Chapter 324

Julian Langley stood knee-deep in the stream, raising a wooden stick high before bringing it down with a splash.

"Missed again?" He stared at the water, disbelief coloring his voice.

Evelyn Laurent crouched on the bank, cleaning the fish she'd just speared. She glanced up at the commotion.

"Water refracts light, Julian," she said softly. "Aim slightly below where you see the fish."

Julian scratched his head and adjusted his stance. He took a deep breath, his focus sharp as if executing a critical mission.

First strike—water sprayed everywhere.

Second strike—the fish flicked its tail.

Third strike—the stick grazed scales.

"This defies physics!" Julian stared at his empty stick, shoulders slumping.

Evelyn tossed her fifth fish into the pot. Her movements were swift, each strike precise.

The live stream chat exploded:

[LMAO Julian's face is priceless]

[Is Evelyn cheating?]

[This is brutal hahaha]

Xander Quincy and Ethan Sullivan approached from a distance, taking in the scene.

"What's Julian doing?" Xander called out. "Practicing aquatic ballet?"

Ethan's gaze settled on Evelyn, his lips curving upward. But at Xander's words, his expression cooled instantly.

"What did you call her?" Ethan's voice dropped low.

Xander stiffened. "M-Miss Laurent?"

"Hmm." Ethan's acknowledgment was curt, his attention returning to Evelyn.

She looked up just then, meeting his eyes. With a bright smile, she held up her latest catch.

The chat went wild:

[OMG THAT EYE CONTACT]

[Ethan's gaze could melt glaciers]

[Someone call a priest—I'm witnessing holiness]

Julian remained oblivious to the tension onshore, still battling the stream. He raised his stick for the nth time, his expression tragically determined.

"I refuse to accept defeat!"