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Cordelia found a comfortable couch and planned to rest for a bit, only to see someone sitting at a nearby table and
playing cards in concentration. She focused and saw that it was actually… Neil? Why was he here!?
While she was dazed, Neil spotted her as well and smiled at her. He then got up, approached her, and sat down
next to her directly.
“Hi!” Cordelia sat up straight, looking a little nervous.
There was a nice fragrance on Neil. Coupled with his gorgeous features, it accentuated his grace.
“Hello,” Neil greeted with a smile. “I didn’t expect to meet you here. Are you here for interviews today too?”
“Mm.” Cordelia nodded.
The conversation stopped. Neil smiled and shifted his attention back to the cards, resuming to play on the coffee
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttable in front of them.
Cordelia could not help the surprise when she saw the pattern on the back of the deck.
“You… know how to play this?”
“Why? Do you know how to as well?” Neil looked at her.
“This is Xiroh, right?” Cordelia smiled. “I don’t know how, but my mom does!”
Neil paused with a subtle change of expression.
“My mom’s amazing in this card game. No one can win against her! But I’ve seen her playing with others…”
“One can play Xiroh alone or with multiple players.” Neil’s interest was piqued. “Your mom actually knows how to
play. Where is she from?”
Cordelia froze. She seemed not to know where her mother’s hometown was all this while.
Neil misunderstood her silence, so he quickly apologized. “Sorry, I don’t mean to probe into your privacy. I’m just
curious…
“There aren’t many people who know how to play Xiroh. This card game comes from Southeast Aciatic, and I’m
from Mengasas.”
Neil chortled. “Mengasas is close to Southeast Aciatic, and its culture is influenced as well, so I learned how to play
from a young age.”
Cordelia nodded and said with a smile, “You’re smart. I also learned from a young age, but I’ve never managed to
grasp it. The way to play is unusual, and there are so many rules! I can’t remember!”
“There are a lot of rules, but there’s a regular pattern in it.”
Neil looked at her and pulled out a few cards to stuff them in Cordelia’s hand.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe wanted to refuse, but when Neil gave her the cards, he held her hand lightly. Surprised, she looked up and met
his gentle gaze. His smile was just right, and it was charming.
Cordelia was a little flustered. She quickly pulled her hand and averted her gaze.
“We’re free anyway,” Neil said gently. “Why don’t I teach you?”
“M-Mr. Harris.” Cordelia looked at him. “You’re not going to the hall? You’re one of the main stars today!”
“It’s enough that Mr. Thompson is there.” Neil smiled and pulled a card from her hand, looking at them. “Put this
down first, and I’ll tell you what to do next.”
Cordelia followed what he said and went step by step. His explanation was unlike her mother’s. When he explained
it in simple terms, she actually felt enlightened.
“So, I should put this down now?” Cordelia tried.
“Correct!” Neil nodded in approval.
Encouraged, Cordelia thought hard about the next step.
It was then the door to their side of the hall opened suddenly…
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