Jim raised his bowl of soup up and cheered, “Thanks, Sage.”
Sage told Jim to focus on his training and not worry about the restaurant as they could hire someone
else to help if needed. She also said to prioritize his basketball career and that culinary could be his
hobby,
Jim nodded in agreement. “That’s what I thought as well.”
Sage changed her tone. “But, it’s not a bad thing to date someone. If you have someone you’re into, go
for it.”
Jim was in the midst of sipping his soup and almost choked.
“Whoa, calm down.” Sage’s lashes twitched as she laughed. “Did someone pop up in your
mind?”
“No…” Jim’s head hung low as he said shyly and took a few more sips of the chicken soup.” Right now,
I’m prioritizing my studies. Dating is not something I am thinking about at the moment.”
“Business and romantic relationships can go hand in hand. You don’t necessarily have to just focus on
one thing.”
Sage said as she poured him another bowl of soup. “If you have someone that you’re into, go for it.
Look at you. You have both the looks and the height. You’ll surely be able to get someone you like. I
remember there were plenty of girls around you the last time I went to your school. Pick someone
there. They said love during this time was the purest. It’s a shame that I never got to experience that.”
Looking at Sage’s regretful expression, Jim could not help but ask, “Why is that? Did no one go after
you when you were in university?” “I’ve never been to university.” Sage rolled her eyes at him jokingly
and said, “Or else there would surely be a field full of boys who would pursue me.” “I don’t doubt that.”
Jim smiled. “I’ll be the first in line, though.”
“How sweet of you.” Sage chuckled pleasantly. It was so much better talking to an emotionally
intelligent young man than talking to a straight, stoic man. The mall was connected to the subway.
Sage walked Jim to the station after dinner.
Jim walked slowly as if he did not want to bid farewell. He held onto his backpack and hesitated for a
brief moment before eventually saying what he wanted to say.
“Sage, the national competition falls shortly after the training. Would you be able to come?”
“What’s the approximate date? And where will it be?” Sage asked. Jim shook his head and pursed his
lips. “I’m not too sure.” Sage chuckled. “How can I say yes then?” “I’d really like for you to be there.”
Jim stared passionately into Sage’s eyes, his eyes filled with stubbornness.
Sage would rarely give her promise on things that she was uncertain of, but it was tough for her to
reject such naive and sparkly doe eyes. “Alright then. Let me know as soon as you get the answers. I’ll
do my best to be there.”
“Okay, I’ll reserve your ticket!” Jim was ecstatic.
Sage looked at him with a smile on her face and said, “It’s getting late. You should get back before your
curfew. Text me when you’ve arrived at your training camp.”
“Alright, I’ll be leaving now then. Bye, Sage.” Jim waved goodbye at Sage, looking back multiple times
while he walked. He stopped before the elevator and walked back to Sage. “What’s up?” Sage asked.
“Sage, if I win the competition, can I get a reward?” Jim asked.
Sage paused briefly and chuckled. “The competition hasn’t even started, and you’re already thinking
about a reward… Don’t be too cocky, young man.” She patted Jim’s head lightly. Jim stared at Sage
stubbornly, determined to get what he wanted. “Fine, fine..” Sage gave in eventually, “Focus on
training, and if you win a gold medal, I’ll give you a reward.” “That’s a promise!” Jim applauded and
hopped happily out of Sage’s sight.
Sage watched as Jim left and mumbled to herself, “Must be nice to be young. Oh, how I wish to be
eight years younger, I’d be such a hopeful young girl.”
“You’re still a young girl, not at all old, Ma’am.” said the bodyguards.
“Tsk, look at you sweet-talking me.” “All of you are getting a bonus!” Sage was ecstatic. The
bodyguards were happy as well, they surely kmew what they were doing after years of serving under
Kane.
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