Almost Losing Evan Lan 1

Uncle Ernie's room.

Ernie went to find him.

"Uncle Ernie, what secret stuff were you all up to tonight?"

"It's late, why aren't you sleeping? What are you up to now?"

"I just feel like, ever since we came to Dragon City, you've all been keeping things from me... Like I'm the only one being left out!"

Uncle Ernie paused for a moment and said, "Some things are better left unsaid—for your own good."

"I don't get it!" Ernie looked dejected. "I just feel like I'm being shut out... Even you, Uncle Ernie!"

Uncle Ernie frowned and looked at him.

"Uncle Ernie, at your age, why did you leave home and come here?" Ernie pressed.

"To fulfill my duty," Uncle Ernie replied.

"What duty?"

"Same as before—not something I can talk about," Uncle Ernie said.

"Fine... Honestly, you don't have to say it. I already know—it's definitely got something to do with Evan Lan!" Ernie muttered helplessly. "Ever since Lily Bai's real identity came out, this world has gotten more and more bizarre..."

"Ernie Jr., do you know what a curse is?" Uncle Ernie asked.

"Of course I do!"

"Some things are kept from you because they're cursed. If you really knew, it wouldn't be good for you, understand?"

Ernie's jaw dropped. "What... what kind of curse?"

"An ancient curse," Uncle Ernie said. "Anyone who learns this secret they're not supposed to know—will be single for life!"

Ernie's pupils shrank in terror. "For real?"

Uncle Ernie nodded.

"Then... I won't ask anymore!"

"That's right—just focus on living your own life! If you've got time, go chase after that policewoman you like. Let your parents have a grandchild soon!"

Ernie nodded and obediently left.

Uncle Ernie couldn't help but laugh. "This kid! Just mention a lifetime of being single and he immediately drops it..."

......

Meanwhile, Max Mo pulled Lisa aside for a private talk. "Are you really a robot?"

Lisa nodded.

"I never imagined there could be a robot this lifelike! You really are no different from a real person."

"I have highly advanced intelligence. And my body is just like a human's—even capable of having children," Lisa said.

Max Mo: "Huh?"

"So... do you still like me?"

Max Mo stared at her, silent for a long time.

Lisa lowered her eyes. "Go to bed. It's late."

She turned to leave.

But Max Mo grabbed her and pulled her back.

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise.

"I do," Max Mo looked at her. "I still like you."

Lisa pursed her soft, damp lips. "Really?"

Suddenly, Max Mo leaned in and kissed her—lingering on her lips for a long moment before letting go.

Lisa's face flushed bright red.

Max Mo laughed, "You really are just like a real person! You can even blush!"

Lisa pushed him away and ran off.

...

The next morning, Lily Bai woke up to find Little Smudge sprawled listlessly on the bed—actually crying!

"Little Smudge!" Lily Bai called out in surprise. "What's wrong? Are you... crying?"

Little Smudge rolled its eyes at her and started crying even harder.

"Hey, hey, hey! What's going on?" Lily Bai picked it up. "What happened? Why are you suddenly crying like this?"

"Waaah! Last night, Max Mo kissed Lisa! She likes Max Mo now! She doesn't want me anymore!" Little Smudge sobbed.

"She... kissed Max Mo?" Lily Bai's mouth formed a perfect 'O'.