Chapter 104

As soon as he stepped into the villa, Ethan spotted Dylan sitting alone on the living room sofa. "Hold on," Dylan stopped his son, who was heading straight for the stairs. "Jessica mentioned seeing you at the mall today. Were you out watching a movie?" Ethan glanced away, not denying it. Dylan sized up his son and continued, "I heard that you've been quite diligent lately." Ethan raised an eyebrow, chuckled lightly, and sat down opposite his father. "Alright, old man, stop beating around the bush. What do you want to say?" "Wyatt hinted to me about the land in Novastar yesterday," Dylan said, looking at his son. "What do you think, should I agree?" Since Ethan had helped Stella previously, the Carlson family had visited to express their thanks. Dylan, being experienced, could easily see through his son's thoughts. He had long investigated that girl from the Carlson family—good grades, respectable background. Most importantly, she managed to make their unruly enemy concede. But if they wanted to bring her into the family, they would inevitably have to deal with those influential families. Putting aside other matters, the Novastar project had to be shared. Upon hearing his father's words, Ethan paused for a moment, then changed the subject. "Jason mentioned you had some health issues from the checkup." "Just minor issues." "You're at that age, Dad. You should take it easy." "Thanks, kid." A year later, it was the Powers family young master's celebratory banquet for entering Johnson Financial University, booking the entire banquet hall at Madison Hotel. Dylan, who cared deeply about his reputation, naturally went all out for his only son's achievement. After reluctantly making the rounds with his father and toasting, Ethan finally managed to slip away to a quieter corner. Jason couldn't help but complain, "That banner at the entrance is almost as big as a shopping mall sign. Your dad is really showing off, isn't he?" Jason never cared much about his own grades, assuming that in the context of the college entrance examination, there would always be someone as unremarkable as himself. Little did he know, he was the only unremarkable one. Even Tobias managed to secure a spot in a key university through his special talents, while all he could do was endure his mother's endless nagging. Ignoring Jason's grumbling, Ethan set down his glass and asked, "Have you seen Stella?" She had come with Wyatt. Carlson Group and Horizon Group had some business dealings, and Wyatt had a decent relationship with Dylan. This wasn't Stella's first time meeting Dylan; she had already felt the slight exaggeration in his "thank you" when she received her graduation certificate in return. With the banquet hall bustling and Kate absent, Stella struggled to navigate the scene. She had to use the small garden as an excuse to find some peace and quiet, waiting for Wyatt to leave. "Smiling in front of others, hiding in the back?" A familiar voice teased behind her. Stella turned around and indeed saw that tall figure. As the main character, Ethan rarely wore formal attire. He leaned against the wall with his tall figure, looking relaxed and exuding a hint of aristocratic air. "You're no different," remarked Stella. Just a while ago, he had mingled with guests in proper manner, and now he was hiding in the background, albeit as the center of attention. Perhaps they had grown so familiar that she had learned to tease his indulgent temperament occasionally. Compared to his initially annoying demeanor, he had become much more magnanimous. Yet, sometimes, Stella would envy his carefree nature. But truth be told, it wasn't something that made him dislikeable. Ethan didn't argue with her words, but suddenly extended his hand towards her: "Since that's the case, want to escape?" With his neat and fair palm spread out before her eyes, the young man lifted his chin slightly, his voice light as usual. Stella hesitated, meeting his deep, blue eyes. There was a faint stirring in her heart, as if she didn't want to refuse. It wasn't until they were sitting on the playground of the university that Stella realized belatedly that she had actually followed him over the wall. During summer vacation, the vast playground was completely empty. When Stella regained her composure and tried to send a text to Wyatt, she realized her phone was dead. Seeing her intention, Ethan smirked slightly, "Don't worry, someone will sort it out." "You deliberately brought me out here," Stella asserted. "Oh? Regretting it now?" Ethan teased. Stella hesitated briefly at his words, then shook her head. Indeed, breaking her own rules didn't lead to regret. Perhaps, deep down, she also wanted to experience the feeling of not being bound by rules. The campus was quiet in the night. They sat silently on the playground, their mood settling without words. A gentle breeze blew, carrying a slight chill that caused a faint shiver. The next moment, an oversized jacket draped over Stella's shoulders, bringing a familiar scent of pine. After a moment of silence on the deserted playground, she suddenly spoke up, "Ethan, before today, I always thought I should be more sensible." Being sensible meant not causing trouble for her grandfather and younger uncle. Glancing at Stella's profile half-hidden in the jacket, Ethan tousled her hair, "It's okay not to be sensible." Stella paused, subconsciously wrapping herself tighter in the jacket, but then she saw Ethan extend his hand in front of her. "Let's go." Seeing her staring blankly at his hand, Ethan suddenly smirked. "Stella, do you remember what you promised?" "What?" "Now that I've been accepted to Johnson Financial University—" Ethan said, "Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" After a moment's pause, he lightly coughed and added, "Don't worry, I'm over 18, so it's not considered early dating."