Ice and Fire novel Chapter 199

"Cherry, you're back home! This is wonderful!" cheerfully said Andrew while he held Cherry's hands.

Then, Joe came closer to his mother, and quietly stood beside her. He looked at the old man with silver hair in front of him, and felt that they had met before. Also, he was impressed by the old man's high spirit. He seemed to be as bossy as Jackson was, but older. After he inspected this old man more closely, Joe felt that he was friendly, and he thought that this must be Jackson's Grandpa, and his Great-Grandpa.

When Cherry saw that Joe's eyes were completely focused on Andrew, she quickly said, "Joe, he is your Great-Grandpa."

After Joe heard his Mommy's words, he greeted him in a cute way, "Good morning, Great-Grandpa!"

"Joe, you're such a good kid, " said Andrew while he gently caressed Joe's face. He immediately seemed to like Joe, and continued to say in a nostalgic manner, "You're exactly what Jackson looked like when he was your age!"

Andrew didn't frighten Joe; instead, Joe stretched out his hands, and after he embraced Andrew, he said, "Great-Grandpa, I wanted to meet you so much! Both Daddy and Mommy have been very busy, or otherwise I would have visited you sooner!"

After they heard Joe's words, Cherry and Jackson looked at each other, and a surprised look appeared on both of their faces. They found it funny that their son, who was at such a young age, knew how to complain.

"Joe, from now on, if your parents are too busy to bring you here, just call me and I'll send somebody to pick you up, " said Andrew happily.

"Really?" asked Joe, surprised.

Andrew nodded, and continued to say, "Joe, trust me, I'll never lie to you. Besides, both your Mommy and Daddy would never dare to disobey me, so please, set your mind at rest."

Delighted, Joe shot a couple of defiant glances at his parents, who seemed to be ridiculed by his excuse. "Have you heard what Great-Grandpa just said? You can't disobey him, haha!" said Joe.

"You..." Cherry was somehow irritated by her son's naughty attitude. Joe, who had always behaved in such an obedient and cute way at home, now had the audacity to complain in front of his Great-Grandpa.

Sticking up for Joe, Andrew also appeared to be serious, and said, "Jackson, Cherry, really now, if you're too busy, I can always ask the butler to pick Joe up from home."

He then looked Jackson in the eye, and scolded him, "Jackson, you should never ignore your child!"

Jackson kept his silence and looked at Cherry, because now only she could command him to do anything.

"Okay, we know that, " answered Cherry amiably.

Andrew was clearly pleased by Cherry's answer. His granddaughter-in-law had now come back, and so did his great-grandson, and "Delighted" was too less of a word to describe his mood at that moment. He had never blamed Cherry for abandoning Jackson and the Chu Family five years ago; on the contrary, he was actually thankful that she had given birth and raised the cute and wonderful boy that was standing in front of him.

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, " said Andrew.

Then, Derek, who was standing nearby them, smiled, and said to Andrew, "Grandpa, are you glad you finally met Joe?"

"Yes, it's such a pleasure to meet him!" answered Andrew, wearing a broad smile on his face. He looked at Joe intensely, and seemed that he didn't want to lose sight of him.

Joe then shot a curious glance at Derek, and wondered who was the man talking to his Great-Grandfather. 'Why is he standing together with Great-Grandfather?' wondered Joe.

"Mommy, who's he?" asked Joe.

Cherry looked at Derek first, and then answered her son, "He's your father's friend since childhood. His name is Derek, and he's Selina's brother."

Joe used his brain, and saw him as his father's BFF. 'Does he also live in the military's residential compound?' wondered Joe.

"Uncle Derek, it's nice to meet you, " said Joe. He then looked around, and curiously asked, "By the way, where's Selina?"