After a series of events, Deanna checked the time; it was past twelve. Holding some herbs, she left her bedroom, feeling weary and yawning. She then knocked on her grandmother's door. Her grandmother, still sleepy-eyed, looked at her. "Deanna, it's so late, what's the matter?"
Deanna ran her hand through her hair, awkwardly explaining, "Mr. Mercer fell asleep and won't be going back tonight. He's sleeping in my room. So, I came here to squeeze with you."
Her grandmother, now awake, looked at her in shock. "Deanna, how could you let a man stay in your room?"
She chuckled awkwardly, "He hasn't slept for days. After I finished treating him, he fell asleep and couldn't be woken up. I had no choice."
Her grandmother shook her head helplessly and let her in.
Suddenly remembering something, her grandmother stopped Deanna, who was about to go to bed. "What about Mr. Mercer's assistant? Did he also stay?"
Deanna, puzzled, nodded.
Her grandmother's expression turned strange, as if wanting to say something but hesitating.
Is Deanna really this open now? Letting two men stay in her bedroom overnight, is this acceptable?
Deanna realized and waved her hand quickly, saying, "He did stay, to take care of Mr. Mercer. But I didn't let him stay in my room; he slept on the couch."
Her grandmother breathed a sigh of relief.
The next day, Deanna was awakened by the voices of two children. She got up and prepared herself. As she opened the door, she saw Chloe and Gregory holding several boxes, cheering excitedly. Xavier and Lance stood beside them. Lance seemed to be in good spirits after finally getting a comfortable sleep.
Two kittens mewed around them.
Deanna's inquisitive gaze fell on the boxes. She walked over and asked the children, "Chloe, Gregory, what's all this? Where did it come from?"
Gregory and Chloe exchanged a glance. Gregory looked at her and replied, "Mommy, these are LEGO sets uncle brought from abroad."
He hugged the box tightly, looking down.
Chloe added, "I got figurines uncle bought for me from abroad."
The little girl blinked innocently. She really liked these things.
Deanna frowned and looked at Lance, saying, "How could you let Mr. Mercer spend money like this? I'll transfer you the amount!"
But Lance refused, "It's not much money, I promised to give them these."
Deanna never liked owing things to others. But his tone left no room for her to intervene. She sighed and accepted it.
Then, Xavier approached her, bowed, and thanked her, "Thank you, Dr. Deanna, for last night's shelter. How much were the treatment and herb fees last night? I'll transfer it to you via WhatsApp."
How could she accept their money again? She said, "This treatment is free, and so are the herbs. Consider it a thank you for helping me last night. Besides, these gifts are also a token of appreciation."
She glanced at the boxes and smiled.
Seeing her insistence and clear calculation, Lance didn't insist anymore and agreed.
Old Ashley came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of breakfast. Seeing everyone, she invited, "Breakfast is ready, let's eat together! Mr. Mercer, Xavier, why don't you join us?"
Lance politely declined, "No, we've already disturbed you last night, we shouldn't impose anymore."
He was shocked to wake up in her room this morning. It was utterly improper.
He didn't want to trouble Dr. Deanna and her family anymore.
Xavier also declined, wanting to return home with Lance.
Old Ashley was very enthusiastic, insisting, "Nonsense, it's just a meal, no trouble at all! Besides, Mr. Mercer, you still remember the two children, and you've brought these gifts for them."
All the toys he bought for them were quite expensive.
Old Ashley was truly grateful to him.
Gregory had liked LEGO for a long time but never had the money to buy them. She saw his disappointment and felt it deeply.
Therefore, she didn't mind him spending the night in Deanna's room.
Lance hesitated, but the old lady insisted so much that further refusal seemed unreasonable.
Xavier looked at him, waiting for his decision.
The two children were also very enthusiastic.
Gregory smiled at Lance, "Yeah, handsome uncle, let's eat together!"
He really liked this handsome uncle now.
Chloe nodded, "Uncle, come with us!"
She walked over, holding a box in one hand and Lance's hand in the other.
She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with stars.
Lance was suddenly stunned.
The little girl's hand was soft and tender.
As she held his fingers, he felt as if a corner of his heart had melted.
As if compelled by some strange force, he got up and went to sit down.