Bewilderment Brew

Susan Evans and her group coaxed Sam Evans, urging him not to stay at the inn anymore but to move into the house Jasper Cheng had rented in the Capital.

Sam Evans really wanted to go, but hesitated for a long time. He turned to Arthur Evans and asked, "Fourth Brother, look... Lana misses me and wants me to go live with them. Do you think I should go?"

Arthur Evans sighed. Sam Evans already knew the answer in his heart, but just wanted others to agree with him. So Arthur said, "Third Brother, it's your family's business, you should decide for yourself. I really can't give you any advice."

Sam Evans's lips moved a few times, then he said, "Well, then I'll move. You all wait here, I'll go in and let Lily know."

Jasper Cheng immediately said, "Dad, let your son-in-law go in with you. I can also greet Sister Lily and her husband while I'm at it."

Before Jasper Cheng finished speaking, Susan Evans tugged at him and signaled with her eyes, "What's the rush? You'll have plenty of chances later."

Only then did Jasper Cheng close his mouth and drop the idea of going in together.

Sam Evans hurried inside to tell Lily about moving to the inn. He happily told her that Jasper Cheng had turned over a new leaf and was determined to live well with Lana Evans.

Lily listened and only responded with a quiet "Mm."

Sam Evans left in high spirits, walking quickly as if he couldn't wait to see his daughter.

To be fair, Sam Evans had always treated Lily and her mother well. Back when things were tough for them, Sam often looked out for the two of them.

Sam is an honest man, and even after Lily became successful, he never tried to take advantage of her. He's always genuinely cared about her.

With an uncle like Sam Evans, it’s hard for anyone to just turn their back on him.

A perfectly good New Year’s celebration was now tinged with unease because of all this. Even the cheerful mood brought on by the hot pot restaurant chain had cooled down.

Trying to change the subject, Mrs. Chen said, "Once the Lantern Festival is over, Arthur will head back to our hometown in Zhuzhou. I hope he does well in the spring exam and earns his student status. That way, he can try for scholar in the autumn."

Mentioning Arthur brought a smile back to Lily’s face.

As Arthur’s principal and math teacher, Lily naturally paid extra attention to her younger brother’s studies. Now that Mrs. Chen brought it up, Lily smiled and said, "Don’t worry, Aunt Chen. With Arthur’s abilities, he could easily pass the scholar exam right now. Getting his student status will be a breeze."

Mrs. Chen and Arthur’s father both laughed. If Lily thought Arthur could do it, then he surely could.

Mrs. Chen clasped her hands together. "Ah, if Arthur could one day come home as the top scholar, wouldn’t that be wonderful!"

Everyone laughed, swept up by Mrs. Chen’s excitement.

Lily grinned, "If Arthur really did become the top scholar, our family would be famous throughout Zhuzhou!"

Arthur’s father looked proud, "That boy’s always been smart. We just have to keep supporting him."

Mrs. Chen nodded, "With Lily and Arthur working so hard, good things are bound to happen."

The family’s worries faded, replaced by hope and laughter.

Outside, the winter wind rattled the windows, but inside, the warmth of family made everything feel just right.

Lily looked around and felt content. No matter what troubles came, as long as they stuck together, nothing could shake them.

The night deepened, carrying the family’s laughter and dreams into the new year.

End of Chapter 1804.