Chapter 406: Chapter 300: The Past
Upon hearing this, someone with a look of utter disbelief on his face exclaimed loudly.
"Oh, God, man, do you even know what you’re saying?"
"Baird Town is your hometown," another person added, their tone full of reproach.
"How could you say something so heartless?"
Others chimed in, all clearly surprised and displeased by Yves’s decision.
But Yves was unshaken. He stood, pulled a few bills from his pocket, and placed them gently on the table. Then, he looked at the group and said coolly,
"Sorry, I just want a quiet life now. Goodbye."
With that, he turned and walked toward Fiona without a backward glance, leaving the group to stare at each other in dismay.
Yves walked back to his daughter’s table and glanced down to find that more than half of the roasted meat was left. He had always been frugal, and it felt like a terrible waste. He called a waiter over and asked them to pack it up.
As the food was being packed, he took the opportunity to teach his daughter a lesson.
"We don’t waste food."
"I know, Dad!" Fiona nodded obediently, her little face etched with a serious expression. Her mature demeanor was incredibly endearing.
Then, she reached out her small hand, tugged on the hem of Yves’s shirt, and looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Dad, Uncle said he’s going to buy me new clothes. Can we go to Auntie Xiaoli’s place? Auntie Xiaoli always secretly gives me fruit pies."
"That’s right! We’ll go get our little Angel some new clothes, and while we’re at it, we’ll pick up a few Western cowboy outfits."
Feng Mountain stood up from his chair and deliberately struck a cool pose, like a cowboy in a showdown.
He squatted low and leaned back, pretending to pull the trigger of a revolver while making "PEW PEW" sounds with his mouth. This made Fiona burst into laughter, and her bright giggles echoed through the restaurant, making the once somber atmosphere much more cheerful.
"Boss, I know a place that sells great clothes. All handmade."
With that, Yves picked up his daughter and walked out the door, followed by the disappointed gazes of everyone in the restaurant.
Those who had hoped Yves might change his mind and stay to do something for the town could only watch helplessly as his back grew smaller in the distance, their hearts filled with regret.
「...」
They strolled leisurely down the town’s main street.
Along the way, they ran into quite a few people. At first, their gazes fell curiously on Yves and his companions, but they quickly shifted to Fiona.
Then, after seeing Fiona, they would recognize Yves. Instantly, they couldn’t help but start pointing and whispering about them.
Yves, however, seemed completely unfazed by the gossip. ’I only came back for my daughter. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says. As long as I can leave with Fiona and give her a good life, that’s all that matters.’
Soon, the group arrived in front of a shop selling Western apparel and accessories.
JINGLE!!
As the door was pushed open, it pulled on the wind chime hanging above it, which sent a crisp sound echoing through the quiet store.
Stepping inside, they saw that the decor was steeped in a rich Western style.
The raw-wood counter, worn smooth by the passage of time, had developed a warm, lustrous patina, as if telling stories of the past.
The wooden floor also had an aged look, with one patch after another. Though worn out, it possessed a unique charm.
A set of shelves against one wall was lined with cowboy clothes, boots, belts, and accessories.
Behind the counter, a woman with her head lowered was holding a cowboy hat, seemingly tidying it up. When she heard the chime, she looked up, about to greet her customers.
But the moment she saw Yves’s face, she froze. A film of moisture welled up in her eyes, which were filled with surprise, joy, and a trace of some ineffably complex emotion.
It was Yves who broke the silence, greeting her naturally with a gentle smile. "Hey, Xia Li. Long time no see."
"Auntie Xiaoli," Fiona chimed in obediently, her small face beaming with a sweet smile.
The woman struggled to compose herself before quickly stepping out from behind the counter. She came before the father and daughter, took Fiona from Yves, and held her in a hug, giving her a little kiss. Only then did she look at Yves, her voice trembling slightly with excitement as she asked,
"When did you get back?"
"Less than three hours ago," Yves answered honestly. Looking at Xia Li, he felt a wave of emotion well up inside him too.
Standing off to the side, Feng Mountain discreetly sized up the woman. The more he looked, the more he felt she exuded a unique charm.
Her thick, chestnut-colored hair was draped casually over her shoulders, shimmering like a brilliant waterfall with a soft and captivating luster in the sunlight, lending her an air of feminine grace.
Her face was sun-kissed to a healthy, wheat-colored tan—the mark of long hours spent outdoors under the elements. It gave her a natural, rustic beauty, and the freckles scattered across her face were like a sprinkle of stars, a look many find utterly captivating.
Her attire was pure Western chic, perfectly showcasing her free-spirited and untamable nature.
She wore a tight, brown leather top. The collar and cuffs were adorned with exquisite studs, which not only added a fashionable flair but also accentuated her personality.
The hem of her top swayed gently with her movements, occasionally revealing an engraved revolver tucked at her waist, its handle glinting coldly in the light.
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