"Is she the reason you said you broke up with me?" In their sight was a woman exuding confidence, tall and slender, wearing a long trench coat, with short hair fluttering. Her face was pretty and delicate, her almond-shaped eyes sharp, but her slightly curled lips hinted at a playful meaning. Nora Scott looked at her and felt a bit amused. Before Michael Quinn could respond, Nora Scott nodded with a smile. The woman pulled out a chair opposite, sat down, crossed her legs, and didn’t look at Michael but directly asked Nora Scott, "How long?" "Just these past couple of days." "What do you see in him?" "Oh, that’s a bit true." "Break up with him, he’s not worth it." The two of them, back and forth, were very in sync. Having prepared his argument, Michael Quinn witnessed this scene, felt the undercurrents in the air, and even though he couldn’t fully grasp it, he still felt a chill down his spine. After quickly settling the "breakup" issue, the woman opposite asked, "Any plans for the afternoon?" Nora Scott answered, picking up the cold drink on the table, and took a sip slowly. The woman asked, "Want to hang out?" Nora Scott agreed especially cheerfully. The atmosphere became harmonious. Michael Quinn widened his eyes, finally realizing with shock, "You two know each other?!" The woman and Nora Scott exchanged a glance. Nora Scott smiled lightly. Of course, they knew each other. The woman sitting opposite was none other than Laura Collins, who had declared herself reclusive to Nora Scott just a few days ago. Laura Collins stood up directly, ignoring Michael Quinn. "Hey!" As one of the parties involved, Michael Quinn was left in the lurch, feeling all wrong, clamoring for attention, "What’s going on between you two, can’t you give me some respect?" Laura Collins finally gave him a glance. Michael Quinn instinctively licked his lips. The next moment, Laura Collins swiftly reached out, picked up the juice in front of Michael, and, without warning, splashed it right in his face. In an instant, juice splattered everywhere, turning the once dashing young man into a drenched mess. As the juice hit his face, Michael instinctively closed his eyes. Two seconds later, he didn’t move; he just opened his left eye, staring innocently and helplessly at Laura Collins, "Was that necessary?" Laura Collins snorted coldly and asked matter-of-factly, "Wasn’t the juice you ordered for me?" "According to the script, there ought to be such a scene." Off to the side, Nora Scott stood up, speaking lazily, full of agreement with Laura Collins. "Michael, I asked you for a breakup reason just to get an answer. I didn’t intend to cling to you relentlessly. Since you don’t want to say it, let’s just end it." Laura Collins picked up her bag and turned to leave. Nora Scott tossed a pack of tissues to Michael Quinn. Michael took the tissues, glanced sideways at Nora Scott with his one open eye, "Don’t you know too many people?" Nora Scott raised an eyebrow, "Blame me?" Michael Quinn: "..." Nope. Seeing his pitiful look, Nora Scott asked, "A clean break up, is that what you wanted?" Michael Quinn lowered his head, mumbled a response, and pulled out a tissue to wipe his face, little by little, slowly cleaning up. Nora Scott didn’t say more and walked out of the sparsely patronized drink shop. Leaving the drink shop, Nora Scott and Laura Collins strolled around the mall. "How did you know him?" Laura Collins asked, pulling out two pieces of candy from her pocket, handing one to Nora Scott. Taking the candy, Nora Scott unwrapped it and answered simply, "Childhood friend." Laura Collins was taken aback, giving her a surprised look. Throwing the candy into her mouth, Nora Scott tossed the wrapper into a passing trash can and casually asked, "What about you two, what’s the story?" "He’s been pestering me for two years. I just got single a month ago." Laura Collins frowned, hiding the emotions in her eyes and said nonchalantly, "That’s how it is." The flavor of milk and sweetness tingled her taste buds. Nora Scott squinted slightly, pondering something, "I’ve never seen him pursue someone for so long." Laura Collins laughed coldly, "What’s the use of a long chase when the outcome is the same?" Nora didn’t reply, neither confirming nor denying it. She didn’t know the specifics; she didn’t have much information to make presumptive guesses. After eating a piece of candy, Laura sighed and smiled, saying to Nora, "Let’s not talk about bad guys. The clothes I mentioned last time, there should be a brand store on this floor. I’ll take you there to check it out." The shop was