Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Ian Preston’s Arrangements
School anniversary.
Upon hearing these words, Thea Lynch felt no stirrings in her heart.
Unlike other classmates who enjoyed such gatherings, Thea was completely uninterested.
To say nothing of the fact, she had no good friends at Westmere High School. When she transferred there, it was already her senior year, and because of her personality, she didn’t fit in.
Her relationships with her classmates were just like that.
Ordinary to the point of ordinary, in the same class, yet unfamiliar.
Back then, most teachers looked after her only because of her uncle’s request. Basically, there was no emotional connection.
So there was no need to attend this school anniversary.
"I don’t have time," Thea directly refused, without a hint of hesitation. "If you’re going, remember to take leave early, don’t delay work."
"...Okay." The assistant’s mouth twitched.
On Thursday morning, Thea received a call from her uncle.
Uncle: "Good morning."
"Good evening." Thea remembered it was still evening where he was.
Her uncle didn’t beat around the bush and came straight to the point: "I sent you a birthday gift; it should arrive in the next couple of days. Keep an eye on the delivery, okay? I sent it to the courtyard."
Upon hearing this, Thea paused in her actions, "Didn’t I say it wasn’t necessary?"
"I understand what you mean. But a birthday only comes around once a year; we can’t just ignore it. We can keep it low-key, have a simple meal, receive some gifts. It’s reasonable."
Thea curved her lips slightly, "Okay. I’ll ask later if there are any deliveries for me at the courtyard."
"Ah, that’s better." Uncle: "Anyway, make sure to come back to the courtyard for a good meal with your grandpa and the others on your birthday. If you have time, call your grandparents as well."
Thea thought for a moment and said, "I’ll make a trip back to Westmere tomorrow at noon."
"As long as it’s convenient for you." Uncle, of course, hoped she could visit, "If it’s too much trouble, just make a call."
"It’s fine, I’ll take a day off and head over early. Work hasn’t been busy lately anyway."
Her uncle was relieved.
In the afternoon, Thea called her aunt, asking her to keep an eye on the delivery for the next couple of days.
Aunt said there seemed to be a delivery arriving around noon.
"Then I’ll come by later."
"No need, your third brother is here. He’ll bring it to you later; saves you from running back and forth at night, going out of your way, right?"
"Is my third brother there?"
"Yes." Aunt replied, "He came over today to discuss where to have your birthday meal."
"I suggested going out, but your third brother thought having it at home would be better—just a simple family meal, nothing too extravagant."
"What do you think, Thea?"
Aunt sought Thea’s opinion.
The last time she celebrated Thea’s birthday was when Thea was a teenager. This time, she wanted to make it a bit more grand.
But Ian suggested considering Thea’s situation.
Thea’s birthday and Aaron’s memorial day are just one day apart. Each has its reason, so it’s safer to ask Thea.
"Let’s go with what my third brother suggests; I also think having it at home is nice."
"Okay." Aunt replied with a smile, "Is there anything you want to eat, Thea? I’ll cook it for you personally."
After a pause, Thea thought for a moment and said, "Zhajiangmian?"
There wasn’t anything else she particularly wanted at the moment.
"Alright, what time will you be here on Friday?"
"I plan to visit Westmere first on Friday and come back to the courtyard in the evening."
"Oh right, you do need to go to Westmere. Why not bring your grandparents back directly?"
"I called them at noon and was told they have some matters to attend to that afternoon, so they can’t come over. It’s fine; I’ll bring them over during the Spring Festival. I’ll have to trouble you again then, Aunt."
"Oh, you silly child, we’re all family, why talk like we’re not? What’s trouble, really? You’re just being polite. Don’t say that again, okay?" Aunt chided lightly, "Alright, alright, go handle your business; I’ll get your delivery to your third brother."
——
In the evening, Thea got off work on time and went downstairs with Foreman Chandler and the others.
"Thanks for your hard work tomorrow, everyone."
"It’s nothing." Everyone knew she had family matters and had no choice but to take time off. Otherwise, given Thea’s enthusiasm for work, if allowed, she might as well live at the company.
"Foreman Lynch, if you’re busy at home, feel free to take a few more days off. We can handle things at the company. If something comes up that we can’t solve, we can always go online to work it out."
"Really, it’s nothing major; everything’s fine at home. Just visiting relatives back in Westmere."
Thea knew she’d been taking time off quite a bit recently, and they were concerned.
"Don’t worry, if I really do need more time, I’ll definitely let you all know."
As she exited the company building, Thea spotted Ian Preston from a distance.
He hadn’t driven over today, probably stopping by the apartment before coming to pick her up.
After all, the apartment is just a convenient walk from Stratus.
"I’m off then." Thea waved to them and unconsciously sped up her pace.
The weather was nice today; Thea was wearing just a thin shirt, her jacket draped over her arm. She walked alongside Ian under the pleasant moonlight.
"Third brother, did Aunt ask you to bring something for me?"
"Yeah, an international package." Ian could easily guess who sent it, "From Uncle?"
Thea nodded, "He said it was a birthday gift."
"It’s at my place; I’ll grab it when we get there."
"Okay."
"Are you going to Westmere tomorrow?" He looked down at her.
Aunt had briefly mentioned it to him that afternoon.
Thea wasn’t surprised he knew.
"I’ll take you there tomorrow."
"Huh?" Thea was startled and declined, "No need."
"I have a car booked, it’s quite convenient. I’ll head straight to the courtyard once I’m back."
"See you at the courtyard then."
Despite her repeated refusals, Ian didn’t push and let her be.
Back at the apartment, Thea followed Ian to his place but didn’t go in. She just stood by the door.
Ian lifted the package. Since it was heavy, he didn’t let her handle it, "Open the door, I’ll carry it over."
"Alright." Thea stepped out, opening her own door.
Ian placed the package in the living room, saving her from having to move it later.
"Thanks, third brother." Thea handed him a wet wipe to clean his dusty hands.
"What time will you be back tomorrow? I’ll let Aunt know so she can prepare dinner."
Thea thought for a moment and said, "Around four or five o’clock."
"I’ll try to be early."
The next morning, as Thea went downstairs, she ran into Ian’s assistant, who didn’t seem to be waiting for Ian, but rather intentionally waiting for her.
"Anything?"
She stopped.
"These are things Mr. Preston instructed, but you to bring to your relatives."
The assistant was holding a lot of items, all arranged by Ian.
