Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

As soon as Alonzo heard Angelo might arrive, he picked up his pace.

Before leaving his room, Elora reminded him, "When you go downstairs, double-check that you've got your schoolbag, books, and water bottle."

Elora didn't make a habit of helping Alonzo with such tasks. She firmly believed that he needed to take responsibility for his own belongings. Whenever their parents or the household staff tried to assist him, Elora would step in and firmly reprimand them. Their parents, who had Alonzo later in life, were naturally inclined to spoil their only son. But Elora made sure to keep that in check, knowing that without discipline, Alonzo would grow up pampered beyond repair.

"I know, Sister!" Alonzo called back as he began brushing his teeth.

Satisfied, Elora left his room and headed downstairs. On the first floor, she spotted Angelo jogging in with his small schoolbag strapped to his back.

are you running? Be careful not to fall," Elora called

cheerfully, slowing down and flashing her

for him to

"Sister, I promise I'll walk tomorrow instead of running," he said earnestly. Then, as if pleading his case, he added, "I was just worried

just enough to satisfy them until morning exercises at school, when they'd eat again. Alonzo, being an elementary school student, came home for lunch and dinner, as lower-grade students didn't board at school. Angelo, still in kindergarten, stayed there for lunch but returned home

only get to eat Brother Tatum's cooking once a day," he lamented, holding up

couldn't help but smile

hit not just with the brothers but also with Angelo's classmates. Angelo would often bring Tatum's snacks to kindergarten to share, basking in the admiration of his peers as they raved about how delicious everything was. Proudly, Angelo would tell them, "I get to eat the freshest and best snacks

word spread. Parents of Angelo's classmates began calling Elora's parents, asking where to buy these snacks that their children couldn't stop talking about. When they learned the treats were made by Elora's private chef, they could only sigh in envy. After all, Elora's household