Ch. 791..800

Chapter 791

Chapter 791

Aurelia froze, looking at the familiar back. Her breath was caught as her heart skipped a beat.

When Neil turned around and their eyes met, it was like the world had stopped moving.

Ever since Neil took her to Centrolis, she had been staying in Royal Manor without any contact with him. Their only contact was her dozens of accounts that posted and commented under his video... Now that they had met again, Aurelia could not tell what she felt. She forced a stiff smile and greeted him as naturally as she could, "Hi, uncle!"

Neil's gaze dimmed with a straight face, but his hands that were on his sides balled up into fists. He was kind of angry with himself. He kept telling himself that he had come to the airport to go back to Southeast Aciatic with Cordelia because he was worried about his aunt's illness and wanted to spend some time relaxing back home...

In spite of it, his subconscious told him that it was because Aurelia was going there too.

This was why he had rushed over so eagerly.

In actuality, he had two more schedules. When he packed his luggage so spontaneously today, it nearly made Shane cough blood out of his rage.

Neil took a deep breath and could not help laughing self-deprecatingly at himself that he had flattered himself. The girl had made it clear in the helicopter he was just 'uncle' to her, only an uncle! Zuko woke up then, his cry breaking the silence.

Cordelia quickly took him to the nursing room to feed him.

Neil went to Zephyr and cleared his throat. "Uh... Aurelia's coming with me."

"Huh?" Zephyr was taken aback.

Neil pulled Aurelia to his side without saying more.

"Uncle, you..."

"I brought you back from Chaiseland, so you're naturally coming with me!"

"But Cordelia says to follow her." Aurelia lowered her head. Despite what she said, her heart bloomed with sweet joy.

Neil shot her a look. "Aurelia, what I tell you isn't effective anymore, is it?"

"Huh? No!"

"Then get on my plane!" Neil's tone was harsh. "The Hamertons' private jet isn't comfortable. Ride in mine!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. "Take Aurelia with you if that's what you want, but why are you involving the Hamertons' plane?"

With a look from Neil, the flight attendant took Aurelia to board first.

When Cordelia came out after nursing, she more or less understood the situation after seeing the scene. She met eyes with Zephyr, and they chuckled.

She purposely asked Neil, "Can Aurelia go to Southeast Aciatic without a passport?"

Neil was prepared for the question. "Her temporary residence permit in Southeast Aciatic's prepared. According to the law, as long as one has a temporary residence permit, they can stay there even without a passport. They just don't have citizenship rights."

"Oh..."

Zephyr looked at him and smirked. "I thought you're rarely back in Southeast Aciatic? Don't you live in Mengasas most of the time? Why are you so familiar with Southeast Aciatic law?"

Neil was stumped by his question and turned around to glare at him.

Zephyr was actually right. Before meeting Aurelia, he knew nothing about Southeast Aciatic's law.

In order to resolve Aurelia's immigration status, he had gone through the thick book of Southeast Aciatic's law three times from front to back, so much so that he would pass with flying colors if he were to sit for the lawyer qualification exam.

"Zephyr Hamerton!" Neil's face heated up slightly as he gritted his teeth and glared at the man. "Just take care of my cousin. Why are you poking your nose into my business too!?"

Chapter 792

Chapter 792

Was Neil getting angry out of embarrassment?

Cordelia and Zephyr exchanged a look and chuckled in unison.

Neil knew that he would be asking for a snub if he were to argue with the husband and wife since their love was so strong, so he shook his head and coyly stepped away to board his plane with his hands on his back.

Neil's private plane was relatively small compared to the Hamertons', but the interior was luxurious and trendy in design. As he frequently flew everywhere across the world for filming, the plane was designed to match his superstar presence.

Aurelia sat properly on her seat without moving, as if afraid that she would wreck or stain somewhere with an additional move.

With wide eyes, she looked around curiously. Posters of movies that Neil had starred in were hung in the cabin of the plane, the man taking the center position in each of them.

