Even though each one was a draft, Harvey's sketches were as refined as finished works from some comic studios.
The style of these drawings was exquisite and captivating, even without colors.
Relying on the market sense he had honed over the years, Toph was convinced that this work was bound to be a hit.
"Is this your comic?" he couldn't help but ask. "It's really good! Not only are the visuals beautiful, but the storyline is
also great!
"Harvey, why did you never mention that you create comics yourself?"
"You..." Harvey turned his head slightly, his expression complex. "Why are you looking at this?"
"I stumbled upon it, just under this easel... Why? Is it not meant to be seen?"
Harvey waved his hand dismissively and turned his face away. After a while, he muttered, "You... You like it?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"It's great! If this sells, it'll surely be a hit!"
"But the main characters are two guys..." Harvey's voice trailed off. "People might dislike that, right?"
Toph chuckled, putting his hand on Harvey's shoulder. "Bro, who says the main characters have to be a guy and a
girl?"
Harvey was somewhat surprised, staring blankly at him.
"This unique bond is also worthy of respect," Toph said seriously. "As long as one faces it, admits it, and adheres to
morality, I don't see any problem."
"You..."
"Oh, you mustn't know." Toph lowered his voice. "When my dad was young, he..."
"What about him?"
Toph paused, unsure whether to tell him about Zephyr's episode with King Alexander. After all, it was his father's
private matter, and flaunting it seemed inappropriate.
"Hehe, nothing!" He scratched his head. "Anyway, I don't think it's wrong! The world should embrace differences.
You can disagree but should respect!"
Harvey stared at him for a long time, the icy touch in his eyes seemingly melting quietly. He smiled and walked to
the window. The sunlight felt warm on his face, and it felt nice to be treated so gently.
After a while, he muttered, "Thank you."
"What?"
Harvey didn't repeat it.
In fact, from the moment they met at the comic exhibition years ago, Harvey knew he was different from others.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe just hadn't expected to earn Toph's respect for this difference.
"Toph."
"Yeah?"
"Maisie means a lot to you guys, right?"
"She's my aunt! What do you think?"
Harvey nodded. The chill in his gaze faded and was replaced by determination. "Then... I will protect her well!"
He would protect anyone important to Toph. Besides, Harvey knew that Maisie should have been his sister!
"Hey, take care of yourself first!" Toph patted his shoulder. "By the way, why don't you tell your parents about all
this with Jodie?"
Harvey tensed, whispering after a while, "I've told them..."
"What?"
Harvey chuckled bitterly. "I told them. But do you believe it? Not one of them acknowledged me!"