.
He endured until the movie ended.
As they left the theater, Sophia Henley’s eyes were still teary. It was unclear whether she was moved or saddened by the film.
“Honey, wasn’t the movie great?” Sophia Henley glanced at Leo. “The male lead was so devoted; the female lead was so lucky!”
Leo remained silent.
“Didn’t you like the movie?”
“It was great!” Leo replied perfunctorily.
“Can we watch it again in a few days?” Sophia Henley asked expectantly.
Leo shuddered and nearly fainted. He could only give a noncommittal answer but had no intention of coming back.
After the movie, they shopped and ate before Leo took Sophia Henley back to Cloud Dream Mountain Villa.
Before parting, Sophia Henley asked when Leo would move back in.
Thinking about the unresolved issues with the Werewolves and Orientians, Leo said it would be a while longer.
Sophia Henley understood her man wasn’t an ordinary person and accepted his decision, reminding him to be careful.
After a long kiss with Sophia Henley, Leo left Cloud Dream Mountain Villa.
Driving halfway down Cloud Dream Mountain, Leo turned onto a side road and stopped by the roadside.
Under a nearby ornamental tree stood two women, one mature and charming, the other youthful and graceful.
These women were none other than Hannah and Aunt Xena from the Fox Clan.
Leo got out of the car and walked towards them.
Aunt Xena looked as enchanting as ever with her seductive eyes and alluring demeanor-truly a fox spirit.
Hannah had changed significantly. The last time Leo saw her, she looked like a six or seven-year-old girl.
Now, Hannah appeared to be eleven or twelve years old.
How did she grow so fast?
Was she eating growth hormones every day?
Why were these two fox spirits here?
As Leo approached, Hannah smiled and said, “Leo, long time no see.”
Leo sneered and looked deeply at Hannah.
The once cute little girl had completely transformed into someone else entirely.
“Hannah, what brings you here?” Leo asked directly.
“Leo, our Fox Clan remembers your help last time. We’re here today to tell you something important,” Aunt Xena said.
“What is it?” Leo’s eyebrows twitched.
“The Sect Master is not dead.”
“What!?” Leo’s expression changed dramatically.
Hannah continued, “The Sect Master is not dead; he’s still alive.”
Leo stared at Hannah in shock and asked suspiciously, “How do you know about my dealings with the Sect Master?”
Hannah replied, “We were also at Heaven’s Origin Sect at that time.”
Leo was speechless. The foxes’ tracking and hiding abilities were indeed impressive.
“Leo, Heaven’s Origin Sect’s decades-long plan was ruined by you. Although someone else intervened midway, you’re still one of Sect Master’s primary targets.”
“Now he’s in hiding while you’re out in the open. He could come after you at any time.”
Leo sneered, “So what? Do you think I’m afraid?”
Aunt Xena added, “Leo’s skills have improved rapidly; I’m impressed. But remember, you’re not alone. You have loved ones and friends.”
“The Sect Master is not an honorable man. If he targets your loved ones, what will you do?”