Chapter 76

Morning dew still clung to the grass blades when Aria Bennett opened her eyes.

She quietly pulled out a talisman and tapped it lightly with her fingertips. A faint glow flashed before the paper turned to ashes, scattering in the dawn breeze.

"Up so early, Aria?" The cameraman yawned as he powered on his equipment.

Aria set a pot over the makeshift stove. "Just boiling some bird eggs for breakfast."

With practiced ease, she started a fire, watching a dozen small eggs roll in the bubbling water.

"I'm going to wash up." She dusted off her hands and stood.

Damian Cross appeared behind her without warning. "Mind if I join?"

He wore a light gray T-shirt that made his fair skin glow. In the morning light, his handsome features seemed gilded.

"Me too!" Nolan Reed emerged from his tent, hair tousled, dark circles stark under his eyes.

Aria gave him a glance. "Suit yourself."

The three walked along the path toward the river. Nolan deliberately wedged himself between them, turning to Damian. "Such a disciplined routine, Mr. Cross. No wonder you're the veteran."

Damian's lips curved slightly. "Young people should take better care of themselves. Those dark circles—rough night?"

Nolan stiffened. "These are natural eye bags!"

"Oh?" Damian raised a brow. "Quite pronounced ones, then."

Aria couldn't help but snort a laugh.

Nolan immediately pouted at her. "Aria, be honest—who looks younger between us?"

Damian watched with amused interest.

Aria tilted her head, studying them. Damian's complexion was radiant, while Nolan looked haggard from sleepless nights.

"Mr. Cross is two years older than you," she paused, "but he's definitely aging better."

Nolan clutched his chest as if struck by lightning, staggering back two steps.

Damian's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Thanks for the compliment."

[Live comments exploded:]

"I'm dying! Nolan just got roasted!"

"Damian's clapback was lethal!"

"Aria spitting facts! Damian's skin is unreal."

"Nolan.exe has stopped functioning."

"I could watch these three bicker forever."

"Damian being sassy is adorable."

"Someone get Nolan an eye mask."

"Nolan, hydrate and sleep, please."

Nolan gloomily pulled out his phone to check his reflection, muttering, "Is it that bad...?"

Aria handed him a damp towel, barely suppressing a grin. "Here. Freshen up."

At the riverside, the clear water mirrored the morning light. Damian crouched, trailing his fingers through the stream.

"Nice weather today," he said to Aria. "Race you to spot the first fish?"

Nolan cut in, "I'm playing too!"

Aria watched their childish rivalry, struck by how perfect the morning felt. Sunlight dappled her face through the leaves as she smiled. "Fine. Loser cooks the catch."

A breeze carried their laughter downstream.