CHAPTER 60: CHAPTER 60: NORA SCOTT COAXES MASTER PEDRO WITH A GIFT

"The tofu pudding turned out pretty good."

"..."

"The sandwich is edible, too."

"..."

"The soft-boiled egg didn’t succeed, but at least the egg was cooked."

"..."

Knock.

Finally, Nora Scott, unable to continue talking to herself, impatiently tapped the table with her finger.

She said, "Isn’t it about enough?"

Pedro Langley looked up, giving her a frosty look as his voice, filled with icy shards, asked, "What do you think?"

Nora cleared her throat, didn’t argue with him, straightened up, and said, "I’ll remember next time for sure."

"There’s a next time?" Pedro Langley looked over, extremely displeased.

"..."

In Nora’s mind, an ex-boyfriend from less than half a year ago, who she’d never celebrated a birthday with... it’s natural to forget after so many years.

However, since she’d received a birthday gift herself and was now freeloading at his place, inevitably, she felt a bit guilty.

Sighing, Nora contemplated for a moment, then simply asked, "How about I make it up with a birthday gift for this year?"

"When will you give it to me?"

In an instant, Pedro Langley’s somber mood dissipated.

Startled by his immediate change in attitude, Nora thought for a moment and said, "As soon as possible."

"Too vague."

"Next month, is that okay?" Nora compromised.

"Alright."

The anger gradually faded away as Pedro Langley took a bite of the sandwich and found the flavor not bad for a first attempt.

"..."

Nora rubbed her temples, feeling a slight headache.

*

Nora returned home, still feeling a bit dizzy.

Walking wearily towards the bedroom, she fished her phone out of her pocket, intending to check the time, but saw a message from Laura Collins.

The night before last, after taking Henry Chapman home, she had received a call from Laura Collins, who said she’d resigned because of ideological differences with her boss.

When she arrived at Laura’s place, Laura was already drunk and incoherently mentioned that the preliminary storyboard draft of her new manga had been rejected. After taking a look, Nora casually gave some advice.

Nora: Hmm.

After replying, as soon as she entered the bedroom, Laura called.

"What’s up?"

Nora drew the curtains.

"Have you really not considered entering the manga industry?" Laura got straight to the point, leaving no room for gaps.

Nora was puzzled, "Why did you think of that?"

A low laugh came through the receiver, followed by Laura’s explanation, "After making changes based on your notes, the editor approved it."

"Congratulations."

Nora’s tone was quite flat, not really surprised.

After a brief pause, she asked, "Haven’t you considered online reading? Larger audience and less strict editorial requirements."

Laura was a part-time manga artist who submitted her work to a magazine. She had just completed her first manga series. With the decline in comic magazine sales and the rise of online manga, although her work was of good quality, both readership and income were worrying.

"The magazine has collaborated with CC Comics, with new works being updated both online and offline, but updates need to be every two weeks."

"Can you handle it?"

"Being unemployed, how could I not?"

"Aren’t you planning to look for a new job?"

"Not anymore, planning to stay home and bum around..." Laura muttered, then suddenly changed the topic, adding, "Speaking of which, I have a signing event at a manga fair in Fenton City mid-next month, hosted by CC Comics. Want to come support me?"

Nora paused, lightly furrowing her brow.

Laura continued, "You’ve always been interested in manga. Several manga authors will also attend this signing; don’t you want to meet them?"

Nora chuckled, "Still trying to entice me into the industry?"

"Yes," Laura also laughed, "With your talent, it’d be a shame not to stir things up in the dull manga world."

"..."

Too bad she was already in the industry.

After pondering for a moment, since she didn’t have plans recently, Nora agreed, "Sure."

After hanging up, Nora turned off her phone, preparing to take a nap.

Later, she had to go to Virtue Retreat.

To pick up a package.

*

In one corner of the bustling city, in front of the "Delicate" tattoo shop, a low-key luxury sedan stopped.

A man dressed in a black trench coat got out of the car, glanced around, and upon seeing the shop’s trendy decor, slightly furrowed his brows. Without hesitation, he walked inside.

"Hello, may I ask——"

The girl who came to greet him, just put on a standard soft smile, but was suddenly taken aback.

An odd sense of discord startled the newly hired girl.

With a tall, calm, dignified presence, his demeanor clashed with the environment. Though dressed in casual black trench coat, black trousers, and a beige sweater, he exuded a certain pressure.

He didn’t look like a customer, more like a parent of a customer...

The girl felt inexplicably guilty.

"Tattoo." The man casually glanced across, and after answering, he paused, supplementing, "I’m looking for Michael Quinn."

The girl blanked.

Requesting the store manager for a tattoo?

"Do you have an appointment?" the girl softly asked.

"No."

He replied without any hint of guilt.

But...

She slightly lifted her gaze, sneakily sizing up the man, estimating the value of his attire, and dared not offend such a person.

Carefully pursing her lips, the girl nodded slightly, saying, "Please wait a moment."

*

Afternoon, 5:30.

Virtue Retreat.

A black sedan parked by the roadside.

Sophie Scott picked up her bag and, about to open the door, paused to ask the man driving, "Second Brother, I just have one friend coming over, do you want to join us for dinner?"

The man driving was around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, handsome, with features slightly resembling Sophie’s.

Hearing her, he turned around, a slight pampering smile appeared on his face.

"You’re having dinner with a friend; I won’t intrude. Besides, I have plans with some friends." Ethan Scott replied, "Text me when you’re done eating, I’ll come pick you up."

"Alright then."

Sophie nodded, without insisting.

"See you later."

"Yes, see you later."

After bidding farewell, Sophie pushed open the car door and got out.

Making her way toward the entrance of Virtue Retreat, she was about to call Lily Turner when she heard someone call out——

"Sophie."

She paused, looked up, and saw Lily Turner approaching, with a gentle and elegant smile.

Feeling a surge of happiness, just as Sophie was about to greet Lily, she noticed the smile on Lily’s face gradually vanish, her brow slightly furrowing.

After that, came her slightly puzzled voice——

"Nora?"