Chapter 104: Important Things Should Be Done Three Times
Morning sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, casting soft, warm light across Max and Ethan.
"Someone recovering from the flu only needs moderate activity," Ethan said, squinting, trying to bring Max back to reason despite her overly enthusiastic "good morning."
"Overexertion is harmful to a body that's just recovered."
"My doctor's instructions were—'after you're better…'"
Max braced her hands on either side of his head, looking down at him.
"And right now, I feel good enough to run a marathon."
"I think your definition of 'better' might differ slightly from the medical one—"
"Shh." She pressed a finger to his lips. "Medical definitions are boring. We're using mine."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And what's your definition?"
"Important things should be done three times," Max said seriously. "That's my life philosophy."
And clearly—
her "full recovery" wasn't just talk.
Ethan looked at her overly bright eyes and couldn't help questioning reality for a second.
Did my healing actually work that well?
"Don't you think you've recovered… a little too well?"
"You definitely did something to me last night," she leaned down, whispering near his ear, "some kind of magic. Dark magic doctor."
Ethan was about to respond—
Knock knock knock.
The sound at the door was gentle.
Polite.
"Ma—ax!"
Caroline's voice came from outside.
"I know you're awake!"
Max deflated instantly, like a balloon losing air mid-flight, her tone full of tragic frustration.
"All disasters in the world happen because people don't know when not to knock."
Ethan propped himself up slightly. "Maybe we should—"
"Don't." Max cut him off immediately. "I hate leaving things unfinished."
The knocking escalated into a steady barrage.
"I'm coming in!" Caroline called out. "Ten seconds!"
"No!" Max shot upright, grabbing the blanket and wrapping it tightly around herself, speaking at rapid speed:
"What's happening in here is restricted content. You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you come in."
The door still opened.
Caroline stood at the entrance, her expression a mix of conflict, reluctance, and a sense of responsibility that forced her forward.
Her eyes immediately landed on Max—
Not out of curiosity.
Not teasing.
But like a clinical assessment.
Three seconds later—
she froze.
Max looked radiant. Energetic. Eyes bright.
Not like someone who had just recovered from a fever—
more like someone ready to sign up for a triathlon.
"..."
Caroline stayed silent for a moment.
"…How do you feel?" she asked cautiously.
"Good enough to break your legs," Max replied instantly, "then push you for a ten-kilometer run."
Her voice was full of energy.
Caroline stared at her for another two seconds, confirming there was no dizziness, no weakness—she wasn't even lingering in bed.
"So just now—" her gaze swept across the room before quickly pulling back, "no one was forcing anyone?"
"Of course not," Max said matter-of-factly. "I'm a medical miracle."
Ethan raised a hand. "I was forced."
Caroline let out a breath of relief—then immediately put her serious face back on.
"That still doesn't mean you can, right after a fever, engage in… extensive activities that require both physical and mental exertion."
Max rolled her eyes. "We were doing healthy rehabilitation exercises."
"I don't believe you," Caroline replied flatly.
She turned to Ethan, lowering her voice slightly.
"Ethan, her recovery speed feels a bit off. I'm worried she might not be fully recovered yet. If you keep pushing it, it could cause problems."
Ethan nodded. "I agree."
"Traitor!"
"Breakfast is ready," Caroline added. "Your Highnesses may rise."
She paused, then muttered, "I've already heard enough from the living room. I really don't need any more details."
—
A few minutes later.
All three of them finally appeared in the living room.
Sunlight filled the space. The aroma of coffee drifted lazily through the air. Everything had returned to the normal rhythm of a morning.
Max dropped onto the sofa, took a sip of coffee, and sighed.
"I could've had a much more complete morning."
Caroline sat across from her, watching closely. Once she confirmed Max was moving normally and fully alert, she finally relaxed.
Then her expression turned serious again.
"Ethan, there's something you should know—someone's been pursuing Max lately."
Max immediately protested, "Oh, come on, don't bring that up!"
"Pursuing Max?" Ethan asked instinctively.
"Yes!" Caroline continued. "Very persistent. He's been coming to the diner every day for two weeks, always sitting in Max's section, tipping ridiculously well, even left his number."
"Why are you telling him this?" Max walked over to the coffee machine and poured herself another cup. "He's not my boyfriend. We're just mutually beneficial friends."
She paused, then added dryly, "Besides, that guy smiles like a used car salesman. His teeth are unnaturally white—I'm pretty sure they're fake."
Ethan thought for a moment. "Is he… impressive?"
"Depends on your standards," Max shrugged. "If your criteria are—shows up on time, tips well, smiles like a billboard—then sure, he passes."
"But if your criteria include being single," Caroline cut in, "he's out."
Max & Ethan: "What?"
"Yes," Caroline nodded. "I overheard him on the phone last night while clearing tables—he has a girlfriend."
"I heard him say, 'Baby, I'll be home soon.' And ten minutes earlier, he was trying to ask Max out for drinks after work!"
"Wow." Max set her cup down. "So not only did I reject a suitor—I also accidentally avoided a potential relationship disaster? I deserve an award."
Caroline visibly relaxed.
"That's why I thought Ethan should know. But clearly Max handled it well—and now we know the guy's trash, so problem solved."
Ethan nodded, not asking further.
He just looked down at his coffee, as if rearranging a few thoughts in his mind.
"The problem never existed," Max walked over and nudged him with her elbow. "Don't start overthinking."
"I'm not."
"You are." She looked at him, her tone calm.
"My life right now runs on a very simple loop: work, make money, stay alive, avoid going broke—and occasionally get decent sleep."
"In that kind of schedule, I don't have the time or energy to think about high-level questions like 'would my life be better with a different man.'"
Ethan didn't interrupt.
"And honestly," Max tilted her head slightly, a faint smile on her lips,
"I'm already pretty satisfied."
"You alone cover multiple roles—doctor, friend, and occasionally cleanup crew."
"That's more than enough for me. Honestly? It's perfect."
Caroline looked at the two of them and suddenly laughed.
"You know what? I feel like the extra person here. I should head back to the diner."
"You are extra," Max said without hesitation. "But thanks for the coffee."
"And next time—even if you knock, don't come in."
"No spectators—unless you want to join. Then we can talk."
Caroline made a face. "I'll remember that. Ethan, take care of her—even though she clearly doesn't need it."
After Caroline left, the apartment fell quiet.
Max turned to Ethan, tilting her head.
"So… third time?"
Ethan glanced at the time. "I need to get to the clinic."
"Buzzkill." Max pouted, already slipping on her shoes. "Fine. Next time."
They headed out together.
"Now," Max turned back and grinned at him,
"the world needs cupcakes, I need money—"
Her gaze swept over him.
"And you, dark magic doctor, are already doing just fine."
"Just don't overcomplicate perfection."