one step away [Interstellar]

53.

The party Emily was talking about was Fashion Week at Commonwealth Sea Pines.Because she was worried that Xia Zuo would be depressed after retiring from the army, Emily, as a friend, took advantage of this business trip to invite her to play together.

Sea Pine City is a well-known romantic capital of the Federation. In addition to Fashion Week, people from all walks of life gather here, so stunning beauties are also indispensable.Out of alpha's purest and most original thinking, she felt that it was really appropriate to invite Xia Zuo there to relieve boredom.

If it was any other place, Xia Zuo might not go.But if it's sea pine...

For reasons that cannot be disclosed, Xia Zuo agreed to Emily's invitation, and after filing with the San Lorenzo Armed Forces Department, he obtained a visa and went to Haisong City.

It is the end of spring and early summer, and Haisong City, surrounded by sea water, exudes the unique coolness of seaside cities.Because of the Fashion Week, the airship ports in Sea Pine City are boiling with the arrival of celebrities from all walks of life every day.

Due to the military scandal some time ago, Xia Zuo didn't use his duke status to travel, but pretended to be Emily's colleague, and stayed together at the Yale Hotel in the center of Haisong City.

He said he was a colleague, but Xia Zuo didn't attend the fashion week.Even though Emily tried her best to invite her, she rejected Emily again on the grounds that she was not suitable to participate in this kind of banquet, and chose to relax alone.

After going through such a difficult winter, she should take a good breath of fresh air that belongs to other places, and expel the stagnant qi accumulated in her chest.

When she didn't get clear news of her recovery, she was at a loss for what to do with her too leisurely life.Freed from heavy work and without any special hobbies, staying at home and reading books every day, not only did not make her heart calm in the quiet Duke's mansion, but became impetuous day by day.

Especially, every day, every day when I sit on the balcony of the study and look down at the empty garden, I always think of the woman who tended the garden full of flowers and plants in the early summer not long ago.

Obviously not long after, the flowers and plants in the courtyard changed their appearance.But the woman who once drew her eyes didn't know where she was going.

After a while, winter will come.The snow covered the lonely castle, the north wind blew through the empty courtyard and swirled in the air, and finally howled and rushed to the empty terrace opposite, making a shrill sound.

Wrapped in a heavy coat, she sat at a warm table, made a cup of steaming black tea, flipped through the book in her hand and looked at the snowflakes in the sky, worried that this long winter would never end.

But the person he was thinking about became more and more clear.

"Why do you still bother her? General, I will never let anyone in your Weil family see her again." In the winter when Heber disappeared, she went to San Lorenzo with the nobles. When congratulating the queen's two hundredth birthday, she was able to visit the Marquis of Violet.

The very handsome Marquis was not as disrespectful to his children as the outside rumors said. From his words, Xia Zuo could tell that this Marquis was a very good father to Heber.

As if knowing her thoughts, the marquis said to her very sternly, "After such an unfortunate incident, I don't want Hebe to see anyone or something that will bring back her sad memories. What's more, General, people have different paths, and I hope you can respect personal freedom, please don't bring her more trouble."

At the end of the topic, the Marquis also said that he was very grateful to her for taking care of Heber during that time, and for this reason, he gave her a small manor in San Lorenzo as a thank you gift.

Heber probably inherited his generosity, which is why he simply returned the property to the original owner and made a clean break.

Except for those properties that belonged to the Weir family, in the end, Xia Zuo found that in the short three months, she and Heber had left nothing to commemorate.

They didn't even have a group photo... All that was left was the wedding photo of Heber and Lynn.It seemed to remind her all the time that this woman who was once married to her brother, the woman she admired and wanted to possess, finally only stayed with her as her brother's ex-wife.And my own admiration is just an extravagant wish.

She began to try her best not to think about Hebe, refusing to go back to this place that gave her so much joy but also full of sorrow, and she couldn't forget it because her memory was so good.Memories follow like a shadow, reminding her in the form of physical tension at every hazy moment between day and night that this is a delusion that cannot be broken no matter what.

She has never forgotten this woman, as if she clearly understands that for Heber, her pursuit may be troublesome.But even if you understand it clearly, you can't stop thinking about it.

In this way, in a place where I can't see each other, I am alone with that longing, and I hope to meet again.

But the chance of such a thing happening unexpectedly is too small, so she couldn't help but to find out the other party's news.

