Ms. Protich spoke at length, and Leland Burns’ previously rigid expression softened somewhat as he clenched his fists. Very few people in the world cared about him, and Ms. Protich was the first to genuinely show concern for him in such a short time.
As Ms. Protich continued, her voice choked with emotion. She couldn’t understand why she felt so sentimental; it wasn’t as if they were parting forever, just exchanging a few words of concern, yet she felt like crying. She steadied her breathing and tried to control her emotions.
“Mr. Burns, you must take good care of yourself. I believe that one day, Miss Dawson will return safely.”
“I understand,” Leland Burns replied, raising his hand slightly. “Pack your things and leave. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can call me. I’ll help you if I can.”
“Okay…” Ms. Protich took a deep breath, having said all she needed to say. As she passed by Leland Burns on her way back to her room, he suddenly spoke.
“Regarding the large insurance policy Winifred Dawson took out for you, it’s best not to mention it to anyone, including your daughter.”
“Ah…” But her daughter already knew. She hadn’t planned on telling her, but her daughter happened to be at the hospital when she signed the papers that day. They hadn’t been in touch for a long time.
Leland Burns frowned. “She already knows?”
Ms. Protich nodded stiffly. “That day when Mrs. Brown came to the hospital to discuss the insurance paperwork, my daughter happened to see us. It shouldn’t be a problem that she knows, right?” Ms. Protich didn’t understand why Leland Burns wanted her to keep it from her daughter. Was he worried that her daughter might harm her over the insurance money?
How could that be possible? After all, it was her own flesh and blood. She knew her daughter well enough to know that even if she had such thoughts, she wouldn’t have the courage to act on them. Besides, Lily Thompson wasn’t inherently bad; she was just a bit spoiled and rebellious due to adolescence and didn’t understand the hardships of earning money.
Ms. Protich believed her daughter cared for her deeply; after all, when she was hospitalized last time, her daughter came to visit immediately upon finding out.
“In any case, be careful,” Leland Burns said, his frown never leaving his face. He had given his warning; Ms. Protich clearly hadn’t experienced much intrigue or deceit before. Human nature is complex and not easily understood at a glance.
There were cases where people harmed their parents or turned against their spouses over insurance money; Ms. Protich probably hadn’t seen enough news.
Ms. Protich knew Leland Burns was concerned about her and nodded in agreement before moving slowly back to her room to pack her things.
She didn’t have much stuff and finished packing within half an hour, fitting everything into one bag. Though she could leave immediately with the bag in hand, it was still early-only nine o’clock.
Ms. Protich decided to linger a bit longer and prepare lunch for Leland Burns before leaving.
She didn’t know what specific foods Leland Burns liked since she’d been there for some time without learning his preferences.
Leland Burns always told her to cook whatever Winifred Dawson liked because he would eat whatever Dawson enjoyed.
Thinking about the missing Winifred Dawson made Ms. Protich feel uneasy. The sauces she had prepared for Dawson were probably long gone by now.
Ms. Protich decided to make some sauces and large meat buns for lunch today-Winifred Dawson’s favorites that she never got around to making that night due to lack of time. Making them for Leland Burns now would help alleviate some of that regret.
Having made up her mind, Ms. Protich left her room and found Leland Burns still in the living room.
“Have you packed? I’ll have the driver take you…”
“Mr. Burns,” Ms. Protich interrupted him gently, “I’d like to make lunch for you before I leave, if that’s okay?” She asked cautiously as if afraid he would refuse.
Leland Burns did want to refuse but nodded after meeting Ms. Protich’s gaze.
Fortunately, the refrigerator was well-stocked with everything needed. Ms. Protich chopped pork into mince and prepared other ingredients while waiting for the dough to rise; she also made beef sauce, beef jerky, and some dried fruits and vegetables that could be stored longer thanks to the refrigerator-handy for days when Leland Burns didn’t have time to cook.
She tried to make as much as possible, filling the fridge’s storage compartment completely before steaming buns and cooking chicken soup with a side dish of vegetables for lunch.
Leland Burns had eaten Ms. Protich’s buns before; initially puzzled by why Winifred Dawson liked such simple and greasy food but eventually grew accustomed to it and found himself addicted-perhaps it was the taste of home.
Moreover, when cooking for someone else, Ms. Protich always considered their preferences carefully and reminded them to eat more for better health.
Today’s buns were smaller than usual-steamed dumplings with various fillings like shrimp meat, pickled mustard pork, green onion beef, bamboo shoot beef, cowpea pork…
A grown man could easily eat ten of these small buns; however, Leland Burns stopped after six and moved on to soup and vegetables-the fullest meal he’d had in a long time.
Ms. Protich watched quietly with a faint smile as he ate before saying softly: “Mr. Burns when I’m gone please continue eating well like today I’ve made plenty of meat sauces stored in fridge along with instant beef jerky dried fruits vegetables… don’t starve yourself.”
Leland Burns had been busy working earlier without paying attention much kitchen noise but agreed when she offered making lunch thinking usually started around eleven why so early today?
He hadn’t thought much about it but realized now how long she’d spent preparing everything understanding now what she’d been doing all morning…
A voice deep inside wanted keep Ms. Protich here opening mouth slightly yet saying nothing ultimately…
Relationships between people easily become habits he didn’t want form habits which turn weaknesses losing Winifred Dawson left him alone…
This way seemed better unburdened by feelings loving no one loved by none fighting alone growing stronger…
He wouldn’t allow anyone else becoming weakness either…