Chapter 76

Morning dew still clung to the grass blades when Lucy White opened her eyes.

She quietly pulled out a talisman and tapped it lightly with her fingertips. A faint glow flashed before the paper turned to ashes, scattering in the dawn breeze.

"Up so early, Lucy?" The cameraman yawned as he powered on his equipment.

Lucy set a pot over the makeshift stove. "Just boiling some bird eggs for breakfast."

With practiced ease, she started a fire, watching a dozen small eggs roll in the bubbling water.

"I'm going to wash up." She dusted off her hands and stood.

Ethan Smith appeared behind her without warning. "Mind if I join?"

He wore a light gray T-shirt that made his fair skin glow. In the morning light, his handsome features seemed gilded.

"Me too!" Michael Johnson emerged from his tent, hair tousled, dark circles stark under his eyes.

Lucy gave him a glance. "Suit yourself."

The three walked along the path toward the river. Michael deliberately wedged himself between them, turning to Ethan. "Such a disciplined routine, Mr. Smith. No wonder you're the veteran."

Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Young people should take better care of themselves. Those dark circles—rough night?"

Michael stiffened. "These are natural eye bags!"

"Oh?" Ethan raised a brow. "Quite pronounced ones, then."

Lucy couldn't help but snort a laugh.

Michael immediately pouted at her. "Lucy, be honest—who looks younger between us?"

Ethan watched with amused interest.

Lucy tilted her head, studying them. Ethan's complexion was radiant, while Michael looked haggard from sleepless nights.

"Mr. Smith is two years older than you," she paused, "but he's definitely aging better."

Michael clutched his chest as if struck by lightning, staggering back two steps.

Ethan's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Thanks for the compliment."

[Live comments exploded:]

"I'm dying! Michael just got roasted!"

"Ethan's clapback was lethal!"

"Lucy spitting facts! Ethan's skin is unreal."

"Michael.exe has stopped functioning."

"I could watch these three bicker forever."

"Ethan being sassy is adorable."

"Someone get Michael an eye mask."

"Michael, hydrate and sleep, please."

Michael gloomily pulled out his phone to check his reflection, muttering, "Is it that bad...?"

Lucy handed him a damp towel, barely suppressing a grin. "Here. Freshen up."

At the riverside, the clear water mirrored the morning light. Ethan crouched, trailing his fingers through the stream.

"Nice weather today," he said to Lucy. "Race you to spot the first fish?"

Michael cut in, "I'm playing too!"

Lucy watched their childish rivalry, struck by how perfect the morning felt. Sunlight dappled her face through the leaves as she smiled. "Fine. Loser cooks the catch."

A breeze carried their laughter downstream.