Chapter 39

Wendy’s silence made Suzy’s heart tighten a little.

Had she sensed something?

Suzy decided to take the initiative and spoke first.

"Maybe I grabbed the wrong one," she said gently. "Why don’t you describe the gold pendant you want? I’ll look again."

Her eagerness—almost overly accommodating—gradually eased Wendy’s rising suspicion.

Yes. This was exactly how Suzy had always been.

Naive. Soft-hearted. Eager to please.

She had practically pushed such a valuable pendant into Wendy’s hands before—surely there wasn’t anything wrong.

More likely, she had simply taken the wrong one.

But when Wendy tried to describe the pendant’s appearance, she realized she couldn’t.

The novel’s description had been vague to begin with. And now, after several days of busily stockpiling supplies, the details were blurry in her mind.

She hesitated, stammering for a moment before saying, "I’ll send you a picture later."

"Okay," Suzy replied obediently.

"Tomorrow’s my birthday," Wendy added. "Bring it with you then."

Suzy paused, then said softly, "...I might not be able to make it tomorrow."

"Why not?!" Wendy’s voice shot up instantly.

"I’m in G City for surgery right now," Suzy said, lowering her voice. "I probably won’t make it back in time."

Wendy’s expression changed immediately.

"When will you be back?"

"I’ll return after the surgery."

"When exactly?"

"I’m not sure yet. The doctor hasn’t told me."

On the other end of the line, Wendy’s face shifted through a storm of emotions. So she’d have to wait until Suzy returned to activate the space?

Wendy inhaled slowly and tried another angle. "How about this—you tell me where you keep the pendant. I’ll just go get it myself."

Suzy nearly laughed out loud in disbelief.

The audacity.

If she really let Wendy into her house, there wouldn’t be a single valuable item left untouched.

She said nothing.

After a brief silence, Wendy prompted, "Suzy?"

Suzy exhaled softly. "Can’t you just wait until I come back?"

Wendy’s tone sharpened faintly. "You just said you won’t be back anytime soon. What’s wrong with me picking it up myself?"

She sounded utterly justified.

Suzy pressed her lips together, swallowed her irritation... And hung up.

Wendy hadn’t even processed what happened when the call ended.

Suzy struck first, sending a message immediately:

[Suzy: Wendy, I feel like you don’t care about me at all.]

On Wendy’s side, anger flared the instant she realized Suzy had hung up on her.

She was about to call back and demand an explanation, then she saw the message.

Her temper cooled instantly.

Suzy was upset. Wendy realized she had pushed too hard.

Even the softest clay figure had rough spots. If she forced things too aggressively and Suzy refused to hand over the pendant entirely, it would be a disastrous loss.

She had no choice but to rein herself in. Wendy sent several soothing messages, softening her tone, coaxing and apologizing.

Suzy didn’t even look at them.

Wendy was temporarily handled, but Suzy knew it wouldn’t end there.

Sooner or later, George would call too. She needed to prepare.

Putting her phone away, she stepped back into the living room.

The fragrance drifting from the kitchen came in warm waves—rich, savory, mouthwatering.

She couldn’t help inhaling again.

What kind of chef had Leonard invited? It smelled incredible.

"What was that about?" Leonard asked. "Who called?"

"Wendy," Suzy replied calmly. "Her birthday’s tomorrow. She was reminding me to come."

Leonard’s brows knit faintly. "Are you going back?"

Leonard had never been particularly fond of her older sister. Wendy’s very existence was proof of George’s infidelity—an ever-present reminder that the so-called brother-in-law had betrayed Leonard’s sister.

"I’m not going back," Suzy said firmly. "I don’t even want to see her. She’s always asking me for things."

Leonard’s brows furrowed even deeper. "Suzy, whatever you do—don’t give her anything."

Suzy smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, Uncle. I know what I’m doing."

Leonard nodded, then brought up what had been interrupted earlier. "You were about to ask me for help with something?"

Suzy straightened slightly, putting on an obedient expression. "Uncle, I was hoping you could help me buy some medicine."

"How much?" he asked immediately.

If it were just a small purchase, she wouldn’t have needed him.

A flicker of guilt crossed her face. She added a little too quickly, "It’s for a friend."

Leonard didn’t comment on that. "Give me a rough number."

Suzy pulled out the list she had prepared in advance.

It was thorough.

Antibiotics. Fever reducers and painkillers. Gastrointestinal medicines. Anti-allergy drugs. Chronic illness medications. Internal and topical treatments.

Everything she could think of was on it.

She had compiled the list after researching extensively and referencing survival forums where experienced users shared recommended stockpiles.

Each item—at least one hundred boxes.

Altogether, the quantity was staggering.

Leonard’s expression froze for a brief second as he scanned the page.

"This much?"

He read through it carefully.

He didn’t question what she intended to do with such a massive supply. Instead, he said calmly, "The quantity is too large. I don’t have the right channel for this."

A wave of disappointment rose in Suzy’s chest.

"I see..."

But before she could dwell on it, Leonard continued, "Adam should have connections. I’ll ask him later."

Her eyes lit up instantly.

Adam’s family was involved in industrial enterprises across multiple sectors. She didn’t know the specifics, but if Leonard believed he had channels—that was hope.

"Thank you, Uncle," she said sincerely.

Leonard waved it off. "Don’t thank me. You can talk to him yourself."

She blinked.

She would? Was that... appropriate?

Before she could process it further, the kitchen door slid open.

A rush of fragrance spilled into the living room.

And when she saw the figure wearing an apron—she froze.

It took her a few seconds to register that the "chef" Leonard had mentioned was Adam.

"Dinner’s ready," Adam said calmly.

His gaze brushed lightly over her as he stepped out, carrying dishes in both hands.

They gathered around the table.

Suzy’s attention was instantly captured by the spread before her.

It smelled incredible—so good it almost made her dizzy. She had not expected Adam’s cooking to be this impressive.

She vividly remembered years ago when his cooking had been... disastrous.

Once, he had made fried noodles so inedible that she had nearly cried after tasting them.

Since then, she had never dared to try his cooking again.

And now—

This transformation was unbelievable.

"Adam’s cooking is excellent," Leonard said with a grin. "You’re lucky tonight. He rarely cooks."

The table was filled—meat, vegetables, soups, everything arranged beautifully.

Suzy picked up a piece of braised pork.

It melted in her mouth, tender without being greasy.

"So good!" she exclaimed without restraint.

At her reaction, a faint curve tugged at Adam’s lips as he lifted his chopsticks.

They ate with appetite.

When the meal was finished, and the table looked thoroughly enjoyed, Leonard stood up first.

"I’ll handle the cleanup," he said, then shot Suzy a meaningful look.