novelraw Chapter 106: What’s his name again...
Chapter 106: What’s his name again...
Finally, the filming location in Crelou was sent to Elara.
As she stepped out of the train with Ziva, they both took in a deep breath. A small smile appeared on Elara’s lips without her noticing.
Ziva glanced at her from the side. "You’ve been in a good mood these days. Did you find a hidden treasure somewhere?" she asked calmly.
Elara glared at her for a second, then shook her head and continued walking. Ziva had already said she wanted to visit her grandfather, so instead of heading straight to the filming location, she followed Elara home.
When they arrived, Elara saw him in the garden. The moment her eyes fell on him, she noticed the change immediately. He looked much leaner than before. Still, she did not say anything. She only greeted him like usual, as if nothing had changed.
When they got inside, Elara went straight to the kitchen to make tea. Ziva was a guest after all, and it felt natural to prepare something warm.
From the kitchen, she could already hear Grandpa asking Ziva questions.
"She’s my assistant," Elara said as she walked back in, placing the tray on the table. Three cups of warm tea rested neatly on it.
"Yeah, she told me already," he replied.
Elara sat down and let out a small breath. She picked up her cup, and Ziva did the same. "Where’s Zia?" she asked casually, turning to him. "When we passed by their house... The gate was locked."
"Oh, her mother went out and she just left here a few hours ago to play with a friend."
Elara nodded in reply. She had just opened her mouth to speak again when the door suddenly opened.
A small figure rushed in.
It was Zia. Her eyes swept across the room quickly before she ran straight toward Elara and threw herself into her arms.
"Elara! I missed you so much! I’ve been happy since yesterday when Grandpa said you were coming!" she then pulled back a little. "You didn’t bring anything for me?" she asked with a pout.
"Of course I did," Elara replied with a smile. She reached into her bag and brought out a few long sticks of candy. "I know you like dragon candy, so I got some when I stopped at Lorien."
Zia’s face lit up immediately. She grabbed them happily and squeezed herself between Elara and Ziva.
She turned to Ziva, staring at her for a long time. Then leaned closer to Elara and whispered softly, "Why is your friend so small? I’m sure I’ll be taller than this when I grow up."
Elara’s eyes widened instantly, and she quickly pinched Zia’s lips together.
Ziva said nothing. She only looked at them calmly, but it was obvious she had heard what Zia had said.
Zia blinked, then turned to Ziva again. "Hi, auntie," she said sweetly.
Elara did not interfere. She already knew what would come next. Zia would not let Ziva rest anytime soon. She turned to her Grandpa instead, her lips pressing together before she spoke. "Hmm, the man who paid for your hospital bills... don’t you know anything about him at all?"
He paused for a long moment, as if thinking.
"He didn’t say his name," he finally replied.
Before Elara could respond, Zia suddenly spoke up, "He’s scary suit uncle."
Elara turned to her. "Why do you keep calling him that?"
"You mean your boyfriend," Zia said without hesitation. "I don’t know his name, so I named him that."
Elara’s eyes widened and she grabbed Zia by the shoulders.
Zia continued anyway, completely unbothered. "He’s tall and quiet. Handsome too. You really have a good taste." She nodded to herself. "He doesn’t talk much, except for his assistant. What’s his name again... I think–"
"Zia, we didn’t ask you anything," Grandpa suddenly cut in.
"I’m just trying to remember. I hate forgetting things, especially at crucial moments." she insisted, and then brought her fingers to her chin thoughtfully. "I think it’s–"
*Cough* Cough*
Grandpa suddenly started and Zia stopped immediately. Within seconds, she jumped up and ran to the kitchen. She came back with a glass of water and handed it to him carefully. "Slowly, Grandpa."
He took a sip while she watched him closely. Zia sighed and turned to Elara. "His cough has been worse lately."
Elara’s lips pressed together as she looked at him. Then she looked away. "Sorry. We have to go now," she said quietly. "The production team will be waiting."
"Alright." he nodded without hesitation.
Elara picked up her bag and opened her mouth again. "I’ll come back soon. Maybe the day after tomorrow... or whenever I’m free."
Ziva stood up as well.
"I’ll walk you to the junction," Zia said but Grandpa quickly glared at her. "Stay, you’re too troublesome." he said.
Zia pouted, but still, she stayed where she was. Her eyes following them as they walked to the door.
Elara walked out of the house with Ziva beside her. As they walked through the quiet and familiar street, Elara’s thoughts did not settle.
After a while, she spoke.
"I feel like he’s hiding something," she said, turning sideways to Ziva. "Or what do you think?"
Ziva remained quiet. Then she opened her mouth... but no words came out.
"Hm," she muttered in reply at last.
Elara looked at her face for a small moment, then she looked away again.
–
They finally arrived at the old building near the historical filming site.
The place looked ancient, with wooden floors and stone walls. Green vines and trees surrounded the building, making everything look quiet and a little mysterious. They had been told the main filming site was not far from here, so it’s possible that this building would also be used for some scenes.
As they stepped inside, they saw several cast members and crew moving around, talking and carrying equipment.
Elara kept looking around, taking everything in.
"We’re staying here for four whole months," Ziva muttered with furrowed brows, glancing at the old walls. "Don’t you think it’s kinda eerie?"
Elara sighed and shook her head.
"Don’t be such a scaredy cat. It’s just an old building. Not a haunted house."
Ziva didn’t complain again, but the moment they walked further in, all eyes suddenly turned toward them.