He was styled differently in each, with varying makeup, but all the posters shared a similarity-no matter how the man was dressed or styled, he was so handsome that gods would envy him.

There was an especially eye-catching one where he acted as an assassin. He bared his upper body in the poster, and his physique was a perfect inverted triangle. There was a scar on his sinewy chest, and the lighting loomed over his chiseled face.

Aurelia stared at it in infatuation, unable to shift her eyes away.

"Miss, the plane will take off soon. Please put on your seatbelt.

"Miss? Miss!"

The flight attendant reminded Aurelia several times, but she showed no reaction. It was until Neil plopped himself down next to her and growled, "Aurelia!" "Huh!?" Aurelia shuddered and quickly reeled her gaze back.

The flight attendant clasped Aurelia's seatbelt for her with a smile and gave several reminders before she came back again with slippers and a blanket. Aurelia had never been served like this, so she smiled awkwardly. When she heard Neil's loud cough, though, she carefully tucked her smile away.

"Uh..." Neil glanced at her. "Don't you have anything to tell me?"

Aurelia jolted before she shook her head. What else was there to talk about? Had she not made it clear to him back in the helicopter?

Neil took a deep breath to suppress his inexplicable temper and told her, "Southeast Aciatic is a completely foreign place to you. Adapt well when you get there."

What he meant was that she could go to him if she found it hard to adapt.

Unexpectedly, the girl nodded and even smiled. "Don't worry, uncle. I'm super good at adapting! No new environment can beat me!"

Neil's gaze paused on her face.

"According to Southeast Aciatic's law, you'll automatically be granted citizenship once you stay 15 years there. Or... if you have excellent contributions or you're an outstanding talent, the royals will grant amnesty, then you'll be able to receive citizenship soon.

"Aurelia, do you know what an outstanding talent is? A graduate of famous universities. There are several internationally famous universities in Southeast Aciatic. If you could study there, it'd be a good choice." What he meant was that she should plead to him to be admitted to school!

Unexpectedly again, the girl told him seriously, "Don't worry, uncle. I'll study and work hard to get into a famous school! I'm already learning Acian..."

"You..."

Neil's nostrils were flaring, not receiving the answers he wanted. Was the girl determined to draw a clear line between them? Was everything she said real? That he was just "uncle" to her?

Neil's heart sank, and he glowered, tossing Aurelia the temporary residence permit.

The pass hit Aurelia's head. Once she caught it with a fumble, she looked up and met the man's cold eyes.

"I won't care about you when we're there!" he said, "Be smart on your own!"

He turned away to sleep right after speaking.

Chapter 793

Chapter 793

Aurelia clutched the temporary residence permit and held it close to her heart. She looked at Neil quietly for a long time before smiling suddenly.

If only time could stop at that moment...

Smart as she was, how could she not know what he wanted to hear from her? She had purposely said what she did to push him farther away. Sometimes, pushing someone away was not because one did not love them letting go was fulfillment in itself instead.

Aurelia smiled as she leaned back against the seat and turned her head to another side.

The sunlight outside was glaring as a tear slid down her face.

The plane landed in Southeast Aciatic shortly.

Chauffeurs and housekeepers from the Irwins waited outside the airport. Cordelia and Zephyr took the private lane that only royals could use.

Once they stepped out of the airport, Cordelia halted in her steps.

This was a foreign environment to her. Tall palm trees were everywhere, and the climate was humid and hot. It was like the sun had focused all its light and heat on this land that even the wildflowers by the road bloomed radiantly.

A complex emotion surged within Cordelia. She was supposed to be born and grow up here...

Zephyr was behind her, carrying their son. He told her softly, "Darling, hop in, quickly."

Cordelia forced a smile and nodded.

A while later, they met Rowan in the Irwins' private forest park. The older man was dressed in traditional Southeast Aciatic clothes and was elated when he saw that Zuko had grown a bit plumper. Not only had he given him some money, but he had also prepared a box full of gold accessories.

"Dad, you'll spoil him like this!" Cordelia whined with a smile.

