Remaining Days, Please Advise

The Jones Parents

Elena stayed in her bedroom for a while before heading downstairs. Chris and Mr. Jones were sitting in the garden pavilion, playing chess.

An old man and a young man, both relaxed and composed, placing their pieces with precision.

In the kitchen, afternoon tea was being prepared.

Elena took a glance and then walked in to help.

Midway through, a call came in from the company. Elena answered and dealt with some matters.

When she turned around, the chess table was already filled with tea and desserts.

Elena approached and saw that the chess game was nearing its end. She gently asked, "Why don't we take a break?"

Mr. Jones tossed the chess piece in his hand aside and waved, "No more, no more. Elena is urging us to finish."

Elena smiled helplessly, "Grandpa, the game is already quite clear. It won't take much longer, you can still wrap it up."

Mr. Jones was playing black, while Chris was playing white, and it was evident that the black king was in imminent danger.

"I'm hungry. I can't continue." Mr. Jones pretended not to hear and picked up a napkin to wipe his hands, muttering softly, "Not even a little consideration for an old man."

Elena raised an eyebrow and softly said, "Grandpa, that's called cheating."

Mr. Jones let out a light hum, unable to hide his smile, "How quickly you’ve come to his defense?"

Elena's fair face flushed slightly, but she calmly replied, "I'm just being fair."

Chris responded with a faint smile, "Thank you, Mrs. Patrick, for standing up for me."

After wiping his hands, he picked up the teapot and poured Elena a cup of tea, saying warmly, "A small token of my gratitude."

Elena smiled lightly, took a sip of the tea, and found the aroma to be rich, with a hint of sweetness.

Mr. Jones cleared his throat, and Chris calmly poured him a cup of tea as well, showing his attentiveness.

Mr. Jones sipped his tea with a smile, "This tea is exceptionally fragrant today."

Elena nibbled on her dessert and sipped her tea, watching Mr. Jones enjoy the service from his grandson-in-law, her eyes curved in a gentle smile.

Unintentionally, Chris glanced at her with a clear and gentle gaze.

Their eyes met, and Elena's heart skipped a beat as she quietly looked away, avoiding his penetrating gaze.

What she didn't notice was that the corners of her mouth had been slightly upturned the whole time.

Time passed quickly during their relaxing and leisurely afternoon.

Before it was even four o'clock, Mr. Jones was urging the two of them to leave.

"It takes one to two hours to get to the city center, and by the time you reach Elysian Heights, it will be dark. It won't be safe on the road then."

Elena reluctantly got into the car.

The housekeeper handed over several bags to Chris, carefully reminding him, "These two cans are tea leaves, these four boxes are desserts, this box is brownies, and they won't keep long, so you should eat them soon."

Chris patiently listened to her instructions.

The driver loaded the items into the trunk, and Chris opened the car door for Elena.

After closing the car door, the surroundings suddenly became quiet.

The backseat was quite spacious, but as soon as Chris sat down, Elena felt the space become a bit cramped.

The subtle, elegant scent from Chris slowly filled her nostrils, carrying a somewhat enticing allure.

Leaning against the car door, Elena softly said, "Today...thank you. It's been a long time since Grandpa was this happy."

All afternoon, Chris had been very patient, keeping Mr. Jones company.

He was refined and steady, yet had a subtle humor about him that always managed to make Mr. Jones happy.

Chris looked down and said slowly, "And are you happy?"

Elena's warm gaze fell on Chris's face, and she nodded gently, "I am very happy too."

The two of them stared at each other for a moment before Elena, unable to bear the depth in Chris's eyes, was the first to admit defeat.

After getting out of the car, Elena suddenly said, "My parents might say some inappropriate things later, please be patient."

Chris replied in a deep voice, "We are family."

Elena wasn't sure if he meant everyone in the Jones family or just her alone.

As soon as they stepped into the house, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, along with Anna, greeted them with smiles.

"Dad, Mom." Elena introduced Chris, who was beside her, "This is my husband, Chris Patrick."

Chris spoke politely, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law," while handing over the gifts with the driver.

Mr. Jones smiled warmly, "So this is Chris? Indeed, you’re a fine young man. My father has a good eye. Come in and have a seat!"

Upon hearing "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law," the smiles on the Jones parents' faces grew even brighter as they hurried to welcome them inside.

Elena explained, "We were delayed by traffic and are half an hour late."

"No worries, we were just relaxing at home anyway." Mrs. Jones, being a straightforward person, immediately asked, "Are you hungry? Go wash up and get ready for dinner."

"Alright."

Elena led Chris to wash their hands before sitting at the table.

During the meal, Anna was the first to speak, her eyes betraying a hint of mischief, "Sis, how did you and my brother-in-law meet? How did you suddenly end up getting married?"

Before Elena could respond, Chris had already spoken, "Sixteen years ago, the Jones and Patrick families arranged a marriage agreement, planning to discuss the marriage after Elena graduated from university."

"When did that happen? I've never heard of it."

Anna exclaimed in surprise, "Sixteen years ago? My sister was only nine years old then..."

At the mention of nine years old, Anna suddenly fell silent.