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Mason nodded and glanced at Ava. “Do you want to head out now, or take it slow for a bit?” 

Ava had slept for more than two hours on the starship and felt wide awake. “So where are we going this afternoon?” 

“You can say what you like. I am sure Mr. Martin will make the arrangements.” 

Jalal quietly mulled over the relationship between the two of them. He made a point of not looking at the young woman. As an artificial–born human, his work as a guide had exposed him to a wide range of people. 

He knew perfectly well that when a high–ranking man brought a companion along on a trip like this, the point was usually to build intimacy, not necessarily to do anything specific. In short, people in his line of work needed to know how to read the room. 

This private job was never supposed to come to him. He had heard the competition was fierce and the pay generous. As for why it ended up going to him, the rumor was that it was because he had an honest, unassuming look. 

Jalal did not really believe that. He was an experienced guide, after all, and it seemed unlikely that his plain look had anything to do with it. No one hired a guide based on looks anyway. 

Ava hesitated, her expression tight with indecision. They were not staying long on this trip, which meant some plans would inevitably be cut. 

Mason noticed her furrowed brow and said, “If you think it looks interesting, we can stay a more days.” 

Ava was clearly tempted, but she shook her head with quiet resolve. “No. If I really end up loving this place, I can always come back another time. I will plan a longer stay then.” 

few 

They got into the hovercar. Jalal took the driver’s seat and spoke as he started the engine. “This distinguished miss, is this your first time visiting Pluto? Pluto is famous for its ice and snow landscapes. Welcome, and enjoy your trip here.” 

Ava smiled and picked up a brochure from the seat beside her, flipping through it. “I saw people recommending this place too. They said it is known as an ice world.” 

“The brochure highlighted several popular attractions. As she skimmed through it, she tapped on a photo of an open–air ski resort, then turned to Mason. “I want to try this one, but I have never skied before. Is it hard to learn?” 

Mason glanced at where she was pointing. “We will get you an instructor later. You are great at studying. Skiing should be easy for you.” 

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Chapter 184 Skiing Experience 

She laughed at that. “I do not think I am exactly gifted when it comes to sports. 

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When they arrived at the ski resort, Jalal hurried around, making arrangements and securing one of the resort’s top instructors. 

Ava went to change into her ski gear. Mason finished much earlier and waited outside the women’s changing room. 

When she finally stepped out, she saw him standing there and looked surprised. “You are done already?” 

Mason reached for her hand. “Come on.” 

The ski instructor was already waiting nearby. When he saw them, he broke into a warm, confident smile and stepped forward. “Hello, my name is Rion Hodge. I am a professional ski instructor, and I have been teaching for over fifty years. Which one of you will be learning today?” 

Ava raised her hand and said, “Hi, Mr. Hodge. I have never tried skiing before, so I hope you will be patient with me.” 

Rion smiled. “That is totally fine. We get a lot of beginners here. I am sure you will pick it up.” 

Mr. Hodge hasn’t even started teaching me yet, and he’s already really good at encouraging people. 

Ava turned to Mason. “I will go over there with Mr. Hodge first. You can go have some fun. Once I get the hang of it, I will come find you.” 

Mason replied, “I will watch you learn first. We can talk about the rest later.” 

Hearing their exchange, Rion laughed. “Miss, your boyfriend is really patient with you.” 

Mason shot him a look and said coldly, “I am her husband.” 

Rion froze and apologized immediately. “Sorry, my mistake.” 

Ava waved it off. “It is fine. Let us go, Mr. Hodge.” 

As she spoke, she shot Mason a glare. “Why are you being so aggressive?” 

Mason thought, Aggressive? This counts as aggressive? 

Sensing his irritation, Ava walked over, held onto his arm, and lowered her voice. “I am not saying you were wrong. I just mean your tone could have been a little softer. You looked like 

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Chapter 184 Skiing Experience 

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you were about to bite someone. He did not know our relationship, and what he said was not unreasonable. What is there to be mad about?” 

Mason looked at her, his bad mood completely gone. He spoke softly, “Got it. Go ahead. Your husband–that’s me–will be right here watching you.” 

He deliberately emphasized the word ‘husband.‘ Ava was speechless. She honestly did not know whether ‘husband‘ or ‘boyfriend‘ had poked at whatever nerve he was so sensitive about. 

While discussing options with Rion, Ava thought for a moment and chose skis over a snowboard. 

Then came the lesson itself. She was clumsy and unsteady, falling several times. 

Mason stood off to the side watching, his expression so cold it could have formed ice. Even someone as experienced as Rion could not help feeling a little uneasy under that gaze. 

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