He nodded and headed towards the car with his suitcase.
Penelope hesitated but ultimately didn’t chase after him. The car drove out through the gate, and it was too late for regrets.
She didn’t know how many beautiful girls there would be in Japan, but she had heard that the girls there were charming.
The butler called her over and asked her to tend to the remaining potted plants.
“Oh, please wait a moment,” she said as she got up and walked towards the flowerbed. After half a month of studying, she was starting to become helpful with gardening.
Staying at home was becoming increasingly dull, especially when someone was absent.
Fortunately, Grace had already found a teacher. On the second day, Penelope received the news that Grace would be apprenticing. “The teacher is really amazing. Most people can’t study under him,” Grace bragged, leaning back with a proud look on her face.
“What kind of teacher is he? Is he like an old professor?” Penelope asked earnestly.
“He’s a professor, but he’s not old,” Grace teased, keeping her guessing and refusing to reveal any more details.
Grace eventually dropped her mysterious act and maintained a pleasant demeanor with Penelope. Penelope decided to let go of her curiosity and stop prying for more information.
Penelope was taken aback when she finally saw the teacher in person.
This young and handsome professor was the “big man” Grace had mentioned.
“Hello, my name is Jackson Gray,” the man introduced himself, extending his hand. His fingers were long and graceful, remarkably beautiful.
Penelope couldn’t help but think that only a pianist would have hands like his.
“H-h-hello, my name is Penelope Seinfeld,” she stammered, her speech faltering as she met the attractive professor.
Grace extended her hand and placed it on Jackson’s shoulder. She patted him and proudly declared, “The youngest gold prize winner in the UK.”
Her expression was filled with pride and honor as if she herself had achieved this feat.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” Penelope exclaimed. Grace seemed to relish the attention. Penelope then inquired, “By the way, what’s your relationship with him?”
Grace rolled her eyes and remarked, “So vulgar.”
Jackson smiled and answered, “Asher and I are good friends.”
“What about me?” Grace interjected, looking somewhat dissatisfied.
Penelope was still fixated on Jackson, and Grace shot her a sidelong glance. “The way you’re looking at him, it seems like you’re about to betray my brother at any moment!”
Penelope reluctantly tore her gaze away, wiped her mouth, and replied, “Your brother and he have different qualities. I’m just admiring him, purely admiring.”
“Forget it. You won’t remember your admiration for long,” Grace teased.
“He’s made a good impression on me. After all, when it comes to Jackson Gray, I know he’s a handsome guy,” Penelope said, defending herself. Jackson stood there, bemused, watching them exchange banter.
Later, Penelope learned that it was perfectly normal to be drawn to someone like Jackson, just as Grace was. The young painter’s world was surprisingly pure. Despite winning numerous awards, he remained unassuming. He would crack jokes and laugh, even if it was at Penelope’s expense.
In reality, the three of them were peers. Compared to the others, Penelope appeared more composed and steady.
However, this was not necessarily good news, especially for those around them.
Jackson enjoyed talking with Penelope because she introduced him to a world he had never experienced before.
“You haven’t tried any marijuana yet?”
Penelope looked at them in shock, and the two of them gazed back at her with equal astonishment.
Jackson broke the silence, saying, “I think it’s normal to have never tried it…”
“Is it?” Penelope asked, waiting for their response.
“Have you smoked it?” Grace asked, giving her a scrutinizing look.
“No, I’ve seen people smoking it,” Penelope replied, raising her hands and flashing a sly smile. “But trading with those folks is easy. They get hungry after using it. If it’s nighttime, you bring a box of biscuits or other snacks to a boys’ dormitory, and I’m pretty sure you can make money!”
Jackson and Grace were left speechless, their perspectives freshly challenged by Penelope’s revelations.
Penelope’s world was colorful and filled with highs and lows beyond what they could see.
Grace found herself developing a deeper understanding of Penelope. Previously, she had regarded Penelope as a woman her brother liked, someone who was just a bit special. However, after spending a few days together, her perception had evolved.
Penelope was like a closed book, and those who hadn’t opened it would never know what the next chapter held. Grace was drawn to Penelope’s mysteriousness and her real-world experiences.
“You like it? Are you sure?” Penelope stopped to look at Grace. “I struggle to make ends meet, worrying about my livelihood all day. Do you really like it?”
Grace rested her hand on the painting table and replied, “At least you take life seriously. I, on the other hand, idle away my life.”
“If I could, I’d trade places with you,” Penelope said earnestly.
Grace smiled and replied, “If you were in my shoes, I promise you wouldn’t last a week.”
“Am I not in a similar situation as you right now?” Penelope pointed to herself.
She was living in a large house with a housekeeper and a driver. She didn’t need to worry about her daily life. However, it was inconvenient to go out because she lived in someone else’s house.
“It’s different.”
Penelope was puzzled and turned to Jackson, who was reading a book. “Girls are so insatiable these days?”
Grace tapped her head with a pen and retorted, “Hey, who are you talking about?”
Penelope buried her head in her hands, nearly forgetting that Grace was a hot-tempered girl.
Although Grace occasionally wore a sheep’s skin, it couldn’t hide the fact that she was actually a little wolf.
Jackson shrugged and honestly admitted, “I’m curious about your life, too. Maybe it doesn’t have to be as eventful as yours.”
Penelope glanced at them and made a definitive conclusion, “You’re all insane, completely crazy.”
****
After completing her tasks for the day, Penelope’s hands were not only stained but also tired to the point where she couldn’t lift them.
Grace washed her hands and announced, “I’m going to visit Uncle Phillip. I won’t accompany you today. You can wait for the driver to pick you up.”
“Phillip?” Penelope perked up at the mention of the name.
“Olivia Miller asked me to get something for her, and I promised to help her out,” Grace explained with a generous tone.
Olivia Miller, Phillip’s ex-girlfriend.
“I’ll go with you,” Penelope offered confidently.