Chapter 163


    Chapter 163 Anything Else


    Amidst the enchanting backdrop of Moulmore, Remdik, Elm shared glimpses of his solitary journey,


    capturing the ethereal beauty of the aurora and a charming selfie with a reindeer.


    Dressed in a ck storm suit, his hooded coat adorned with strands of hair dusted with ke frost.


    Elm’s images elicited a gentle smile from Eileen.


    Her gratitude flowed through a message: It’s beautiful. Thank you.


    Thank you for experiencing these sights on my behalf.


    In the distant reaches of Moulmore, Elm traversed the icyndscape alone, his tent emitting. wisps of


    smoke against the harsh winter backdrop.


    Despite a significant fifteen-hour time difference between Remdik and his home country, Elm remained


    unperturbed as he embarked on a solitary journey. Along the way, he crossed paths with other travelers


    who were also reveling in their holiday adventures.


    A voice in Remdikian called out from behind, “Elm, it’s time to eat.”


    Seeing the reply he got from Eileen, Elm chose not to respond. Instead, he stored away his phone and


    exited the extended tent.


    On the eve of New Year’s Eve, thepany granted everyone time off, and Eric and Vera were busy


    decorating the residence with red lights that adorned the ss windows, swiftly infusing the home with


    a festive atmosphere.


    Sharon, having injured her waist, returned from the hospital to the Swan residence just in time for the


    New Year, although Eileen wasn’t sure how long she would stay this time.


    Enjoying a rare day off at home, Eileen didn’t want to waste her time. With a bag on her back, she


    descended from upstairs.


    Sharon emerged from the kitchen, saying, “The New Year is almost here; where are you nning to


    go?”


    “I’m going to the library to borrow some materials.”


    “We’re on holiday; why are you still studying? Take a good rest at home. I’ve made some brownies;


    they’ll be ready soon.”


    Just then, another voice rang out. “Ms. Eileen, there’s a letter for you in the mailbox!” A housekeeper


    held a thick stack of envelopes. “In this day and age, it’s strange that people still send letters, especially


    all the way from Remdik.”


    1.5


    When she heard the housekeeper’s words, the first person that came to Eileen’s mind was Elm.


    Eileen epted the letter, unfolding its contents, as Eric and Vera returned with their shopping spoils,


    each carrying tworge bags in their hands.


    “Mr. Snow,” the housekeeper greeted.


    Eric nodded, his gaze directed at the individuals in the living room.


    Eileen, without needing to nce, already had a sense of what was enclosed within the envelope.


    Is this his way of returning the favor? Or perhaps a New Year’s gift?


    Just then, Sharon emerged from the kitchen, cradling a tray of freshly-baked brownies. “Mr. Snow,


    Vera, you’re just in time. Come have some brownies!”


    Vera, bringing two sizable bags of groceries to the table, remarked, “Sharon, why prepare so much?


    We can’t possibly consume all of this. Gavin, Sharon, please join us.”


    Meanwhile, Mary brought a cup of warm milk and sandwiches to the person lounging on the couch.


    “What are you looking at, Ms. Eileen? Oh my, this is truly beautiful. Where is this?”


    “Indeed! This ce is truly stunning.” Eileen responded. Every picture Elm had sent was clear.


    Eileen delicately unsealed the envelopes, ensuring the seals remained intact. Inside, nearly a hundred


    photos awaited, along with a USB drive tucked within the envelope.


    Numerous eyes were drawn to the scene.


    Vera inquired with curiosity, “What’s Eileen looking at?”


    “It’s a letter from a friend. I recall that Eileen has a friend with thest name Smith,” Sharon divulged.


    “Is it the guy from Smith Corporation? Or… perhaps it’s Elm? I remember, he participated in this year’s


    winter camp, held in Remdik.”


    Speaking, Vera shifted her gaze toward Eric, whose gaze dimmed.


    Eileen swiftly stored the photos in her backpack, grasped the USB drive, and slung her bag over her


    shoulder. “Inform Father,” she stated, “I have my final piano lesson today, so I won’t be home for lunch.”


    “Ms. Eileen, won’t you have your milk?”