Passing under the flying track of the suspension car, Xia Zuo drove the car aimlessly through this art city blown by the sea breeze.She carefully watched every delicate sculpture and lingered on the streets of this strange city.

Drive the car into Yaste College, and turn the steering wheel leisurely under the tree-lined road surrounded by ancient pine trees.That's the first day... and every day after that...

After she visited Haisong City almost all over, she finally parked in the most prosperous area in the city center and parked the car in the parking space on the ground.Looking up at the glass-covered building and the gold-plated logo through the car window, longing flowed in his eyes.

At this time, she once again deeply understood how it feels to be more afraid of approaching something that she desires more.

She knew that the moment they stepped into this city, they might meet each other.She also knew that if she went to Fashion Week with Emily, there was a high chance that she would meet her, and she knew even more that if she visited in person, she would definitely meet her.

But she didn't dare, she was even a little scared, as in the past three years, she often thought of the night when Hebe was bleeding in her arms, feeling agitated.

When she was afraid and afraid to meet again, she saw that familiar face with a strange, distant and polite expression.Obviously, Heber still owed her a dinner.

Like the end of every day, she lingered for a while, but in the end she couldn't be as free and decisive as she was three years ago. After hesitating for a moment, she turned the steering wheel and returned to the hotel.

Emily's work ended on the fourth day, and there was a very lively banquet at the Yale Manor by the sea that night.As for Xia Zuo, after wandering around the city for four days, he still didn't have the courage to have a premeditated reunion with Heber.

After all, Heber is so smart that he must know that he is investigating her.Such an offensive behavior will make her disgusted and disgusted.

Thinking of this, she sat on the sofa on the balcony, watched the distant sunset slowly sinking into the horizon through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows, and tightened her jawline.

"You don't look very happy. Isn't the scenery in Haisong City not good enough? Or there are not enough beauties. I asked you to attend the exhibition with me a long time ago, but you just refused to come. Such an unpleasant trip will make me feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere. It's very unqualified to invite you." Emily flicked her long fiery red hair, smiling brightly and movingly.

Xia Zuo turned his head, looked at the figure of his friend, smiled and said, "Actually, I am very grateful for your invitation. The air in Haisong City is very good, which makes people feel very refreshing."

"That's good, accompany me to a banquet tonight, you must not refuse." Emily looked at Xia Zuo with sharp eyes, "Just treat it as a small favor and attend tonight as my dance partner."

"Aren't you afraid that I will step on you?" Thinking of his clumsy dance steps, Xia Zuo couldn't help reminding.

"You are the only female alpha accompanying you, and there is no other way. Teacher Rena said that Charlotte's designer, Ms. Wisteria Flower, who never appears in public, will be accompanied by her tonight. There are many people in the empire who want to interview this cutting-edge designer who debuted for two years, but have never had the opportunity..." She chattered on and on about her work, but found that the young man sitting on the sofa fell into deep thought at some point, Involuntarily stopped the sound.

"Charle..." Couldn't help calling a friend, Emily said, "Are you okay?"

Because that strange yet extremely familiar word flowed into his mind, Xia Zuo was stunned for a moment.In a field completely unfamiliar to him, Xia Zuo realized that the only designer he knew was the lady who dared not call out her name, so he became more and more abnormal.

"Huh? I'm fine..."

Even though she believed that she would not be affected by that incident, Emily, who was still worried about her friends, concealed the worry in her eyes, and said with a relaxed smile, "In short, that designer who doesn't like to show up seems to be Supporters of minority groups, I think if we pretend to be same-sex couples, we will be able to have a good conversation with her. The combination of the two alphas will definitely attract everyone's attention~" Emily smiled and winked at Xia Zuo , making Xia Zuo confused.

Wait, same-sex couples?Are current media personnel working so hard to get first-hand interviews?Also, will this really impress the lady?

She suddenly realized that if she really went to dinner with Emily, she would meet Heber.Once this idea surfaced, it immediately made her excited and a little uneasy.

If you go with Emily, if you go with Emily, you shouldn't be suspected.The inexplicably broad mind made her excited, because Xia Zuo, who cared too much about the other party and couldn't even use simple strategies, was eager to move for the opportunity that came.

But soon, she didn't have much time to think about these things, because Emily began to have her clothes sorted out.

Tie her neck-length hair into a ponytail at the back, and arrange her bangs in layers, revealing her three-dimensional facial features and handsome face.

Because of her height and pretty face, Emily chose a suit for her.After changing into a white shirt, putting on a vest, and buttoning up the suspenders of his trousers, Xia Zuo looked at his appearance carefully in front of the mirror.

