Chapter 163 Anything Else
Amidst the enchanting backdrop of Moulmore, Remdik, Elm shared glimpses of his solitary journey, capturing the ethereal beauty of the aurora and a charming selfie with a reindeer.
Dressed in a black storm suit, his hooded coat adorned with strands of hair dusted with Blake frost. Elm’s images elicited a gentle smile from Eileen.
Her gratitude flowed through a message: It’s beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you for experiencing these sights on my behalf.
In the distant reaches of Moulmore, Elm traversed the icy landscape alone, his tent emitting. wisps of smoke against the harsh winter backdrop.
Despite a significant fifteen-hour time difference between Remdik and his home country, Elm remained unperturbed as he embarked on a solitary journey. Along the way, he crossed paths with other travelers who were also reveling in their holiday adventures.
A voice in Remdikian called out from behind, “Elm, it’s time to eat.”
Seeing the reply he got from Eileen, Elm chose not to respond. Instead, he stored away his phone and exited the extended tent.
On the eve of New Year’s Eve, the company granted everyone time off, and Eric and Vera were busy decorating the residence with red lights that adorned the gla*s windows, swiftly infusing the home with a festive atmosphere.
Sharon, having injured her waist, returned from the hospital to the Swan residence just in time for the New Year, although Eileen wasn’t sure how long she would stay this time.
Enjoying a rare day off at home, Eileen didn’t want to waste her time. With a bag on her back, she descended from upstairs.
Sharon emerged from the kitchen, saying, “The New Year is almost here; where are you planning to go?”
“I’m going to the library to borrow some materials.”
“We’re on holiday; why are you still studying? Take a good rest at home. I’ve made some brownies; they’ll be ready soon.”
Just then, another voice rang out. “Ms. Eileen, there’s a letter for you in the mailbox!” A housekeeper held a thick stack of envelopes. “In this day and age, it’s strange that people still send letters, especially all the way from Remdik.”
1.5
When she heard the housekeeper’s words, the first person that came to Eileen’s mind was Elm.
Eileen accepted the letter, unfolding its contents, as Eric and Vera returned with their shopping spoils, each carrying two large bags in their hands.
“Mr. Snow,” the housekeeper greeted.
Eric nodded, his gaze directed at the individuals in the living room.
Eileen, without needing to glance, already had a sense of what was enclosed within the envelope.
Is this his way of returning the favor? Or perhaps a New Year’s gift?
Just then, Sharon emerged from the kitchen, cradling a tray of freshly-baked brownies. “Mr. Snow, Vera, you’re just in time. Come have some brownies!”
Vera, bringing two sizable bags of groceries to the table, remarked, “Sharon, why prepare so much? We can’t possibly consume all of this. Gavin, Sharon, please join us.”
Meanwhile, Mary brought a cup of warm milk and sandwiches to the person lounging on the couch. “What are you looking at, Ms. Eileen? Oh my, this is truly beautiful. Where is this?”
“Indeed! This place is truly stunning.” Eileen responded. Every picture Elm had sent was clear.
Eileen delicately unsealed the envelopes, ensuring the seals remained intact. Inside, nearly a hundred photos awaited, along with a USB drive tucked within the envelope.
Numerous eyes were drawn to the scene.
Vera inquired with curiosity, “What’s Eileen looking at?”
“It’s a letter from a friend. I recall that Eileen has a friend with the last name Smith,” Sharon divulged.
“Is it the guy from Smith Corporation? Or… perhaps it’s Elm? I remember, he participated in this year’s winter camp, held in Remdik.”
Speaking, Vera shifted her gaze toward Eric, whose gaze dimmed.
Eileen swiftly stored the photos in her backpack, grasped the USB drive, and slung her bag over her shoulder. “Inform Father,” she stated, “I have my final piano lesson today, so I won’t be home for lunch.”
“Ms. Eileen, won’t you have your milk?”
Eileen continued without pausing, brushing past Eric, “No, I won’t; don’t bother preparing then in the future.” She took a bite of her sandwich and left the house with those words.
