This was also Zen’s first time seeing Xavier act that way; usually aloof andzy, now he seemed afraid to let go of Hera as if fearing Leo might take advantage of his absence.
As a man, he could tell what was going on with Xavier and Leo’s minds and his grandfather always says that when a man falls in love with someone or is trying to get someone’s attention, they instinctively turn into a big child to rouse the motherly instinct of a woman and so to find them endearing, he never believed what his grandfather told him not until he saw the two big children clinging to Hera.
He couldn’t stifle hisughter as he watched the three make their way to the kitchen, where others’ eyes were also fixed on them. Zen then subconsciously thought of his intimidating grandfather, whom he had been afraid of since childhood because of his stern and imposing demeanor. However, after witnessing Leo and Xavier’s behavior and recalling his grandfather’s words, he couldn’t help but imagine his own grandfather acting simrly towards his grandmother.
He burst intoughter,pletely transforming his perception of his grandfather. The once intimidating image in his mind was now reced with a more endearing one, making him see his grandfather as less scary and more adorable.
"Zen, you seemed to be in a good mood?" Hera approached Zen in the kitchen aisle, noticing his cheerful demeanor. Xavier and Leo graciously released her hand to give her the freedom to move around. Xavier, out of habit, followed Hera into the kitchen to assist with preparations. However, when he nced back, he was surprised to find Leo already rolling up his sleeves and neatly cing his suit jacket on a stool, eagerly joining Hera in vegetable peeling. Xavier couldn’t help but marvel at Leo’s efficiency, realizing he had beaten him to the task.
However, unwilling to be outdone by Leo, he eagerly took on another task to assist Hera. The four of them seamlessly coordinated in the kitchen, with Zen asionally cracking jokes that elicited chuckles andughter. Meanwhile, Leo attentively ced peeled vegetables next to Hera, asionally helping her dab away sweat or gently tuck loose strands of hair behind her ear—a gesture he had longed to emte after observing Xavier do the same on screen.
His jealousy began to dissipate as he realized he could engage in these gestures with Hera without seeming overly obvious—or so he believed. Yet, his actions felt so effortless and genuine that Hera didn’t perceive anything amiss. She found herself at ease in Leo’s presence, even more so than when Xavier had performed simr actions.
Indeed, Leo’s actions sparked butterflies in her stomach, but beyond that, she felt an undeniable closeness to him. At times, it seemed as though they were old friends, sharing a profound understanding of each other, yet they were simultaneously navigating the early stages of getting to know each other.
The atmosphere felt almost magical to her, a refreshing change. Witnessing the seamless harmony between Leo and Hera, Xavier smoothly assumed Zen’s ce beside her, directing Zen to the sink so he could remain by Hera’s side as well. Although Xavier and Leo engaged in a silentpetition toplete tasks, they refrained from overt disys of affection toward Hera, mindful not to make her feel uneasy or provoke any irritation.
This scene ignited fury in some onlookers, as the actions of the group became ringly obvious. Alexi, in particr, seethed with jealousy upon witnessing Hera being surrounded by men, noticing her apparentck of effort to distance herself and instead, seemingly reveling in their overt attention. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Hera was intentionally trying to stoke his jealousy.
However, Alexi’s perception wasn’t entirely unfounded. Hera was indeed relishing the unfolding situation, havinge to the show with the intention of seducing Xavier and drawing him away from Alice. Thus, her behavior felt natural to her. What she hadn’t anticipated was forming a connection with Leo as well. The fact that she didn’t feel repelled by him prompted her to reflect deeply on her actions.