18

Six months later, at a Chinese restaurant by the sea in southern Italy. It was already past closing time. Horace took off his work uniform, neatly organized the remaining kitchen ingredients for the day, then closed the shop and walked home alone along the coastline. Unlike City Rock, this place wasn’t as rainy. Under normal circumstances, it had ample sunlight, with many lemon trees planted, and even the seawater seemed warmer here. Horace had been here for half a year, adapting to the climate and lifestyle, and his eyes had fully recovered. That’s how he found himself a job as a chef. However, a month ago, the owner had expressed interest in selling the restaurant, and Horace had partnered with a colleague to take it over, becoming a co-owner. Life was proceeding smoothly. But tonight, on his way home, he unexpectedly received a text message from Candice back home: “Horace, you might want to prepare yourself. Amanda has spent a fortune hiring foreign detectives, and they might actual