It was a warm and sunny Saturday in Paris. For most people, this meant sleeping in, taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, or spending an afternoon at an outdoor cafe.
But for Jaden, this Saturday was destined to be anything but ordinary from the start.
A car, painted sky blue with fluffy white clouds and a golden sun on its body, stopped promptly in front of his apartment building.
The car's lively style was a bit excessive, clashing with the stately Parisian buildings around it. A receptionist, dressed in a matching uniform and wearing a professional smile, respectfully opened the car door for him.
"Good morning, Mr. Jaden. Your television wardrobe has been prepared. Please step inside."
Jaden nodded slightly, bent down, and settled into the soft, comfortable back seat. The car's interior also followed a blue and white theme, and even the air freshener had a slightly sweet, "rain-kissed grass" scent.
He leaned back in the seat, watching the streetscape rapidly receding outside the window, his eyes showing no tension or excitement, only calm anticipation.
Today… should be very interesting.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, at the Dupain-Cheng bakery, a completely different, family-filled "drama" was unfolding.
"Manon! Give me back my hat! It's only half-finished!"
Marinette was frantically chasing a little girl who was as energetic as a bunny. The girl, Manon, had cute pigtails and was wearing a white T-shirt and light purple denim overalls.
At this moment, she was proudly wearing Marinette's latest design, a feathered and ribbon-adorned cloche hat, on her head.
This hat was Marinette's painstaking creation, and it was only half-finished, making it very delicate.
"I won't!" Manon let out a string of bell-like laughter, nimbly leaping onto the living room sofa, striking a playful pose like a little model. "I want to be a designer too! Look, don't I look much better wearing it than your mannequin?"
Marinette, panting, held her knees, looking at the little rascal bouncing on the sofa, feeling overwhelmed.
"Alright, alright, you look the best," she reluctantly conceded. "But that hat will really get ruined. Give it back to me first, and I'll let you wear the pink bow hat, okay?"
Manon completely ignored her request, giggling as she jumped off one end of the sofa and, like a little monkey, nimbly scurried under the table.
The living room television was on, broadcasting the lively background noise. Paris's most popular television station was live-streaming the highly anticipated "weather girl" finals.
"…Yes! Dear viewers! After a month-long fierce competition, we have finally selected these two ultimate winners from five thousand beautiful contestants!
The host, with his exaggeratedly enthusiastic voice, introduced the two contestants on stage.
"Standing to my right is the gentle and lovely Mireille! Has her fresh demeanor, like a morning breeze, swept into your heart?
The camera focused on the short black-haired girl, Mireille, who shyly smiled at the camera, exuding approachability.
"And standing to my left is the radiant Aurore! Has her confident smile, like the midday sun, brightened your weekend?"
The camera turned to another girl with blonde, low pigtails. Aurore appeared full of confidence, elegantly holding an umbrella, her eyes filled with a determined competitiveness.
"The final victory will be decided by you, the viewers at home! Pick up your phones and cast your precious vote for the girl you support!"
The host shouted, "After the voting ends, we will also invite a mysterious heavyweight guest to present the most special congratulations to our new weather girl!"
The commotion on TV did not affect the intensity of the "hat chase" in the living room in the slightest.
Marinette had no interest in watching any finals; all her attention was focused on the small, darting figure.
She tiptoed around the sofa and noticed some movement behind the curtains.
A mischievous, "I caught you" smile appeared on her face, and then she abruptly pulled open the heavy curtains!
However, behind the curtains, there was only a doll in a princess dress, with her precious hat askew on its head.
"Tricked!" Marinette's heart skipped a beat.
"I'm voting for Mireille! Mireille is the best!"
She suddenly turned around and found that Manon had, at some point, run to the TV, holding… her phone, which she had left on the sofa!
Tiny fingers were rapidly tapping on the screen.
"Ah! Manon!" Marinette exclaimed, taking three steps in two, rushing over and snatching back her phone.
Manon, seizing the opportunity, grabbed the hat back from the doll's head, giggling, and hid again.
Marinette looked at the empty space behind the curtains, then at the "You have successfully voted for Mireille" message on her phone screen, and finally let out a weary groan.
She smiled wryly and muttered to herself, "I… why did I ever agree to this babysitting chore…"
(Manon was the daughter of a good friend of her mother's. That friend had an urgent matter today, which was why she entrusted this "little devil" to the seemingly most reliable Marinette.)
Just then, her pink crossbody bag, which she carried everywhere, moved slightly. A small pink head cautiously peeked out.
