Melody arrived, with Kenneth closely behind, acting as her devoted protector. Lately, the two had been inseparable at school, appearing exceptionally close. They entered and exited classrooms together and even ate meals together in the canteen.

Zoe's face registered immediate hostility at the unexpected arrival of the two. Melody stepped forward, her voice gentle. "May I sit here for a while?"

"Sounds like you'll leave if we say no," Zoe replied bluntly, her usual frankness on display.

Melody's expression stiffened briefly before regaining her composure. The melon shed was already built; with the owner absent, there was no reason to turn them away. Kenneth pulled her down to sit, saying, "Don't mind them."

Melody smiled and sat on the other side of the shed. Just then, Ged walked in with two giant watermelons from the patch, grinning. "Hey, guys! These melons are great! Big, crisp, and juicy!"

"Give it a try," Tiffany replied lazily. As Ged approached, she added, "You didn't trample any melons while picking them, did you?"

"No, I was careful, since you reminded me," Ged said, placing the melons on a mat in the shelter. The sweet, crisp melon split open easily, revealing its crunchy flesh.

Zoe's eyes widened. "Wow, it's so red!" The three happily ate the juicy melon.

Seeing this, Kenneth frowned. "How can you be so rude? Resting under someone else's shade is one thing, but stealing their fruit?" As he spoke, the middle-aged owner of the melon shed hurried over.

Kenneth hurried to say, "The owner's coming, and you're still eating?" He thought, This is reckless!

However, Tiffany remained relaxed, ignoring him. When the owner arrived, he smiled politely. "Dear guests, if you need anything, just let me know!" He then happily went to collect the money.

Kenneth was surprised to see money already on the table. He realized, No wonder. Before Ged had picked the melons, Tiffany had paid. The extra income pleased the hard-working melon farmers.

Only then did Kenneth notice a simple sign on the table: [Passersby are welcome to rest here; feel free to take melons from the field, leave the payment.]

Kenneth's face burned with embarrassment. He'd jumped to conclusions, as he often did. Finding fault with Tiffany seemed to be a reflex, yet she had done nothing wrong. Memories of the past flooded his mind, filling him with guilt. A gentle nudge interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to see Melody gazing at him with bright, clear eyes. "What's wrong with you?" she asked.

"No, nothing," Kenneth replied, pulling himself together. He looked at her gently and smiled. "Are you thirsty? I'll get you one; wait here."

"Okay." Melody nodded obediently, her radiant smile illuminating her face. Her captivating eyes were even more enchanting than the scenery behind her.

Kenneth, distracted, hurried into the melon patch. It was his first time in a rural village, and he didn't know which melons were ripe. He accidentally trampled several plants.

Seeing the damage, the owner sympathized. "Let me help you, my dear guest. I'll pick one for you." He picked a large melon and patted it, producing a crisp sound.

Kenneth apologized. "I'm sorry, I'll pay for them." He reached for his wallet.

The owner waved his hand, pointing to Tiffany. "No need. The young lady already paid enough. I can't take advantage of you."

Tiffany had effectively covered his expenses. Kenneth felt utterly embarrassed as he returned to the shelter, only to find Tiffany gone.

"Kenneth, why are you so distracted?" Melody asked, holding a fresh watermelon. "Is something on your mind?"

"No, it's just my first time here, and I didn't expect this experience," Kenneth offered as an excuse.

Melody didn't press further, her expression innocent and cheerful. However, her gaze followed Tiffany's departing figure down the mountain path, her eyes reflecting a complex emotion.

Tiffany had asked the owner about nearby attractions and learned of a beautiful mountain spring. After her snack, she decided to attend to "business." She found the spring at the foot of a mountain, beside a locust tree laden with small red fruits. Lush green grass surrounded the area, and a cool breeze dispelled the heat.

Tiffany reclined lazily under the tree. "I'm going to nap. Feel free to do as you like."

Zoe and Ged exchanged knowing glances. She'd mentioned important business, but it seemed to involve eating and napping. They sighed and resigned themselves to it.

Fortunately, the scenery was stunning. Ged and Zoe set up their easels and played games, hampered by a poor signal. Frustration nearly drove them to hang from the locust tree. Fatigue set in, and they dozed off against each other.

After some time, Tiffany woke suddenly. She'd heard cries for help in the distance. She quickly took out her bow from her bag, using ordinary fletching to conceal her identity, just as she had before when saving Kenneth.

Several people ran from the other side of the spring, frantic and terrified. They were classmates, including the boy who had tried to trip her on the bus. They rushed over, faces filled with fear, shouting, "Help us! Please help us! Don't come closer!"

They stopped, despair washing over their faces.

Tiffany asked quietly, "What happened?"

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