    Eileen continued without pausing, brushing past Eric, “No, I won’t; don’t bother preparing then in the


    future.” She took a bite of her sandwich and left the house with those words.


    The realization that Eric had been drugging her milk for five years cast a shadow over Eileen’s heart,


    Upon entering the car, she headed to the library.


    Inside, freeputers awaited her use. Reaching the seventh floor, Eileen swiped her identification


    card, found aputer, and eagerly connected her USB drive.


    She clicked on the folder, unveiling a video that unfolded over three to four hours.


    The scenemenced with Elm’s entrance into a bustling station. Amidst themotion, his voice


    resonated, “There’s a train from Hulbury to Musbane, spanning over seven thousand kilometers. Make


    sure you get a sleeper ticket; don’t make the naive mistake of opting for a seat. It’ll be a nightmare…”


    Augh escaped Eileen’s lips, apanied by a stirring emotion that warmed her heart in an


    unprecedented way.


    The sleeper berth by the train’s window captured the most enchanting vistas along the journey. While


    the train swiftly traversed these fleetingndscapes, Elm skillfully slowed down the frames, allowing her


    to savor every moment.


    Upon the conclusion of Elm’s video, Eileen found herself yearning for more.


    What if we could video chat? I could see it for myself right now.


    With the day having progressed to two or three in the afternoon, Eileen, emerging from the library,


    chose to dial Elm’s mobile number.


    Within a matter of seconds, Elm answered the call promptly. “What is it, Ms. Eileen? What do you


    want?”


    “Elm, I’ve received it, and I appreciate it. The photos you captured are truly exquisite.”


    The voice on the other end, reminiscent of just waking up, responded indifferently, “Mmm, got it,”


    before adding, “Anything else? I’m about to sleep here.”


    “Can I see the original footage? The unedited version,” Eileen requested.


    With a hint of nonchnce, Elm replied, “So many requests, not happening! Goodbye.” The call


    concluded with him disconnecting.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Undeterred, Eileen decided to wait for a more opportune moment to bring up the subject when he


    returned.


    35


    Chapter 3 Anything Else


    The final notes of Eileen’s two-hour piano lesson echoed in the air.


    On her way back, she decided to buy a photo album to carefully preserve the moments captured in the


    pictures.


    As she walked through the streets, halfway through her journey, the sky suddenly started to snow


    gently. While watching the snowkes gracefully melt into keness on the road, Eileen received an


    unexpected call from the housekeeper, urging her to hurry home because there were unidentified


    guests.


    Intrigued by the mystery, Eileen hurried back. When she saw a familiar car in the yard, a particr


    person immediately came to mind.


    This is…


    As she entered the foyer, a distinct sense of rxation enveloped her. Familiar voices came from the


    living room, where several people were sitting on the couch.


    The housekeeper greeted her with a warm smile, “Ms. Eileen.”


    Jasper turned his head, and everyone else followed suit.


    Eileen handed her bag of books to the housekeeper, saying, “Please take this to my room. Be careful.”


    “Yes, Ms. Eileen.”


    Jasper stood up, a smile appearing on his lips. “You’re back?”


    On the other hand, Will, speaking in a stern tone, scolded, “It’s the New Year; why are you stil going to


    sses? During the holidays, you should rest at home. Sharon, please tell them to prepare a few more


    delicious dishes.”


    “Certainly, Mr. Swan.”


    Jasper replied, “No need to trouble yourself; I’m just here to see her for a bit. I’ll leave soon.”


    Noticing the meaningful look in Will’s eyes, Eileen understood his unspoken message. It was clear


    what he was suggesting.


    As she approached, Jasper graciously made way for her.


    Taking her seat beside him, Eileen suggested, “Since you’re here, why not stay for dinner? Would you


    like to try some chestnut pie? I happened to prepare the ingredientsst time.”


    “Would that be a bother to you?” Jasper asked.


    Eileen offered a gentle smile. “Of course not. I was nning to do it anyway. Now that you’re here,


    there’s no need for someone to deliver it to you. Besides… it’s much tastier when it’s fresh out of the


    oven.”


    “I’ll help you then.”


    “It’s okay, I can handle it. Why don’t you sit with Father for a while? I’ll be done soon.”