eeling the temperature on her face skyrocket in seconds.  She stuttered, “You got it wrong. He’s not my boyfriend.”  The owner chuckled, “I know, you young folks always say that. But he’s quite a looker, isn’t he?”  Blushing, Lemira returned to her seat, then Orion looked up, “What did the boss say?”  “Nothing, is there anything you’d like to eat?”  “I’m not hungry.”  Orion wasn’t much for the local fare. He noticed the owner had brought over a bowl of peanuts and a couple of cans of beer.  He frowned at Lemira, “Kids shouldn’t drink beer.”  of age, why can’t I?”  Lemira felt she had every reason to celebrate today, having finally signed a contract with PixelStage, marking her financial independence.  Orion moved the beer in front of her to his side, “No.”  Lemira felt somewhat deflated.  Then, Orion’s phone rang, and he stood up, “I’ll take this call.”  Watching his retreating figure, Lemira sneakily grabbed the beer.  If he said she couldn’t drink, she was all the more determined to do so.  Orion walked to the roadside, answering the call, “Hello, Mom.”  “Orion, haven’t you wrapped up things in Lyria yet?”  “Almost there.”  “That’s good. It’s about time we discuss your engagement with Ms. Sinclair, what do you think?”  Orion’s gaze hardened as he looked at the long shadows on the street, his tone chilly, “Let’s talk when I get back. Focus on getting better for now.”  “Ms. Sinclair is a fine young woman, and she’s been quite considerate, keeping me company while you’re away. Since you don’t have someone you like, why not marry someone who matches our family’s status? What do you think?”  Orion’s expression turned colder, his lips tight but his voice remained calm, “You should rest and recover.”  After soothing his mother for a while, he hung up.  He glanced at his phone and sent a message: [Check on the recent activities of the Sinclair family.]  Orion stood still, a solitary figure in the dim light.  When he turned back to Lemira, he found her drinking beer.  His brow furrowed as he walked over, “Who said you could drink?”  The beer was taken from Lemira’s hand, and she tilted her head to look at him, “I did. Is that a problem?”  Noticing several empty cans on the table, it was clear she had had quite a bit.  He sighed quietly, “check, please!”  “The lady seemed to enjoy her drinks. She wanted more, but I didn’t serve her,” the owner commented, noticing Orion’s good looks and attire, indicating he wasn’t just anyone.  Orion pulled out his phone to pay, “She’s not my girlfriend.”  “Man, take it from someone who’s seen a lot – that girl has a soft spot for you. If you’re not into her, better keep your distance,” the owner advised, sensing the unspoken tension.  Orion’s face was stern, “No need to meddle.”  After settling the bill, he returned to find Lemira slumped over the table, mumbling incoherently.  Without a word, Orion helped her up, “Lemira, wake up!*  “What for?”  “Time to go home.”  Chapter 125  Lemira shook her head, “I don’t have a home anymore.”  Noticing the tear streaks, Orion held her close, his voice steady, “Stop talking nonsense.”  “I’m not, I’m perfectly sober.”  Lemira looked up at him, his profile strikingly handsome.  Unable to resist, she reached out to touch his face, “has anyone ever told you you’re really handsome?”