"This is my little grandson. Of course, I have to spoil him rotten!"

Cordelia was worried about Xyla's condition, so she lowered her voice to ask, "Dad, how's my mom doing?"

Rowan's hand that was playing with Zuko paused as dark clouds loomed over his expression.

Cordelia got nervous. "Is it bad? Where's she now? Take me to her!"

"Don't panic," Rowan replied softly. "She's in a sanatorium under the Irwins. The facilities there are the best, and I've stationed the most experienced doctor to attend to her. It'll be fine." "What's she gotten?"

Rowan paused for a while before uttering softly, "It has to do with her mind."

Cordelia's heart sank.

She had guessed it more or less before she came. Xyla had been battling her mind for so many years. When she was barely herself in the past, she had suffered a lot in the shabby psychiatric hospital too. Tears welled in Cordelia's eyes. She thought that her mother had recovered from it, but...

"Silly child." Rowan looked at her lovingly. "Mental illnesses don't heal so easily.

"For years, I've done her wrong and done you and Carter wrong...

"I've subjected you all to the grudges from the last generation. If I hadn't been foolishly seeking revenge, Xyla wouldn't have left Southeast Aciatic, and that b*stard William wouldn't have...

"It's all my fault!" Rowan wallowed in regret. "Now that your mother's ill again, I won't let her battle this by herself this time! I'll stay by her side, always. No matter what state she's in, I'll always be by her side!" Cordelia sniffed, tears sliding down her face.

"Cordelia." Rowan adjusted his emotions and looked at her. "I've asked you to come back because I have things to tell you."

"What is it?"

Rowan looked serious. "I want to..."

Before he finished his sentence, his butler, Charlie, hurried over frantically.

"Sir, the prince and princess are here in the hall. Do you want to meet them with Ms. Cordelia?"

Chapter 794

Chapter 794

Cordelia was surprised. "Dad, what prince and princess?"

Rowan did not look too good as he cracked a wry smile.

"Pass Zuko to the nanny and ask Zephyr to come. I'll take you both to meet them!"

They came to the hall shortly after.

Cordelia saw a man and woman sitting on the couch upon entering.

The Irwins' reception hall was glittery and luxurious. The two people who sat there were dressed in traditional Southeast Aciatic clothing and decked out in jewelry, looking affluent and noble. Charlie introduced Cordelia and Zephyr to meet them according to royal etiquette.

Charlie said in a lowered voice, "Ms. Cordelia, Mr. Zephyr, this one on the left is Princess Victoria Charles, and on the right is Prince Alexander Charles. You should bow to them." Cordelia nodded and bowed politely before looking up at them.

Victoria smiled and greeted her. It was said that she was the only princess in the royal family, so her status was extraordinary.

Cordelia thought that it was not just her status that was extraordinary. She was also very pretty. Growing up as a royal, elegance and nobility seemed to be etched in her bones. Prince Alexander Charles, who was next to her, had a softness in his beauty. He was polite and warm, down to earth.

"I only met Mr. Irwin's son previously, "Alexander said softly. "It's our first time meeting Ms. Cordelia."

"I've heard about her." Victoria smiled. "She's the one who's been living in Jangasas, Cordelia Jenner."

"It's changed to Cordelia Irwin now." Rowan smiled. "It's just that Cordelia's used her name these 20 over years that it doesn't matter what she's called. The most important thing is that she's my daughter." Cordelia was surprised, not expecting that the princess had investigated her background when they were only meeting for the first time.

Alexander was only smiling from the side, his gaze pausing briefly on Zephyr's face.

"Sister, let's not forget what we're here for," he reminded her.

Victoria's expression was faint as she asked for the gift to be presented.

Rowan refused perfunctorily but let Charlie accept it ultimately.

"I've come with my uncle's instruction today to congratulate you on the addition of a grandson, Mr. Irwin," Victoria said courteously. "We hope the Irwins prosper well and mark another glorious accomplishment in pharmaceuticals."

