Chapter 97 We’re Not That Close
The interior design of the rooms appeared simple and reserved, but a professional could easily tell that the cost to it was on the higher end. With three rooms and two living halls, this place was relatively spacious. As soon as Olivia entered the house, she said, “Mr. Nolan, please make yourself comfortable. We will get dinner ready.”
Upon expressing his approval, Eugene took a seat on the couch, but when he saw Nathan was on the phone playing games, he urged, “Go and help out in the kitchen!”
Gritting his teeth, Nathan said, “But Uncle Eugene, I don’t know how.”
“All the more reason to learn it!” Ignoring Nathan’s complaints, Eugene drove him into the kitchen.
With that, Eugene and North were left in the living room alone. In fact, Eugene deliberately wanted some time alone with him and to ask him what seemed to be the matter. However, North was just playing games on his phone, completely ignoring him, not even sparing a glance.
Sitting right opposite of North, Eugene noticed that this little fellow’s hand reflexes were extraordinary! Kids nowadays are that skillful? he thought. Out of curiosity, he asked, “Do you play games often?”
Without lifting his head, North replied, “Yeah.”
“How old were you when you started playing?”
“Can’t remember.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Eugene was sure that this little fellow had something against him. “Are you not happy today?”
“No.”
Puzzled, Eugene had no idea how to communicate with this little guy. Usually, he wouldn’t get the cold shoulders from North, but today, his reply was exceptionally cold, short and brief. “Did I offend you or something?” Instead of guessing, Eugene thought he might as well ask him directly.
“We’re not that close to begin with. How will you offend me?”
Struck by the words ‘not that close,’ Eugene was breathless with anger. This brat, what’s got into him? Letting out a sigh, he said, “I don’t know whether we are considered close, but I do treat you and your mother as a friend.”
With a calm expression on his face, North didn’t utter another word. It wasn’t until his game ended did he raise his head and gazed into Eugene. “Did you arrange this house for us?”
Lifting an eyebrow, Eugene was surprised by his quick-wittedness. “How did you know?”
Casting a glance at him, North said, “Otherwise, you won’t be here. My mommy will not simply invite people over for dinner.”
With a sullen expression, Eugene questioned, “Isn’t Nathan here?”
“It’s different with Nathan because we were friends for many years. Besides, we’ve been through life and death together.” Gazing at Eugene with disdain, North’s expression clearly showed—unlike you!
With that, Eugene had a sudden realization—a teacher’s job was indeed tough because he couldn’t even handle a single child. At this rate, Eugene figured it was necessary to turn this enemy into an ally by mentioning what he had done, though initially he never intended to take the credit. “Your mom and I have been through life and death situations too! Otherwise, why do you think you changed houses?”
Squinting his eyes, North asked, “What do you mean? You saved Mommy too?”
With a grin, Eugene was again impressed by how quick-witted he was. “Very clever!”
“When?”
“Just two days ago.”
Gazing at the three people who were busy in the kitchen, North saw his mommy joking about something, while Nathan and Kate were seen laughing at her joke. Then, he turned to look at Eugene and asked with a stern voice, “Who did it?”
Astonished, Eugene had always seen North as a child, but now, he realized that he could actually talk to him like he was talking to a grownup man because North was rather matured for his age, and he seemed to understand many things.
“Don’t worry, I’ve made sure that person was punished. You’re still young, so all you need to do now is focus on your studies. I’ll feel more at ease if you all moved to this place.” Eugene didn’t know which of his words had managed to touch North’s soft spot because from the little guy’s expression, he no longer showed much hostility toward him.
“I’ve something I want to tell you. Find an excuse to take me out with you tomorrow, and don’t let Mommy suspect anything!” said North, in his usual arrogant manner.
“What do you want to tell me?” Eugene chuckled and thought North’s suggestion was kind of hilarious.