Just like the day when I first dated Heber, I was a little nervous because of whether my demeanor was appropriate.

Emily, who put on a long dress, exposed her large snow-white chest, let her long bright red hair spread out, and her exquisite collarbone loomed, making her look completely enchanting.

Standing beside Xia Zuo, she looked at Xia Zuo's incomparably handsome simplicity, and looked at the two alphas in the mirror who had very different styles but also an unusual match. She nodded in satisfaction, "We look very gay now, don't we? Honey Char~"

She hooked Xia Zuo's arm, holding it with an extremely sweet tone.Xia Zuo frowned and said, "That's true, so are we ready to go now?"

"Of course." Emily hooked Xia Zuo's shoulder, and said while taking Xia Zuo's black suit jacket, "Put on your coat ~ we're leaving now."

Xia Zuo changed her coat obediently, and tidied up every place that needed to be treated carefully. She looked at herself in the mirror, but she was a little confused when she was about to leave.

Is she really going to see Heber?

Really... Are you going to bother her?

No... Just a glance... Just a glance... Just...

She thought so in her heart, the long years had long worn that proud liking into fearful admiration.But he couldn't help thinking about how they would meet again.

Yes... She has to go, she has to see Heber... If she doesn't take the initiative, she will feel unwilling.

For things that will occupy your mind, it is better to make a decision early.

She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes gradually firmed up.

Then, he followed Emily on the suspension car and drove to the manor by the sea.

Before getting out of the car, Emily handed over a delicate mask to her.The mask that covers all areas above the nose can easily block the prying eyes of many people.For Xia Zuo who has just escaped from the turmoil after being accused by everyone, it is the most suitable.

She is not suitable to appear in public, but she must adapt to appearing in the eyes of others.Xia Zuo smiled gratefully for his friend's thoughtfulness.But then, Emily's actions made her dumbfounded.

Because that sincere friend put a small box of durex in the inner pocket of her suit jacket, and showed a very considerate smile, "There will be many beauties at the banquet, and they will live in the manor tonight. Everyone is drunk Eyes will come out comfortably. Remember the rules of alpha, only one night, only the first time, absolutely don’t leave any trouble.”

"Honey...you have to make good use of it~"

"This is an essential weapon for alpha~"

Ah, for the dreary stay-at-home retired general, the occasional sexual indulgence is what it should be.Since the other party's sister, General Ellen, encouraged her to lead this depressed general to experience the joys of the world, it would be inappropriate to always let her wander around outside.

Isn't it the kingly way for a banquet or something?

Looking at that young and childish face, Emily, who had no integrity at all, had communicated with General Ellen long ago, and decided to let Xia Zuo experience the fun of being an adult.

But obviously, the old-fashioned and reserved retired general didn't appreciate it. She pushed away the small box that Emily handed over, and silently refused.But in the end, it was still placed in the pocket by the other party.

Although in the end, it is still useless.

The author has something to say: I have been working on this chapter for a long time. I have been writing it since [-]:[-] until now, and I am constantly revising it, because I can’t decide whether it is better to use Heber’s perspective to let Xia Zuo appear on the stage, or it is better to use Xia Zuo. In the end, I still Decided to use Xia Zuo.

Because in those three years, she had worked hard.It is because of trying to understand Heber's past that he has such worries.

As for Heber's perspective, I'll switch.

You ask me if she cares about Xia Zuo, the place where Xia Zuo works will attract her attention, and she can recognize Xia Zuo's voice in an instant after such a long time, even through the screen.

As for the part where Xia Zuo got into the scandal, I didn't give her many lines, I just briefly mentioned the report that she was following this incident.For Sang Xu

She bit the corner of her lip to listen to the words.

But I still don't want to write it all out, because I think it will be more interesting later.

If you say that Heber is the one who was tossing and turning with worry and unable to fall asleep when I wrote it, then I can only say that is just the Heber you think.

As for Xia Zuo, she said she was too calm. When she answered her sister's call, she was in grief and anger, and when she left the military area, she almost cried.Back home for a winter.Well, what you have to say is not enough. I have nothing to say.

Because when I write something, it is easy to leave blank, I don’t want to write everything, I always feel that writing everything is boring.When I try to figure out the main character's mind.I don't want to say it all, I think it's the most interesting not to say it.

Sometimes it's good to express feelings through the scenery, Ang.

I'm rambling again, so be it.