"Marinette," Tikki whispered, her tone encouraging, "Don't be discouraged! If you can catch her all day, then I guarantee you'll find any Akumatized Person easy to deal with in the future! This is the best practical training!"
"Tikki! Get back in!" Marinette was startled to see it come out, quickly lowering her voice and nervously looking around. "What if Manon sees you!"
"Don't worry, she's definitely hiding in your attic room right now." Before Tikki could finish speaking—
"Ding-dong—"
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Tikki, startled, immediately zipped back into the crossbody bag.
Marinette stood up in confusion, tidying her somewhat disheveled clothes as she walked to open the door. Who could it be? Her parents had gone shopping and shouldn't be back so soon.
She opened the door, and standing outside was none other than her good friend, Alya.
"Alya? What are you doing here?"
"Of course, I'm here to rescue you from your predicament!" Alya had a brilliant smile on her face, but her eyes sparkled with the excited glow unique to a reporter discovering a sensational scoop. "And, I have some super explosive news to tell you!"
With that, she mysteriously held her phone up to Marinette's face.
When Marinette saw the photo on the screen, she froze instantly.
The background of the photo was a tranquil lawn in the park. The afternoon sun, filtering through the dense leaves, cast dappled golden light.
And in this play of light and shadow, a familiar figure was leaning against a large tree, eyes closed, peacefully asleep.
It was Jaden.
The photo was well-taken, and the angle was clever. His sleeping form, devoid of his usual calm and aloof aura, appeared exceptionally peaceful and serene.
A gentle breeze softly stirred the black hair on his forehead, softening his facial contours considerably. It was an unguarded, heart-fluttering, pure handsomeness.
For the past few weeks, as long as it didn't rain after school in the afternoon, Jaden would go alone to this park, not far from the school, find a quiet corner, and take a short nap.
It was as if only the scent of grass and earth in the park could bring a moment of peace to his always taut soul, which seemed to carry too much.
"…He…" Marinette felt her cheeks burning, and her heart pounded uncontrollably. She snatched Alya's phone, scrutinizing the photo, her eyes sparkling with a surprise and infatuation she hadn't even realized she possessed.
"He's in the park?" she asked incoherently.
"Not anymore, this photo was taken a few days ago."
Alya looked at her friend's "fangirl" expression and couldn't help but laugh, then she lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "However, I got reliable information from Nathan and Marc. They said that every Saturday, Jaden still goes to that 'usual spot' in the park to rest!"
"Really?!" Marinette's eyes lit up instantly.
"Of course!" Alya patted her chest. "When has my information ever been wrong?"
Marinette's heart immediately flew to that park.
She wanted to go, she wanted to rush to that park right now, even if it was just to catch a glimpse from afar.
But… she glanced at the living room; that "little devil" was still hiding somewhere.
The hopeful light in her eyes instantly dimmed. "But… I still have to take care of Manon today…"
"Hey! I thought it was something serious!" Alya waved her hand dismissively, then shouted into the house, "Manon, little angel! Where are you? Big Sister Alya brought you the latest Ladybug limited edition doll!"
No sooner had she spoken than a small figure immediately ran out of Marinette's attic room, full of excitement.
"Really, Big Sister Alya!" Manon's eyes sparkled.
"Of course, it's true!" Alya smiled, and indeed, pulled out a small doll box from her backpack.
In the next few minutes, Marinette watched in amazement as Alya, with one doll, a few compliments, and a promise of ice cream, easily transformed the previously unruly "little devil" into a well-behaved "little angel."
Manon quickly warmed up to Alya, even voluntarily returning the precious hat to Marinette.
"Done!" Alya gave Marinette an "OK" gesture, her face beaming with triumphant ease.
And so, under Alya's "superb strategy," the trio was officially formed. They locked the bakery door and set off together for the park, filled with hope and anticipation.
They had no idea that, at this very moment, the person they were looking for was sitting in that blue car, filled with the scent of "rain-kissed grass," slowly driving into the heavily guarded television headquarters.
A youth chase drama, full of coincidences and mismatches, belonging to this Saturday, had just begun.
The afternoon sun was warm and gentle, casting golden, dappled light through layers of leaves onto the emerald green lawn.
The air was filled with the scent of grass, earth, and a hint of sweet popcorn from afar.
The laughter of children and the jingling music of a distant ice cream truck intertwined, forming a typical, leisurely scene of a Parisian weekend.
However, Marinette, Alya, and Manon had no mind to appreciate this beauty.
