Chapter 75 The Little Pony Doll
When blowing out the birthday candles, Leopold took out his phone and recorded a short video, and even took a group photo for Caroline's family.
After dinner, Caroline and Elysia washed dishes in the kitchen while Leopold kept Elijah company in the living room, drinking coffee.
The mother and daughter chatted quietly in the kitchen about Leopold.
Elysia said, "It's not that I'm dead set against you two being together, but we have to consider family background. Your dad is someone with status in society - do you really want people gossiping about him?"
Caroline said, "Mom, everyone's so busy these days, who has time to gossip about others? You're being too pessimistic."
Elysia stopped cutting fruit and glanced sideways at Caroline. "You think too well of people. No matter who you are or what your status is, you can't escape being talked about behind your back."
Caroline, "I don't gossip about others. If I have time, I'd rather take a nap and rest."
"That's just you. Do you think everyone in this world has your personality? Are you sure no one's ever gossiped about you behind your back?"
Caroline wanted to argue back, but one example from Elysia left her speechless.
"Just recently, when Atticus made that scene at your workplace, didn't you hear plenty of rumors during that time? No one can truly understand what you're going through. Maybe they genuinely care when listening to you, but after it's over, can you guarantee you won't become gossip material?"
"Leopold is great in many ways, but his family situation is his biggest weakness. I won't make the decision for you. Go home and think carefully about what you'll face in the future. If you really feel you can accept his family, I won't say anything more. But remember, don't come crying to me later because of what I'm telling you today. Everyone has to bear the consequences of their own choices."
If before it was Caroline acting on impulse and passion, then after Elysia's heartfelt advice, she needed to look at their relationship more calmly and examine Leopold's family situation.
"Caroline, you might not understand me now, but when you're older, or if you really run into trouble someday, you'll realize that what you thought was a small thing back then will become the sharpest knife to attack you with."
Caroline was silent for a moment. "I understand."
Elysia could tell Caroline had taken her words to heart. As for what choice she'd make, Elysia respected Caroline's decision.
Meanwhile, in the living room.
The TV was broadcasting current events news. The international situation had been unstable for the past two or three months. Due to his work, Elijah paid close attention to such news events. The current situation was unpredictable, with various forces weighing and testing each other. Rather than just the situation, it was more accurately a game between major powers.
Leopold noticed Elijah's interest in the news and casually asked, "The situation is even more tense now. Every time I watch wartime news, I feel grateful to be living in a peaceful country."
Elijah nodded with feeling. "Yes, our country navigates through it all without getting dragged into endless wars of attrition. That's not easy to do. And there are no winners in war - only the people suffer." He looked at Leopold. "You follow international affairs too?"
Leopold said, "I've been following it from the beginning."
It surprised Elijah a bit that a business person managing hotels would pay attention to war situations. To test whether he was just agreeing randomly to please him, Elijah asked,
"What's your take on this conflict?"
Leopold spoke confidently, analyzing the situation, examining the truth behind the war, and deducing which countries each force truly supported. His reasoning was clear and logical, highly consistent with Elijah's own thoughts. Elijah began to see Leopold in a new light.
"Your coffee must be cold." Elijah pointed out that Leopold's coffee had cooled. Just as he was about to lift the coffee pot, Leopold stood up first and got fresh coffee for Elijah. He said, "Mr. Tudor, if you want to go fishing on the weekend, don't hesitate. I'm available anytime."
Elijah picked up his cup. "So you're not available if it's not the weekend?"
Leopold paused. "Weekdays work too."
Elijah smiled meaningfully. "For Caroline, you really will do anything."
Finally getting Caroline's parents to gradually accept him - tonight was a big step forward.
Leopold didn't immediately make promises. People like Elijah, who had been in politics for years, wouldn't be impressed by those who only made verbal guarantees. What he could do was prove himself through actions.
"Caroline is very sensible and never makes unreasonable demands. What I do isn't much. Actually, she's always been very independent around me. Sometimes I wish she would depend on me more."
Elijah just smiled without comment, which left Leopold unsure how to continue the conversation.
He'd dealt with people in politics before, but Elijah felt unfathomable to him - impossible to see through or figure out.
Besides discussing the news, Elijah didn't ask Leopold any personal questions. This was both good and bad.
Asking about Leopold's parents would put Leopold in an awkward position, but not asking clearly showed he had no interest in getting involved with him, much less getting to know him.
Thinking about this, Leopold grew anxious, but fortunately Caroline came over and broke the tension.
"Dad, have some fruit," then looking at Leopold, "you too."
Leopold smiled slightly. "Okay."
Elijah picked up a fork and put a piece of cantaloupe in his mouth. Elysia sat down beside Elijah. "Is the cantaloupe sweet?"
Elijah, "Pretty sweet."
"Leopold bought it. He bought quite a few things." Elysia took out another pen case. "This one's yours. I got one too."
Not many people give pens as gifts nowadays. Elijah opened the gift box - the black and gold pen body was steady and understated. At Elysia's prompting, he noticed his name on the pen cap.
"This gift is too expensive." Before Elijah could politely decline, Leopold said, "Mr. Tudor, this pen isn't expensive, but the master craftsman who made it hasn't worked in years. He only charged cost for the labor. As long as you and Mrs. Tudor like it."
Handmade - such thoughtfulness was rare.
From small things, Elijah could see Leopold was very thoughtful. He was trying so hard to win them over, all for Caroline's sake. If Caroline could find someone who was wholeheartedly devoted to her, perhaps some things could be compromised.
Seeing that Leopold had been sitting with Elijah for quite a while and should get a break, Caroline said, "I'll show him my childhood photos."
Elysia smiled. "Go ahead."
As soon as they left, Elijah glanced at Elysia, who gently nudged his arm.
In Caroline's room, everything was neatly arranged. A girl's room wouldn't be complete without stuffed animals. Standing in front of a whole wall of bookshelves, while Caroline looked for photo albums, Leopold admired her little dolls.
Leopold picked up a small horse-shaped plushie, tiny in size. He asked, "How old were you when you played with this?"
Caroline's gaze paused. "Middle school."
Leopold sensed something more. "Give it to me."
"No way." Caroline snatched it back. Leopold narrowed his eyes. "Who exactly gave this to you?"