The air was silent for a few seconds.
Feeling the scrutinizing gaze growing more intense, Aliyah didn’t want to stay a second longer. She quickly entered the women’s restroom with Grape in her arms. “Leave it to me!”
In the end, there were no accidents.
“Miss, why are you here?” Grape was delighted to see her.
Aliyah couldn’t muster a smile. “I live here. Promise me, don’t call me Miss, okay?”
Grape tilted her head in thought. “But my mom sometimes swears too, it’s okay.”
Aliyah sighed. “Just don’t call me that. Call me sister.”
Grape nodded, somewhat understanding.
While putting on her pants, Grape asked, “Miss, you came from China too. Have you seen my dad?”
Aliyah was puzzled. “No, I haven’t.”
Grape immediately looked disappointed.
When they left the restroom, a few boys were still waiting nearby, their faces serious as if discussing something important.
“Why didn’t you tell us in advance that you’re retiring?”
The one being questioned was a chubby boy who scratched his head, looking embarrassed. “My hand injury is too severe; I can’t play anymore. I didn’t say anything earlier because I didn’t want to burden you.”
“But you can’t just leave like this. Injuries can be treated. Do you really have to retire?”
They all spoke at once, except for Malakai, who remained silent, leaning against the wall with a grave expression.
Aliyah couldn’t join the conversation and felt complicated emotions. She placed Grape beside them. “I’m leaving now.”
Her voice was loud enough, but perhaps because everyone was lost in their own thoughts, no one listened carefully or noticed the little girl.
Grape’s innocent eyes were filled with confusion. She didn’t understand why her brothers were arguing. After thinking for a moment, she ran after Aliyah.
Aliyah had just received a message from Mollie: “Come to the backyard; I’ll introduce you to an investor from ST.”
She pursed her lips and replied, “Mollie, is it too late to change my mind now?”
A voice message came through, urgent and fiery: “Joining ST was your choice. Why are you backing out now?”
“I…”
“Just come over.”
Over the past two years, Mollie had invested in various industries with the money she had but mostly handled tasks for others. Matters that the big shots behind the scenes couldn’t deal with themselves were handed to her.
Aliyah was a relative from her mother’s side, just turned eighteen, and had a talent for e-sports. Mollie happened to have resources in that area and decided to help her out.
Aliyah had been staying here for two days before discovering there was such a place behind the hotel. The small courtyard was full of blooming flowers, vibrant with life in the spring season.
Mollie, with her striking features, was watering the flowers with a bored expression. Beside her stood a man in a suit and glasses, looking impeccably composed.
“You’ve been in Switzerland too long; Mr. Kaiser must be worried.”
“He probably prefers me not being in Ylosea; it gives him opportunities.” Mollie half-joked.
“I think Mr. Kaiser treats you very well.”
“Anthony, I haven’t asked you yet, why did you suddenly come to Switzerland?”
Anthony adjusted his glasses with a businesslike demeanor. “Naturally, it’s for business.”
Mollie glanced slightly backward. The atmosphere in the courtyard was tense. A faint figure stood by the birdcage, playing with food, their profile obscured but exuding a strong presence.
Aliyah stood outside for a while and cautiously called out, “Mollie.”
Only then did Mollie notice her.