The realization that Eric had been drugging her milk for five years cast a shadow over Eileen’s heart,
Upon entering the car, she headed to the library.
Inside, free computers awaited her use. Reaching the seventh floor, Eileen swiped her identification card, found a computer, and eagerly connected her USB drive.
She clicked on the folder, unveiling a video that unfolded over three to four hours.
The scene commenced with Elm’s entrance into a bustling station. Amidst the commotion, his voice resonated, “There’s a train from Hulbury to Musbane, spanning over seven thousand kilometers. Make sure you get a sleeper ticket; don’t make the naive mistake of opting for a seat. It’ll be a nightmare…”
A laugh escaped Eileen’s l*ps, accompanied by a stirring emotion that warmed her heart in an unprecedented way.
The sleeper berth by the train’s window captured the most enchanting vistas along the journey. While the train swiftly traversed these fleeting landscapes, Elm skillfully slowed down the frames, allowing her to savor every moment.
Upon the conclusion of Elm’s video, Eileen found herself yearning for more.
What if we could video chat? I could see it for myself right now.
With the day having progressed to two or three in the afternoon, Eileen, emerging from the library, chose to dial Elm’s mobile number.
Within a matter of seconds, Elm answered the call promptly. “What is it, Ms. Eileen? What do you want?”
“Elm, I’ve received it, and I appreciate it. The photos you captured are truly exquisite.”
The voice on the other end, reminiscent of just waking up, responded indifferently, “Mmm, got it,” before adding, “Anything else? I’m about to sleep here.”
“Can I see the original footage? The unedited version,” Eileen requested.
With a hint of nonchalance, Elm replied, “So many requests, not happening! Goodbye.” The call concluded with him disconnecting.
Undeterred, Eileen decided to wait for a more opportune moment to bring up the subject when he returned.
35
Chapter 3 Anything Else
The final notes of Eileen’s two-hour piano lesson echoed in the air.
On her way back, she decided to buy a photo album to carefully preserve the moments captured in the pictures.
As she walked through the streets, halfway through her journey, the sky suddenly started to snow gently. While watching the snowflakes gracefully melt into Blakeness on the road, Eileen received an unexpected call from the housekeeper, urging her to hurry home because there were unidentified guests.
Intrigued by the mystery, Eileen hurried back. When she saw a familiar car in the yard, a particular person immediately came to mind.
This is…
As she entered the foyer, a distinct sense of relaxation enveloped her. Familiar voices came from the living room, where several people were sitting on the couch.
The housekeeper greeted her with a warm smile, “Ms. Eileen.”
Jasper turned his head, and everyone else followed suit.
Eileen handed her bag of books to the housekeeper, saying, “Please take this to my room. Be careful.”
“Yes, Ms. Eileen.”
Jasper stood up, a smile appearing on his l*ps. “You’re back?”
On the other hand, Will, speaking in a stern tone, scolded, “It’s the New Year; why are you stil going to cla*ses? During the holidays, you should rest at home. Sharon, please tell them to prepare a few more delicious dishes.”
“Certainly, Mr. Swan.”
Jasper replied, “No need to trouble yourself; I’m just here to see her for a bit. I’ll leave soon.”
Noticing the meaningful look in Will’s eyes, Eileen understood his unspoken message. It was clear what he was suggesting.
As she approached, Jasper graciously made way for her.
Taking her seat beside him, Eileen suggested, “Since you’re here, why not stay for dinner? Would you like to try some chestnut pie? I happened to prepare the ingredients last time.”
“Would that be a bother to you?” Jasper asked.
Eileen offered a gentle smile. “Of course not. I was planning to do it anyway. Now that you’re here, there’s no need for someone to deliver it to you. Besides… it’s much tastier when it’s fresh out of the oven.”
“I’ll help you then.”
“It’s okay, I can handle it. Why don’t you sit with Father for a while? I’ll be done soon.”
5/5
