Before exiting the car, Cristofer settled the fare and handed the driver a few extra dollars as a tip. He commended the driver, saying, “You’re quite something.”
The driver accepted the money with a smile, responding, “Thank you, Sir. I’ve gone over all the trees I’ve encountered in Hadale. There truly isn’t any flowering tree like the one you described. I asked a few colleagues, but none of them were familiar with such a tree. So, I’m confident that the tree from your dream isn’t found in Hadale.”
“Alright, I understand,” Cristofer acknowledged.
‘Forget it. It’s just a tree from a dream. Cristofer, why are you taking it so seriously?’
Recalling that he had dreamt of Estelle merely due to seeing her signature, Cristofer shook his head helplessly and couldn’t help but chuckle at his own foolishness.
When he walked into the villa, Nelson was sitting on the sofa and listening to the radio leisurely with his eyes closed.
“Uncle Nelson, here I come,” Cristofer greeted him.
Upon hearing his voice, Nelson turned his gaze towards Cristofer and greeted with a smile, “Cristofer, you’ve finally arrived. Geoffrey, please ask the cook to steam the sea bass. Steaming brings out the best flavor in sea bass. Also, tell him that eight minutes of steaming should be enough.”
“Sure,” Geoffrey replied and then proceeded towards the kitchen at a leisurely pace, using his walking stick for support.
“Cristofer, come, take a seat,” Nelson invited, patting the spot beside him.
Cristofer made his way over and settled into the seat beside Nelson. He remarked, “Uncle Nelson, you appear to be in much better shape these days.”
Nelson’s laughter resounded warmly as he replied, “Thanks to you, I can retire early and savor life. However, Cristofer, you don’t seem to be well. Are you exhausted from work?”
“It’s okay. I just had a dream on my way here,” Cristofer stated.
“Is it a nightmare? What did you dream of?”
“I dreamed of…” Cristofer took a deep breath and said, “I dreamed about Estelle.”
Nelson’s expression turned frozen as he listened to Cristofer’s words. However, he quickly regained his composure and spoke with a smile, “Perhaps your recent fatigue led to a setback. I suggest you visit the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. Also, it might be a good idea to consider changing psychologists. Despite treating you for an extended period, Dr. Cruise doesn’t seem very reliable. His professionalism is questionable.”
Cristofer nodded slightly before shaking his head.
“I’m alright, Uncle Nelson. No need for a doctor. Besides, I’ve been quite busy lately and can’t find the time to go to the hospital.”
“Alright,” Nelson said, visibly relieved. “Cristofer, I’ve entrusted you with the results of my life’s work. Please don’t disappoint me.”
“Uncle Nelson, you can count on me. I won’t let you down,” Cristofer assured him.
“Great. I have full confidence in you.”
During their conversation, the chef brought out the freshly steamed sea bass.
Nelson gave a light pat on Cristofer’s arm and suggested, “Shall we start dinner?”
Cristofer remained motionless, his body visibly tensed with discomfort.
Observing Cristofer’s reaction, Nelson suddenly recognized that he had inadvertently touched Cristofer’s injured left arm.
He then said apologetically, “Sorry. I forgot that you have an old wound on your left arm. Are you okay?”
It was not until several minutes later that the sharp pain in Cristofer’s arm disappeared.
Then he stood up and shook his head, answering, “I’m okay.”
“Really?”
“Really,” Cristofer affirmed and took a deep breath.
Continuing, Cristofer added, “It’s just that the inclement weather today has triggered some discomfort in my old injury. Normally, it doesn’t bother me.”
Upon hearing this, Nelson let out a sigh and regarded him with sympathy. He spoke gently, “It’s unfortunate. When I reflect on your past, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow for you. Losing your parents in a car accident and barely surviving another car accident three years ago… If I hadn’t rushed you to the hospital in time, you might have…”
“Uncle Nelson, you’ve saved my life twice. I’ll forever be indebted to you.”
“I’m not expecting any repayment,” Nelson responded. “You know, I don’t have any children. I’ve treated you like my own son, so I’ve entrusted you with all my possessions. Cristofer, please avoid making the same mistakes again. Remember, women can bring troubles.”
Cristofer’s expression turned cold as he contemplated something. He uttered with a hint of bitterness, “They’re not just sources of trouble but also skilled liars.”
“Well, let’s drop the topic and have dinner.”
On the table, there was a plate of steamed sea bass and some other appetite-provoking dishes that were good in color, aroma, and taste.
Cristofer and Nelson then sat down at the table and began to have dinner.
“Cristofer, have you run a background check on Miss Wilson?” Nelson asked while eating.
“Yes. Her parents both work regular jobs, and she herself is a typical white-collar employee. I’ve had a few encounters with her. She comes across as reserved and introverted,” Cristofer explained in a subdued tone. He delicately removed a fishbone from a piece of fish, then placed it onto Nelson’s plate respectfully.
Nelson nodded approvingly and remarked, “A woman like that is quite suitable. Once you two are married, she can provide valuable support in managing family matters. This will allow you to concentrate on your career.”
“Yes.”
“You may hold the wedding as soon as possible.”
“Okay.”
“Speaking of Gretchen, what are your plans for her?” Nelson inquired, recalling her.
Cristofer responded, “Uncle Nelson, what do you suggest I should do?”
Nelson contemplated for a moment before responding, “Given that the court has sentenced her to life imprisonment, it’s best to let her serve her sentence. After all, the child she had isn’t yours. You can arrange for the child to be placed in a welfare house. Cristofer, as a Buddhist, I’ve always tried to uphold the teachings of Buddha, which emphasize kindness and compassion. When you have the opportunity, consider donating to the welfare house on my behalf.”
“Alright,” Cristofer agreed.
****
After dinner, Cristofer departed from the villa and called a chauffeur service again.
However, he was disappointed to find that the assigned driver wasn’t as skilled as the previous one. This driver was unfamiliar with the route, leading them to take a longer, rougher path filled with potholes. As the car bounced along the uneven road, Cristofer couldn’t help but feel frustrated.
Recognizing his own shortcomings, the driver repeatedly apologized, “I’m truly sorry, Sir. This isn’t a route I’m acquainted with…”
Cristofer worked to contain his frustration, closing his eyes momentarily and taking a deep breath.