Chapter 29

The girl in front of him was of high status, even her average clothes and straw hat couldn't hide it. His friend was good at hiding his background, but Anthony had his suspicions about him. What he couldn't understand is the pair's motive behind this.

She is a figure someone like him can't afford to trifle with, and by her 'sweet' smile that sent shivers down his back, he knew there was no place for negotiations. She meant business. Quite literally.

" take your time thinking about it." she smiled innocently.

What's there to think about? huh? But he used that time to serve her cake and pastries. Might as well get on her good side.

He didn't want to imagine what could happen to him if he didn't agree to this little miss. But, whichever way he looked at it, he would benefit from this cooperation the most. That didn't sit right with him.

The little girl is too intelligent for her age, and as she is most likely from a prestigious family. If she wanted, she could have a bakery better than this one by ten thousand folds. Heck, she can have a shop in every street in the capital if she wanted!

"who...are you?" he hid his shaking fingers in his pockets.

"all I will say is this, I am not someone you can mess with." she continued chewing calmly.

Wow. Thank you, that helps a lot. Not!

Her calmness was disturbing, but the thought of their difference in strength appeased his heart a little. If push comes to shove, he can always outrun her. Just because she is wealthier, more powerful, and more intelligent, it does not mean she can beat him in a race, right?

"what's your purpose?" he gulped down his nervousness.

Could it be that he is actually a secret child of a powerful person and they want to get into his good graces?

Nah. He resembles both of his parents, and both of them are as ordinary as could be. No hidden history, no secret wealth, no rich relative. Just a little family of commoners.

Amourora hesitated before revealing part of the truth reluctantly. "actually...my family is overprotective and supervise everything I do..."

"I know that they care for me and would give me everything and anything I ask for, but... I want to do something by myself. I don't want to tell them every single detail of my life." she confessed. "I want to be independent. Make money and spend it whichever way I like, but they might not allow it. They don't know their protection is like a beautiful golden cage, but a cage nonetheless. It constricts my freedom. I know they mean well, but how can a caged bird learn to fly? We learn priceless lessons by our tumbling, falling, and trying again. Tell me, what's a birds life like on land when it's meant to soar on the skies! What's the reason for it's wings if it won't use them?... In time of danger, would it's beautiful feathers, dazzling colors, and melodic singing save it from harm? "

Big brother Tony, I really want to be given a chance to fly, but if this brings you any inconvenience, then..."

"it's okay." his heart finally swayed by fascination of her inspiring speech.

knowing her true purpose, he didn't see why not assist a bird to fly. Isn't a bird's purpose to soar and reach new heights? He was also curious about how this unique birds adventure would unravel. Would there be many falls? If so, he was thrilled to see the stronger comebacks after each fall.

Anyway, cooperating with her will definitely bring him great benefit. "I agree with the cooperation." he gave a decisive answer.

"oh, and one more thing." Amourora added now that they have a deal. "nobody must know. Nobody. "

"you have my word." he reassured. "my lips are sealed."

"not even brother Anton."

"...not even him."

"you hesitated!"

"I did not!" he shook his head. "I won't ever tell him, cross my heart. Here, pinky promise."

"..." Amourora stared at his outstretched pinky.

"... " Anthony felt awkward treating her like a child right after they established a partnership, and regretted acting impulsive. Just as he was about to retract his finger, Amourora intertwined her pinky.

" pinky promise!"

The bell rang announcing the presence of a third party.

"I see you two are getting along well!" he stared at the table full of sweets, then at Anthony accusingly." you don't even treat me like that!"

"it's her first time here," Anthony defended himself. "... and you eat a lot."

"hey!"

"what? I only say the truth!" he replied honestly. "right, Marinette?"

"right!" she nodded.

"hey! Whose side are you on?" he silently threatened with his eyes, ' if you take his side, you can only dream about seeing the capital streets again! Hmph! '

She only giggled at his childish behavior.

"anyway, what were you talking about?" he tossed a biscuit into his mouth.

"nothing." denied Anthony.

"we won't tell you. It's a secret!" Amourora stuck out her tongue.

"yeah, we made a pinky promise." Anthony added, oblivious to how childish it made him sound.

"Since when were you two so close to keep things from me? "he squinted his eyes at them suspiciously." I introduced you! If it wasn't for me, you would never have know each other. You're welcome!"

" but you left for quite a while. "Anthony reminded him." it had already been a half an hour. "

Andrew was still upset." if you don't tell me, I won't tell you what I bought. "

" no...! "Amourora gasped." actually...it's up to you whether you want to tell us or not. "she shrugged.

"..."

He looked at them like the world had wronged him, putting his hand on his heart and feigning a hurt expression. " you are so mean to me... I'm sad. "

" don't be, big brother Tony, " Amourora pushed the plate to him and smiled apologetically. "here, you can have my piece of cake."

Anthony watched Amourora acting like an ordinary child and figured that no body else actually knew how clever she was. Then... Why?

Didn't children enjoy attention? Why was she hiding it? Unless she was even more intelligent than he expected, and she understood the expression 'a tall tree attracts the wind'.

"well, we have some matters to attend, we will be going." Andrew stood up and bid farewell after a very playful and childish quarrel with Amourora. "I will see you some other time. Alright?"

"sure."

"I liked the sweets you baked." Amourora thanked him. "I will send you a box next time." she winked.

"okay, I will wait for it." he winked back.

"bye big brother Anthony!" Amourora waved at him.

"Come visit again." he waved back.

Andrew gazed at Amourora skipping happily with a suspicious gaze. Had she always been this way?