"Mrs. Wei, I’m telling you, these duck feathers are useful, just like chicken and goose feathers, they’re not to be underestimated." "We can’t eat that much in the next couple of days, so let’s keep them for now and when we feel like it, we’ll slaughter them." "But don’t throw away the feathers, keep them all, I have big plans for them." "Haha, okay, I’ll keep them for you." "But, your grandmother seems to be quite an amazing person." "With me being this impressive, could my grandmother be any less?" "I was raised by my grandmother, and everything she knew, I know too—mastered all sorts of skills without missing a beat." "Haha, then I should learn more from your grandmother." "No need, no need, she passed away a long time ago, just learn from me." "This... I’m really sorry, I didn’t know..." "No worries, no worries, I’m not particular about these things. Everyone faces death. My grandmother was blessed, and I’m genuinely happy for her!" The voice was like birds chirping, continuously sending words. No sadness was heard, no sorrow felt; only simplicity, ordinariness, and tranquility. Poe Vaughn listened to the voice and the words, his eyes as deep and calm as a lake. The phone vibration came from the tabletop. His eyes flickered, he sat up, and picked up the phone. The screen showed a familiar title, grandmother. His finger softly moved, sliding over the answer button: "Grandmother." "Poe, why did you suddenly send so much food over? Looks like it was just bought from the countryside." "Did you go to the countryside?" Sharon Sheridan, though not from a rural family, instantly recognized things from those times. These were all good things, things you couldn’t buy outside. And she usually ate the natural farm produce. Poe Vaughn was aware of this. So Sharon Sheridan was surprised but not shocked at the unexpected delivery. "She sent them to you." Sharon Sheridan paused, recalling something and immediately spoke: "Are these from Varden?" "She personally went to Varden to bring them to you." "This... This child is really thoughtful!" Sharon Sheridan looked at the boxes of vegetables, eggs, fruits, poultry brought in, her eyes brimming with tears. Varden to Aurelia, over two thousand kilometers. To bring things from such a distant place and keep them fresh was not easy. And Ava Sterling made a personal trip, which spoke volumes about her sincerity. This granddaughter-in-law is truly wonderful! Poe Vaughn listened to the unsteady breathing on the phone, clearly moved, and said: "It’s a bit late to visit today, I’ll bring her over tomorrow morning." "No rush, no rush, you both are busy, and grandmother doesn’t mind waiting a day or two." "Take care not to tire yourselves out." "That child brought all the things over so quickly, she must be tired too, right?" "Get a good rest, come over after a good night’s sleep, no rush." "Grandmother’s not in a hurry." The call ended, Poe Vaughn set down the phone and looked outside at the sky. Unnoticed, it had turned dark, street lamps had lit up, and the night donned a veil of hazy light. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel[f]ire.net Poe Vaughn stood up, with phone in hand, his other hand slipped into his pocket, and he left the study. The villa lit up with lights as night fell, the hallway lights were exceptionally bright, illuminating every corner of the house. Poe Vaughn walked down the stairs with steady, unhurried steps. "Finally, it’s almost ready, I’ve been starving for over an hour." "Madam, sorry, the dinner’s late today." "Why are you apologizing, Mrs. Wei? It’s not your fault." "Plus, I demanded the dishes be made this way, which takes a long time. You better not apologize, or I’ll get angry!" In the kitchen, two figures stood, one tall, one short; the lights fell upon especially the tall, slender one, casting a warm and cozy feel. Poe Vaughn walked downstairs, looked at the one standing at the kitchen counter, apron-clad, hair casually tied with chopsticks, and arms smooth as lotus stalks holding a spatula, expertly scooping cooked dishes into bowls. As she spoke, she didn’t forget to give a little glare to the person beside her. But from his angle, he caught sight of her dark, bright eyes, lashes dense and curled, nose high and straight, lips rosy. Stray hair fell on her cheeks, lights followed, dancing on the fine fuzz of her face. Fierce, but just a paper tiger. Mrs. Wei saw Ava with a determined face and dared not speak further, she nodded: "Okay, I won’t say anything." "Madam, why don’t you wash your hands and invite him down for dinner? I’ll handle the remaining stuff here." Most of the dishes were already served, just the soup, tableware, and rice needed handling. The gentleman was probably hungry too. Ava nodded: "Fine, I’ll call him!" Placing the cooked dishes on the counter, she quickly untied the apron and carried the bowl of stirred vegetables out. Upon stepping out, she saw the man coming from the front. Ava’s eyes immediately sparkled, excited by his attire. He was wearing a casual light gray shirt, and even his trousers were in light tones! This entire light-toned, casual look, stripped off the suit’s stiffness and rigor, stripping away the affluent restraint and elegance, appearing like a noble prince, tempting to the eye. Nonetheless... she still didn’t dare act recklessly. But for Ava, this was already more than enough! Just looking was satisfying. Really a sight for sore eyes! Previously annoyed by the man’s deliberate trouble-making, Ava was now devoid of any displeasure due to this sight. Quickly placing the dishes on the table, Ava beamed: "You came down just in time, dinner’s just finished." "Go wash your hands and eat!" With that, she swiftly headed back to the kitchen to serve the rice. Having made so many delicious things tonight, she intended to eat a lot! Watching a handsome man eat, that’s a pleasure! Having heard the sound from outside, Mrs. Wei knew Poe Vaughn was down and guessed he was surely hungry. Her actions were quicker than usual. In no time, food was set on the table, and they all sat down for dinner. Ava personally served a bowl of soup in front of Poe Vaughn. "Here, try it, I made it!" The soup was light white in color, oil floating on the surface, filled with duck meat and fresh mushrooms, smelled incredibly fragrant, but also carried a hint of sourness. Mrs. Wei observed the bowl of soup, instinctively looked at Poe Vaughn, afraid to speak. The gentleman... wasn’t fond of pickled vegetables... But this old duck soup could hardly be made without pickled vegetables... Originally, she didn’t want to make it, but since Ava insisted she would make it for him, she couldn’t protest. She wasn’t sure if the gentleman would eat it. Ava sat opposite Poe Vaughn, staring intently at him. Her eyes were fixed, almost feeding the soup to his lips with her gaze. Poe Vaughn looked at the soup in front of him, just fresh from the pot, steaming warmly. The steam carried the freshness of the vegetables and the aroma of home-raised duck mixed with the taste of pickled greens, filling the air. Not too intense, just subtly enticing. He raised his hand, took the spoon. At that moment, the surrounding fell silent. Mrs. Wei dared not blink. Ava wanted her eyeballs to stick to Poe Vaughn’s face. Just like that, they looked on, unmoved, as Poe Vaughn scooped a spoonful of soup and drank it. Seeing the appealing motion of his Adam’s apple, Ava instantly smacked her hand on the table, startling Mrs. Wei. Stopping Poe Vaughn in his tracks. Ava completely missed her excessive excitement, half-laying across the table, face leaning forward: "How is it? Is it good?"