Chapter 127: Chapter 127: If You Don’t Like Ian Preston...
"I’ll help you put these in the car first." The assistant gestured for the driver to open the trunk. Thea Lynch glanced at the things in his hands, which were all health supplements.
It must be said, Ian Preston is truly thoughtful; he considers everything, down to the smallest details.
She originally planned to bring some fruit to her grandparents after arriving in Westmere.
However, Ian had already gotten everything ready.
"Thank you." She nodded to the assistant.
"You don’t need to thank me; this was all Mr. Preston’s idea."
"Please, get in the car."
The assistant helped her open the car door, "Mr. Preston says when you get home, if you’re free, send him a message."
Thea replied: "Okay."
After getting in the car, Thea opened her phone and spent quite a while editing before sending the message.
On the other side, Ian Preston was in a meeting.
The phone on the table suddenly lit up. He glanced down casually; upon confirming it was Thea, he then picked up the phone.
The manager who was reporting instinctively paused, waiting silently.
Ian opened the message and saw it was a stiff thank you.
With no change in expression, he turned off the phone and tossed it back onto the table. "Continue."
It was not so crowded today, and Thea arrived in Westmere twenty minutes earlier than expected.
Grandma knew she was coming back today, so she stayed home to wait for her, letting Grandpa go to the clinic alone.
"Is Grandpa okay by himself?" Thea put down the items one by one.
"No problem, no problem. There’s nothing he can’t handle. He’ll be back soon."
Saying this, Grandma glanced at the things she brought, frowning, "You child, why do you always spend money so carelessly? Use it on yourself sometimes, don’t always think about spending it on us. Your Grandpa and I lack nothing here."
"Your uncle often sends things to us every now and then, we can’t even finish eating them."
"Not really." Thea admitted honestly, "Ian prepared them."
"Little Ian?" Indeed, hearing it was Ian, Grandma instantly smiled. However, she still said, "That boy is stubborn. I’ve told him so many times not to buy things, but he still does."
"Just keep them; it’s a small token from Ian."
It’s clear that Grandpa and Grandma are very fond of Ian. After all, for so many years, Ian has been very considerate towards them, always paying attention.
"Are you going to see your brother tomorrow?" While preparing vegetables, Grandma asked tentatively.
"Yes." Thea heard it a lot these last few days, so she wasn’t as resistant. "I’ll go with Ian and the others."
Seeing this, Grandma was also relieved, "Good, it’s better if you go together."
If Thea went alone, Grandma wouldn’t be at ease.
It’s always better to have company.
"After this birthday, you’ll be twenty-five." Grandma asked if she had any birthday wishes.
Thea smiled and said, "I just hope you, Grandpa, and Grandfather stay healthy. Other than that, I don’t have any wishes."
"It’s your birthday; the wish should be for yourself. Don’t always think of us old folks."
Grandma: "No, make another wish. Save this one for next time when we have our birthdays."
Thea pondered for a moment, "Then, successful work."
Grandma: "..."
"Are you brushing me off, you sly girl?"
"No way." Thea chuckled helplessly, "I’m not brushing you off. Besides that, I really don’t have any wishes. I can’t think of anything else at the moment."
On the surface, she seems hardworking, but in reality, she’s quite laid-back.
No grand dreams or unrealistic wishes, she can generally accomplish things within her capabilities.
"Aren’t you thinking about your future?"
Grandma hinted at her intentionally or unintentionally.
Thea of course understood, being twenty-five and never having been in a relationship. Grandma’s urging is normal.
She had a senior from her university dorm who graduated while holding a child, which startled her.
Indeed, compared to most peers, her progress was rather slow.
Putting down the vegetables in her hand, Thea replied calmly, "I don’t want to think about that for now."
"So, Thea, you have no plans about this at all?"
Grandma wasn’t trying to pressure her into taking this step quickly, just wanting to know her general plans.
"Plans..." Thea shook her head, "None. At the moment, I feel living alone is good; I don’t want to be influenced by another person."
Grandma took a deep breath, wanting to say more but stopped.
"What do you want to say, Grandma?"
"Nothing." Grandma smiled at her, "Everyone has their own way of living; you, just be happy. The rest, Grandma won’t say much."
"Even though Grandma has experience, I can’t say my choices and experiences are entirely correct. The paths before everyone are different; choosing which one, what vehicle to take, it depends on you."
Before starting this conversation, Grandma did have many things to say to Thea.
But when it came to this point, Grandma suddenly didn’t want to say anything.
Life offers many choices. No one says you have to live by the book.
"You’re just saying you don’t have plans, but Grandma, you’re a very thoughtful child. However you choose, always put yourself first."
"Hmm." Thea stepped forward to hug Grandma, "Thank you, Grandma, I will."
Grandma wiped her wet hands on her apron and gently patted her shoulder, "Our Thea should live well and stride forward."
——
Grandpa finally came back during lunch.
Grandpa heard Ian brought something over again; he thought Ian had come too.
"No. Ian’s going back to the manor today; he’ll come next time." Thea fibbed.
"Ian certainly is thoughtful." Mentioning Ian, Grandpa seemed to want to say something, but Grandma promptly filled a bowl of rice for him, using it to shut him up and even gave him a look.
Grandpa had to leave it at that.
The interaction between the elderly couple was all in Thea’s sight. She smiled faintly, understanding what it meant.
Grandpa and Grandma are not simply fond of Ian.
Considering Grandma’s hesitation in the morning, Thea can guess what they want to say.
Most likely they want to set them up.
In the afternoon, Thea accompanied Grandpa for a couple of drinks. Later, Grandma put the liquor away, not letting them drink more.
"Alright, alright, Thea still needs to go back later."
"Just a gesture is enough."
In the afternoon, Grandpa returned to the clinic. Grandma accompanied Thea while waiting for the car.
"Grandma, do you and Grandpa really like Ian?" While waiting, Thea suddenly asked.
Grandma was slightly taken aback, understanding what she meant. After a moment, she said, "Yes, we like Ian. He’s a good person and treats you well. But it doesn’t matter whether we like him or not."
"Since you don’t like him, don’t force it..."
Before Grandma finished speaking, Thea suddenly shook her head, quietly refuting, "I’m not sure."
