"Master Pedro, I brought the complete set of ’Death Legend’!"
Responding to Jack Carter’s ecstatic voice were both Nora Scott and Pedro Langley, who fell into silence simultaneously.
Pedro paused, hesitantly looking at Nora, surprised to find only a hint of astonishment in Nora’s eyes, without any mockery or playful teasing.
Nora tilted her head slightly, glanced at the complete set of books in Jack’s hands, and curled her lips into a faint smile. She raised an eyebrow at Pedro, "You read comics too?"
Pedro’s lips twitched slightly.
"Yeah, Master Pedro, he—"
Jack busily chimed in but was suddenly startled by a chilling ominous feeling piercing his heart.
His back tingled with cold, making him shiver.
His gaze shifted subtly, and Jack’s smile momentarily froze, then he changed the topic, "Miss Scott, are these parcels yours?"
Jack was taken aback, surprised, "They’re all stacked at the door; how did you get in?"
Seeing the path completely blocked, Nora was momentarily trapped in awkward silence, losing the mood to tease Pedro.
"Laugh if you want." Catching sight of the smile faintly at the corner of Pedro’s lips, Nora crossed her arms leisurely, "I’m not like some people, holding grudges overnight."
This roundabout sarcasm effortlessly wiped away Pedro’s slight smile.
"Give me the books," Pedro reached out to Jack, "and move her parcels inside."
Jack handed over the books, responding readily.
After sending the parcels upstairs, Nora had already made several trips, and now indeed didn’t want to move them again, so she accepted their kind offer.
Unceremoniously, she patted Pedro’s shoulder, indicating for him to step aside.
Pedro, speechless, stepped aside, as she strode into the entrance hall. After changing her shoes, she headed straight to the water cooler, expertly poured herself two cups, and drank them both.
"There’s fruit in the fridge and snacks on the coffee table."
Entering the living room a few steps behind her, Pedro looked at her and casually reminded.
Putting down the cup, as Nora was about to head to the kitchen, she paused and asked him, "Did you wash the fruit?"
Pampering her too much!
A quarter of an hour later, Pedro came out carrying freshly washed fruit, seeing Nora devouring nuts on the sofa, his emotions complicated and hard to articulate.
What did he even see in her?
The shirt fabric rubbed against the elbow skin, irritating a wound, causing a slight sting.
Pedro hid his emotions and pushed the fruit plate in front of her.
Handing over a pack of dried mango, Nora raised her chin slightly and asked, "Has your mom changed her job?"
Nora took a bite of the sliced apple, answered casually, "Just asking."
"No, but she mainly teaches at school."
"Has she been promoted to professor?"
Nora nodded thoughtfully.
So, the bamboo flute she exchanged with a favor shouldn’t be gathering dust.
Pedro suspiciously asked, "What are you contemplating?"
He had only mentioned Flora Loughton’s profession to Nora before, even not yet arranging for them to meet.
Why did she bring up Flora Loughton all of a sudden?
Leaning back, Nora seemingly without bones nestled into the sofa, elbow propped up, asked, "What do you think the chances are that your mom will open a tutoring class?"
"Depends on who it’s for."
Sitting beside her, Pedro looked at her meaningfully and slowly said, "If it’s for friends and family, not low. For others, no chance."
Of course, if it’s for a daughter-in-law, the chance is one hundred percent. Not only is it free, but service is guaranteed to be excellent.
Nora showed an appropriate amount of regret, "Then no way."
Fingers touching her chin, Nora thought for a moment and asked, "Do you think the chance I can learn ’Cloud Flow’ is high?"
Pedro assessed her with interest, "Are you seriously asking, or just asking casually?"
"...Never mind, give me a slice of apple." Nora’s expression drooped, wisely changing the subject.
Pedro skewered a piece of apple with a toothpick, and naturally handed it to her.
Nora simply stuffed her mouth with the apple, avoiding further embarrassment.
"Miss Scott, all the parcels are opened, and things are on the dining table and coffee table."
After half an hour of unpacking and tidying up trash, Jack was sweaty and tired.
Nora tilted her head, "Thanks."
"No need, no need," Jack quickly waved his hand and then added a touch of respect, tactfully saying to Pedro, "Master Pedro, it’s a bit late; I’ll head back first."
With Pedro’s consent, Jack didn’t even enter, fleeing in haste as he closed the door.
Clapping her hands, Nora was about to get up and then suddenly paused, eyeing him with a slight shift, "Do you want to go and see if there’s anything you like, take it as you please."
"As my birthday gift?"
Familiar with her tricks, Pedro asked calmly, his heart unwilling to stir a single ripple.
Nora replied matter-of-factly, "They’re all ’gifts’, no difference."
"Not happening." He coldly stated, and deliberately glanced at his watch, emphasizing each word, "After tomorrow, it’s next month."
A coin flipped between her fingers, nimble finger movements, Nora tilted her head to look at him, negotiating, "How about, opening a window?"
Her deep-set eyes slightly curved, pupils clear and bright, like a pool shimmering, reflecting his figure.
Suddenly caught by such eyes, Pedro momentarily lost focus, his throat tightened, Adam’s apple involuntarily moved twice.
His voice lowered slightly, "Acting coy won’t work."
Raising an eyebrow, she gave him a threatening look, and Nora squinted, "Watch your words."
Pedro paused and corrected, "No room for negotiation."
The next moment, a hand reached out in front of Pedro.
A fist clenched, palm down, opened, the five slender fingers slowly spread, the previously played coin vanished without a trace.
Then, the palm flipped upwards, wrist slightly jerked, fingers formed a loose snap.
A coin suddenly appeared between her fingers.
Pedro was dazzled by this trick, stunned, as he raised his eyes, seeing Nora curl her lips slightly, looking at him with leisure.
Considering briefly, he asked, "How long did it take to practice?"
This person really lacks any zest.
Throwing the coin to him, Nora turned to grab a jacket slung on the back of the sofa, as she wore a three-quarter sleeve shirt; reaching out, the sleeve slipped back, revealing a hint of blue ink on her skin.
The coin in his palm still carried residual warmth, Pedro gripped it tightly, subconsciously speaking, "Your tattoo..."
The jacket draped over her elbow, Nora looked over in confusion.
After contemplating briefly, Pedro’s thoughts were complex, raising his eyes with fluctuating emotions, mixing light and shadow, he asked, "Would you get a tattoo for anyone else?"