"Thank you."

Rowan had spent lots of time interacting with the royals, and he took care of each detail without any faux pas. Assuming neither inferiority nor arrogance, he asked for tea to be served and sat on the couch by the side to chat with the aristocrats.

With the pleasantries over and done with, everyone relaxed.

After a short chat, Victoria seemed to lose composure as her eyes kept flitting outside the door.

Rowan understood what she was thinking but stayed silent.

Victoria finally asked, "I heard that Ms. Cordelia... didn't come back alone to Southeast Aciatic this time?"

Before Cordelia could answer, Rowan chuckled and replied first, "Of course, she isn't alone, Your Highness! There, my son-in-law's sitting right beside her!"

Victoria obviously did not mean it like that, so she narrowed her eyes at the sly fox, Rowan.

Rowan continued. "There's also my little grandson. I'll ask for him to be carried here if Your Highness would like to have a look!"

Victoria's smile was cryptic. "Mr. Irwin, you really don't know who I'm referring to?"

Rowan's hand that held the teacup hovered.

In terms of status and identity, there was no way he could rival the royalty. In terms of etiquette, though, he dared to bet that Victoria absolutely had to keep up the royalty's pride.

Chapter 795

Chapter 795

The royal family would be so embarrassed if the princess showed how much she desired a man!

Therefore, Rowan slowly placed the teacup down, and a sly glint flashed in his smiling eyes.

"Your Highness, you're asking about Neil?"

Victoria had been tinkering with her accessories, and her fingers curled up when she heard Neil's name. However, she looked unfazed.

Rowan said smilingly, "Neil did come back with them."

"Then I..." Victoria hesitated.

"Your Highness, how could you speak up in initiative, given your high status?" Rowan said calmly, "According to the royal family rules, Your Highness can't ask to meet a man personally. It'd have to be Neil who makes an official invitation with gifts!"

There was a change in Victoria's expression.

Waiting for Neil to ask to meet her? What difference would it make from asking the sun to rise from the west?

Despite that, she could not retort since Rowan brought up the royal family rules. She could only bite her lips and tug on her bracelet.

Alexander was observant, discerning that Rowan did not welcome the two of them. Even though they were royals, the royal family was only a decoration in this country.

Rowan had to respectfully address them "Your Highness", purely out of courtesy and favor.

It was time for both of them to leave now.

Alexander tugged Victoria's sleeves to shoot her a look.

Victoria's expression was stiff since she was in a bad mood, so Alexander could only stand up himself to make more pleasantries before letting his escorts lead the way and slowly making it to the door. When he passed by Zephyr, his gaze paused on the latter's face again. Zephyr noticed it and looked up only to meet the prince's gentle smile.

After the royal siblings left, Cordelia and Zephyr went to the study with Rowan.

"The king of Southeast Aciatic did not have his own children," Rowan explained. "So, he has chosen a few children in the family as princes and princess, probably to observe who's outstanding enough to inherit the throne in the future."

"So, Victoria could possibly be queen in the future?" asked Cordelia.

Rowan nodded.

This was also why the Harris family did not want to offend Victoria.

Southeast Aciatic was a typical constitutional monarchy country. Although the monarch's power was limited and the royal family basically had no authority, they were still the royal family and were favored by the people to a certain extent. This made them still influential.

In addition, the royal family had connections. The Irwins could not avoid socializing with them if they wanted to continue to grow.

"Actually..." Rowan sighed. "The royal family intends to seek a marriage alliance with the Harrises."

"What?" Cordelia and Zephyr were astonished.

"Neil's father, your uncle, General Noah Harris." Rowan looked at Cordelia. "He's a famous figure too, contributed several honors and was given a title by the royal family.

"So, it's not all that strange that Victoria has her eyes on Neil.

"If it really works out between them, it's actually a good thing.

"It's just..." Rowan paused. "I don't think Neil has any feelings for Victoria."

Cordelia froze and could not help thinking that Rowan was really sharp with his judgment.

