"Don't worry, I've been keeping a low profile lately. I hardly show my face anymore. I've already assigned people to handle company matters." Natasha smiled.
"That's good." Dustin nodded.
In the days after Bai Qingxue left, Dustin's life returned to tranquility.
Natasha came to the villa more frequently now. She no longer carried that constant sense of urgency from company affairs, instead deliberately making time to enjoy ordinary daily life with Dustin.
This day was a weekend, and Natasha arrived early in the morning carrying bags of all sizes.
"The weather's so lovely today—let's go on a picnic!"
She said with a beaming smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "I had the chef prepare bento boxes, plus fruits and desserts."
Dustin looked at the indeed bright sunshine in the courtyard and nodded: "Sure, where to?"
"I know a place not far from here. There's a particularly beautiful meadow, and you can see the lake view."
The two drove out of the city, traveling along winding mountain roads for about half an hour before arriving at a secluded hillside.
The view here was expansive—they could look down at the sparkling artificial lake below, while the city skyline in the distance appeared and disappeared in the thin mist.
Natasha unloaded the picnic basket from the car, spread out a blue and white checkered picnic blanket, and began pulling out items as if performing magic tricks: sandwiches, fruit salad, grilled chicken wings, small cakes, and a pot of brewed flower tea.
"You've prepared quite a feast." Dustin helped arrange the dishes.
"It's rare that we get to come out like this." Natasha smiled, handing him a sandwich: "Try this one. I specifically had the chef add that sauce you like."
Dustin took it and bit into it, nodding: "Delicious."
The two sat side by side on the picnic blanket, gazing at the distant scenery, chatting casually about this and that.
The wind swept across the meadow, carrying the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers.
"You know," Natasha suddenly said, "sometimes I think, if you really did just become an ordinary person, that would be quite nice too."
Dustin turned to look at her: "Why do you say that?"
"Because then you could stay by my side forever." Natasha leaned against his shoulder. "No need to deal with all that fighting and killing, no need to face those dangers. We'd just live ordinary lives—going to work, coming home, grocery shopping, cooking, going on picnics on weekends."
Dustin was silent for a moment, then gently put his arm around her shoulder: "I'd like that too."
"Really?" Natasha lifted her head, her eyes bright.
"Mm." Dustin nodded. "During this time, even though my cultivation is gone, I've found that I actually quite enjoy this peaceful life. Waking up in the morning to make breakfast, reading a book, taking a walk, waiting for you to come home from work."
"Then it's settled!" Natasha sat up straight, extending her pinky finger: "Pinky promise—once everything is resolved, we'll live like this."
Dustin looked at her earnest expression, warmth welling up in his heart.
He extended his pinky and hooked it with hers: "Alright, pinky promise."
The afternoon sun was warm but not harsh. The two lay on the grass for the entire afternoon, watching clouds slowly drift across the sky, chatting about trivial matters, occasionally falling silent to enjoy this rare tranquility.
It wasn't until the sun began to set that they packed up and prepared to leave.
On the way back, Natasha's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing slightly. After hesitating for a few seconds, she answered.
"Hello?"
From the other end came Dahlia's cool voice: "Natasha, it's me."
"I know it's you. What is it?" Natasha's tone returned to its usual aloofness.
Dustin turned to glance at her, silently asking who it was.
Natasha mouthed: "Dahlia."
Dustin was somewhat surprised but said nothing, just quietly continued driving.
"The investigation has results." Dahlia got straight to the point. "The suppression of Chenfei Group was indeed not my intention, nor was it official action from the Montgomary Palace."
"Then who was it?" Natasha asked.
"Mark Montgomary." Dahlia spoke the name. "My foster brother. You've probably heard of him."
Natasha's eyes sharpened: "Prince Montgomary's foster son? Why would he do this?"
"He secretly mobilized some of the Montgomary Palace's resources behind my foster father's back and forged the orders."
Dahlia's voice carried a hint of weariness. "It took me several days of investigation before I pried the truth from one of his confidants. He did it very covertly—even I was almost deceived."
"What's his motive?" Natasha was puzzled.
"He wants to bypass my foster father and make direct contact with a certain force."
Dahlia paused. "I'm still investigating the specifics, but this force is no ordinary matter—it may be connected to certain 'special individuals' who have recently appeared in Stonia. In any case, be careful. The Montgomary Palace is in turmoil right now. Even I can't quite see the situation clearly."
Natasha was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked: "Why are you telling me all this? If something happened to me, wouldn't you have your chance?"
The other end of the line went quiet for a few seconds.
Then Dahlia's voice came through, clearer and more resolute than before: "I know that Dustin loves you. I owe him too much. I don't want to see him hurt."
She paused, then continued: "Besides, what I want is fair competition, not the use of despicable tactics. I, Dahlia, am not so base as to win that way."
Natasha was taken aback, a smile unconsciously curving at the corner of her lips: "I have to say, you've impressed me."
– Marinien
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