Chapter 82: What Help Did You Provide?
Chapter 82: What Help Did You Provide?
With a glimmer of hope that he might be able to sneak in, Lyon once again approached the front of the Happiness Apartment building.
After taking a deep breath and looking up at the sixth floor where his home was located, he clutched the Holy Spirit Pendant at his chest, and tiptoed into the apartment's foyer.
However, whether it was because they had already gone to sleep or the badge's effect had counteracted, Lyon passed through the first floor foyer without being noticed. He made his way to the stairwell, and not only did he not see the big strong man holding scissors, but he also didn't encounter the manager lady.
So... can I go home now?
Lyon, overjoyed, quickened his pace and hurried up the stairs. Just as he raised his hand to knock on the door, it opened from the inside, just like countless times over the past three years, before he could even knock.
"Bro?"
Seeing Lyon's smiling face outside, looking extremely happy, Anna couldn't help but curiously ask:
"Didn't you say you were busy these past few days and wouldn't be coming back to sleep?"
"Yeah, I was really busy, but suddenly it's not as busy anymore, so I can come back... By the way, I haven't had dinner yet, and there's... um..."
Looking at the big strong man sitting at the dinner table, staring intently at him, Lyon's smile froze on his face.
No... why did you set up an ambush?
"Bro, you didn't have time to help us move our luggage in the morning, and John Uncle helped carry everything up. This afternoon, while I was busy tidying up the house, William and Melanie also had him to thank for looking after them, and he even helped soothe them just now."
Seeing Lyon staring intently at the old man, Anna smiled and explained:
"John Uncle helped our family so much, and he refused to accept the hardship fee I offered. I didn't know how to thank him, so I decided to invite him over for dinner as a gesture of gratitude."
"..."
So... you actually let the Japanese soldier in on your own initiative?
Lyon opened his mouth, speechless, and moved his stiff facial muscles to force a smile.
"Then we should definitely thank him properly. Ah, hem, how is Mr. John's meal?"
"Good."
After answering Lyon's question with his economical words, the old man's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile that was even stiffer than before. He then stood up abruptly, reaching for the basket next to him that held the large scissors.
Holy shit!
Just as Lyon's expression changed and he prepared to flee, he heard a loud cough from behind.
"Ahem..."
?!?!
Is this... a pincer attack?
Turning around, Lyon saw the familiar face of the manager lady, and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly grabbed the Holy Spirit Pendant hanging on his chest, ready to defend himself at any moment.
However, the manager lady, who had successfully sneaked up behind him, did not attack. Instead, she smiled and lifted the large plate in her hand, offering him a piece of the crispy-skinned beef bun.
"Young man, are you starving? Want to try a bite?"
"Er... I'm actually not that hungry..."
"If you're not hungry, let me pass. Let the auntie go first. Hehe, this is quite hot."
"Ah! Okay!"
Feeling a bit dazed, Lyon stepped aside, allowing the manager lady with the plate to pass by. He sniffed the aroma of the food and looked at the old man across the table, feeling perplexed.
Are they letting me in or not? Why are their attitudes so different?
...
"Bro?"
Seeing Lyon lingering at the doorway, Anna blinked in surprise and walked over to pull him inside.
"Didn't you say you haven't had dinner yet? Come on, sit down and eat!"
"Er... okay."
Lyon circled the large table and sat down in the spot farthest from the old man. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Lyon picked up his knife and fork, cut a slice of the meat bun, and ate it without much taste.
After a series of observations, Anna discovered the reason behind Leon's awkwardness and couldn't help but gently pinch his thigh, saying with a hint of reproach, "You told me earlier that John Uncle, despite his intimidating appearance, is a kind-hearted person. Why are you being so reserved now?"
"..."
Leon thought to himself, This isn't being reserved, it's just that I'm worried he might think I'm not a good person and come at me with scissors...
"Haha, men are all like that," Anna said with a smile.
The administrator lady, with her white curly hair, looked at Leon's complex expression and smiled, then spoke in a gentle tone, "My old man is the same. He actually praised your brother, saying that despite working in the Police Department, he's a good person and hopes to get along with him and be closer... Put that down, why are you fiddling with those scissors again?"
She forcefully pulled the scissors away from her husband's hand and moved a large basket away, then scolded him, "Wash your hands! Your scissors are all dirty, how can you eat after touching them?"
The old man, after being scolded, looked dejected and reluctantly got up to wash his hands, glancing back multiple times.
It seems the administrator lady has a higher status in the family than her husband, so I should be safe...
Leon let out a sigh of relief as he watched the old man walk away, his smile becoming more natural. He genuinely gave the administrator lady a thumbs-up, thinking, You're a skilled wife manager.
The administrator lady smiled and said, "It's not like that, it's just my old man being stubborn. He can't stand... well, you should understand what I mean."
Leon nodded, understanding the situation between the couple. The Happiness Apartment's abilities include "Accident Avoidance" and "Evil Creature Extermination." It seems they each handle one aspect, with the old man responsible for "Extermination," which is why he's been eyeing Leon.
The administrator lady continued, "You're a good kid. The Cleanup Bureau is a great place. Although I don't know much about it, I've met people from the bureau before. In fact, my husband and I owe a lot to the Cleanup Bureau's help."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
