The Buddha Jumps Over the Wall stew, though arriving later than planned, was finally ready!

  Grace turned her camera around to show her younger sister, on the other end of the video call, the magnificent stew their mother had painstakingly simmered for two full days and nights.

  Its color was a rich golden yellow, its texture thick and luxurious, generously filled with premium ingredients. It truly appealed to all the senses.

  "Oh my gosh, I want some too!" Chloe's envy was so intense it felt like drool was about to trickle from the corner of her mouth. A memory surfaced. "I think the last time I ate Mom's Buddha Jumps Over the Wall stew was back in elementary school."

  Tony squeezed into the frame and looked at his sister. "Sis, Grace’s got the magic touch with Mom. If it were me, I could scream my lungs out and Mom still wouldn’t do it for me."

  Grace swatted her brother's head aside. "Go away. Mom only has the time because she's not working now. Besides, it's not like you're ever short of food normally."

  Turning back to her sister on the screen, Grace smiled. "Tony has a nose like a bloodhound. He's been going to the internet café every day after school lately, but today he came home right on time. The stew had just finished simmering."

  Tony gave a smug little snort. "No way you were having this feast without me."

  Hearing this, Chloe smiled softly. Then she picked up a document beside her and waved it at her sister on the screen. "Sis, this is the contract from Faye's company. I managed to read it over carefully during the past few days."

  Getting down to serious business, Grace's expression became more focused. "How does it look? Any issues?"

  Chloe shook her head. "It seems fine on the surface. But I've never dealt with contracts before, and I'm not studying law, so I only understand the general idea. Faye said she's coming back to the set the day after tomorrow and wants to discuss it with me in detail, hoping for an answer that same day."

  "Doesn't she have another actor in your production?" Grace asked.

  "Yes, Bryan. Faye said the contract she signed with him is identical to this one offered to me."

  "Have you gotten to know him yet? If it's the same, you could try asking Bryan first, to see if there are any hidden pitfalls or unreasonable clauses in this contract."

  Hearing this, Chloe shook her head with a troubled look. "Even though we've been with the crew for several days now, we haven't shot any scenes together yet. He's usually very well-protected by his team; we newcomers don't really get chances to interact with him."

  "Besides, he's definitely closer to Faye. He might not be willing to help me."

  On this point, her sister was quite clear-headed, Grace thought. After a moment's consideration, she spoke. "The day after tomorrow, right? Then I'll take an early flight there. I'll bring a professional lawyer with me to help you review it."

  "Ah?" Chloe was startled. "You don't have to, Sis. You just got home a few days ago."

  But Grace insisted with a serious expression. "This is important business, a major matter. Your sister will be there with you!"

  Chloe was deeply touched once more. Having her sister there would indeed make her feel much more secure.

  After ending the video call, Tony leaned in and whispered, "Sis, are you leaving?"

  "Yes."

  Tony put down his spoon, glanced toward his mother's bedroom door, and sighed. "You'll have to tell Mom yourself. She definitely thought you were staying until the National Day holiday ended."

  "These past few days since you returned, Mom has been visibly happier. Her complexion is much better; she even looks several years younger."

  Grace nodded in understanding. "I originally planned to stay that long. But Chloe's matter is very important. Mom will understand."

  With that, Grace stood up and walked to her mother's bedroom door. She was just about to knock when she heard her mother's voice from inside.

  In the room, Audrey stood by the window, phone in hand, speaking with a tone of helplessness. "Mom, can you please stop fussing over my affairs? I'm almost 50. What's the point of getting married now?"

  On the other end of the line was the elderly Mrs. Dorothy. "You're not almost 50; you're only 45! You're not old yet. If you don't hurry up and find someone, what will you do when you are old?"

  "All three of my children are accomplished. Am I worried no one will take care of me when I'm old? I truly don't wish to find anyone. Please, don't let Auntie Christine bring someone over. Last time you didn't even tell me beforehand, and Auntie Christine showed up at the door with someone, catching me completely unprepared. Isn't this just causing trouble for me?"

  The elderly Mrs. Dorothy replied stubbornly. "But won't the children grow up and work? Won't they start their own families someday? If you have a husband, you'll have some security. Wouldn't someone else help you pay for Tony's bride price when he marries?"

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  "I don't need anyone else to help me pay. I'll take responsibility for my own children. I didn't look for someone to help me raise them when they were little, and now that they're grown, I'm even less likely to!" Audrey's tone was resolute.

