At dusk, Zuko and Lina strolled hand in hand along the beach, immersed in the golden afterglow of the sunset. Seagulls soared above, and a gentle breeze swept through, creating a humid yet cool atmosphere.
Their footsteps left two rows of imprints on the sandy beach.
Zuko occasionally turned his head with a smile on his face. It reminded him of the times when he held Pammy's hand as they played on the beach during their youth. Pammy's footprints were unsteady back then, as she had just learned to walk.
"I often came to this beach when you were missing," he said, his voice deep with a hint of melancholy. "They said you died in the sea accident, but I didn't believe it. I thought... you turned into a mermaid princess."
Lina was taken aback, turning to look at him. Although he smiled, a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. Every time he embraced her, he held on tightly as if afraid she would slip away again.
"They said Uncle Nicholas wants you to join the film studio project?" Zuko asked.
A smile graced his face as they stood still, and Lina's head rested on his chest.
"Yes." She nodded, looking up at him. "I think it's a great opportunity for me to apply what I've learned."
Zuko frowned. "What position did he assign you?"
"Intern." Lina chuckled. "To be precise, an intern assistant. After all, I haven't graduated yet. I'm participating in this project to gain experience."
Zuko understood Nicholas' intentions. Since Lina's return, her true identity had not been announced. By having her participate as an intern, Nicholas hoped to avoid attracting unwanted attention, like what had happened with Melvin. He also wanted to assess Lina's capabilities.
The name Lina Jenner was safe, but as Pamela Thompson, there was no guarantee that she wouldn't face dangerous schemes again.
Nicholas and Linda remained cautious. For their daughter's safety, they preferred to keep her true identity hidden. They didn't want the world to know they had found their daughter.
Zuko gently caressed her face, smiling. "It's good to learn more. But be prepared for some torture, as I heard the main designer, Mr. Sam, is quite strict!"
"Don't you dare speak ill of my parents!" Lina playfully punched him. "Regardless of where I came from, they will always be my parents!"
"Yes, I know," he reassured her, holding her hands. "It was Mary who said it, not me!"
Lina fell into a brief silence before speaking again. "You know, Zuko, sometimes I feel like I have too much luck in my life."
Zuko wasn't sure whether to laugh or be concerned. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, if someone has too much luck in one aspect, it seems like fate compensates by taking it away from other areas."
Zuko couldn't help but chuckle. "That's just nonsense, my dear. You're thinking too much."
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