Snow fell throughout the night, but by the next morning, it had ceased, leaving behind a biting cold that seemed more intense than ever.
Contrary to the weather forecast's predictions, the blizzard didn't persist endlessly.
Today was Christmas Eve, and the festive atmosphere permeated everywhere. Shops in the small town were mostly closed.
Maria, brimming with joy, rose early and took the two Labradors out to frolic in the snow. Finding little satisfaction in playing alone, she eagerly dragged Zhao Lun along to join the fun.
"Maria, enough playing, come and train," Zhao Lun called out to the gleeful girl. Despite her reluctance, she obediently followed him for their daily exercise routine.
"Maria, don't pout. If you want to have fun, I'll take you ice skating in a few days," Zhao Lun teased, preemptively revealing their future plans.
"Really? That's great! You're the best, brother!" The girl's pout vanished, replaced by jubilant jumps. She had longed to skate and finally had the chance.
Breakfast was different that day—pizza, specially prepared for Monica and Hodar. Monica had a mission under Zhao Lun's plan, and Hodar, her bodyguard and driver, was included in the treat.
Pizza's origin, allegedly linked to Marco Polo's travels to the East, intrigued Zhao Lun. The story goes that Polo fell for an Eastern meat pie, and upon returning to the West, his attempt to recreate it resulted in a new dish—pizza. Over centuries, this food evolved into the unique and mature style loved worldwide.
Angela made various pizzas—fruit-laden, pork chop-topped, beefy ones—ensuring everyone could find a flavor to savor and explore new tastes. Maria, especially fond of cheese lately, was well-catered for.
"This is the best pizza I've ever had!"
"I want to take some with me!"
"If I could eat this every day, I'd be so happy."
Everyone showered Angela with praise for her culinary skills, prompting Zhao Lun to indulge in several more slices than usual.
After breakfast, Zhao Lun served tea infused with magical and strength-enhancing waters. The beverage enchanted everyone, heightening their anticipation for upcoming tasks. The promise of this extraordinary drink as a reward motivated them even more.
Despite the festive break, Zhao Lun and his team pressed on with their plans, interspersed with leisure activities. Hodar taught self-defense, while Nicole and others gave Maria impromptu dance and singing lessons, more for fun than serious training.
After several festive days, life resumed post-New Year, marking the end of the holiday season.
Following breakfast and tea, they gathered to bid farewell to Monica and Hodar, who were departing on their mission in a recently launched, heated business car, protecting them from the cold outside.
"Monica, stay safe."
"Hodar, take good care of Monica."
"And remember, if it gets too dangerous, just abandon the mission."
"Here are some special potions for injuries," Zhao Lun handed over two vials of green and blue liquid to the departing pair as a precaution.
Monica and Hodar's absence left a temporary void, which the household felt keenly after spending close days together.
"Will Monica come back?" Maria asked.
"Yes, they'll be back in a few days," Zhao Lun assured her.
"Hodar is a good man," Maria added earnestly, her tone amusingly sincere.
Zhao Lun couldn't help but feel a little off about her tone, but the lighthearted laughter from Angela and Nicole quickly restored the house's cheerful ambiance.
Meanwhile, in the car, Hodar sneezed several times.
"Are you catching a cold?" Monica inquired with concern from the back seat.
"No, just a tickle in my nose," Hodar replied.
Throughout the day, Hodar encountered several mishaps—a slip, a spill, and a minor choking incident—earning a bemused, exasperated look from Monica, who couldn't help but wonder if he was a "jester in disguise." However, his professionalism during work reassured her.
Back home, Zhao Lun continued life as usual. He gifted Maria a small radio he had crafted, delighting her immensely. She treasured it, even keeping it by her bedside at night.
Nicole and Angela marveled at Zhao Lun's ingenuity, and he relished their admiration before diving back into his studies. In his spare moments, Zhao Lun immersed himself in the mystic land of the Gods, tirelessly working on a complex puzzle box, convinced that unlocking it would unveil precious treasures.
The puzzle, akin to a sophisticated jigsaw, demanded not just intellect but considerable strength. Each wrong move required a complete restart—a test of endurance and resolve. So far, only ten pieces were correctly placed, with eighty to go. Yet, Zhao Lun's determination remained steadfast, confident that success was within reach.
In addition to his puzzle endeavors, Zhao Lun practiced his martial arts forms and drank from the divine springs to build his strength. He explored the house, hunting for hidden basements or overlooked secrets hinted at in his memories.
Days passed, with no sign of the forecasted blizzard, only a deepening cold.
One morning, after breakfast, they hired a car to a nearby town and purchased a sedan to replace their business vehicle. They wandered through town, visiting a newly opened ice rink to fulfill Zhao Lun's promise to Maria.
Returning home, they resumed their routine of study and work. Monica's reports were now handled by Angela, who seamlessly took on the role of assistant.
Angela, originally from Hong Kong, bore a Chinese name but adopted an English one for convenience. A graceful beauty with a dignified demeanor, she had dabbled in modeling, sales, acting, and even being a flight attendant. Each role left her unfulfilled, and her family's relentless matchmaking drove her to seek solace in a new environment.
Working for Zhao Lun offered the peace and light workload she craved, and within days, she grew fond of the serene setting.
Zhao Lun engaged her in discussions about Hong Kong, comparing it with his knowledge and finding its altered path fascinating. People seemed familiar, yet their lives had diverged, creating a tapestry of similarities and differences that piqued his curiosity.