  In truth, she had lost count of how many times she had said these words to the old lady. Over the years, while living with her eldest brother in South Lake, the old lady had constantly stretched out her influence, insisting on meddling in her private life, wanting her to remarry.

  But from the very beginning, Audrey had been determined to raise her children on her own and had never considered starting a new relationship.

  Countless men had pursued her over the years, and her mother had introduced more than a dozen. Yet she had never agreed to any.

  Now at 44, that inclination had faded even more, almost to the point of non-existence. So now she didn't even want to bother with the pretense anymore.

  "You're so stubborn, just like your late father!" The old lady was both anxious and angry. "But this one is a real boss! Auntie Christine says this man earns over a thousand Dollars a year! His business has stores all over the country. If he truly takes a liking to you, that's your good fortune, don't you know!"

  "Whoever wants that 'good fortune' can have it. I'm not interested in his money either!"

  Thinking of her daughter, Audrey felt thoroughly confident.

  The old lady snorted coldly. "Say what you will. You must meet this man. He's usually extremely busy, but he happens to be in Novastra on business today and only has time this evening. Auntie Christine is already on her way to your place with him. Hurry up and get ready."

  Audrey was shocked. "Mom! How can you act first and tell me later? Besides, it's already 8 PM. Who pays a visit for a blind date at 8 PM? Please, stop making trouble for me!"

  "How is this making trouble? I'm doing this for your own good! I'm hanging up now. You get ready!"

  With that, the old lady hung up, giving Audrey no further chance to speak.

  Audrey let her arm drop weakly, feeling thoroughly agitated.

  Both Grace and Tony were home. How could she, as a mother, receive a blind date at home? Was that even proper?

  She stood up and pulled the door open, only to find her daughter standing right outside. Audrey's expression shifted, forcing a cheerful smile. "Finished eating? Was it good?"

  "Mom, I heard everything. Is Grandma arranging another blind date for you?" Grace asked directly.

  She wasn't a child anymore. Her mother could share some of her worries and troubles with her instead of bearing everything alone.

  "Mom, if there's a suitable person, it's okay to try. My brother, sister, and I wouldn't oppose it."

  "I don't want to!" Audrey sighed. "The person will be here shortly. I'll just go through the motions and send them away. You two go back to your room."

  As soon as she finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door. Audrey quickly gave her daughter a meaningful look and went to answer it herself.

  The door opened to reveal Chris, tall and straight in a suit, holding exquisitely wrapped gifts.

  "Hello, I'm Chris Cavendish!"

  Chris recognized Audrey immediately. She looked just as young as in the photos, nothing like a 44-year-old woman.

  Audrey, however, was slightly taken aback upon seeing Chris. He looked somewhat familiar, but in her agitated state, she didn't dwell on it.

  After just one glance, she dismissed the man before her.

  The reason was simple: this man appeared to be only in his thirties, far too young for her.

  She had originally planned to just go through the motions for Auntie Christine's sake, but since Auntie Christine wasn't even here yet, Audrey decided not to even invite him in. She spoke bluntly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Cavendish, but you're too young for me. We're not suitable. I apologize for making you come all this way for nothing."

  Chris, who had come to express his gratitude, blinked in bewilderment upon hearing this.

  He was too young? Does he look that young?

  "Ms. Dorothy, I..." he began.

  But Audrey interrupted him. With an air that was polite yet distinctly distant, she said, "It's getting late. I won't invite you in. There's no need to waste each other's time."

  With that, Audrey prepared to shut the door in his face.

  Seeing this, Chris quickly stuck his foot in the doorframe to block it. Before Audrey could say anything else, he spoke first. "Ms. Dorothy, we agreed I would come at 5 PM today to thank you in person. My flight was delayed, which is why I'm late. I understand if you're upset, but please, I've come all this way..."

  Chris's expression was pleading.

  Hearing his words, Audrey suddenly realized her mistake. She took a step back as if startled, covering her mouth in shock.

  Now she not only knew she had mistaken the situation and the person, but she also recognized the man before her as the gentleman she had saved at the restaurant a few days ago.

  "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, I mistook you for someone else!"

  Regaining her composure, Audrey was both amused and embarrassed, her face full of apology. "Mr. Cavendish, I am truly sorry. I mistook you for the blind date my mother arranged."

