Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 217

Later, the Dowager went to the kitchen, and Seren went to find Lennon in the study. The old woman had given her directions. She passed through an octagonal gate into a courtyard with a bamboo grove. The morning sun cast dappled shadows on the ground.

Walking through the shifting patterns of light, she entered the study. The room had wooden floors and carved rosewood furniture, and the air was filled with the rich scent of old wood. The painting she had copied on her last visit, "Autumn Clarity Beyond the Pass," was now beautifully framed and hung in a prominent spot on the wall. A small stove simmered in the corner, a clay teapot on top releasing fragrant steam.

By the window, a bamboo screen was half-rolled up. On the daybed, Lennon and Old Mr. Crestwell were engrossed in a game of Go. Seren's eyes were immediately drawn to Lennon. Dressed in black, he sat cross-legged with a black stone in his hand, his posture as straight as a pine tree. His handsome profile, illuminated by the shifting bamboo shadows, gave him an air of refined elegance.

Old Mr. Rutledge had also enjoyed playing Go, so Seren knew a little about the game. A single glance at the board told her that the white stones were losing badly; black was poised for victory.

Seeing Seren enter, Old Mr. Crestwell discreetly put the white stone in his hand back into its bowl. "Seren is here," he announced with a cough. "Why don't you show her around the house? We can finish this game later."

A faint smile played on Lennon's lips. "Grandfather, the outcome of this game is already clear. You've lost. A bet is a bet. You have to keep your promise."

"You young rascal," the old man grumbled, though not unkindly. "Always taking advantage of an old man like me."

Seren glanced at the board. There were more white stones than black, meaning white had started with a five-stone handicap. "Grandfather," she said gently, "I don't think Lennon is taking advantage of you. He already gave you a five-stone lead."

After they cleared the board and shared a cup of aged Pu'er tea, the old man gave Lennon a meaningful look. "You have to leave for your trip this afternoon. Don't waste your time drinking tea with an old man like me. It's still early before lunch. Go take Seren for a walk. Spend some time together."

He then ushered Lennon out the door before turning to Seren with a kind smile. "Seren, don't you be too understanding all the time. I'm his grandfather; I know him. He's a workaholic, always on business trips or at the office. He probably doesn't spend enough time with you."

"Grandfather, Lennon has been with me for many days now," Seren defended him gently. "No matter how busy he is, he always makes time for me."

"You always make excuses for him. I heard from Shirley that he was even slacking on your wedding photos, that she had to remind him for days before he finally took you."