Soon, Calix and Rowan returned to the dining room. Leslie also followed them. Her countenance was still a bit gloomy.
Vernon and Lucille were still entertaining Bianca and Irene. At the sight of the two men's reappearance, all four of them looked to be inwardly relieved.
It couldn't be helped. This was the first time they met each other. Furthermore, Bianca and Irene were generally quiet.
"Sorry for making you wait. I was too carried away talking with my father-in-law."
Calix's cheery demeanor hinted nothing over the serious conversation he had with Rowan earlier. The middle-aged man only smiled faintly at the others before singing to the same tune as Calix.
Calix and Vernon sent Rowan, Bianca and Irene to the door. Lucille needed to excuse herself because Amelia was sleepy. She went to put the little one to bed.
"I'll go to the Li family home tomorrow," Calix reminded Rowan and Bianca of what they had talked about during dinner, "For now, please send my regards to my grandmother-in-law."
"I will. Thank you for tonight, Calix and Mr. Vernon."
The Li family members returned home by themselves. All the gifts Calix gave them were put in the backseat.
Rowan drove his wife and youngest daughter himself instead of using the driver's service. Soon, the car disappeared behind the main gate. The red tail lights were drowned by the darkness.
Calix and Vernon remained standing in the courtyard. The cool spring breeze blew passing them, gently ruffling the former's hair. As for the former special forces captain, he always kept his crewcut hairstyle.
"You've really pulled such a great stunt this time, Calix. You surprised everyone."
Vernon's words made Calix laugh. Turning his head around, he looked at his elder brother.
"At least I've gotten married ah. Shouldn't Grandma be happy?"
Vernon shickered. Shaking his head in helplessness, he reminded Calix, "I know what's on your mind, brother. No need to pretend in front of me. But, I won't butt into your personal life. Deal with your own shit."
Because Vernon spent two decades of his life inside the military, his tone and choice of words were brazen most of the time. Yet, everyone in the Xu family was already familiar with it.
As the eldest among the three, Vernon always guided his younger siblings when needed. But, he wouldn't blatantly demand them to follow his ways. He also gave them the freedom to choose their own paths.
Both Calix and Evelyn were grown-ups. They should use their perfectly functional heads to weigh any decisions, whether those might alter the course of their lives or not.
Grinning like a Chesire cat, Calix nudged Vernon's brawny right arm. With just one look, the latter perceived nonsense coming from his younger brother.
"Big Brother, I've just gotten married. Where's my wedding money?"
Vernon scoffed. He lightly pushed Calix before turning around to head back inside, "I'm not a CEO like you. Don't expect anything from me, brat."
Calix puckered his lips. He yelled from behind, still standing in the same spot.
"You own a security company! You're a tycoon ah!"
Vernon shouted back. The loud voice of a former military captain blared in the air.
"My company's nothing compared to yours! Come inside! Don't make trouble!"
"Tsk, stingy."
Putting both hands inside the pocket of his hands, Calix kicked the stone lying near his shoes. It bounced against a huge pot of plants before landing back on the ground.
"You really have a good relationship with your brother."
With a slight turn of his head, Calix's gaze landed on Leslie. She was still looking in the direction where Vernon disappeared. Her voice was quiet, almost monotonous.
Thanks to the garden lampposts, Calix was able to see Leslie's face clearly. Her reddened eyes swelled a little but, she had stopped crying.
"He took care of me since I was young. We're six years apart. He's already matured when I was a naughty toddler."
Calix spoke while covering his mouth, pretending to cough. There was no one around but, he was still being careful.
"That's nice," Leslie's lips curled upward, "I can see that your family is harmonious. There's no foolish feud among siblings."
Even though Leslie was preoccupied with observing Rowan, Bianca and Irene earlier, she still watched the interaction of the Xu family members. Old Madam Xu's parting words also managed to touch a part of her heart.
"Charlene is the daughter-in-law of the Xu family. We have never treated our sons or daughters-in-law differently than our own children. So, don't worry about your daughter."
Old Madam Xu was displeased with this marriage but, the reason lie with how Calix rushed into it. She didn't have any problem with the bride, her.
Calix blinked a few times, unsure how should he respond to Leslie.
Bringing his hand away from his mouth, Calix randomly scratched the back of his neck. His gaze was thrown to the clear night sky.
"You and your sister... how about you?"
Calix's question inevitably reminded Leslie of Irene, her 'younger sister'. From the memories, it seemed like Charlene and Irene's relationship was good despite having a huge age gap.
Irene was born when Charlene was twelve years old. Right now, the former had just enrolled in the first year of high school.
Irene's birth brought joy to Charlene. She yearned for close companionship with her little sister ever since Bianca announced her second pregnancy.
Unfortunately, Irene had a weak constitution since birth. When she was a toddler, she was always hospitalized. She was healthier now but, her physique remained smaller than her peers.
"I love Irene," Leslie admitted, bringing up Charlene's genuine feelings toward her little sister, "She's so adorable. I remember her always following me around like a little chick. Thankfully, she's not as sick as before."
"...she was ill?"
Leslie nodded, "Her body was weak. She couldn't play as much as other children."
"Oh, then..."
Calix's words were cut off by a blasting shout.
"CALIX XU! GET INSIDE!"
"..."
Leslie froze. She stiffly looked at Calix, "That... isn't that your brother?"
What made Vernon yell so loud?
Was he reenacting the time he was a drill instructor?
Calix let out a deep sigh. He quietly replied, "I think..."
Once again his words were interrupted by Vernon's booming voice. It was so unbefitting the majestic courtyard house that exuded tranquility.
"YOU BRAT! GRANDMA'S CALLING!"
Calix winced, "...yikes."