"So... is this why you rejected Victoria directly just now when she wanted to meet Neil?"

"One of the reasons, yes." Rowan chuckled. "Neil's family, after all. I don't want him to suffer from any grievances. Besides... From what I see, General Harris doesn't intend to forge a marriage alliance with the royal family. From the looks of it, at least, he doesn't support Victoria's side."

Chapter 796

Chapter 796

Cordelia nodded.

There were many factions in the Southeast Aciatic royal family that were complicated and intertwined. The degree of collusions and intrigues was no lesser than the four major families of Centrolis-might even be worse.

After all, they were not just fighting for wealth and assets. The throne was even more crucial. Whoever had military rights would have higher chances of winning.

This was why the Harrises turned out to be the hotcake.

Noah was not in any urgency to decide on Neil's marriage. He might also be waiting and considering which faction had the potential.

"Victoria and Alexander are the most hopeful," Rowan told them. "You can't avoid interacting with the royals. Remember to keep a low profile and treat everyone fairly. Don't ever show that you've taken a side, understand?"

"Mm, don't worry!"

Rowan held their hands. "Cordelia, Zephyr, Irwin Pharmaceuticals will need you in the future..."

"What?" Cordelia was alarmed.

Zephyr also found it unbelievable. He furrowed his brow, and a glint flashed in his eyes. He then asked after some time, "Dad, there's still Carter, and you've decided just like this?"

"Dream on." Rowan shot him a dirty look, cold on the outside as usual.

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

"I didn't say I'm handing over the whole company to you!"

Zephyr pursed his lips speechlessly.

Rowan looked at his daughter. "Cordelia, Carter is growing into his expertise but is young and lacks experience. There's always an academic air on him. I'm not as assured of leaving the company to him. "So, I'll segregate a part of it to leave it under you and Zephyr's name. I hope that Zephyr... can give Carter a hand to help him take on his responsibilities alone as soon as possible."

Zephyr smirked. The old geezer needed him now, huh?

Rowan looked at him. If it were not for his daughter and grandson, he would not even be bothered with this brat!

Cordelia smiled. "Dad, I know that you want to keep mom company the best you can. Don't worry. We'll help Carter and run Irwin Pharmaceuticals well."

Rowan was comforted and looked at Zephyr. He kept his smile and put on the authority of a father-in-law. "What about you? What do you say?"

Zephyr chuckled and hugged Cordelia. "Don't worry, dear father-in-law. I listen to my wife!"

Rowan blinked, eyes a little wet, and he quickly turned away.

...

Upon Aurelia's arrival in Southeast Aciatic, she found a place to stay easily due to her temporary residence permit.

Her apartment was in the city center. It was small and old, with a market next street. There were people every day, and it was noisy.

Despite that, Aurelia liked it a lot. Her home was not huge, but this was her actual first home. It was so much better than the dark basement in Melorian.

Cordelia had paid the rent for her. Aurelia promised her that she would return the money once she made some.

"There's no rush," Cordelia had told her softly. "Your main concern right now isn't to make money but to study well. You already have a temporary residence permit. Even if you can't sit for a university entrance exam right away, it'd be good to sit in the classes first."

Aurelia shook her head with a smile. Of course, she would go to school, but survival was her current priority.

She had already found a job-just on the street next to the market. It was a tailor shop.

Chapter 797

Chapter 797

There were plenty of tailor shops like this and excellently skilled embroidery artists in Southeast Aciatic.

When Aurelia went for her trial, the owner showered her with praises, so it was only a matter of course that Aurelia got to stay.

It was just that her payment was lower than others because she only had a temporary residence permit and did not have an official status.

Aurelia did not mind. She had never lived this openly in broad daylight. Back in Melorian, she had often said self-deprecatingly that she was a sewer rat. At that time, she would not even dare imagine that she could work a proper job under broad daylight one day-that she could make a living for herself by working and earning a salary.

She appreciated this opportunity that was hard to come by and worked harder than everyone else. Her plan was to save enough money and return Cordelia the rent that she had paid for her, then continue to save up for university.

