After dinner, Autumn James asked Uncle Warren to first take them home, then return her to the hotel.
The week was almost over, and she needed to get her house-hunting plans moving…
On the other side, Ethan James took Anna Hawthorne back to the Lishui Bay villa.
Ethan James still held a surge of anger in his heart.
He slammed the door open.
Pitch black inside.
Instinctively, he frowned and called out for Auntie Fiona, but no one answered. Only then did he remember he had given Auntie Fiona the night off.
Looking at the dark villa, Ethan James couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Auntie Fiona wasn't back, could it be that Autumn James hadn't returned either?!
It was already eleven o'clock. Why wasn't Autumn James back? What was she doing out still?!
Anna Hawthorne had obviously noticed the absence as well.
She tugged on Ethan James's sleeve, looking worried: "Sister Autumn doesn't seem to be back yet… she wouldn't be in any trouble, would she?"
Ethan James's heart skipped a beat, then he sharply retorted, "Trouble? She's old enough to take care of herself, isn't she?!"
Anna Hawthorne froze, clearly not expecting Ethan James to speak so loudly to her.
Ethan James realized his mood was off and steadied himself, softening his tone.
"Sorry, Anna. It's all Autumn James's fault. I didn't control my temper. I shouldn't have snapped at you."
He patted Anna Hawthorne's hair, full of apology.
Anna Hawthorne's eyes were red, but she still tried to smile.
"It's okay, brother. I don't blame you. It's normal to worry if sister isn't home."
"Good girl. Go wash up and sleep. You'll manage for now. Tomorrow I'll find you a south-facing room."
It was rare that Ethan James remembered Anna Hawthorne's health, that her room needed sunlight.
Anna Hawthorne softly agreed.
Ethan James patted her head, sighing. If only Autumn James could be as sensible as Anna Hawthorne.
He completely forgot that little Autumn James had also been obedient and well-behaved as a child.
He turned his gaze to the dark night outside the window, a faint worry crossing his heart.
He didn't know when Autumn James would return.
After washing up, Ethan James sat on the living room sofa, waiting for Autumn James.
The TV cast a small pool of light, reflecting on Ethan James's face, revealing his fatigue.
Yet he didn't move, simply waiting for Autumn James to come back. If she returned to a dark living room, she'd be scared…
It had always been like this since childhood: when their father wasn't home and he went out with friends, little Autumn James would nap.
After waking up, it was already dark, and the villa was dark too.
When he returned, he heard little Autumn James crying her heart out, calling for her brother.
He felt so distressed, he held her and comforted her, and from then on, he never left her alone again.
No matter who he went with, he always took Autumn James along.
His friends all said he was a brother's keeper, and he didn't care—he was, so what?
With that thought, he unknowingly fell into a deep sleep.
He didn't notice the slender figure at the staircase watching him, eyes filled with resentment.
She knew it! Ethan James still cared about that wretched Autumn James!
All his usual indifference was just an act!
…
"Brother, brother, wake up, we're going to be late for school."
A soft voice sounded by his ear.
Ethan James groggily opened his eyes, murmuring: "Autumn?"
Anna Hawthorne bit her lip, a flash of jealousy crossing her eyes before she replaced it with concern.
"Brother, it's Anna. Wake up, breakfast is ready."
Ethan James frowned, his head throbbing painfully.
"Anna? Oh right, has Autumn James returned?" His voice was unusually hoarse.
Ethan James recalled waiting for Autumn James in the living room yesterday, falling asleep before she came back, and not knowing if she had returned.
Anna Hawthorne sighed, pretending to worry: "No, I didn't see Sister Autumn come back."
"Ask at school later. Ethan, wash up quickly, we need to get going."
Ethan James, still half-asleep, followed her words automatically.
By the time he realized, he was already on the way to school.
Thinking of Autumn James staying out all night, he was both angry and worried, planning to find her in the second-year Science A class.
Meanwhile, Autumn James was already sitting at her desk in the classroom.
As time passed, more students arrived.
During morning reading, White Miller stood at the podium.
"Today we need to get one thing done. Everyone knows the school sports meet is about to start. These two registration forms, I'll leave with Summer Lin. If you want to participate in any events, go sign up with her."
"The usual rules: one event, at most two people. Each person, at most three events. Got it? If we don't have enough people, I'll start drawing lots."
"Whoever is drawn, participates. If you're not satisfied, you can switch freely, as long as every event has participants."
White Miller spoke slowly and clearly.
When he finished, the class groaned.
They were excited for the sports meet, but only to watch others participate.
If they had to compete, they'd rather skip it. Their A-class prodigy excelled in academics—how could they compete in running and jumping? Not to mention there were also athletic students.
"Oh, right. There are team events this year. Team events aren't by grade but across the whole school. Our class drew the 20-people, 21-feet relay. This doesn't conflict with other events. Sign up quickly if interested."
After speaking, White Miller handed three forms to Summer Lin.
Summer Lin took them, eyes sparkling with joy.
"What are you signing up for?"
"Long jump and shot put."
"And you?"
"I'll do the 100m and 400m, same as last year."
…
Throughout the morning self-study, the second-year Science A class debated intensely.
White Miller was helpless. No matter what he said, they wouldn't listen, so he just followed along.
"By the way, do you know what events the athletic students in Class A will sign up for?"
A few students near Summer Lin chatted.
Their "Class A" meant the liberal arts Class A; Science Class A didn't have athletic students—they trained daily, and science studies couldn't keep up otherwise.
Everyone's gaze naturally fell on Autumn James.
Only she had previously been in the liberal arts class, so she knew more about them.
Autumn James paused for a moment.
"I'm not really sure. Seems like they're better at track events, like sprints."
Autumn James wasn't lying—she truly didn't know.
She had only spent over a month in the liberal arts class, and during that month, her focus was mostly on Liam Carter and Anna Hawthorne.