For some reason, Leon couldn’t shake the feeling that Caroline’s gaze toward him was… strange.
There was affection in her eyes, along with admiration, relief, reluctance, expectation, and even a hint of reproach—all mingled together in a way that was hard to describe.
If he had to find a comparison, perhaps it was like the way a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law.
…
That thought made Leon suddenly realize why her gaze had been giving him so much pressure. So that was it.
Still, considering that this was his first time meeting Caroline—and that he hadn’t exactly confirmed any romantic relationship with Abigail—he figured he might be overthinking it. He quickly smiled and said to her:
“Nice to meet you, Caroline. If Abigail hadn’t called you ‘mom,’ I would’ve thought you were her sister.”
Caroline was obviously delighted by his words, her smile brightening even further.
“Just call me Caroline. Since you think I still look young, there’s no need for ‘Ms.’ anymore.”
“As you wish, Caroline,” Leon replied easily. He was the type who’d go along with the flow, and since she seemed to want to be closer, he wasn’t going to refuse.
“To be honest, Leon, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for a long time. I’ve been so curious about what kind of qualities you have that made Abigail admire you so much—always wanting to visit you. Now that I see you in person, I have to say she’s got a good eye. You’re an impressive young man.”
Taking advantage of Abigail stepping away to wash her hands, Caroline let out words she didn’t want to say in front of her daughter.
“I’m really glad she knows you. You have no idea how worried I was about her social life before you appeared. She’s a pretty girl, but her personality and interests are… unusual. Being alone isn’t pleasant. Thankfully, she’s changed so much lately, and that’s thanks to you, Leon.”
Leon wasn’t sure how to respond, so he simply nodded and listened.
“I hope you can keep looking out for her from now on. Can you do that?”
“Mm.” Leon nodded again. Even without Caroline asking, he intended to maintain a good relationship with Abigail.
After all, in many ways they were well-matched. As friends, as comrades, or even as partners—Abigail was an excellent choice.
“Thank you.” Caroline’s relief was obvious, her gaze becoming even warmer.
“Living alone on such a big farm must be lonely. You’re welcome to come here anytime. If you like, you can think of this place as your home.”
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Leon smiled and casually took out a pearl from his System Backpack, handing it to her.
“This is a little meeting gift. I hope you won’t dislike it.”
“You’re giving this to me? I don’t even know what to say—I’m so happy! Oh, this pearl is beautiful.” Caroline covered her mouth in surprise and admiration.
Leon didn’t speak, only smiled along. He remembered that only when Caroline’s friendship reached two hearts could he enter her greenhouse to learn the craft of making tea saplings. Pearls were valuable, but if it meant mastering tea sapling production—and being able to drink tea regularly—it was worth it.
“It’s a precious gift, and it shows your generosity, Leon. That makes me even more confident about you.” Caroline accepted the pearl and spoke earnestly.
“Mm?” Leon froze for a second, not understanding why she suddenly felt “confident” about him.
Caroline continued, “We’ve spoiled Abigail, so she has no concept of money—she spends without thinking. If you’re with her, at least you won’t have to worry about this causing trouble between you.”
“!!!”
At that moment, Leon knew for sure—he hadn’t been imagining things earlier. Caroline really did think he and Abigail were a couple.
“Ahem, Caroline, you misunderstand. We’re just good friends, not what you’re thinking.”
He hurried to explain. After all, Caroline was close friends with Jodi and Emily. If she truly believed he and Abigail were together, she’d probably be eager to share the news with them.
And if that happened, Leon would be the one in trouble.
Good kids make choices. Adults want it all. And while some adults might know they can’t handle it… Leon was confident in his stamina. He could handle it.
“I see…” Caroline’s expression turned a little awkward.
“Sorry, I really didn’t know. Could you just pretend you didn’t hear what I said?”
“Sure.” Leon felt a wave of relief that she now understood his current situation with Abigail.
The two tacitly decided to act as if nothing had happened—just in time for Abigail and Pierre to walk into the kitchen.
Caroline immediately busied herself, telling Abigail to take care of Leon.
Pierre, on the other hand, stayed by Caroline’s side to help with the cooking, eager to handle every little task.
For some reason, the sight made Leon think of a married friend from Sichuan.
Abigail clearly found it normal. She pulled Leon to a seat nearby and waited contentedly for dinner to be served.
Leon, however, felt a bit awkward. He was the guest, so it would’ve been fine to just sit and wait—but he wasn’t the type to stay idle. He wanted to help, but Pierre had already taken over everything, leaving no room for him to pitch in.
Fortunately, Abigail kept him from feeling too out of place, chatting with him about their day in the Calico Desert.
Once all the dishes were ready, the room filled with a warm, lively atmosphere. Leon and Abigail sat together on one side, while Caroline and Pierre sat opposite. As hostess, Caroline would occasionally chat with Leon, while Pierre asked about his farm, and Abigail joined in now and then. It was easy for Leon to blend into their family dinner.
After they had eaten their fill, Abigail eagerly stood and said to her parents:
“Mom, Dad, Leon and I are going to the Stardrop Saloon for a bit. We’ll be back soon.”
“Go, go. But make sure to come back with him—I have a few things I want him to take home,” Caroline replied with an indulgent smile.
Pierre seemed like he wanted to say something, but after hearing Caroline speak, he quietly closed his mouth.
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