The trio dashed out, lined up like a row of candies, theirughter and chatter filling the crisp morning air. They made a beeline for the shop, where Morwenna''s eyes widened in amazement.


    The quaint little store was now surrounded by a sea of floral arrangements and baskets, over a hundred of them, forming three vibrant rings around it. And there, right in front of the main entrance, was the most unexpected sight-a lion dance performance!


    Four majestic lion dance troupes, each adorned in dazzlingly distinct colors, were performing with such life and vigor. It was a rare treat; lion dances had be something of a rarity, a cherished tradition that few knew how to organize and even fewer chose to include in their celebrations. Yet, here it was, a delightful bridge between the past and present, appealing to college students with its blend of nostalgia and novelty.


    The crowd around was buzzing with excitement, their discussions punctuated with cheers of approval at particrly impressive feats. Even the other shop owners from the school couldn''t resisting over to watch.


    At the climax, a collective cheer erupted: "Bravo!" Morwenna, too, waspletely captivated.


    She had been utterly absorbed by the dance, but suddenly, a warmth spread across the back of her neck, a sensation as if someone''s gaze was fixed intently upon her. Turning instinctively, she caught sight of a familiar figure and gasped.


    "Stu...Stuart!" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of surprise and excitement. What was Stuart doing here?Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Stuart, it dawned on her who might have arranged this delightful surprise. Just the day before, she had mentioned in passing her wish to see a lion dance. The thought filled her with a sweet, fluttering sensation.


    However, Stuart''s bold appearance brought a wave of worry. How would others perceive their rtionship if it were toe to light? Even Dahlia, who had always been understanding, had changed her stance upon finding out. What about the rest?


    Amid her panic, Morwenna failed to notice the storm brewing in Stuart''s eyes-dark, intense, and dangerous, as if a dormant demon had been awakened.


    ude, ever the provocateur,


    adjusted his sses—a subtle, gleaming movement against his cheek and turned to look at Stuart. With a gentle tug on Morwenna''s sleeve, he shed a defiant smile towards Stuart, igniting the air with tension.


    Stuart''s gaze darkened further as he strode towards them, his presencemanding silence from the


    onlookers, a testament to his


    ???


    influence. To those who knew him,


    Stuart''s arrival was a shock; to those


    who didn''t, his reputation as


    someone who had the ear of the


    school''s highest authorities was well


    known.


    Maintaining a semnce of control, Stuart didn''t head directly for Morwenna but instead entered the shop. Morwenna, her heart racing followed him in, apanied by Keira and Lorna, with Bary not far behind. Campbell, left to manage the growing crowd outside, took up the microphone to host the opening event.


    As soon as they were inside, Stuart, acting on an impulse he couldn''t suppress, pulled Morwenna close, seating her on hisp. ude, finally releasing Morwenna''s sleeve, could only watch as Stuart''s protective embrace enveloped her.


    With everyone''s eyes on them, Morwenna''s cheeks blushed a deep crimson. "Stuart, everyone is watching," she murmured, her voice barely audible. That''s when ude, with a hint of mockery in his tone, broke the tension. "Long time no see, brother!"