Peter followed Mark, sighing.

Outside, the atmosphere was lively. After exchanging pleasantries, Mark had dinner with his subordinates.

The dinner concluded at midnight and Mark had indulged in some drinks.

Seated in the back seat of the car, Mark continued reading Cecilia's message while engaging in conversation with Peter.

"You have no idea how much | want to drop everything and take a month's break... | wish | were ten years younger.”

Then, perhaps, he would have the audacity to stand beneath the fireworks, to hold her hands, and to witness her enchanting smile.

Peter was taken aback. After arriving at their destination, it took him quite some time to persuade Mark to go inside.

Zoey was concerned about her son and took care of him herself.

In his midnight dreams, Mark felt the presence of someone tender beside him. He reached out and murmured, "Cecilia."

Though Zoey didn't hear it clearly, she knew it was a girl's name.

In that moment, Zoey firmly patted her son's hand and scolded with a touch of irritation,

"You seem to be having sweet dreams, don't you? Which girlfriend were you dreaming of just now?"

Mark jolted awake, his mind still lingering on the dream's memory. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, his cheeks flushed.

With a stern expression, Zoey remarked, "Dreaming of a girl is pointless. You should marry her, have a family and make something worthwhile out of it.”

Sitting up, Mark reached for a cigarette, taking a few drags in silence before responding with a smile, "Mom, it's nothing like that."

He then extinguished the cigarette and headed to the bathroom.

Zoey couldn't help but wonder about the name Mark had called out.

Cecil... Cecile?

Was that the name he had uttered?

In the bathroom, Mark leaned against the wall as the warm water cascaded down his body.

His vision was blurred, but he was acutely aware of his feelings for Cecilia. During the past half-year when he was estranged from her, he had no interest in dating other women.

No matter how sensible those women might have been, he couldn't bring himself to appreciate them.