  "And you're here at such a coincidental time. Didn't we agree on the 30th?"

  Chris, who had been utterly baffled by her earlier behavior, now understood.

  He laughed. "Today is the 30th!"

  "Ah?" Audrey was stunned again. She checked the date on her phone and, realizing it was indeed the 30th, couldn't help but laugh helplessly.

  Not working had her all mixed up about the days.

  She opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Mr. Cavendish, please, come in."

  Chris nodded and said courteously, "Sorry to disturb you."

  "Please keep your shoes on. I was planning to clean the floor later anyway."

  Once inside, Chris instinctively glanced around the room.

  The small space was tidy and bright, filled with the warmth of a family home.

  Audrey poured a glass of water and placed it on the table, her tone still apologetic. "You must have found that earlier scene quite ridiculous, Mr. Cavendish. Please, have a seat and some water."

  "It's quite alright, Ms. Dorothy. So, you have a blind date later? Is my timing inconvenient?"

  "Oh, no, not at all. It's just my mother making a fuss. I was just planning to go through the motions and be done with it. Please don't mind it. I feel rather embarrassed that you came all this way from Aethelburg specifically for this."

  Hearing this, Chris smiled. Looking at Audrey, he said gratefully, "You saved my life. It was only right that I come in person to thank you."

  As he spoke, Chris gently placed the gifts he had brought on the table and said earnestly to Audrey, "Thank you for everything you did to save me that day. If there's ever anything you need assistance with in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

  "No, no, that's really not necessary," Audrey said, feeling somewhat flustered. Having worked in a five-star hotel for so many years, she had met numerous successful individuals. Her first impression of Mr. Cavendish was that of an accomplished man in a position of authority.

  What surprised Audrey was that a big boss like Chris could also possess such a sincere side.

  She was accustomed to seeing that sense of superiority in people. That's precisely why Chris's sincerity felt particularly precious to her.

  "I'll accept this gift, and I've received your thanks. Let's consider this matter concluded. You must be more careful in the future, especially with your diet. Don't put yourself in such danger again."

  Chris nodded with a smile. "You're absolutely right. If there's a next time, I might not be as fortunate to encounter someone like you. I'll be careful."

  Grace and Tony had been eavesdropping by the door for a while and sensed something was amiss.

  "Sis, this doesn't seem like a blind date."

  Grace nodded and directly opened the door and walked out.

  Seemingly not expecting others to be home, Chris looked over in surprise.

  "Mr. Cavendish, these are my daughter and my younger son."

  Chris nodded, looking very surprised. "You have children this old?"

  Audrey smiled slightly. "Three, actually. Both daughters are at university in Aethelburg. My son will take the college entrance exams next year."

  "Hello, Uncle," Grace and Tony said in unison.

  Tony then blurted out, "Uncle, you're the person Mom saved with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation the other day, right?"

  The statement made Audrey's eyes widen in shock.

  Saving someone in the moment hadn't felt like a big deal, but hearing it come from her son's mouth, right in front of the person involved, made Audrey's face instantly flush bright red.

  Chris, however, took it in stride and nodded with a smile. "Yes, that was me."

  Right at that moment, another knock sounded at the door, followed by Auntie Christine's voice. "Audrey! It's Auntie Christine! Open the door!"

  Hearing this, Audrey sighed silently and went to open the door again.

  Outside, Auntie Christine stood with a smile on her face. Behind her was a rather slender and small man.

  The man looked to be only about 1.7 meters tall, with scarcely any flesh on his bones, resembling a shriveled mouse.

  His excessive thinness made the skin on his face seem loose and wrinkled, giving him a particularly aged appearance. Visually, he looked at least in his fifties.

  Although Audrey had never expected anything to come of this in the first place, seeing the man still made her feel her vision darken for a moment.

  Especially since she had just opened the door earlier to Mr. Cavendish, who was tall and handsome. The man before her now was like clouds and mud in comparison.

  "Auntie Christine, look at you, coming all this way so late. And you live so far away."

  Audrey could only pretend to be welcoming as she ushered them in. The man's gaze remained fixed intently on Audrey, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

  "It's no trouble at all. Did your mother tell you? Mr. Lawson here just happens to be in Novastra on business today. He usually has no free time."

  As Auntie Christine spoke, she entered the room. Looking up, she was startled to see a man sitting in the living room.

  In surprise, she asked, "Audrey, you have a guest?"