2026-10-29 03:02:39It was Saturday morning, and even though the alarm hadn't gone off at seven, Ethan Gray stirred awake naturally, his internal clock kicking in like clockwork. Outside his window, the cicadas in the mulberry tree were already buzzing away, their chorus a sure sign that the day would be bright and sunny, the kind that painted Riverport in golden hues.
After splashing water on his face and brushing his teeth, Ethan slipped into his shorts and a lightweight T-shirt, perfect for a quick worko
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Chapter 057
The following morning, when Iris Marlowe arrived at the academy, it presented a perfect opportunity for Ethan Gray to discuss the upcoming weekend trip with Blanche. However, he hesitated. He still hadn't figured out the best way to dispel the woman's deep-seated suspicions about his motives. He decided it was better to wait one more day, to let the dust of the previous night's drama settle before making his pitch.At dawn, Ethan was already in the academy courtyard for his morning jog. He was circling the perimeter, his white athletic shirt damp with sweat, his breath hitching in a steady rhythm as he pushed through the humid morning air. As he turned the corner near the main building, a woman in an apricot-colored mini-dress emerged hurriedly from the heavy doors.She stopped on the top of the stone steps, shielding her eyes from the rising sun as she looked around with a dazed, disoriented expression. Her gaze drifted toward the iron gates, landing on the row of bars an
Chapter 056
After ensuring the four little girls were safely tucked back into the care of the night staff, Ethan Gray returned to his apartment to finish the task he'd set aside. The rhythmic clinking of bowls and the lighthearted chatter of the girls still echoed in his mind, providing a pleasant backdrop to the tedious work of video editing.He had already added Liam Ashford as a contact on WeChat. The planning manager from Evergreen Entertainment had been efficient, sending over the high-definition "pre-roll" advertisement for the film Tomorrow's You. Ethan carefully integrated the ten-second spot into the beginning of his latest video essay, ensuring the transition was seamless. Before hitting the final export button, he sent a preview link to Liam for a courtesy check.Ping-ping! His phone vibrated almost instantly.Liam: "The ad placement looks perfect, Ethan. Clear, crisp, and high-vis. However, I have a slight concern regarding the actual content of the video."Ethan
Chapter 055
When Ethan Gray mentioned that he'd prepared chilled savory noodles and invited them to have a taste, Pomona Sheldon—better known as the mischievous "Little Glutton"—couldn't contain herself. She didn't just accept; she practically vibrated with excitement. Her small behind wiggled on the Small wooden stool as if it had a mind of its own, her eyes darting between Ethan and Blanche. She looked as if she wanted to reach over and physically pry Blanche's mouth open to force a "yes" out of her.Eventually, the "Bossy Cub" relented. Still wearing the controversial red-and-white jersey, Blanche led her small troupe upstairs.Ethan ushered the four girls to his dining table. He moved with a practiced, host-like efficiency, setting out four small ceramic bowls. Since Melody was still struggling with the coordination required for chopsticks, he provided her with a small silver dessert fork. The shy "Scented Melon" sat with her head bowed so low that her face was nearly
Chapter 054
Ethan Gray was busy preparing chilled savory noodles, his chosen menu for the evening.The golden hour had arrived, and the setting sun was spilling its honeyed light into the Little Red Pony Academy. It poured through his window, illuminating the room in a warm, amber glow that felt so tangible he felt he could almost reach out and touch the sunbeams.He reached over and flicked off the air conditioning, opting instead to push the window wide open. As the evening deepened, the stifling humidity of the Riverport day had begun to retreat, replaced by a much kinder temperature. Outside his window, the ancient Camphor tree swayed gently in the breeze. Its massive, hand-shaped leaves rustled together in a rhythmic chorus, and the wind that filtered through the lush greenery was remarkably cool and refreshing.Standing at his kitchen window, Ethan had a perfect vantage point of the courtyard. He could see Blanche and her little troupe of followers gathered under the shade
Chapter 053
The following evening, Blanche was once again wearing her crimson High-collared formal tunic-style tracksuit. Unlike the day before, she had rolled the sleeves up past her elbows in a desperate bid for ventilation. Despite the adjustment, the poor girl was practically melting, sweat beading on her forehead as she darted across the academy grounds. It didn't take long for the inevitable to happen: she transitioned from being "as fragrant as Melody" to smelling like a wet, sun-baked puppy.To prevent further olfactory decline, she was eventually forced to retreat into the classroom. She sat directly beneath the air conditioning unit, poreing over her Dream of the Crimson Manor — Illustrated Children's Edition or joining the other kids in a round of nursery rhymes. Blanche looked longingly out at the courtyard; it was a perfect evening for football, with the summer sunset painting the sky in gold and violet, but the heat was simply too much for her spring-wear.While Bl
Chapter 052
As midnight approached, Blanche was whisked away by her auntie.She was in a huff, refusing to speak to her auntie because yesterday she'd promised a summer outfit, only to renege—it felt like a cruel joke, leaving Blanche's hopes dashed like a popped balloon.Back home in their modest apartment nestled in The Old Quarter—a cramped space with faded wallpaper peeling at the edges, the air thick with the lingering scent of spiced broth paste from dinner and the faint mustiness of old red-brick tenement walls—Blanche made a beeline for the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She lingered inside far longer than usual, the sound of running water echoing through the thin walls, steam seeping under the door like morning fog rolling off the Amber Tide River.Iris Marlowe called out impatiently, her voice carrying the exhaustion of a long day spent shining shoes under the relentless Riverport sun, her feet aching and her patience wearing thin. " Blanche,
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