?Chapter 114:
Katelyn’s long hair, tousled by the night breeze, remained concealed beneath her helmet.
She brought her motorcycle to a halt at a quaint tavern in the city’s northern part. Decorated in vintage style, the tavern featured wind chimes at the door that jingled when it opened.
Her visit was intended to meet the tavern’s owner.
Although it was night, only a few patrons were present, as the locals didn’t favor the tavern for entertainment.
Seated at the counter, Katelyn requested, “Diet Coke, please.”
Taken aback, the bartender reflexively responded, “Are you sure you’re in the right ce? We don’t have soft drinks here.”
“Water is fine then,” Katelyn replied, scanning the surroundings casually.
The bartender’s puzzled look suggested he suspected her of causing trouble when suddenly, a hoarseugh echoed through the space.
“My little angel, it’s really you!”
The voice led Katelyn’s gaze to a middle-aged man descending the stairs in a long gown, using a cane for support.
Although he was only in his mid-forties, his hair was entirely gray, and his gold-rimmed sses cast a gaze both keen and sage.
Katelyn stood to greet him, “Good evening, Briar.”
She had never been sure if “Briar Aston” was his real name, but that was the name he had given her during their first meeting.
In her ventures into hacking, Briar had been a mentor, and their rtionship grew into a strong friendship over time.
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There were many gaps in Katelyn’s inte knowledge, yet nothing seemed to escape Briar, which is why she sought his counsel now.
Noticing Briar’s struggle with an old leg injury, Katelyn quickly assisted him to a seat, expressing concern about his well-being amid the fluctuating temperatures.
“How are you managing? Feeling any better these days?”
Briar settled into the chair, smiling wryly. “Same as always, fussing over my age.”
While speaking, Briar observed the marked changes in Katelyn’s appearance.
“You seem to have had a tough few weeks; you’ve noticeably slimmed down.”
“Let’s leave the past in the past,” Katelyn dismissed, quickly changing the subject.
She nced towards the bartender, her hesitation apparent. She seemed ready to share something important with Briar but paused at the sight of strangers.
Briar, beaming with understanding, said, “Let’s go to the back for a chat. It’s been years since west caught up.”
Katelyn, holding his arm and smiling, secretly sighed.
“Indeed. It’s been almost three years since west saw each other.”
Back then, Katelyn was consumed by romantic pursuits, which led her to step back from her business ventures and cut off many professional ties.
Now, reflecting on those decisions, she criticized her own naivety.
Briar’s tea room, located at the very back, served as his sanctuary.
Instead of books, the shelves were stocked with various precious tea leaves.
Tea was his primary passion, despite hisck of other hobbies.
Katelyn, inspecting the tea collection, couldn’t help but smile brightly.
“It looks like you’ve gathered quite a collection of fine tea over the years. Your shelf ispletely full now. I’ve recently acquired some excellent tea myself. I’ll bring you some next time.”
As Briar prepared the tea, he responded with a smile.
“Great. I’ve always valued your taste.”
The high-quality green tea leaves unfurled slowly, releasing their scent as hot water poured over them, turning the water a light green.
The room filled with the rich aroma of the tea. Upon tasting it, Katelyn remarked on its unparalleled sweetness.
“This tea you brew is exceptional, Briar. I can’t find this quality anywhere else.”
“If you enjoy it, feel free to visit more often. When I’m gone, I’ll leave all the tea on the shelf for you.”
After taking a sip of his tea, Briar set down his cup and looked intently at Katelyn.
“Has something happened to you?”
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