Only seeing you today brings up a rush of emotions.
In those summer days, after dinner, we would often sit together in the courtyard, chatting idly.
The difference is, back then, my parents were still here.
I remember the summer nights were always swarming with mosquitoes, and you’d use a fan to help me shoo them away."
Walter Hansen nodded with a smile.
"Yeah, it feels like something from the last century.
Do you think we can ever reclaim those good old days?"
Faye Townsend’s expression fell a few shades.
"Some pasts can only be buried deep in memory.
Because they’re gone, we can never go back."
Her eyes moistened as she looked at Walter Hansen: "Sometimes, I dream of my parents.
If they were still alive, what would I be like now?
Over the years, I’ve gone through many things I never would have imagined.
There’s been happiness, and there’s been pain.
It seems that only after they left did I start to experience the ’smoke and fire’ of the mortal world.
Back when they were here, they really protected me too well.
When they left, my world was hollowed out.
I’m no longer the Townsend Family’s cherished jewel, no longer have parents to envy..."
Watching her tears fall, Walter Hansen hastily took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over.
Faye Townsend glanced at it. It was her father’s favorite brand of handkerchief.
She took the handkerchief: "I didn’t expect you to be using this brand now."
"Many of the habits I have now I learned from Uncle Townsend."
Faye Townsend chuckled: "Even my brother Richard is not as thoughtful as you. My dad, if he knew, would be very reassured.
After all, he appreciated you and liked you a lot back then."
Walter Hansen gave a wry smile, raised his eyebrows towards her but said nothing.
"Brother Walter." Faye Townsend called out to him softly.
"Back in Malaysia, the thing with my brother... you won’t mind it, right?"
"I can understand Richard’s feelings.
The night before Uncle Townsend passed away, I did have an unpleasant dispute with him, and you already know why.
It’s reasonable for Richard to resent me.
I won’t overthink it."
"You really have changed."
Walter Hansen smiled with arms folded: "Well, who can stay the same forever?
Over the years, aside from my unwavering intention for a certain person, everything else has been subtly changing.
My life, and even my entire existence."
Faye Townsend scoffed in her heart, his unwavering intention for a certain person – that person is her.
But she doesn’t need such a scoundrel’s devotion.
Her lips curled slightly: "Will you be staying in Anchester for a while?"
"If the partnership with Hunter’s uncle goes through, I will gradually shift my business back here."
Faye Townsend nodded: "Then we’ll have more opportunity to see each other in the future.
I live right here; you can often come over for meals.
Since no one else knows your preferences, you might as well come here for comfort.
Even though you’ve changed a lot, I believe people’s tastes don’t change that easily."
Walter Hansen nodded.
Hunter Warren came out of the house quickly, walked up to Faye Townsend’s side, and put his hand on her shoulder: "You two seem to be having a lively conversation. What are you talking about?"
"Talking about... secrets." Faye Townsend looked up at him and smiled.
"A secret so soon after Mr. Hansen’s return? That really makes me uncomfortable."
Walter Hansen stood up, smiling: "You’re overthinking it, Hunter. This girl’s heart is filled with only you.
It’s getting late; I should take my leave now.
Thank you both for your hospitality tonight."
"Do visit us again when you have the chance."
Hunter Warren stepped forward to shake his hand, and the couple saw him off together.
Only after Walter Hansen’s car had driven off did Faye Townsend’s expression finally turn cold.
Hunter Warren looked at her icy face, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and gave her a gentle rub.
"It was tough just now."
Faye Townsend sighed: "Indeed, it was quite tough."
He laughed at her bitter face: "This is just the beginning. You can’t back down now.
Perk up, when it gets hard, lean on my shoulder.
I’m your long-legged husband."
Long-legged husband? Faye Townsend blew out a breath and smiled at him, "Are you sure you’re not a long-legged uncle?"
"So, you’re saying I’m old?"
He whispered close to her ear: "Do I need to prove to you once more what ’growing old in vigor’ means?"
Faye Townsend snorted with disdain: "Dear uncle, don’t you know there’s such a thing as excess indulgence in the world?"
"My dream is to die blissfully in your arms." His words tickled her ear.