"Strange… the place in the photo should be right here." Alya held up her phone, comparing it to the iconic large oak tree in the picture, looking left and right.
Marinette's big blue eyes, like a radar, nervously scanned every corner of the park, every bench, every patch of shade.
His heart beat a little fast, both expectant and afraid.
She longed to see the figure that haunted her dreams, yet feared her current appearance was too reckless and disheveled.
Manon, on the other hand, had no interest in finding someone; her small head was captivated by a colorful butterfly, and she giggled, chasing it across the lawn.
"We've almost turned the whole park upside down, and there's no sign of Jaden!" Alya put down her phone in exasperation, hands on her hips, her brows furrowed.
Just then, their attention was unexpectedly drawn to a small commotion not far away.
In front of a meticulously trimmed rose bush, Adrien, dressed in a finely tailored white linen suit, struck a professional model's pose.
Reflectors, softboxes, and several photographers carrying "long guns and short cannons" surrounded him, and dazzling flashes of light illuminated his handsome face, making it flawless.
His face wore a perfect, impeccable commercial smile, but deep in his eyes, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible weariness and boredom with this pre-arranged life.
"It's Adrien," Alya glanced and immediately lost interest.
"Hmm," Marinette responded with a faint hum.
Compared to someone who shines brightly under the spotlight, she… was more captivated by the real young man who would quietly lean against a tree root and sleep in the afternoon sun.
"No! I have to get this clear!" Alya's journalist soul burned fiercely; she couldn't tolerate such a major error in his information.
She immediately dialed Nathan's number.
The call connected quickly, and the rustling sound of a paintbrush on paper could be heard in the background.
"Hello? Alya?" Nathan's voice sounded a bit confused.
"Nathan! How accurate is the information you gave me?" Alya asked directly, "Marinette and I have searched the entire park, and we haven't seen Jaden at all!"
"Huh? He's not there?" Nathan's voice was also full of surprise.
"That's strange… He's usually here at this time.
When Marc and I come here to sketch sometimes, we see him eight out of ten times."
On the phone, another gentle voice was vaguely heard; it was Marc: "What's wrong, Nathan?"
"…Jaden didn't go to the park today," Nathan explained to Marc.
The two on the other end of the phone seemed to exchange a few words, and then Nathan spoke into the phone again: "Sorry, Alya.
It seems our information was wrong; he might really have something else today.
Marc and I are also getting ready to pack up and go home."
"Alright…" Alya hung up the phone, a little disappointed.
She turned to Marinette, who was looking expectant, and helplessly spread her hands, "It seems our 'Sir Knight' might really not be coming today."
Marinette's shoulders visibly slumped.
A thick cloud of disappointment, like a dark cloud, enveloped her bright blue eyes.
She lowered her head and softly said "Oh," like a deflated balloon.
"Alright, alright, don't be so down!" Alya saw her friend's expression, immediately cheered up, and put an arm around her shoulder, "Since we're already here, we can't come for nothing!
Let's go! I'll treat you guys to ice cream! Manon—! Do you want strawberry ice cream?"
"Yes—!" Manon, who was chasing pigeons, immediately responded with her clear, bright voice.
In the end, this "search journey" full of anticipation turned into a leisurely park gathering for the three girls.
Meanwhile, at the TV station, in the backstage dressing room.
In front of the huge floor-length mirror, Jaden quietly observed himself in the mirror.
He had already changed out of his familiar school uniform.
At this moment, he was wearing a unique, perfectly tailored outfit.
It wasn't a standard suit for formal occasions, but a dark-toned gown with a strong sense of design, so deep it almost absorbed all light.
On the fabric, silver threads embroidered subtle yet complex patterns, like star trails.
The crisp shoulder lines and cinched waist perfectly accentuated his broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, powerful physique.
The entire outfit had both the solemnity and asceticism of a knight, and the mystery and melancholy of a poet.
He was simply… excessively handsome.
"Knock, knock."
The dressing room door was gently knocked twice, and then a figure in a business suit pushed the door open.
Her walking posture was precise and elegant, every step as if measured with a ruler.
The TV station staff nearby saw her and immediately bowed respectfully: "Miss Nathalie."
Hearing this name, Jaden's eyes moved slightly.
He turned around and calmly looked at the newcomer.
Nathalie, with her iconic half-black, half-red bun, and her face that was always as cold as a mask, was exactly as he remembered.
In her hand, she held a tablet computer.
And on the tablet's screen, Gabriel's face was clearly displayed.
"Mr. Jaden."
