Chapter 798: Chapter 255: No Regrets for Things Done or Trials Faced
The theater had emptied by two in the morning.
Mr. Leonard Churchill and Vera Williams were personally escorted out through the VIP exit by the theater manager.
Once in the car, Vera was still engrossed in discussing the plot of the play.
She had thought it would be awkward, but as it turned out, the atmosphere only grew warmer as the evening went on.
It seemed that having watched those bold and romantic scenes together, they found it easier to bond.
Vera’s face was lit up with a smile as she mused, “I never knew the Midnight Theater could be so interesting…”
This was her first experience, and it was filled with novelty.
As she spoke, she glanced at Leonard sitting beside her.
She was lucky to have come with him.
With anyone else, she doubted the experience would have been as enjoyable.
Ladies of upper-class society typically have teachers from a young age to impart lessons on the arts, so Vera’s appreciation skills were not lacking.
But she felt that Leonard had an even greater appreciation for the performances than she did.
It was because both of them could appreciate the beauty of art that they had more topics to talk about.
Leonard agreed, saying, “Indeed, it was quite good.”
In any world, the entertainment industry flourishes where the money is, and that’s a universal truth.
The mine owners of Black Gold City have certainly turned theater into an art form.
From Leonard’s perspective as a professional actor, the musical plays at the Goethe Theater felt exceptionally well-crafted.
Even excluding the titillating elements that appeal to one’s instincts, the artistic merit was very high.
The beauty of the dancers’ precise control, the glamour of the actors’ grace and looks, the clever twist and turns of the story, the music, stage design, the finishing touch of transcendental abilities, and the absurd but satirical reflection of reality—all contributed to a highly artistic experience.
In comparison to the brothels of Sinless City, it was on a completely different level.
This was also Leonard’s first time enjoying such a visually gratifying theatrical production.
The Steam Car proceeded leisurely towards the Safflower Manor of the Song Family.
In the back seat, Vera chatted happily with Leonard about some spectacular moments from the musical.
Having faced life and death together, and after seeing the Midnight Theater, it felt as if their relationship had deepened.
So much so that it seemed they could talk about anything without awkwardness and engage in intimate gestures without hesitation.
At this moment, the heiress of the financial conglomerate casually wrapped her arms around Leonard and suddenly looked troubled, saying, “Ah… the enjoyable times are always too brief. I’m sure that even when we return, we’ll ‘coincidentally’ bump into some of the family elders. Then they’ll start asking all sorts of questions…”
Leonard listened with a sense of resignation as well.
He had already had a taste of the Song family elders’ opportunism.
As merchants chase profits, their attitude was not incomprehensible.
However, he did not fancy wasting precious time on these trivial people.
But since they were Vera’s relatives, it wouldn’t be appropriate to completely ignore them.
Vera, understanding his feelings, was also frustrated. The somewhat rebellious young lady turned her bright eyes and suggested, “How about we don’t go back to stay?”
Leonard was indifferent, looking back at her with inquiring eyes, Where shall we stay then?
Vera, with an excited expression reminiscent of a princess eloping, said, “How about going to…”
After a moment of thought, it seemed inappropriate to stay out, so she proposed, “Why not visit my secret hideout?”
Leonard made no complaints and simply replied, “Sure!”
Vera seemed to think it was a good idea, saying with excitement, “My log cabin is quite nice.”
Listening, Leonard had a vague idea of what she was referring to.
From their previous correspondence, he knew Vera had a cabin,
But he didn’t realize that a financial conglomerate heiress’s idea of a “log cabin” differed from that of ordinary people.
Soon, the Steam Car stopped at the back entrance of the manor.
A few estate guards were patrolling the area in the shadows, which Leonard noticed but did not mind.
After getting out of the car, he picked up the Useless Great Sword from the trunk.
Vera knew he had won this sword from Barre Shepherd, but she didn’t know its purpose.
Curious, she asked, “Mr. Leonard Churchill, does this sword have any special uses?”
Upon hearing this, Leonard hesitated for a moment, finding it difficult to explain, and simply said, “It’s a… quite special weapon for an Air Skill Master.”
Vera was staring at his face and noticed his habitual drift in thought but considerately didn’t press further.
They walked into the manor, where the gas lamps illuminated the white stone paths, casting long shadows of the two.
This was the back garden of the Safflower Manor, with a vast expanse of tall black fir forest that averaged a hundred meters in height. The forest was scattered with dimly glowing flowers of various colors and also housed tame deer and rabbits, adding a touch of liveliness.
Leonard too found the serene environment quite pleasing, offering a natural sense of relaxation.
Vera, noticing his gaze on the flowers, playfully explained, “I planted all these flowers by hand over the years. I selected species that bloom at different times. This way, whenever I come here, there are always flowers in bloom…”
Leonard expressed his admiration, “It’s beautiful.”
Vera smiled broadly, nodding, “Yeah. I think so too.”
Then, arriving at the edge of the black fir forest, she pointed down a path, “This way.”
The two left the main road and followed a side path covered in soft soil and fallen leaves.
After a few steps, Vera stopped, looked at her feet, and pouted in distress, “Mr. Leonard Churchill, it’s hard to walk in high heels.”
Leonard caught the pleading in her bright, expressive eyes as if she were saying, Can you carry me, please?
With a slight smile in his eyes, he said, “Come on up.”