Ethan Taylor watched the intense gunfight on the video, but his mind had already started calculating how to carry out his own reform plan, as well as the intricate interpersonal relationships within the county committee. Lost in thought, he suddenly felt a soft arm from Grace King slowly wrap around his neck, a sweet and refreshing fragrance immediately lingering at the tip of his nose. He could even feel the smoothness of Grace King's body pressed against his own, when he heard Grace King softly say, “Silly child, stop thinking about it. Was that your first love?” It turned out Grace King saw Ethan Taylor sitting there silently and thought he was still suffering from heartbreak.

Ethan Taylor nodded helplessly, having no choice but to play along.

Grace King then said with a hint of playful reproach, “Sigh, why do you keep watching those two? Haven’t you ever kissed your girlfriend?” It was because Ethan Taylor, lost in thought, wasn’t looking at the screen, and his gaze had fallen on the young couple making out.

Ethan Taylor shook his head helplessly. Just as he was about to move Grace King's arm, he suddenly saw Grace King's beautiful face appear right in front of him. Those bright, luscious red lips drew closer and closer, slowly pressing against his own lips—soft and fragrant. While Ethan Taylor was still in a daze, Grace King's red lips quickly left his mouth, and she giggled, “That’s what a kiss is. What’s so mysterious about it? Women! Out with the old, in with the new. If you want, come find big sister whenever you’re heartbroken.”

It took Ethan Taylor quite a while to snap out of it, feeling both annoyed and amused. Did she really take him for a child? Was that even a real kiss? Their tongues didn’t even touch. He turned to speak, but suddenly realized Grace King's beautiful face and bright red lips were right in front of him. In the darkness, this alluring woman seemed even more irresistibly tempting. Ethan Taylor's heart suddenly began to race. He saw Grace King's red lips part slightly, as if she was saying something, but Ethan Taylor couldn’t hear a thing. Suddenly, he reached out, cupped her delicate face in his hands, the smoothness under his fingers so pleasant, and then Ethan Taylor abruptly lowered his head, pressing his lips hard against Grace King's red lips. Before Grace King could react, Ethan Taylor's tongue had already slipped into her mouth, entwining with her fragrant little tongue, sucking hard.

“Mm… mm…” Once she realized what was happening, Grace King began to struggle, trying to push Ethan Taylor away, but her body only grew softer, melting against Ethan Taylor like water, her fragrant tongue gradually responding.

After a long while, Ethan Taylor finally let her go. Grace King gasped for breath, staring at Ethan Taylor in shock. Suddenly, she reached out her slender hand, twisted Ethan Taylor's ear, and glared at him with her big, watery eyes: “Well, aren’t you something! Turns out you’re not such a good guy after all! Even took advantage of me!”

Ethan Taylor knew he had really acted rashly. Grace King was only trying to comfort him over his “heartbreak” in her own way, but he had ended up crossing the line. He lowered his head in embarrassment, not knowing what to say.

The pain in his ear gradually faded, and Grace King suddenly giggled, “Alright, alright! Don’t blame yourself too much. At your age, it’s normal to be impulsive. It’s not your fault!” Clearly, Grace King was still trying to take care of Ethan Taylor's feelings. Ethan Taylor felt even more ashamed—what on earth was he doing?

“But you’re not allowed to do that again! Unless you want big sister to be your girlfriend!” Grace King said with a smile, patting Ethan Taylor on the head.

On the way back to the small restaurant after the movie, Grace King fell silent, her face flushed. Clearly, now that they were in the light, she felt a bit embarrassed recalling what had happened in the video hall. She had only kissed Ethan Taylor to comfort him while tipsy, but who would have thought they’d end up really kissing.

They returned to the small restaurant in silence. It was already past nine, and the staff were tidying up the tables and chairs, getting ready to close.

Ethan Taylor smiled at Grace King and said, “It’s late, I’m heading back to school. Next time, I’ll treat you to a movie.”

He had just said it casually, but after saying it, he realized there was something off about his words. When Grace King heard “watch a movie,” her pretty face turned red, and she shot Ethan Taylor a glare before turning and heading inside.

……

Ethan Taylor spent the night at the guesthouse. The next morning, he reported his work to the county magistrate, James Carter. James Carter was quite supportive of his proposal, but since it ultimately needed Ryan Scott's approval, he told Ethan Taylor that the matter would be discussed at the upcoming county committee meeting.

The whole morning passed in a flash. Before heading back, Ethan Taylor thought he’d stop by the small restaurant to say goodbye to Grace King and smooth over yesterday’s awkwardness. When he arrived, he found the restaurant tightly shut, not open for business at all. Grace King and two waitresses looked worried. When they saw Ethan Taylor, Grace King forced a smile and asked, “What would you like to eat? I’ll have the chef prepare it for you!”

Ethan Taylor asked in surprise, “Why aren’t there any customers? No boxed lunches today?”

Grace King shook her head. “Don’t worry about it! Why get yourself upset too?”

The waitress Xiao Li, who was quick to speak, said, “It’s all because of that Michael Bolton. For some reason, he’s got it in for us. Early this morning, staff from the city’s industrial and commercial office came to inspect us, saying our boxed lunches violated business regulations. Michael Bolton came along too—it’s definitely his doing!”

Ethan Taylor was stunned for a moment. Michael Bolton? He actually dared to come here and cause trouble? He’s got some nerve!

At that moment, a car horn sounded outside the glass door. A jeep pulled up at the entrance, and three or four uniformed industrial and commercial officers got out. Last to get out was a chubby figure—sure enough, it was Michael Bolton.