Seeking Leonard Li

Thanks to Mrs. Sun's proactive efforts, the Evans family quickly completed their formal separation.

Taking advantage of the main branch's guilt, Mrs. Sun was ruthless during the split. She secured the best ten acres of land, fifteen taels of silver, and a share of furniture, farm tools, pigs, and sheep. The Evans elders stayed with the main branch, while the third branch had to deliver ten pounds of grain each month as filial support.

Mrs. Zhao was bitter, but with the main branch at fault and Mrs. Sun being so fierce, she could only swallow her grievances.

Arthur Evans watched as the third branch took the silver, wishing he could snatch it away, but he could only stand by helplessly as they walked off with it.

After the split, Mrs. Sun immediately asked the village chief for a plot of land to build a house. Both Sam Evans and Sean Evans were skilled workers, and with the help of a few friendly villagers, they quickly built several adobe houses.

Mrs. Sun was efficient and tidy, cleaning up the new home and organizing everything perfectly.

Even Susan Evans got her own room and was absolutely thrilled.

The Evans family split was a minor topic of gossip in the village, but Lily Evans hadn’t paid it any mind these past few days.

She’d gone to Lawrence Manor several times but hadn’t seen Leonard Li. The servants only said he was off traveling and had no idea when he’d return.

Lily Evans muttered to herself, annoyed: Why is it that this young master is always missing when I need him?

Day after day passed, but Leonard Li still hadn’t come back, and there was no progress on the land. Lily Evans was getting anxious.

Just as Lily Evans was about to start renovating houses on Ten Mile Slope, word finally came from the Li family—Leonard Li had returned.

The very next day, Lily Evans hurried over to Lawrence Manor, bringing delicious treats with her.

Mr. Wu, the steward of Lawrence Manor, was always smiling and kind. Every time Lily Evans visited, she brought him plenty of tasty food. Mr. Wu, unable to resist her treats, had been won over by her cooking and treated Lily exceptionally well. So, as soon as Leonard Li returned, he made sure Lily was the first to know.

“Uncle Wu, this is for you!” Lily Evans grinned as she stuffed a package of osmanthus cakes into Mr. Wu’s hands. “Didn’t you say last time that your grandson loves my osmanthus cakes? I made these especially for him and used less sugar, so you don’t have to worry about his teeth.”

“Oh, Lily, you’ve brought food again! My boy’s gotten spoiled by your treats!” Mr. Wu chuckled, lifting the osmanthus cakes. “Sit down and have some tea. Our young master’s not awake yet.”

Lily Evans couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s this late and Mr. Li still isn’t up?”

Mr. Wu laughed heartily. “Our young master drank too much with his friends last night. Lily, just enjoy your tea and snacks. If you need anything, just call me.”

“Alright, thank you, Uncle Wu.” Lily Evans replied with a smile.

Mr. Wu was busy. After greeting Lily Evans, he stepped out, turned into the corridor, and saw Shane Shen—the young nobleman who had returned with Leonard Li the night before—standing there. The young man asked, “Is that the Miss Su inside—the one doing business with Leonard?”

Mr. Wu nodded. “That’s her, Mr. Shen. She’s here to see our young master.”

Shane Shen curled his lip, his eyes full of disdain. "Women these days sure have endless tricks to catch a man. What, garden strolls and heroic rescues aren’t in fashion anymore? Now they use business as an excuse and just barge right in—how fresh. But no matter how novel the scheme, it can’t hide what she really is. Tch, when did Leonard’s taste get so bad that he’s interested in a married woman? Hmph, I’ll go meet this Miss Su myself and see what charms she has to get Leonard so bewitched—he can’t go ten sentences without mentioning her!"