filled with dazzling clothes, and the sales assistant approached with a big smile, displaying a warm and friendly attitude. Nora and Laura strolled around, chatting casually. Picking out a coat for Nora, Laura suddenly asked, "I heard earlier you said you’ve moved out of Cloudwater Haven and are living with your grandfather recently?" After a moment’s thought, Laura asked again, "Will you be spending the New Year there too?" "Yes." Sensing more behind her words, Nora proactively asked, "Why?" Laura glanced at her regretfully, shrugged, "I was thinking about going on a trip with you during New Year." Startled, Nora asked, "You’re not going home again?" Laura replied, "No, it’s pointless." Nora knew a bit about Laura’s family situation. After marriage, Mr. Collins had an affair and a woman and child outside. Laura’s mother couldn’t take it, divorced, and remarried, leaving Laura with her father. Later, Mr. Collins openly brought the woman and child into the house. Both daughters, he adored his stepdaughter and ignored Laura. In such a biased environment, coupled with Laura’s fiery temper, her relationship with the family had been poor. As an adult, due to pressure from her stepmother and stepsister, Laura eventually moved out in defiance. It was what her stepmother and stepsister wanted. However, her stepsister was inherently troublesome; even if Laura didn’t provoke her, she’d find ways to stir trouble occasionally, which was quite annoying. Recalling Michael Quinn mentioning "splashing water on her half-sister," Nora remembered hearing about it—from Laura afterward rather than witnessing it herself. "Would you like to spend New Year at my place?" Nora suddenly asked, "In the alley, everyone knows each other, it’s quite nice during New Year." Laura agreed almost without hesitation. "But Michael lives nearby too." Shifting the topic, Nora said, "His parents have passed away, he was raised solely by his grandparents, he always goes home for New Year." "..." Laura was stunned, pursed her lips, "It doesn’t matter to me." Nora’s gaze settled on a particular men’s coat. At this point, Laura suddenly leaned in, hooking her finger on Nora’s sleeve, whispering, "His parents passed away?" Turning her gaze from the clothes, Nora was quite puzzled, "He never told you?" Laura glanced sideways, frowned, then looked back, slightly irritated, "No." Nora just nodded without speaking further. Laura was quiet for a few seconds and then tentatively touched her hand, speaking up, "His parents..." Nora chuckled softly, leaned closer to her, slightly lowered her head, and with a teasing grin asked, "Where’s your carefree demeanor just now?" Laura pressed her lips together, her expression briefly awkward. "It was two decades ago. His parents died in a car accident, along with a three-year-old sister. All gone." No longer teasing her, Nora said calmly, "It’s nothing much; he was young then, doesn’t have much impression of family." Both she and Michael never liked to talk about their parents. Because they didn’t have many memories. When a phenomenon exists for a long time, people become accustomed to it. Being used to having parents, being used to not having parents—it’s all a kind of habit. Over time, without the influence to shape a habit, even occasional reminiscences become unusual. Trying to sound nonchalant, Laura shrugged, "Anyway, it’s none of my business." Nora gave a carefree smile. With a nod toward a direction, Nora spoke to a nearby salesperson, "Please take that black coat to the counter." The salesperson promptly responded and hurried over. Seeing the coat Nora pointed at out of the corner of her eye, Laura raised an eyebrow and leaned toward Nora’s ear, "Who’s it for?" Nora didn’t even blink, "For myself." "Your strong point is that although your acting isn’t great, your mental resilience is." Laura teased without holding back. Some people conceal their expressions due to good acting. As for Nora, her lack of exposure relied entirely on her powerful mental resilience. "This outfit seems to suit you. You should give it a try." A coquettish voice sounded from ahead. Laura’s expression shifted immediately. The salesperson politely said, "Apologies, miss, this is the last piece and it’s already claimed." Updates are released by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩 Hearing this, Laura and Nora looked forward. A couple was right in front of them, coincidentally glancing their way. "Isn’t this Sister?" The heavily-made-up girl suddenly laughed, her words drenched in mockery, "What, still hanging out with these low-tier celebrities?"