Once they got familiar, the owner liked the pretty girl who was capable and diligent, chatting and having tea with her from time to time.

This afternoon, Aurelia was embroidering on a customer's clothes. The owner served her some tea, seeing how focused she was.

"Take a break! This isn't urgent!"

Aurelia smiled and emptied the cup of tea.

"You've been working the whole morning. Your eyes must be tired?"

"I'm alright!" Aurelia rolled her shoulders. "I'm not tired!"

"Girls your age work as little as they get to and hang out on the streets in their free time!" the owner said with a smile. "Instead, you're here working so hard!"

"I'm making as much as I can!" Aurelia's melodious voice was like tinkling silver bells. "Besides, I really like this job. I can make money and fulfill my hobby. I—" Her eyes flitted around before she remembered the saying. "What can I have against it!?"

The owner laughed, amused. She did not just hire Aurelia for work, but she also taught the girl to write and read, so the girl's Acian had improved significantly. "Say, Aurelia." The owner fanned her and looked at her lovingly. "You really don't have a family?"

Aurelia paused before shaking her head with a smile.

"Not even one family member?"

"Madam, would I be chased out of Chaiseland if I had someone?"

The owner broke into a wide grin and went closer to her. "Then... you must want a family, right?"

Aurelia did not quite understand what she was saying but went along and nodded.

"Aurelia." The owner held her hand. "To be honest, I liked you the moment you came to my shop! It's magical how people come together!"

Aurelia winced. "Madam, what are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying I can give you a family!"

"Uh..."

The owner grinned wide. "I'll stop going in rounds! Aurelia, I have three sons. My eldest is a teacher, my second works in a foreign trading company, and my youngest is still in university... Well, all three of them look decent. Not to say they are very handsome, but they look fine! Heh... most importantly, none of them has ever dated!"

Aurelia widened her eyes.

"Aurelia, if you're agreeable, I'll ask all three of them back this weekend so you can meet them?"

"No, Madam, this..." Aurelia panicked.

"You can pick any of my three sons. Date whichever you like, okay?"

"Aurelia, I promise they'll be nice to you no matter which one you date! I can guarantee my sons' characters! "What do you think? Is it a yes?"

Aurelia plastered on a smile and contemplated rejecting the owner when a stern voice sounded from the door.

"No!"

Chapter 798

Chapter 798

Aurelia's heart jolted, and her back stiffened. There were several times that she wanted to turn around, but it seemed that a resistance pinned her on the spot, and she could only listen to the heavy footsteps

approach slowly.

The small tailor shop felt as if a low pressure had engulfed it.

The owner had seen plenty of people. The moment she saw Neil with his oversized sunglasses, she knew that he was not one to offend, so she quickly went up and asked with a smile, "Sir, here for tailored clothes?"

She regretted it a little as soon as she spoke.

The man was dressed so elegantly. It was obvious he came from a rich family. There would be people who went to his doorstep particularly to measure him and customize his clothes, so how could he possibly be visiting her shop for business?

In addition, the man seemed to be after Aurelia since he stepped inside... even though Aurelia's back was against him.

The owner pursed her lips. Did the girl already have a boyfriend, and was her boyfriend actually a big shot?

"Uh, sir, you..."

"I'm not here for clothes." Each word from Neil felt frosty.

Aurelia held her breath, not daring to turn around.

"You're the boss here?" Neil removed his sunglasses.

When the owner met the predatory eyes that were like a leopard's, she froze. The man looked familiar. It was just that his icy presence shuddered her. "Y-Yes..." "Please step out for a moment."

"Huh? But, sir, this is "

"Would you like me to bring money to the table since you're staying?" Neil's smile did not feel like a smile. "But once I bring money forward, I won't just be buying clothes! "I'll buy this shop!"

The owner was stunned.

Who did he think he was? Coming in and threatening to buy someone's shop?

Neil looked around and said coldly, "Madam, this shop's pretty old, right?

