Jason Luo saw Catherine come running around the corner. Before he could say a word, she snapped, "Hey! That's way out of line! Even if you didn't want to come, you didn't have to bring your girlfriend just to spite me!"
Jason and Grace froze. "What are you talking about? She's my sister!"
"What?" Catherine covered her mouth in shock. Damn it—how embarrassing!
But women are born actors. The moment she lowered her hand, her face was already lit up with a friendly smile. "Wow, your sister's gorgeous! Oh my, look at that perfect skin—so soft and smooth. I'm so jealous…"
Before Jason or Grace could react, Catherine suddenly turned and ran back toward the corner. "Sorry, wait! I forgot my bag!"
She dashed around the corner, grabbed a random teammate's bag, and shouted, "Change of plans, ladies! Operation canceled! I'm switching to Plan B—disperse, disperse!" Then she spun around and took off running, leaving her teammates stunned.
"Has she gone mad? That guy brought a girl, and she's fine with it?"
"Maybe… that's just the power of love."
"Damn it, she took my bag! My car keys are in there!"
...
This time, Catherine wasn't rushing. She approached the siblings with calm, confident steps and a charming smile. "Welcome to Princeton. Since it's still early, let me treat you to some morning tea to relax a bit. Let's go!"
And so, the siblings followed her out of the airport. To their mild embarrassment, Catherine's ride turned out to be an Alfa Romeo 4C convertible—barely large enough for three people. Fortunately, it was open-top, but since Grace was wearing a skirt, Jason had no choice but to perch awkwardly on the rear deck.
After driving back near Princeton University, Catherine first checked them into a hotel, then took them out for tea. Once the three of them sat down, she extended her hand toward Grace. "Alright, official introduction time. Catherine Vich. I'm Jason's... well, let's say, soon-to-be girlfriend. Nice to meet you, little sister."
Grace hadn't expected such a bold introduction. She shook hands lightly. "I'm Grace. It's nice to meet you too."
Jason cleared his throat. "Uh... Catherine, I think we should talk about this."
Catherine smiled confidently. "Talk about what? It's simple. I like you. You're just not sure yet whether you like me back. Am I wrong?"
Wow. She was direct—and completely right. Jason couldn't think of a single response and simply nodded.
"Good! Since that's how it is, I won't push you. Like you said, we can start as friends. I only have one request: let me know every time you come to Princeton, stay in touch regularly, and I'll keep the right to visit you in Chicago. Don't worry—I've got classes and competitions. I won't be pestering you all the time."
That definitely sounded like more than one request...
Still, being just friends was fine. Jason breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course, Catherine! Grace and I are happy to be your friends. And thank you for the warm welcome, we—"
Catherine clapped her hands and cut him off. "Perfect! How long are you staying? We've got a match tomorrow, and I'd love for you to come cheer for us. You're coming, right?"
"Uh..." Jason felt utterly powerless before her enthusiasm. "If it's tomorrow, I think that's fine."
"Great! Since you're my guests, I'll take care of your schedule while you're here. Morning's yours—I know you're visiting your coach. I'll treat you to lunch, and in the afternoon, I'll show you around campus and downtown. Sound good?"
Jason finally understood what people meant by American efficiency. He'd thought this trip would be complicated, but everything went so smoothly it almost felt unreal. In good spirits, he agreed easily. Catherine's decisive and energetic manner also made Grace like her instantly.
After tea, Catherine drove off.
Grace smiled. "I really like her personality. She's so straightforward and confident—like one of the guys. You're lucky, brother."
Jason gave a crooked smile. "Like a guy? Wait until you see her play tomorrow... Still, I really admire her energy and confidence. Anyway, let's go see Coach Pedro first."
...
Grace's visit came as a pleasant surprise to Pedro. The old coach talked with them for a long while, and Jason noticed he seemed healthier than before.
Since Sonny wasn't around that day, Jason stayed longer and gave Pedro a detailed update on his recent fights.
Eventually, a nurse reminded them that the patient needed rest, so they promised to return the next day.
By the time they left the hospital, it was already evening. Jason called Catherine, and she soon arrived in yet another car—this time, a massive Bentley.
Once they got in, Jason couldn't hold it in any longer. "Miss, does your family run a luxury car dealership or something? How do you have so many high-end rides?"
Catherine gave a teasing smile. "That's a secret. Unless you agree to be my official boyfriend right now."
Jason snorted. "Forget it. I was just asking."
...
This trip was a real eye-opener for Grace—her first flight, her first time in a luxury hotel, her first time riding in such cars, and her first glimpse of university life.
Catherine had a natural warmth about her and took care of Grace the entire time. The two quickly became inseparable. By the end of their campus tour, they were chatting like lifelong friends.
Meanwhile, Jason found himself completely sidelined. Once they reached downtown for shopping, he was downgraded to their porter. Under the pretext of treating her guest, Catherine bought Grace several small gifts and outfits, and even handed Jason a new pair of boxing gloves.
He ended up carrying all the bags while the two women strolled through the stores arm in arm, laughing and chatting—any passerby would've thought they were best friends.
"Huh?"
Catherine noticed the new ring on Grace's finger. "What a beautiful ring! Did your boyfriend give it to you?"
Grace shook her head quickly. "No, no—it was a gift from my brother yesterday."
Catherine immediately turned and shot Jason a sharp look. Jason felt a headache coming on. Grace, you're too honest! Couldn't you have said anything else?
But Catherine didn't comment. Instead, she smiled at Grace. "It's stunning! I love this color. Perfect timing—there's a jewelry store up ahead. Let's see if they have the same model. I want one too!"
Before Jason could protest, she pulled Grace toward the shop. He had a bad feeling but could only follow along.
With Grace's ring as reference, the saleswoman soon found a nearly identical one—just slightly darker in shade. Catherine tried it on and lifted her hand toward the light. "Hmm, it's a little hard to see clearly. Let me just—"
No one saw it coming. Halfway through her sentence, she suddenly bolted out the door. Her football speed was no joke—she disappeared in seconds!
Jason and Grace stood frozen in shock.
The store staff and security weren't so slow—they rushed to block the exit and surrounded the siblings. Jason gave a helpless smile.
"Grace," he sighed, "see? Looks like I've fallen into her trap again..."