418: [Bonus chapter]Clever

[Bonus chapter]Clever

[ ZHU OLD RESIDENCE ]2

"Just a little more and you'll get the results you want." Grandma Zhu chuckled heartily, making her chair rock a little. "With practice, you'll get better and better."

On the other rocking chair on the veranda connected to Grandma Zhu's room was Heaven. She had a bright smile on her face, enjoying her knitting session with Grandma Zhu. Ever since she moved in here, she spent time with Grandma Zhu on a daily basis. 

Although they would simply knit together and chat, Heaven surprisingly enjoyed her time with the old madam's company. She enjoyed it so much that she wouldn't even notice the time passing. 

"Bear told me that the coaster I made last time was ugly," she shared helplessly. "Somehow, my pride was hurt."

Grandma Zhu chuckled, watching the lady on the other rocking chair. "You and that old man remind me of me and Butler Fu."

Heaven turned her head to look at Grandma Zhu, curious. The latter already looked away, gazing at the small garden that was exclusively for the old madam. 

"Although there was obviously an age gap between you two, I can see you trust him more than anyone." Grandma Zhu smiled warmly. "That is why I understand if you put him in my shadow to watch me."

"Huh?"

Grandma Zhu faced Heaven. "Little Heaven, I might be old. But I know what is going on around me. Butler Fu also noticed how that old bodyguard lingers around my area."

"Grandma..."

"Hehe. It's alright." Grandma Zhu waved, seeing the worried look on her face. "As I said, I understand your action and your concerns. I believe they were all out of genuine concern."

"I'm sorry, Grandma." Heaven sighed, slightly baffled at how Grandma Zhu noticed. "I was just worried."

Bear wasn't someone who would do things boldly. But then again, this was Grandma Zhu's territory. Grandma Zhu would know everything that was going on in this place as if she had eyes everywhere. 

"As I've been telling you, Butler Fu has been with me since the beginning," she said. "He was someone my father took in, and Ernie put it upon himself that he should protect me as a way to repay my family's kindness. Perhaps that is the reason that old fool can't die unless I go first."

Grandma Zhu maintained a smile, facing Heaven once again. "Butler Fu was glad that you put such a reliable person to look after me. After all, he had been worried that he was already too old and wasn't in the shape he used to be."

"Does this mean you're letting Bear around you?" 

"Well, I'll pretend I don't notice his prying eyes." Grandma Zhu humored while Heaven bit her inner lips. "But can you tell me why you put such measures, little Heaven?"

Hesitation flickered across Heaven's eyes, but she wasn't surprised to hear that question. It was obvious that Grandma Zhu would ask this question.

"Grandma, you might find my answer offensive," she remarked, giving the old madam a heads-up. 

"What did I tell you not long ago?" Grandma Zhu raised her brows mildly. 

"We are family, and I shouldn't be scared of raising questions."

Grandma Zhu rocked her head approvingly. "So, can you tell me what compelled you to raise such measures?"

"I was worried..." Heaven cleared her throat, telling herself Grandma Zhu was the best ally at the moment. "... about Silas."

"Heh... so, I was correct."

"Grandma, I'm not saying this because I don't like him. To be fair, he hadn't done anything to me. But... my instincts tell me he's up to no good." Heaven pressed her lips, dropping all pretenses as she wanted to stay true to Grandma Zhu. "I want to be wrong about it, but my instincts never failed me, Grandma. I'm scared that he might harm you."

She lowered her gaze, sighing. "I'm sorry if I sound judgemental right now."

"It's alright, my child. I think your feelings are valid." Grandma Zhu peeled her eyes from Heaven, setting them at the small pond not far away from their vantage point. "It's not just you, but I knew that brat is up to no good. He might kill me this time."

"If you already know that, why are you letting him around, Grandma? Isn't that a little... reckless?"

"Haha. Is it?" Grandma Zhu chuckled while Heaven frowned deeply. "Little Heaven, no matter what, Silas will always be my grandson."

Her face gradually softened. "I already did everything I could to change him. I even sent him abroad and cut all his allowances. He proved to me he can stand on his own with or without my help."

"But somehow, I've always known that child can do so much more," she continued, listening to the creak of the rocking chair. "He's always different, even when they were children. Dominic is already exceptional, but Silas… is more than that. He is someone who wouldn't show his strength immediately, but purposely let others take the spot until he is invisible to everyone."

"He didn't get his father's straightforward approach, but rather, he likes to observe from the sidelines and wait for his chance to bare his teeth," she added with a shallow breath. "Kicking him out will only give him more freedom and will only make me wonder what I should expect. At least, if he is here, I can observe him and perhaps guess his next move."

Grandma Zhu paused to breathe, turning her head back to Heaven. "But I'm quite old, so I might not catch up immediately."

"I think even though Grandma is already at this age, she's still more clever than most of the people your age." Heaven smiled, not a bit frustrated at Grandma Zhu's reasoning. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'm here with you. I'll keep an eye on him."

"That sounds very reassuring." Grandma Zhu chuckled. "Even when Lionel and Dominic say the same words, there's always doubt in my heart. But for some reason, I feel safe with you around."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Heaven chortled before raising her brows. "Out of topic, Grandma, can I ask for a favor?"

"Hmm?" Grandma Zhu's brows rose, staring at the smile plastered on Heaven's face. "What is it, child?"

Heaven didn't answer immediately, but when her lips parted, deep lines appeared between Grandma Zhu's wrinkly forehead. 

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