Later that evening, after dinner, everyone headed home.
Deanna drove Brent back to the small courtyard in the old town.
She watched Brent get out of the car but couldn't hold back and followed him out. "Wait a moment."
"Miss, do you have any instructions?"
Brent stopped and turned around, puzzled.
Deanna approached him with a serious look. "Brent, can you honestly tell me what's going on with Master abroad? Has he encountered any problems?"
Upon hearing this, Brent's eyes flickered briefly but quickly returned to normal.
Deanna didn't notice this.
Brent chuckled. "Why do you say that, Miss?"
"I just heard what you said at the restaurant earlier. It seems like Master is having a hard time abroad. And for him to entrust me with establishing the first research institute here, such an important task... Even if he trusts my abilities, it still feels off."
Deanna voiced her thoughts and stared intently at Brent.
Brent couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Master Gunner was right; his disciple was very astute. Despite his efforts to paint a rosy picture, she still sensed something was amiss.
But Master Gunner had repeatedly instructed him not to worry her.
Thinking of this, Brent suppressed his emotions and smiled. "You probably miss Master Gunner too much. He is doing well abroad. It's just that his research is at a critical stage, so he can't come back right now."
Hearing this and seeing no unusual expression on Brent's face, Deanna felt relieved.
Perhaps she was overthinking. If Master Gunner were in trouble, he wouldn't have the energy to have her set up a research institute.
"As long as Master is fine. Brent, get some rest early. The design plans for the research institute will be out tomorrow, and we have a lot to do." Deanna advised.
Brent nodded and turned to enter the old house's gate.
Watching him close the courtyard door, Deanna returned to the car.
Lance noticed her light-hearted return and smiled slightly. "Did you find out?"
"Yes, Master is fine."
Deanna replied instinctively, then realized something was off and looked at him in surprise. "How did you know I was asking about Master Gunner?"
Lance looked at her surprised expression and pretended to be mysterious. "I just knew."
The two little ones listening to their conversation were confused.
"Daddy, Mommy, what are you talking about? What happened to Grandmaster?"
"He is fine. I just went to ask when he will be back." Deanna reassured them.
The two little ones believed her and asked, "Did you find out?"
Deanna hesitated but quickly thought of a response.
"Of course, I did. Your Grandmaster has a very important research project. Once it's successful, he will come back."
"How long will it take for Grandmaster to finish his research? I miss him so much."
Chloe looked up expectantly.
Deanna was stumped by the question.
She didn't expect the little girl to be so persistent.
Before she could respond, Gregory asked, "Since Grandmaster can't come back soon, can we visit him during our vacation?"
"We'll see when your vacation comes. It's still several months away."
Deanna didn't know how to answer, so she decided to delay it for now.
Lance watched her little trick with a slight smile, amused.
When Deanna turned around and saw his teasing smile, she knew he was making fun of her. She pinched his waist angrily. "Stop laughing."
Lance winced in pain and quickly grabbed her mischievous hand, pulling her into his arms. He whispered in a low, husky voice, "Attempted murder of your husband, hmm?"
Deanna felt a shiver run through her body at his magnetic voice.
"Who... Who's attempting murder?"
She stammered in defense and tried to push him away in embarrassment but failed.
Lance held her tightly by the waist and smiled. "For my safety, you'd better stay in my arms until we get out of the car."
"Hugging like this is inappropriate. Gregory and Chloe are here; don't set a bad example!"
Deanna glared at him angrily, her cheeks turning redder by the second.
Unfortunately, no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break free from Lance's embrace.
At that moment, the two little ones covered their eyes playfully and giggled. "We didn't see anything. Daddy and Mommy can hug as much as they want."