The bus was quiet, filled only with the steady rumbling of the engine.
Everyone sensed Heidi's mocking tone toward Lina, yet the latter chose to remain silent. She tightly gripped her clothes and then slowly released them.
It wasn't that Lina was weak or unable to respond. Before leaving, Zuko had advised her to let things go and avoid unnecessary trouble.
"Revenge can wait," he had joked. "If someone bothers you, let me know when you're back, and I'll help you get even!"
Lina had taken it as a joke but saw some truth in his words. It was wiser to avoid unnecessary conflicts while traveling. She took a deep breath to calm her anger and gazed out of the window, pretending not to hear anything.
However, Keira couldn't hold back and spoke up. "Ms. Lister, what you said isn't fair."
Heidi raised an eyebrow, her tone changing. "What did you say?"
Keira spoke honestly, "It's natural to be excited when visiting Southeast Aciatic for the first time. Besides, sharing photos is a way of sharing joy with someone you care about. Maybe you don't have someone like that, so you can't understand."
"You..." Heidi's face turned pale as she glared at Keira.
Despite approaching her 40s, Heidi had set high standards for her partner in her youth, resulting in failed relationships and no lasting connections. Personal issues haunted her, and some students who disliked her had given her various nicknames behind her back.
The words struck a nerve, leaving her speechless. It wasn't that she didn't have someone she liked, but rather that no one liked her.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Lina gently pulled Keira's arm and directed her gaze toward the scenery. The other students on the bus started chatting, breaking the awkwardness.
However... Lina craned her neck and caught a glimpse of Gia sitting in the front row. She felt a twinge of disappointment.
Perhaps Zuko was right. People would come and go in one's life.
…
After resting at the hotel, Lina's official tour began. The day was filled with a packed schedule, and they returned to the hotel past 9:00 p.m.
Upon entering her room and placing her bag down, Lina quickly made her way to the courtyard, clutching her phone tightly.
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