Chapter 3: The Unlikely Bond

**Naomi's POV**

The night was still warm as I stepped back out onto my bedroom balcony. The fancy party downstairs felt like a different world. All I could think about was the unexpected fun that Lian Zhang had brought into my otherwise boring evening. Leaning against the railing, I sighed, thinking back to our conversation.

"Didn't expect the night to turn out like this," I muttered to myself, glancing at the moonlit garden where Lian had climbed over the wall. Her bold stunt was a nice change from the usual formal stuff I had to deal with.

Just then, Jung Soo showed up, his usually strict look softened by the night air. "Miss Kim," he started, his voice respectful but with a touch of worry. "Is everything okay? I was told to keep you safe, but it seems like everything's fine."

I turned to him, smiling. "Everything's good, Jung Soo. Lian's just... different. I enjoyed hanging out with her more than I thought I would."

Jung Soo nodded, though he still looked cautious. "I'll keep an eye on her, just in case. It's my job."

I waved him off. "You did great tonight. Lian's just having some harmless fun. She's an artist, after all."

As Jung Soo walked away, I kept thinking about the night. I found myself looking forward to Lian's next visit, curious about what she might do next.

**Lian's POV**

I walked down the path away from the Kim estate, my camera hanging on my shoulder and my mind buzzing from everything that happened. The estate was like nothing I'd ever seen, full of surprises and fancy stuff.

"Well, that was one heck of an adventure," I said to myself, laughing as I remembered climbing the palace wall and meeting Naomi Kim. "Climbing walls, dodging bodyguards, and eating pastries with a princess. Not your usual night."

As I got close to my small but cozy apartment, my phone buzzed with a message from Chao Wei, my best friend.

**Text from Chao Wei:**

> *How was your night? Did you get the shots you wanted?*

I grinned and typed back quickly.

**Text from Lian Zhang:**

> *You won't believe it! I ended up climbing a palace wall and meeting the president's daughter. I've got a crazy story to tell!*

After sending the message, I kept walking, my thoughts drifting back to Naomi. Even though I usually prefer doing things on my own, something about Naomi's warmth and our conversation made me rethink that.

**Naomi's POV**

The next morning, I decided to take a walk through the estate gardens. The weather was perfect, and I wanted to enjoy the peace before my day got too busy. As I wandered past the fountains and flower beds, I couldn't stop thinking about Lian and the fun chaos she'd caused.

Halfway through my walk, my phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Lian.

**Text from Lian Zhang:**

> *Hey Naomi! Just wanted to say thanks again for last night. It was unforgettable!*

My heart skipped a beat. I quickly typed a response.

**Text from Naomi Kim:**

> *Hey Lian! I'm glad you had a good time. I did too. Want to hang out again soon?*

I hit send and kept walking, feeling excited. I couldn't deny how curious and interested I was in Lian. The idea of seeing her again made me smile.

As I reached the end of the garden, my phone buzzed again. It was Lian's reply.

**Text from Lian Zhang:**

> *I'd love to! How about coffee tomorrow?*

My smile got even bigger.

**Text from Naomi Kim:**

> *Perfect. Can't wait.*

Feeling happy and excited, I finished my walk, looking forward to whatever might happen next.