Back at ho, Titus Zane made the excuse of going to his room to change clothes and hurried up the stairs.
His underwear was still in Nathan Moore’s car, and his body felt sticky, so upon reaching his room, he directly locked the door to prevent Alder Locke from coming up to bother him again.
Wrapping his arms around himself and shivering from the cold, he walked into the bathroom and ran a bath for himself. As he lay in the tub with his body enveloped by warm water, Titus closed his eyes and imagined he was in Nathan’s embrace.
A slight smile ford on his lips, recalling the earlier mont in the car...
Placing a hand on his flat abdon, Titus had never felt such a strong desire to have a baby.
Seeing that both Titus and Abigail Zimrman had returned to their own rooms, Alder Locke went back to get a cotton outfit, put it on, and walked out of the little western-style house, heading for the front gate of the big courtyard.
In the guard’s resting room, Samuel Zane and Old Zhang were playing Chinese chess. Neither of the two septuagenarians would concede, arguing while playing - one accused the other of wanting to take back a move, the other accused the forr of stealing a cannon piece...
In the midst of their deadlock, Alder Locke pushed the door open and entered, closing the door behind him with a smile, asking, "What’s the matter, grandpas, that has you arguing so fiercely?"
Seeing Alder Locke, Samuel Zane saw it as a salvation and motioned to him. "Alder, co here, help keep an eye out and see if this old ghost dares to steal a chess piece again!"
"Humph, you’re the old ghost!"
The two old n sniped at each other and then continued to sit down to play. Alder Locke walked over, leaned against the back of Samuel Zane’s chair, and watched the two elderly n play with his hands in his trouser pockets.
With Alder Locke’s help, Samuel Zane won two gas in a row. Old Zhang pushed the chessboard away, refusing to play anymore, complaining about two against one being unfair.
On the way back, Samuel Zane was all smiles, taking pleasure at the thought of Old Zhang’s huffy deanor. Having lost at chess for most of his life, he had finally turned the tables today. With Alder, his grandson-in-law, watching, he dared to be smug.
"Alder, you really did a favor just now, keeping an eye on that old ghost. He didn’t manage to cheat, and so he lost!"
"Yes, Grandpa Zhang is a sore loser, even wanting to take back his move, unlike Grandpa Zane, who is so upright." Alder Locke replied, echoing with a smile. Samuel Zane nodded continuously, looking smug even though he walked very slowly with Alder’s support.
Alder Locke glanced surreptitiously at the elderly man, seeing him in high spirits and tily asked, "Grandpa Zane, how did your conversation with Uncle go concerning taking Titus back to Banyan City?"
Having won the chess ga and in a good mood, Samuel Zane spoke more forthrightly, "I’ve discussed it with your uncle. We’ve just brought Titus back to the Zane Family, he’ll stay at ho till New Year’s Day, then you can take him back."
"Thank you, Grandpa."
Alder Locke said with a smile, thinking that in less than a week it would be New Year’s Day, he couldn’t help feeling proud inside. Just a few more days, and once he took Titus back to Banyan City, Nathan wouldn’t have the chance to et her again.
"What’s there to thank for, we’re all family." Samuel Zane said heartily, not able to hide his joy and still not coming down from the thrill of the chess ga.
...
The New Year’s Day was approaching, and every household in the courtyard had started to get busy with preparations.
These last few days, Abigail Zimrman was just as busy, instructing the maids to clean every room, sweeping through every inch of the house, and also taking care of shopping.
She had to visit the supermarket daily, carrying bags and packages back ho.
With nothing to do at ho, Titus tagged along to the supermarket to help shop. Little Li and Little Zhang followed closely behind him, and now there was also Alder Locke.
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