"I can wait two years!"

  Anyone within earshot knew how much weight those words carried coming from Coach Hestor. Envious glances were cast Tony's way.

  This was a national championship coach. Every team he'd led had graced the world stage, claiming numerous league titles both big and small.

  To be valued so highly by him—Tony's performance today had clearly been exceptional.

  Tony felt flattered, even a little overwhelmed. But he quickly pulled out his phone and added Coach Hestor on LetsChat, humbly adding, "Coach Hestor, to be honest, I think I just overperformed today. First time against a pro team, I just wanted to go all out, so I played pretty aggressively. Lucky I didn't make any major mistakes—otherwise, it would've been embarrassing."

  Hestor chuckled. "That just proves you're a clutch player. Your team obviously lacks professional guidance and big-stage experience—that's why your weaknesses showed. Poor coordination, undeveloped strategic thinking. But you're young and fearless, willing to take risks and fight hard—that's also an advantage. I've never bought into this 'overperformance' thing. If you played at that level today, that is your level. Nothing 'over' about it."

  Tony scratched his head sheepishly, embarrassed by the praise.

  "Yo, Hestor. Scouting another talent?"

  Another man in a suit, with a crew cut, approached. Though his words were directed at Hestor, his eyes assessed Tony.

  His appearance sparked another ripple of excitement among the kids. This was Silver, head coach of Novastra New-G.

  Hestor glanced at him and smiled. "You didn't watch the match? This kid's got serious potential. Reminds me of 'Blackedge' back in the day."

  "I watched. Tony, right?" Silver grinned, a hint of mischief in his expression. He raised an eyebrow at Tony. "Ever think about joining us? We're both Novastra locals. Shouldn't you rep your hometown team?"

  "Silver, that's out of line. Poaching right in front of me?" Hestor joked.

  Silver shrugged. "Fair competition, isn't it? Your bench is overflowing with talent anyway, Hestor. Backup seats probably full?"

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Hestor didn't take the bait. "The kid's in his final year, prepping for college entrance exams. No need for either of us to rush. Let's see how fate plays out."

  "Ah, college exams. That takes priority."

  Hestor's team was up next, so he didn't linger. He exchanged a few more words with Tony and left.

  Silver watched him go, a cold smile flickering across his face. He turned back to Tony, who was still basking in the moment, and his expression suddenly turned serious.

  "When you sign with a pro team, keep your eyes wide open. Don't let anyone waste your prime years."

  Tony blinked, then nodded after a moment.

  Silver hadn't said much, but his meaning was clear. Tony was sharp—he understood.

  "Thanks, Coach Silver. Got it."

  Silver's eyebrow arched again, his usual carefree demeanor returning. He sauntered off with a lazy stride.

  The moment he was gone, Tony's teammates swarmed him, buzzing with excitement. Whether or not Tony ever went pro, being praised and recruited by two championship coaches in one day? In their book, that was the coolest thing ever.

  Grace had watched her brother's entire match. Though they'd lost, she'd seen him give everything on that stage. He'd shone brightly.

  She sent him a generous digital gift of cash, with a note: "Watched the match, little bro. You were amazing today. So proud of you!"

  Throughout the day, Grace repeatedly picked up her phone, tempted to call Chris.

  But in the end, she held back.

  Cooler heads prevailed. Calling now would be pointless—her team's project hadn't reached any definitive milestone. Everything she'd say would be hypothetical.

  In business, empty promises were taboo. Uncle Chris was incredibly busy. Wasting his time would only erode his trust and goodwill toward her. Better to wait—until after the project's first successful test. Then the timing would be right.

  The following days passed quietly for Grace. Eden was busy, but he still made time to see her on campus. When their schedules allowed, they went on dates.

  Near the end of October, by the back bay of Aethelburg's lake, Eden confessed.

  No long, heartfelt speeches. He just looked into her eyes and asked simply, sincerely, "Grace, let's be together?"

  Grace didn't hesitate long. Eden had chosen this moment because he felt the connection was mutual, the time was right.

  And she felt the same.

  So she nodded.

  In that instant, the restraint in Eden's gaze vanished, replaced by undisguised joy and excitement. He cupped her face and kissed her.

  The first to know were, naturally, Scarlett and Mauve. Learning that the handsome cop had successfully confessed and Grace was officially taken, they were both stunned.

  But also, not surprised.

  Uniform allure, eight-pack abs, career filter—the chemistry was undeniable. Hard to refuse.

  And lately, Captain Quinn had been utterly devoted. He reported his daily dispatch activities to Grace like bedtime stories. Every night before sleep, they video-called. Grace would go about her own business with the call on; he just needed to watch her for a while, then say goodnight and hang up.

  Sounded like normal couple behavior. But knowing it was Eden Quinn made it strangely endearing. The contrast was charming.

  Who would've guessed that the stern man from the police station that night could be so soft in front of Grace?

  Just as Grace had said: "Cops are people too. Take off the uniform, and we're all the same."

  Today, they were back at their first-date spot: Vientiane Plaza.

  Hand in hand, they headed for the revolving restaurant on the top floor. Passing the restrooms, Grace told Eden to wait outside.

  When she came out and rounded the corner, she overheard someone talking to him.

  "Well, well, Eden. Fancy running into you here."

  The speaker was a pretty girl in a tight black dress, with sexy tea-brown curls. A Dior bag dangled from one hand; the other looped through the arm of the man beside her. Her gaze at Eden was laced with barely concealed glee.

  Eden stood with hands in his pockets, expression unmoved. "That surprising? I was the one who first brought you here."

  The woman's face stiffened. Her companion eyed Eden warily. "Honey, a friend of yours?"

  The woman laughed coldly, disdainfully. "Oh, let me introduce you. This is Officer Eden Quinn. Used to be captain of our Aethelburg Criminal Investigation Unit. Then he violated protocol during a case and got demoted to some precinct as a beat cop. But hey, cops are cops, right? Detective or patrol—what's the difference? Both serve the people!"