The Masterpiece of Leaving：Prepared A Perfect Stand-In For Him novel Chapter 71

After finishing our meal, Iris went to the small alley to play with her new friends.

Iris came from a big city and had such a cute and lovely appearance. Her big eyes sparkled like stars, which made the other kids adore her. And since she was down-to-earth, everyone was happy to play with her.

Once she started playing, she forgot about everything else and laughed heartily in the alley.

Her laughter was clear and melodious, just like that of a little lark.

I didn't stop her from playing with other kids; I wanted her to be free.

Inside the house, only the three of us adults remained.

The dim lights created a really serene atmosphere.

William never showed any signs of distaste on his face, and he seemed to enjoy this simple and warm environment.

"Mr. Ripley, can you tell me about the plan you mentioned earlier?" I asked straightforwardly.

William nodded and smiled warmly. "Mr. Arthur's shoemaking craftsmanship is truly exquisite, and it would be a pity if it were lost. What I mean is..."

"Oh, everyone's here."

Before William could finish his words, a loud voice from the doorway interrupted him.

The three of us turned our heads to see Auntie Violet standing there.

Unlike before, she was dressed more neatly, and she had tidied up her hair.

In her hands, she held a basket of fruits and walked in casually, saying, "Ah, my son just picked these from the garden. I picked the best ones and brought them for you to taste."

She grinned widely, and her laughter was exaggerated.

She took out an orange from the basket and wiggled it in front of us, saying, "This is a top-notch navel orange, specially used to entertain distinguished guests."

Auntie Violet's ingratiating behavior was undoubtedly an attempt to avoid settling the rent issue with me.

Having lived here for several years, the accumulated rent would amount to tens of thousands.

I looked at Auntie Violet.

Though she was nosy and gossipy, she also had a warm side.

For example, she was the one who informed me that Dad went to find the Spencer family with a knife, and she had taken care of Iris for a while.

She was not heartless, so she wouldn't really come to settle the rent.

I thanked her and planned to pay her for the fruit.

But Auntie Violet refused adamantly, and her eyes quickly shifted to William, saying, "Oh, this must be your husband. Handsome and talented indeed. I was wondering why Navier came back with a child alone. Turns out her husband was following behind. You care so much for Navier, coming after her so quickly."

She said so with her mouth, but the gossip in her eyes never ceased. In her words, she probed whether there was a rift between the two of us, causing us to return separately.

The countryside woman, preoccupied with trivial matters, had a somewhat voyeuristic desire.

"No, you misunderstood. This is just a guest who came to see the shoemaking process," Dad coldly replied, knowing that I disliked being scrutinized.

A couple of "Oh" and "Ah" sounds were uttered by Auntie Violet, and her gaze towards me went through yet another change.

In the end, she didn't say much and awkwardly left.

"Sorry about that, Mr. Ripley. She's just a nosy woman from the countryside.” Dad apologized to William after Auntie Violet left.

William shook his head, showing that he didn't mind, but his gaze couldn't help but turn in my direction.

When Auntie Violet paired him with me just now, he didn't feel repulsed or offended.

"Mr. Ripley, please continue with what you were saying earlier," I reminded him, bringing his thoughts back to the topic.