Zuko's heart raced, and his ears buzzed, but he tried to contain his excitement. A smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth. Lina couldn't bear to be away from him?
With a wholehearted grin and gleaming eyes, he felt satisfaction as if he had the whole world.
"Why are you laughing?" Lina blushed and stood up, ready to run away. But Zuko grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace without saying a word.
"I'm not laughing at anything. I'm just too happy."
He whispered softly, "Silly goose, it's only two weeks."
"Two weeks... still too long." Lina leaned against his chest.
Lina felt a sense of fear. She realized she was becoming increasingly attached to Zuko. Even a day without him made her anxious and uneasy, let alone two weeks.
"But Lina, this opportunity is rare. You should go and see it," Zuko said, seriously holding her face.
He was delighted by her dependence but didn't want her to lose herself for his sake.
"Every architecture student is expected to learn about Southeast Aciatic architecture. I think you shouldn't miss this exchange."
"Are you saying you can bear to be without me?" she asked.
"I can't bear it," he said in a deep voice. "But I can't bear it even more if you lose yourself for me.
"Lina, a woman should have her own world, be independent, strive for self-improvement, and pursue what she loves. That's what constitutes a complete life."
Lina was stunned. Perhaps it was because she had been overly protected since childhood, or maybe it was because Jesse and Melissa had limited education and had never talked to her about such things. The best they could do was send her to this prestigious university to "broaden her horizons," but they had no clear understanding of the world she would see.
As Zuko explained these principles, Lina felt a sudden enlightenment. It was true. The world she desired to see was one where women were independent and confident and remained calm and composed in the face of storms. It was a world where they wholeheartedly pursued their passions.
Lina gazed at Zuko with a sweet smile playing on her lips. She gently rubbed his face with her small hands, causing him to look strange and fierce, which greatly amused her.
"Zeke, what you're saying makes so much sense! Where did you learn all this? Did a prison guard teach you these things while you were inside?" she asked.
Zuko paused, managing to squeeze out an awkward smile.
A prison guard? Was she referring to his strict and independent grandmother and mother? He had witnessed their collaboration and pursuit of greatness since he was a child, so he naturally understood these principles.
"If you think what I said makes sense, then you should follow my advice!" He held her hand. "Two weeks will pass quickly, and I feel that many surprises will await you in Southeast Aciatic!
Zuko looked at her tenderly. "Lina, you're going to have an amazing time!"
"Mm!" Lina smiled confidently and started filling out the online registration form.
...
The mall in the development zone was constructed on barren land. It was still in the early stages of planning, and currently, only a large supermarket had been built, yet to open for business.
Although people could freely enter the mall, there were few shops, offering nothing much to browse. Consequently, the sound of Gia's high heels echoed loudly in the empty building.
She hurriedly turned a corner on the first floor and reached the elevator on the second floor when suddenly, a figure darted out!
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