Chapter 11

Brent Haines frowned and shook his head gently. “My parents aren’t like that. They wouldn’t care about things like these at all.” In her mind, what parents really valued most was a person’s character, not external things like these.

Casey Hathaway couldn’t help but laugh at her serious expression. He reached out and pinched her little nose. “I know your parents aren’t like that. But bringing a gift is just a matter of courtesy. It has nothing to do with anything else. Don’t overthink it.”

Brent Haines watched his persistent attitude with a warm feeling in his heart. He stopped arguing. “Alright, since you’ve already bought it, I won’t say anything else. Otherwise, it would seem like I’m being cheap.”

Casey Hathaway released her hand, only to quickly take it again. His fingers tightly encircled hers, his voice slightly nervous: “Let’s go. I’m a little nervous too.”

Brent Haines felt the cold sweat on his palms and couldn’t help but laugh. He gently patted the back of his hand. “Don’t be nervous. My parents aren’t dangerous at all. They’re very easy to get along with.”

The two of them walked hand in hand down the hallway, and soon arrived at the door. Brent Haines pushed the door open and shouted, “Dad, Mom, I’m home!”

Mrs. Haines heard the noise and immediately came over. Her gaze fell on Case Hathaway. She stared at him intently, as if trying to see him completely from head to toe. The smile on her face was impossible to hide—this young man was handsome, had good manners, and seemed trustworthy.

Mr. Haines followed behind, still wearing a cold expression on his face. He stared at Case Hathaway with a serious gaze, his tone slightly displeased: “Are you Case Hathaway?”

Brent Haines felt a tightness in his chest. He was about to speak up in defense of Case Hathaway, but Mrs. Haines stopped him with a look. Something struck her mind: Could it be that their parents were testing Case Hathaway?

Case Hathaway wasn’t the least bit flustered. He bowed slightly, handed over the gift with both hands, and spoke in a respectful and sincere tone: “Uncle and Aunt, hello. I’m Case Hathaway. I’m sorry for coming to see you without proper preparation. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you’ll accept it.”

Mrs. Haines quickly took the gift and said with a smile, “Since you’ve come all the way, there’s no need for a gift. That would be too much of an imposition. Please, have a seat.”

After sitting down, Case Hathaway didn’t wait for Mr. Haines to ask further questions. He took the initiative to speak up: “Uncle, Auntie, I know you’re worried that Brent being with me isn’t safe. Let me explain everything to you clearly. My name is Case Hathaway. There are three people in my family. I’m the only son. My father runs a business, and my mother takes care of household affairs at home. I’ve already graduated and am currently helping out in my father’s company…”

He calmly and systematically described his family background, with a sincere tone and without any hint of arrogance. In fact, Brent Haines had already told his parents about Case Hathaway’s family background in advance. So, Mr. and Mrs. Haines weren’t too surprised and simply listened quietly.

Case Hathaway talked for over ten minutes, explaining his situation in great detail. Finally, Mr. Haines grew impatient and waved his hand. “Enough, enough. Brent has already told us everything about your situation. Now, go cook something to eat. I’m hungry.”

Brent Haines and Case Hathaway exchanged glances, both seeing a smile in each other’s eyes. Although Mr. Haines seemed impatient and spoke in a harsh tone, his attitude clearly softened. In truth, Mr. Haines had a good first impression of Case Hathaway. He thought he was steady and reliable, someone who would be a good match for his daughter. But he was reluctant to admit that his precious daughter was being taken away from him.

Mrs. Haines asked knowingly, “Old man, what time is it even? Didn’t you just eat? How come you’re hungry again?”

Mr. Haines glared at her, his tone harsh: “If I say go, you go. Why so much nonsense?” His annoyed and frustrated expression made all three of them unable to help but laugh.

Mrs. Haines replied with a smile, “Very well, very well. I’ll go cook right now. I promise you’ll all have a great meal.” With that, she turned and went into the kitchen.

In the living room, Mr. Haines remained cold and unfriendly. However, he didn’t bother Case Hathaway anymore. Occasionally, he would ask one or two questions about work. Case Hathaway answered each question carefully and respectfully, without any trace of the arrogance typical of wealthy youngsters.

Before long, Mrs. Haines had prepared a whole table of dishes. They were all things that Brent Haines liked to eat. She also prepared a few dishes that Case Hathaway enjoyed—apparently, she had asked Brent Haines about this in advance.

At the dinner table, Mrs. Haines kept serving food to Case Hathaway, while saying, “Little Deep, eat more. You’re so thin. You must work too hard.”

Brent Haines sat aside, watching his mother’s biased behavior. He couldn’t help but pout and mutter, “Mom, you’re so unfair. You’re not even giving me any food.”

Mrs. Haines smiled and patted her hand. “You’re already so old. You can pick it up yourself. Little Shen is a guest, so of course we need to take better care of him.”

Casey Hathaway watched this heartwarming scene with a warm feeling in her heart. She also took a piece of the rib Brent Haines liked and placed it in his plate. Tenderly, she said, “Brent, eat more. You’re too thin.”

Brent Haines’s cheeks turned slightly red. He lowered his head and obediently ate his ribs. Mr. Haines sat nearby, watching the affectionate moment between the two of them. His lips couldn’t help but curl into a slight smile, and the cold expression on his face finally faded a bit.

The meal was spent in a lively and cheerful atmosphere, with laughter and joy everywhere. Even Mr. Heines, who usually seemed awkward, was caught up in the cheerful mood and showed a smile he hadn’t shown in ages.

Happy times always pass by quickly. Before we know it, it’s time to leave. Case Hathaway stood up and bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Haines. “Uncle and Auntie, it’s getting late. I’ll go now. I’ll visit you again next time. I hope you won’t mind.”

Mrs. Haines quickly said, “What nonsense! You’re Brent’s boyfriend, and from now on, you’re part of the family. How could anyone dislike you? Come here often—treat it like your own home.”

Case Hathaway felt warm inside and quickly said, “Thank you, Auntie. I won’t bother you anymore then.”

“Brent, go see Xiao Shen off.” Mrs. Haines winked at Brent Haines, clearly trying to give the two of them a chance to spend time together. Mr. Haines didn’t say anything, but he didn’t object either. He simply said, “Come back soon.”

The two walked downstairs hand in hand, sat on a bench by the road. Brent Haines leaned his head on Case Hathaway’s shoulder. Their fingers were entwined as they sat in silence, without saying a word, yet filled with an indescribable warmth. After what felt like a long while, they looked at each other and smiled. Case Hathaway gently stroked her hair. “I’m going now. You should go upstairs too, so your parents won’t worry.”

Brent Haines nodded, watching as he got into the car. He didn’t turn around until the car disappeared from sight. Then he went upstairs.