Deanna watched silently.
"Mr. Mercer, you and Xavier, stay here for breakfast today," she said, stepping forward to take Old Ashley's plate and placing it on the table.
The two children obediently went to get chairs. Chloe swiftly ran to the kitchen, fetching two more pairs of chopsticks and two bowls.
Xavier politely said, "Dr. Deanna, are we bothering you?"
Deanna smiled, looking at Lance, who was already seated. "It's no trouble at all, just a matter of a few extra pairs of chopsticks," she said, arching her eyebrows, looking lively and spirited.
Old Ashley returned from the kitchen with a pot of medicinal congee. Deanna took it and served Lance a bowl.
"This is medicinal congee my grandmother made. It tastes good and nourishes the body, suitable for your current condition," she explained.
Lance nodded in agreement and silently enjoyed the congee, finding it indeed delicious.
During the meal, Chloe and Gregory were actively serving Lance. Chloe used a public chopstick to pick up a peanut and placed it in his plate, saying happily, "Uncle, have this!"
Lance responded, "Okay," and ate the peanut.
Before he finished, Gregory served him another dish, saying, "Uncle, this side dish is also delicious, my mommy made it herself!"
Lance looked up, meeting his expectant eyes. "Hmm..."
Xavier wanted to intervene. Their young master had a cleanliness habit and didn't like others using chopsticks that had been used. Even public chopsticks were unacceptable. He always used his own set. But Gregory's dish had already entered Lance's bowl. Xavier sucked in a breath, looking at his young master. Seeing his calm expression, he relaxed and continued eating.
Old Ashley found the children adorable. She chuckled, "Chloe, Gregory, do you both really like this handsome uncle?"
Gregory vigorously nodded, and Chloe smiled, saying, "Yes, I like him the most!"
Then, she served Lance another dish, saying, "Uncle, try this, it's the best!"
Caught up in the moment, she forgot to use public chopsticks and used her own small ones instead.
Xavier quickly stopped her, "This-"
Before he could speak further, Lance had already put the food in his mouth and said, "It's really good."
Praised, Chloe giggled happily. "See? I like it too!"
Leaning forward excitedly, she said, "Uncle, my mommy's cooking is so delicious! You must try it when you have the chance!"
Her voice was soft and sweet, melting Lance's heart. He replied, "Okay."
A gentle smile formed on Lance's lips. This little girl was truly adorable. His demeanor softened unconsciously.
Xavier was dumbfounded, watching him. Had he seen it wrong? The young master actually ate food that had been touched by someone else's saliva? His jaw almost dropped to the floor.
Deanna found it amusing to watch. This little girl made promises without her consent. Besides, she wasn't planning on having Mr. Mercer come over again. It wasn't quite appropriate for such a big man to frequent her chamber. This morning, her grandmother had made that clear to her. Even if Mr. Mercer had no such intentions, they couldn't prevent neighbors from gossiping about it.
She put down her chopsticks and suggested, "Mr. Mercer, the space at home is too small. And to prevent last night's situation from happening again... next time, I'll come to your place to treat you."
She felt awkward halfway through speaking.
Xavier asked, "What about the medicinal herbs?"
Deanna replied, "I'll prepare them and send them over."
Xavier nodded, and Lance had no objection. It was best to treat at home. Driving here was indeed inconvenient.
He calmly said, "Okay," then instructed Xavier, "Later, give Dr. Deanna the address."
"Yes."
Xavier obeyed and continued eating breakfast.
After finishing the meal, Deanna handed Lance the prepared medicinal herbs. "These are the same herbs as before, with added sleep aids. Take them three times a day after meals. And remember to take the herbal baths regularly."
"Mm."
Lance nodded and left with Xavier. Both children looked reluctant to part with him. Gregory walked up to him and said, "Uncle, goodbye!" Chloe also approached, leaning against the door, reluctant to leave.
"Uncle, come often in the future," she said.
In the future, when Mommy went to Uncle's place, they didn't know when they would see this handsome uncle again.
Lance chuckled softly, his eyes gentle. He patted their heads and said softly, "Goodbye."