Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Zatariel POV

We settled into the small table area beside the glass windows.

Bright lights.

Plastic chairs.

Tables that have likely witnessed thousands of questionable life decisions involving instant noodles.

I stared at the surface in front of me.

Slightly greasy.

Disgusting.

I resisted the urge to flip it.

Jayson, however, did not hesitate.

He wiped the table using both wet and dry tissues with the focus of someone preparing for surgery.

Asha immediately began unpacking our collection of nutritionally ambiguous purchases.

Chips.
Drinks.
More chips.
Suspiciously glowing beverages.

I arranged the items in front of me with scientific caution.

Nearby, two boys in high school uniforms were talking.

"I want to buy her a gift," one said miserably, staring at his phone.
"But I have no money left. My part-time salary barely covers my books."

Ah.

A tragic narrative.

His friend leaned back confidently.

"I can buy the gift for you."

Hope appeared.
Briefly.

Then—

"But she became my girlfriend after that."

I paused mid-reach for a snack.

Asha snorted loudly.

Just a very honest snort.

Both boys looked toward our table.

Three suspiciously dressed individuals wearing sunglasses indoors while surrounded by excessive snacks were apparently not subtle observers.

They stood up and left immediately.

Jayson covered his mouth.
Then failed to suppress laughter.

I attempted composure.
Failed.

We laughed quietly at first.
Then less quietly.
Then significantly less quietly.

My stomach hurts.
A new experience, but not unpleasant.

"I believe," I said between breaths,
"That was an attempted hostile acquisition."

"Highly aggressive strategy," Jayson agreed.

"If he cannot afford basic expenses," I added,
"Why would he pursue a dependent financial liability?"

Asha wheezed.
"Romance is not a business merger, Zat—"

"It should be," I replied calmly.

I reached for a drink.
Still suspicious.

"I won't allow you to buy anything for my girl," I added, glancing at Jayson.

He looked away.

"Miexha loves everything I give her," he said quietly.

...

I heard it, man.
Very clearly.

"I can provide everything she loves," I replied.

No intention of retreat.