Chapter 96



Originally, the trip was meant for Kallie and Irene alone, but when Linsey heard about it, she decided to join in.

Linsey proposed she arrive earlier to secure the hotel reservation and then pick them up from the airport.

However, to their surprise, it was Ethan who greeted them at the airport.

Kallie, slightly taken aback, signed to ask why Ethan was there, having assumed he was overwhelmed with work.

Ethan responded with a grin, “Yeah, I’d been buried in work recently, but I needed a little escape. I figured I might as well join you guys for some fun. Linsey found a great place and is waiting for us there.”

Hearing this, Kallie didn’t resist anymore. She and Irene hopped into Ethan’s car together.

Only upon arrival did they discover what Linsey considered fun.

Their destination turned out to be a museum near Eastonville University, known for its long-standing history and nearby ancient burial sites. The area had yielded artifacts that were thousands of years old, primarily consisting of jewelry and decorations.

As Kallie read the museum’s introductory sign, her eyes lit up with excitement. She turned to Irene, enthusiastically gesturing to express her thrill.

Although Kallie couldn’t speak, her animated motions conveyed her delight clearly.

Irene gazed at Kallie with warmth in her eyes. “You really adore this place, don’t you? When we head back, let’s pick up some souvenirs. Who knows? You might find some inspiration for your artifact restorations.” Kallie responded with a nod of agreement.

From a distance, Linsey caught sight of Kallie and rushed over, enveloping her in a bear hug.

Kallie, accustomed to Linsey’s vibrant energy, smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling.

Linsey looked around with a proud sparkle in her eye. “So, what do you think? Isn’t this spot I discovered amazing? We can’t take pictures, but there’s a lot to see. There are also several interactive activities. We should definitely try some out.”

The group shared laughs and light conversation as they made their way deeper into the venue.

They soon stumbled upon a cultural experience center.

The museum had arranged a special corner for lantern displays.

Staff, dressed as historical figures, interacted with guests, offering riddles. Winners received beautifully crafted rabbit lanterns.

Though not ancient artifacts, these lanterns were crafted using traditional techniques showcased throughout the museum.

A wave of excitement washed over Kallie at the sight. She wished she could take one home as a reference piece.

Soon, an opportunity came up, but it required a male-female pair.

Kallie excitedly grabbed Linsey’s hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Linsey sighed. “Okay, I’ll team up with my brother, but don’t expect too much. I’m not exactly a whiz at puzzles.”

Ethan offered a comforting smile. “Just give it your all. Since it’s something Kallie likes, I’ll put in the effort.”

Linsey shot back playfully, “Well, if it was something I liked, you’d probably make me solve it alone. Talk about favoritism.”

Kallie, unaware of the banter, thanked Ethan with a gesture.

Ten minutes later, Linsey returned looking dejected. She pouted at Kallie. “Honey, I really tried.”

Irene chimed in with a sense of resignation, “I’m no good at this kind of stuff either. I doubt I’d be much help.”

Watching Ethan still trying his best in the crowd, Kallie’s guilt intensified. With a determined clench of her teeth, she decided to give it a shot herself.

Linsey had indeed done her best, but the final riddle proved too challenging, and they were stumped.

Kallie and Ethan teamed up on the spot, confronting each puzzle as it arose.

Although Kallie couldn’t speak, she was quick-witted.

Once she figured out the answer, she signaled to Ethan.

Ethan had no trouble understanding her signs.

They were now at the last question.

Kallie’s expression became serious as she scrutinized it. “Sitting to the south, facing the north, it looks sad when you do, and happy when you do.”

Kallie shot a quick look at Ethan.

Ethan shook his head, just as puzzled as she was.

Kallie quietly repeated the riddle to herself, trying to grasp its essence. Then, an idea struck her. Could it be a mirror?

With excitement, Kallie raised her hand and signaled toward Ethan.

“It’s a mirror,” a clear, steady voice suddenly declared from behind.

The voice was familiar, and it took Kallie by surprise.

As Kallie turned around, she caught sight of Jake and Sarah approaching. Their presence was striking, capturing the attention of everyone around.

Surprise and bitterness welled up in Kallie. She was shocked to see Jake here, and Sarah’s presence beside him seemed to explain everything.

Jake, without glancing at Kallie, focused his attention on a nearby staff member. His face was expressionless as he inquired, “Is my answer correct?”

The staff member nodded enthusiastically, a smile breaking across his face. “Congratulations, sir, you’ve cracked the riddle.”

Leaning on Jake’s arm, Sarah smiled and exclaimed, “Jake, you’re incredible! I thought you wouldn’t be interested in these little games.”

Jake gave Sarah a brief look. “You wanted that rabbit lantern, didn’t you? Go ahead and grab it,” he said, his voice flat but his demeanor gentle and accommodating towards Sarah.

Kallie’s heart sank even deeper. She bowed her head, unwilling to lift her eyes and meet Jake’s gaze.

“Wait a minute.” Just then, Ethan stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Sarah, who was on her way to claim the lantern. “The lantern riddle was answered one by one. We were the first to raise our hands. My friend had figured out the answer already. She just couldn’t say it quickly enough. Why does that mean you win?”

Sarah argued, her arms crossed defiantly, “How can you prove you knew the answer first?”

Kallie pulled out her phone and began typing. The clue was in the last line, ‘looks sad when you are, looks happy when you are.’ I had already thought of the answer. I can explain my reasoning if you want.

As Kallie explained, she felt the weight of Jake’s stare. It was icy. She figured he was probably displeased that she had stepped in and upset the woman he liked.

Yet, Kallie wasn’t about to give in. She seldom stood up for herself, but that didn’t mean she was a pushover.

“Well…” The staff member looked visibly distressed.

Suddenly, Sarah burst into laughter, her hand covering her mouth, her voice sharp with mockery. “You know, I thought the rule was that each team had to be a male-female pair. Can someone who can’t even speak take part? Really, it’s just been the guy figuring things out while she reaps the rewards. That’s hardly fair. A mute solving riddles? Isn’t that absurd?”

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