Boss Sylvester discovered Aaron's strange behavior involving his face. He called Aaron into his office.

"What did you do to your face?" Sylvester asked.

"It's just a fake scar, sir," Aaron replied.

Sylvester took a deep breath, trying to control his frustration.

"I know that, but what’s the point of putting it on your handsome face? It looks childish! You could become the subject of gossip among other employees and the store’s customers."

Aaron knew this, but he felt compelled to do it, even though it didn’t make much sense.

"Aaron, I want to know your background. Tell me everything so I don't jump to conclusions," Sylvester continued.

"Alright, sir."

Aaron then recounted what had happened to him, including accusations of embezzlement and data theft at his uncle’s company.

"I came to this village to start a new life," Aaron said.

"By disguising yourself so no one would recognize you?"

"Yes, sir," Aaron responded.

"But you look like a coward running away from your problems," Sylvester remarked.

Aaron looked up at the middle-aged man.

"What do you mean?"

"You should be trying to clear your name and find out who framed you."

"I want to do that, but right now, I don't have the power," Aaron said.

"Is your uncle helping you resolve this issue?" Sylvester asked again.

"No. My uncle is very disappointed in me, so he has no reason to defend me. Besides, he's the head of the company, so he has to remain neutral," Aaron explained.

"I have a feeling something’s off here. But you're right; there's not much you can do to defend yourself now, so maybe you should focus on building your strength," Sylvester said.

Aaron nodded.

"Work part-time at the store from morning until noon; the rest of the time, you can do other things to hone your skills," Sylvester added.

Aaron was surprised by his boss’s words, something rare considering they had no family ties.

"Is that okay? Other employees might wonder."

"I'm sure you can explain it to them."

Sylvester then stood up from his seat to retrieve something from his personal cabinet—a black laptop, which he handed to Aaron.

"Use this laptop; you'll need it," Sylvester said.

"You've been kind to me since I started working here, so I’m sorry, but I can't accept anything more." Aaron politely declined.

"It's nothing, just take it."

Aaron smiled and declined again.

"Aaron, you remind me of myself when I was young, struggling to build my career alone. There's no harm in me helping you a little," Sylvester said sincerely.

Aaron finally accepted the laptop, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you so much; I’ll repay your kindness," Aaron said.

"Don’t worry about it. Just become a successful person," Sylvester replied.

As night fell, Aaron stayed alone in the bookstore since his coworkers had left earlier. He placed the last book on the shelf and then headed toward the exit.

A masked girl suddenly forced her way in.

"Sorry, miss, the store is closed. You can come back tomorrow," Aaron said.

The girl pleaded with him.

"Please let me hide here for a moment; someone’s following me," the girl said, then ran to the bookcases and crouched down, peeking at the glass wall. Her face looked terrified.

Aaron locked the door and turned off the lights, leaving just one dim light on. He noticed two luxury foreign cars with tinted windows outside.

'They don’t seem like ordinary people,' Aaron thought to himself. He walked over to the girl and crouched in front of her.

"Are those cars the ones following you?" Aaron asked.

The girl peeked through the gap between the shelves.

"Yes," she whispered.

"They’re gone now."

"Thank goodness." The girl sighed in relief, then stood up and removed her mask. Aaron was startled to realize it was Natasha.

"Miss, aren’t you the one who bought books at this store before?" Aaron asked. He already knew, but he was just making small talk.

"Yes, you recognize my face."

Aaron smiled. 'Of course, how could I forget a face as beautiful as yours,' he thought.

"Because you often come here," Aaron said.

"I’ve been coming here frequently lately, but I won’t be coming anymore after next week," Natasha said.

"Why?" Aaron was genuinely surprised.

"I'm going back to the city of Grosszerlang," Natasha replied.

'Grosszerlang??' Aaron was even more shocked because that was his hometown, the place he had to leave.

"Those cars belong to my father's bodyguards. They came to pick me up, but I don't want to go home yet because I still want to explore this village," Natasha continued.

"So you’re only staying here temporarily?"

"Yes. It’s hard for me to go anywhere alone because my father doesn't allow it."

"Why not?" Aaron asked.

"I was kidnapped as a child, so my father is traumatized and won’t let me go anywhere without an escort," Natasha explained.

"You shouldn't make him worry. You should go home soon," Aaron advised.

Natasha smiled.

"I'll go home in three days. There are two places I haven't visited yet: a farm and a lake. But I don't know where the lake is because I haven't found it on the map."

"Do you know the name of the lake?"

"I heard from a few people that it’s called Hans Lake. It's not the real name, but no one knows the lake’s true name," Natasha replied.

"That’s a pretty unique name, like..." Aaron trailed off, suddenly remembering the name of the old innkeeper.

"I think I know where that lake is," Aaron said.

Natasha’s eyes widened.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I passed by it on my way to this village," he replied.

"In that case, please take me there. I'll give you a generous tip," Natasha said.

"I can take you there for free, don’t worry."

"Thank you so much." Natasha was delighted and held Aaron’s hands, making him nervous.

"Would you like a warm drink?" Aaron offered, trying to calm his nerves.

"Sure, if it’s not too much trouble," Natasha replied.

Aaron walked to the employee room and made a warm drink. Once again, his heart was pounding.

'This isn’t good for my heart,' he muttered quietly.