Seeking to Establish Family Ties

Grandma Evans hurried over as well, while Helen Parker tugged hard at her sleeve and whispered, "Mom, this Mr. Warren is way richer than that brat Lily Evans! If Arthur's family can cozy up to Lily, maybe we can butter up Mr. Warren and get a taste of the good life too."

Grandma Evans replied, "Exactly! That's the right idea! You really do have a clever mind, Helen!"

So Grandma Evans followed right beside Helen Parker, bowing deeply to the carriage and fawning, "Good day, Mr. Warren! I've heard tales of your reputation for ages, and today I finally have the honor of meeting you! If you need any help around your home, my daughter-in-law and I can both work. Please do keep us in mind, Mr. Warren!"

The village chief looked at the pair—Grandma Evans and Helen Parker—then glanced at Mr. Warren and his wife, his face turning so awkward it was almost green.

Just then, the carriage curtain lifted, and out stepped a young, handsome man. He was neatly dressed, looking every bit respectable, with his hair perfectly combed.

Helen Parker and Grandma Evans saw him and thought, wow, this young man is dressed so well—he must be Mr. Warren himself! They just hadn’t expected Mr. Warren to be so young!

"Oh my, heroes really do start young! Mr. Warren, you’re so successful at such a young age—how impressive!" Helen Parker rushed over, bent low with a big smile, blocking the young man by the carriage. "Mr. Warren, you must be thirsty after your long journey. My house is just up ahead. If you don’t mind, why not come over for some tea?"

Grandma Evans followed, her wrinkled face blooming with a smile, looking all kindly. "Mr. Warren, you have such a kind and blessed look! The moment I saw you, I felt we were fated! Last time I had my fortune told at the temple, the master said I’d have good luck today, that a noble person would come to my home. I’m sure he meant you, Mr. Warren!"

The young man had just stepped down and found himself blocked by the two women, completely confused. He quickly clasped his hands politely and said, "Auntie, Grandma, I’m in a hurry right now. Could you please let me pass?"

Helen Parker and Grandma Evans saw how good-natured Mr. Warren was, so gentle and friendly. They exchanged glances, and Helen’s mind started spinning. Her smile grew even brighter. "Mr. Warren, I feel such a connection with you—why don’t I take you as my godson? Oh, my dear godson, I have a son, just two years younger than you, studying at Greenfield Academy in town. His name is Arthur Evans. Your brother Arthur is very promising—he’s an excellent student, and all the teachers love him. They say he’ll surely be top scholar one day! Just imagine, when Arthur becomes a top scholar and a high official, so many people will want to befriend him! And you, as his godbrother, will definitely be looked after. You’ll make a fortune!"

When Grandma Evans heard Helen Parker wanted to make Mr. Warren her godson, she couldn’t help but praise Helen for her cleverness. If their family could add such a wealthy businessman as a relative, they’d never have to worry about anything again!

Grandma Evans secretly gave Helen Parker a big thumbs-up for her quick thinking, then chimed in, "That’s right, my dear god-grandson! You don’t know how many people want to get close to your brother Arthur Evans—none of them can manage it! But you’re family now, so I’ll have Arthur look after you. You know, no matter how rich a businessman is, his status is still low. Having a brother who’s a top official, now that’s something to brag about!"

Helen Parker and Grandma Evans kept calling the young man their godson and god-grandson, acting all chummy. The poor youth had never seen anything like it—he was flanked by the two women, who dragged him toward the Evans home, insisting he had to come back and formally recognize them as relatives over tea right away.