From the tablet, Gabriel's deep, magnetic voice came.
His gaze, through the camera, sharply, as if it could penetrate everything, scrutinized Jaden.
"This outfit I designed specifically for you looks very suitable for you.
Very suitable for our hero of Paris… or rather, a knight with a sword in his left hand, and a poet of the abyss with a pen in his right hand."
Here it comes.
Jaden's mind was perfectly clear.
His face remained expressionless, even revealing a polite, perfectly appropriate smile.
"Mr. Agreste, your praise is too generous.
It is my honor to wear clothes designed by your own hand."
He engaged in a silent, sharp-witted conversation with the man on the screen, "I just didn't expect that a busy person like you would pay attention to the little squabbles among us students."
"Genius should not be limited by the term 'little squabbles'."
Gabriel's voice remained steady, "Your talent and your courage have left a very deep impression on me.
I believe we will have many… opportunities for cooperation in the future."
"I look forward to it," Jaden replied with a smile, but his heart was like a layer of ice that had not melted for ten thousand years.
What exactly does Gabriel want to do?
In these few weeks, he had clearly gone mad, creating dozens of Akumatized Persons.
Now, shouldn't he be quietly staying in his dark lair, sensing the negative emotions of the whole city?
Why would he suddenly approach me in this way?
However… a cold, blade-like glint, which even he himself hadn't noticed, flashed in Jaden's eyes.
If you dare to play any tricks… with my current, relatively good "classmate relationship" with Adrien, finding an opportunity to "borrow" the black cat ring from his hand when he's not paying attention… and using it myself, shouldn't be difficult.
As for the original rhythm of this world? What does that have to do with me?
If you dare to disturb my dream of "enjoying a happy and peaceful life," then I will not hesitate to make your grand dream of "resurrecting your wife" crumble and turn into dust.
After all, I have never been a true hero with knightly spirit.
Just then, a stagehand responsible for notifications carefully knocked on the door and poked his head in: "Um… Mr. Jaden, Miss Nathalie, the live broadcast is about to begin.
The host is ready to announce the final voting results."
"Understood," Nathalie responded faintly.
Gabriel gave Jaden one last meaningful look, and then the screen went dark.
Nathalie put away the tablet, gave Jaden a perfunctory nod, then turned and left calmly with her precise steps.
Jaden adjusted his collar, took one last look at himself in the mirror, then turned and walked towards the entrance to the stage, which was filled with light and applause.
Inside the studio, the atmosphere had reached a boiling point.
On the huge electronic screen, the votes representing Mireille and Aurore were rapidly alternating and increasing.
Finally, amidst the deafening countdown from the entire audience, the numbers froze.
Mireille, with a slight advantage, won the final victory!
"Let's congratulate Mireille! She is our new weather girl!" the host announced the result in his loudest voice.
Mireille excitedly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes instantly brimming with tears of joy.
Meanwhile, the smile on Aurore's face, next to her, completely froze.
That confident certainty of victory instantly shattered into undisguised, sharp jealousy and resentment.
"Now!" The host drew out his voice, keeping everyone in suspense, "Let's give our warmest applause to our most mysterious and most important presenter today—
The young hero who, in the Mr. Pigeon incident, with a mortal body, stood shoulder to shoulder with gods, our knight and poet—Mr. Jaden!!!"
As his words fell, the stage floor in the center slowly split open.
A circular lift platform, amidst swirling dry ice and converging spotlights, slowly rose.
When the dry ice dissipated, and the tall, slender young man in a dark-night-star-like gown appeared in everyone's sight, the entire studio first fell into an eerie, three-second silence.
Immediately after, it erupted into screams and applause ten times more intense than when the champion was announced, like a mountain roaring and a sea raging!
"Oh my god! It's Jaden!"
"How is he here?! He's the mystery guest?!"
"He's so handsome! He's a hundred times more handsome in person than on TV!"
The audience was completely frenzied.
Meanwhile, the two protagonists on stage displayed completely different expressions.
The victorious Mireille's eyes widened in surprise.
She had no idea that the one presenting her award would be her most admired idol of the past few weeks!
The joy of victory instantly multiplied several times!
And the defeated Aurore stared intently at the slowly approaching figure, her nails already digging deep into her palms.
Why?!!
Why did the glory of victory belong to the seemingly unremarkable Mireille?!!
Why was even this hero-like young man, admired by all, here for her?!!
Why should he be?!!
A cold cloud, full of resentment and jealousy, began to gather wildly in her heart.
None of this… was fair!