Mirabe returned home just as Delh came in from the greenhouse in the garden, looking a bit brighter. Seeing Mirabe''s improved mood also eased her worries.


    "By the way, Mirabe, could you invite James over for dinnerter?" Delh said while arranging fresh flowers in a vase.


    Mirabe, holding a ss of water, leaned against the table. "We''ve already eaten outside."


    Upon hearing this, Delh looked up at her daughter and asked, "Does that mean you went out with James this afternoon?"


    "Not exactly," Mirabe sipped her water, keeping a straight face. "We just happened to bump into each other and decided to grab a meal together."


    Delh was silent for a moment before putting down her scissors. "Are you and James...dating?"


    Mirabe fiddled with the bottom of her ss and hummed in affirmation.


    Although Delh had her suspicions, hearing her daughter confirm it stirred mixed feelings within her.


    It had been less than two years since Mirabe returned to their lives, and now she was of age to date... Delh sighed softly but didn''t say anything, simply patting her daughter''s shoulder instead.


    Mirabe had expected a lecture on love from Delh but was surprised to find her seemingly not opposed to the idea.


    Could Delh also be swayed by looks?


    Mirabe pondered quietly, then asked, "So, you''re not against it?"


    "I have my considerations," Delh smiled and shook her head without further exnation, "Besides, James is a decent man."


    Mirabe looked at Delh, then inquired, "Does Dad think the same?"


    "Oh him, he always ends up taking my advice." Delh saidnguidly, then turned


    her gaze away, picking up the scissors to continue trimming the flowers.


    Mirabe mused to herself, no wonder her father was so easy-going.


    At that moment, her phone buzzed in her pocket.


    It was a message from James on Messenger: "I''ll be heading back to the city tonight."


    Mirabe tapped on her screen to reply: "Safe travels, and congrattions on the job confirmation."


    James, driving to the airport, couldn''t help but smile softly at Mirabe''s message. He didn''t reply but instead turned up the music in the car.


    The cheerful music mirrored his mood.


    **


    Two dayster, Mirabe went to the airport to see off Paul.


    "Paul, when you go back this time, try not to travel again." Mirabe, still dressed


    in ck, took out a smartphone from her bag while speaking.


    Paul looked at the phone, puzzled for a moment, then took it and quickly unlocked it. "Where did you find this? I thought I''d never see it again after Santos took my phone."


    Mirabe adjusted her cor. "At the hotel. I''ve turned off the phone''s tracking."


    "Alright," Paul nodded, then brought up his Messenger QR code. "Scan this, so we can keep in touch easier on Messenger."


    "Sure." Mirabe took out her phone, scanned the code, and they were instantly connected as friends.


    Satisfied, Paul put his phone back in his pocket. "Oh, there''s one more thing I forgot to mention. The pot of bamboo mustard I brought with me was stolen."


    Mirabe gave him a look. "Why would you bring that thing along in the first ce?"


    "I heard the soil in this city is perfect for growing bamboo mustard, sod brought it with me. I didn''t expect someone would actually want it," Paul said, somewhat annoyed.


    He had managed to cultivate only two nts over the years. But then, he thought,


    let it go; it''s not like it was something precious.