"Iāll rest over the weekend, and head back first thing Monday morning," James announced before he casually walked past Jane Sampson. After entering, he suddenly turned his head back and added, "From now on, donāt get up so early to make breakfast on the weekends. Iāll bring something back from the community entrance after I finish jogging."
Jane focused only on the critical words. What did he mean by he would be home on the weekends?
Was this some kind of joke?
Seeing Janeās stunned expression as though she had been struck by lightning, James Black couldnāt quite describe the feeling in his heart. Her shock was immense, but her flabbergasted look seemed to make him even less cheerful.
"After breakfast, head back to the Black Residence," James said, leaving these words behind before descending the stairs to go for his run.
Jane slumped back in the bed, feeling utterly despondent.
At the Black Residence, there was someone even more intimidating than JamesāOld Master Black. Jane might occasionally test Jamesās limits, but in front of Old Master Black, sheād prefer not to say a word, wishing she could become invisible.
She was more terrified of Old Master Black than she was of James. In the past, Old Master Black in his youth could crack a tea table with just a slap. Peter Gingery got into trouble and ended up being beaten so badly by Old Master Black that he almost couldnāt get down from the bed.
Since then, Jane had been as meek as a lamb in front of Old Master Black, afraid that one of those slaps might land on her some day and break her slender waist.
After her marriage, Jane seldom went back to the Black Residence, only making an appearance every Chinese New Yearās Eve for a reunion dinner, regardless of whether James was present, as she, the granddaughter-in-law, was expected to attend.
When James mentioned going back to see Old Master Black, Jane didnāt dare to refuse. If Old Master Black didnāt see her return, he might ask James where she had gone. If James mentioned her work and Old Master Black investigated, she would be caught in a lie.
After indulging in two minutes of self-pity in the bed, Jane sent Rock Bell a text message to ask for time off. She thought Rock might still be asleep at this time, but to her surprise, he replied in just a few seconds, approving her weekend leave. He also teased her, saying he had guessed she wouldnāt be going to the company this weekend after finding out James had returned last night.
Jane didnāt know how Rock had figured it out, especially since it was only recently that James had started to act unpredictably, so she couldnāt discern the reason behind his sudden change.
But as they say, the heart of a man is unfathomable, and not something one can simply guess.
James spent over forty minutes jogging downstairs before he returned with breakfast. They quickly ate and then immediately set out, arriving at the Black Residence just after seven oāclock.
As they entered, Old Master Black was vigorously practicing his boxing. He stopped and lifted his eyebrows when he saw them walking one after the other, and he commented, "Itās not Chinese New Year or any other festival. Itās strange to see you both coming back."
"Weāre home this weekend, so we thought weād drop by for a visit," James briefly explained, reassured to see Old Master Black talking with vigor and seemingly in good health.
Old Master Black casually patted the corner of his clothing and questioned, "Being the Chief, you should lead by example. What does it look like, running off all the time?"
Brooke Black, Peterās mother, came over and burst into laughter. "Dad, when James doesnāt come back, you complain heās treating the Solar Planet Guardian Team like his wife. When he does come back, you scold him. What do you really want him to do?" she said.
Old Master Black glared at Brooke but said nothing more, waving his hand for everyone to follow him inside.