"From what I know, few tailor shops are left on the street. The government will most likely demolish this area...

"You'll have to leave by then whether you like it or not. Those people aren't as negotiable as I am!"

"Sir, you—"

"Out!" Neil growled.

The owner turned pale and looked around, deciding that it was better to hide it out. She turned to leave, glancing at Aurelia before that with a shake of her head and a sigh. Aurelia did not know how long it had been when her thumping heart finally calmed down slightly. She slowly turned around and abruptly met the pair of dark eyes.

Neil's face was blank, icy like an icy sculpture.

Aurelia did not see that beneath his straight face was a hidden active volcano about to erupt.

The girl was probably doing this intentionally... She must want to anger him to death!

Neil took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, putting on a mocking smirk.

"Looks like you're doing well here! The boss is training you to be a daughter-in-law, huh?"

"No..." Aurelia lowered her head and fiddled with the embroidery, her voice small like a mosquito.

"But why did you speak like that just now?" She muttered, "She is a nice person and has no grudges against you. This shop is her family asset. Why did you scare her?"

"Why?" Neil suddenly raised his voice. "Do you feel bad for her that I scared her?"

Aurelia froze.

"I scared your future mother-in-law, is that it!?"

"You..." Aurelia widened her eyes and flushed swiftly.

Why was this uncle increasingly unlike the uncle she knew...

"Why are you looking at me like that? Did I guess it right!?" Neil pressed on. "Did I get you to Southeast Aciatic through so much effort and get you a temporary residence permit just for you to scrape by in this pathetic tailor shop? Just so you can get married simply and live the rest of your life like that? Aren't you going to university? A famous university? Did the dogs eat your grand ambition!?"

Aurelia was stunned while being yelled at.

Chapter 799

Chapter 799

Aurelia looked at him dazedly like a frightened bunny. A moment later, she suddenly said, "Uncle, I think you're wrong..."

"Hmm?"

The bunny spoke with coherence.

"First, you said that you're close to the Southeast Aciatic royals, so it's not hard to get me an immigration status... How did it become getting me here 'through so much effort'?

"Next, how do you know I'm scraping by? I'm enrolling in a famous university, so I'm working to save up and studying. They're not contradictory!

"And..." Aurelia's voice went softer. "You're the one who said you wouldn't be bothered with me after we arrived in Southeast Aciatic."

Neil stared at her for over ten seconds.

"Hah! Haha!

"You brat!" he suddenly shouted. "Your Acian's improved so much that you're arguing with me!?"

Aurelia shrank timidly, no longer having space to move back, when she was forced to the side of the table by the corner of the wall.

Neil took several deep breaths to bury that active volcano in his heart. After thinking about it calmly, the few points she raised seemed to be right...

What had gotten into him? He was usually friendly to fans whom he did not know. Why was he turning into an explosive the moment he met Aurelia? Neil found it unbelievable, suddenly feeling pity for the pitiful girl who was curled up in the corner.

"You... Come here." His tone was stiff.

Aurelia stayed close to the wall without moving, not even daring to breathe.

"Come here! Could I eat you up?"

"Oh..." It was only then she went over slowly but still did not dare go too close.

Neil straightened up and spread his arms, making a twirl in front of her.

Aurelia was puzzled. "What are you doing?"

The award-winning actor had both disdain and feigned reluctance on his face. "Take my measurements! I want to have clothes made here!"

"Huh?" Aurelia was astonished, but when Neil looked at her, she quickly picked up her jaw and pulled out a measuring tape.

She was meticulous and worked fast. As she measured him, she jotted the measurements down on the notepad.

The man was tall, so Aurelia had to stand slightly on her tiptoes when she measured his shoulders and collar.

Neil rarely stayed so close to her. The fresh and sweet fragrance of the girl was rushing into his nose. From this angle, the sunlight outside hit half of her face just nicely. Her fair cheeks looked so supple and bouncy, and one could even see the fine fuzz on her skin.

