The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 423

Craig laughed at Arthur's expression. "Oh, look at you! I was only kidding. Don't look so worried." While Arthur and Craig were exchanging pleasantries, Autumn and Charles entered the private room. They were amazed at the sight of their grandfather's friend. He was old, with grey hair and a goatee. But more than that, he looked to be someone not of the human race, they thought. He looked rather immortal, which was stunning. In television serials, immortals always seemed to be surrounded by enchanting mist, like they were floating. That was how Craig seemed to the couple.

Seeing Autumn and Charles enter, Arthur immediately got up and introduced them to Craig. "This is my granddaughter, Autumn Zhao, and my grandson-in-law, Charles Lu."

Arthur gave Autumn a fatherly pat on the hand and turned to look at Craig. "Autumn, Charles, meet Craig Xiao, a very good friend of mine. You better call him 'Grandpa Craig', " he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Autumn flashed a wide smile. "Grandpa Craig, it is nice to meet you." Charles, who stood beside his wife, echoed her greetings. Just as they were sitting, the door to the private room opened again. And Autumn was surprised to see a familiar face.

The young man looked a bit flushed, and apologized. "Grandpa, sorry I am late." It was Anthony, whom Autumn had run into twice already before his appearance now. She was surprised but pleased to see him again.

"Come, come. Let me introduce you to everyone, " Craig said. He pulled his grandson by the hand and said happily, "This is my friend Arthur Zhao. We have known each other for years." Anthony bowed in greeting for Arthur. "And these two are his granddaughter and grandson-in-law…"

"We met earlier, " Anthony interrupted Craig. While he tried to keep his emotions in check as Craig finished the introductions, Anthony could not help feeling glad to see Autumn again. It was a funny feeling to be excited seeing the woman once more, he admitted to himself.

"You've met before?" Craig inquired. He was surprised the two were already acquainted but did not pursue asking. Craig was just glad his grandson could be friends with Arthur's grandchildren like he and his old friend. "Have a seat, " he offered Anthony.

He then smiled at Autumn and said, "It's nice to see you again." Anthony sat next to Autumn. He pointed out how rare it was to meet a person thrice in one day. Autumn found this unusual as well but welcomed the happy coincidence. With a friendly grin, she told Anthony, "I didn't expect that we would have someone in common. We ran into each other twice totally unaware, only to discover our grandfathers are old friends."

They all laughed. Anthony again fell silent but continued to stare at Autumn. He was thinking, 'I've never met anyone with such pure and innocent eyes. If she wasn't already married, I think I would fall for her.'

He could not help but be affected by her cheerful attitude and bright smile.

A soft knock on the door shook him from his thoughts. Everyone stopped talking and turned to see who was at the door. A waitress came in to start serving. When she left, Arthur poured a glass of wine for Craig. Anthony was quick to frown and warned, "I'm sorry Grandpa Arthur. But my grandfather has quit drinking. He's been suffering from hypertension in the last few years."

"Oh, I'm fine. Stop worrying, Anthony, " Craig admonished. Looking at the group, he explained, "I am glad to see my old friend Arthur. Surely, a little wine will not affect my health."

He turned to his friend and complained, "Look at him. He's acting as if he were older than me, and not like a grandson. I may be the grandfather but he is very strict about every aspect of my life. And he's a disciplinarian even when we're not at home."

Anthony was quick to defend himself. "That's because you lack self-discipline. If you showed stronger self-control, you know I won't interfere, " he told Craig. The two men looked each other in the eye.

Then Craig broke into an embarrassed smile. Everything his grandson said was true and he had no defense against it. Still Anthony allowed Craig a few drinks and after three rounds, Arthur went straight to the point of the meeting. "Craig, we've known each other for many years so I won't prolong this. I invited you here for two reasons. One, of course, is for old friends to reconnect again. The second is to ask you a favor."

Graig nodded in agreement. "We're old friends so there's no need to keep greetings long. What can I do for you, my friend?" he asked Arthur.

"Here's the thing…" Arthur began. Autumn's grandfather explained what happened to her over the past weeks. She was of course a bit upset and a frown creased her forehead. Anthony looked at Autumn worriedly after listening to Arthur's narration. He was particularly concerned. The words had escaped him before he knew what he was saying. "It's dangerous for you to give birth to this baby. You will put your life at risk." Anthony was confused. If Autumn's life was at stake, was it worth it to continue with the pregnancy?