When the two returned to the Gu(Sun) family mansion, Angie was busy preparing lunch with the servants, while Lord Orrin was happily feeding his pond of koi fish.
He’d spared no effort for this koi pond. In Eastcliff’s sub-zero weather, he’d installed a full set of circulating heating equipment to keep the water at around 25°C.
Seeing Charlie wade return with his daughter, he chuckled and said, “Nannan, your mum wants you to help her in the kitchen when you get back, off you go. Let Charlie stay here with me for a bit.”
Stephanie was a bit surprised, her mum usually never let her help with chores, so why was she being called to the kitchen today?
But being sharp as she was, it quickly dawned on her that her mum probably had something on her mind to discuss, so she smiled and said, “Dad, Brother Charlie wade, you two chat, I’ll go help out.”
Charlie wade didn’t think much of it, nodding, “Go on then, let me know if you need me.”
Stephanie smiled, “There’s a rule in our house, men aren’t allowed in the kitchen.”
With that, she turned and walked off gracefully.
Lord Orrin, now with a chance to talk to Charlie wade alone, wanted to have a heart-to-heart, but then recalled his wife’s earlier warning. She was worried he’d say the wrong thing and had specifically told him not to rush into core issues with Charlie wade, but to wait for her signal.
So, he smiled at Charlie wade and said, “Charlie, I’ve noticed Bruce Motors has been making big moves lately, you’re dead set on this project, aren’t you?”
Charlie wade nodded earnestly, “Uncle Orrin, this project carries my dad’s name, and it’s tied to the reputation of both the Wade and An families, so we’re definitely going all in.”
“Excellent!” Lord Orrin praised, “Us Chinese used to be too reserved, always thinking it was too flashy to name a company or brand after ourselves, but I see it differently. Isn’t this a golden chance to leave a lasting legacy? So you’ve got to do it well!”
Charlie wade replied respectfully, “Rest assured, Uncle Orrin, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
As the two chatted, Stephanie had reached the kitchen.
Her mum, Angie, was directing the servants with the ingredients. Seeing Stephanie come in, she quickly pulled her into the empty dining room and asked, “Nannan, have you talked to Charlie? Your dad just called your Grandpa Wade, and he’s already said what needed saying. If Charlie’s still playing dumb with you at this point, I’ll throw caution to the wind and bring it up straight at the dinner table!”
Stephanie hurriedly said, “Mum, please don’t say anything to Brother Charlie wade directly, he’s thin-skinned and not great at saying no. If he can’t agree or refuse on the spot, it’ll tear him up inside!”
Angie grew anxious, “You silly girl, always thinking of him! Yes, I’m grateful for him, and I admire him, but when it comes to you two, I’ve got my grievances. Our family’s done so much for him, you’ve waited for him all these years, and even after reuniting, he still hasn’t given you an answer, what’s that about?”
Stephanie sighed, “Oh Mum, the situation’s complicated, but I’ve laid it all out with Brother Charlie wade. He says he’s not sure he can beat those people yet, and he’s worried he might die someday. He wants to prepare enough rejuvenation pills for the three of us, so I can live well with you two. But I told him, I’ll stay with you and Dad, but if you both pass away, I won’t go on either.”