Neil could not move his eyes away. His heart felt like something had hit it. When he snapped back to himself, Aurelia had already crouched down.

"You..." Neil was alarmed. "What are you doing?"

Her head was right between his legs, and the fair hands were going toward his groin...

"Hey!" shouted Neil.

Aurelia was frightened and jolted, looking at him in surprise.

"W-What is it, uncle?"

"What are you doing?" Neil was shouting at her, but a secret sweetness dripped into his heart.

The girl was taking advantage of him while she took his measurements... and going straight to that part? Was she so impatient?

There was an almost unnoticeable quirk of a smile on his lips.

Aurelia's small voice spoke up. "Uncle, how am I supposed to make the clothes if I don't take the measurements?"

"What... do you mean?"

"I'm measuring the crotch length of the pants!" Aurelia chuckled dryly. "I can't make the pants if I don't measure you!"

Chapter 800

Chapter 800

Neil froze, and his expression changed almost swiftly.

Measuring the crotch length of the pants?

Right, the brand designers would measure him everywhere for the most accurate measurements when they came to take his measurements for customized clothing in the past too. Those designers were men, though! Now that it was Aurelia doing it...

Neil's heart dropped, and he glared at her suddenly. There was faint anger in his deep voice.

"Do you measure the other customers like this too?"

II

31

"You measure the crotch length for other men!?"

Neil's shout nearly flipped the roof off.

Aurelia closed her eyes before opening them slowly. It took everything in her to force the corners of her lips into a smile.

"No..."

Neil paused.

"Uncle, I didn't," Aurelia explained softly. "I-I'm only in charge of embroidery and tailoring now. I don't measure customers...

"Y-You're the first one."

Neil seemed to feel better upon hearing what she said. He was her first man.

"Cough." He cleared his throat and suddenly thought of something when he saw the measurements she had jotted down on the notepad. "You're done measuring?"

"Mm, I'm done," Aurelia answered honestly.

"Then..." He paused. "How's my size?"

"Pretty good!" Aurelia picked up the notepad for a look. She did a brief calculation, and he basically had perfect proportions.

"Oh, pretty good?" He lowered himself slightly. "So, you're happy with the size?"

"Mm, yeah!"

The tips of Neil's ears went pink. Why did it sound... kind of ambiguous?

Despite that, Aurelia looked indifferent, still wearing a pure smile. It seemed that she had yet to pick up the essence of the language.

Neil chuckled. He caught a glimpse of two sets of clothes on the rack when she was taking his measurements earlier.

Those were Southeast Aciatic's most traditional clothing. There were embroidery and flowers made of beads on them, and the colors were bright and auspicious like they were wedding clothes.

"Those are for customers?" he asked Aurelia.

Aurelia took a look. "No, those are samples!"

"Samples?"

"Yeah, they're made by a few embroidery artists in the shop. The boss made wedding dresses in the past, and then she expanded the business, but she's not abandoning her familiar ground. Besides, many people in Southeast Aciatic opt for handmade wedding clothes when they get married, so she has asked us to make two to display by the door."

"But those are obviously a man and a woman's style."

"Mm, it's a pair!" Aurelia grinned. "Naturally, the wedding clothes have to be for the man and woman each!"

"Hmm..." Neil paused for a few seconds before he said, "Go, change into it!"

"Huh?"

Aurelia thought she had misheard and stared at Neil while the latter kept his hands on his band with a nonchalant look.

"Well... I'm doing this for your sake. You made the clothes, and you have to sell them, right? I'll wear them and take a few photos. They'll sell for sure!"

Aurelia thought about it and found that it made sense. The man was an award-winning actor to start with-even though his popularity in Southeast Aciatic was unlike Centrolis.

"What's there to consider?" Neil frowned. "Do you know that I usually charge to put on outfits and pose for photos?"

Aurelia quickly removed the clothes from the mannequin to let Neil change into them.

"The woman's one too." The man's aloof voice rang. "You change into it!"

"Huh? Oh..." Aurelia thought about it and changed.