I was just about to ask another question when As''s hand tightened, clearly signaling me to stop.


    Then, I heard Ava say, "Grandpa, I brought my mommy and daddy to watch you nting trees. Grandma said to hurry and finish up so we can have dinner soon."


    I quicklyposed myself and looked over. I saw my dad wearing a straw hat with a towel around his neck. His face was covered in sweat, and hisplexion had be considerably darker.


    But he looked much healthier, considering he used to be a pale, schrly man.


    Now, he looked like a farmer toiling in the fields.


    "Why are you so tan, Dad?" I pointed at my dad''s face andughed.


    He was delighted to see me and As. He pointed to the woods behind him with a sense of aplishment and said, "Look at what we''ve done! There''s no way we can avoid getting sunburned while doing all this, can we?"


    Then he pointed to all the differently shaped nts in the distance. "Those are our creations. Not bad, right?"


    As looked over admiringly. "I saw them on the way here. They''re very impressive, and the vegetables in the garden are growing very well too. You''re bing quite professional at this, sir."


    My dad grinned happily at this recognition from As. "Come on, I''ll take you to the orchard. All kinds of fruits are in season right now. Ava has never picked any fruit before, so she can give it a try." "We''ve never picked fruit either, Dad. I have no idea what the orchard looks like."


    When As heard me say that, he quickly pulled me over and said to my dad, "Let''s go, sir. You''ve made Chloe really eager to try plucking some fruit."


    The two little girls were even more excited. They started screaming in excitement, their voices echoing far away.


    The uneasy feeling in my heart instantly dissipated.


    As my dad led us to the orchard, he told As about their achievements.


    As said sincerely, "This all seems like a lot of work. How about hiring a few more gardeners to help out starting tomorrow?"


    My dad quickly opposed his idea. "No, that won''t do! Jay and I will just take it slow. If we finish it all at once, we won''t have anything else to do. This work requires simultaneous execution and design research.


    "Jay is an excellentpanion. He''s skilled and specializes in this kind of thing. We get along really well too. We work together smoothly." My dad spoke convincingly, showing that he was on the right track.


    "So we really don''t need any more


    people here. This is our family''s yard


    anyway. If we hire too many people, we''ll mess up the whole process Just the two of us can handle it. Besides, those people in the orchard are doing well. They can join us whenever they''re free. It''s perfect."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    As gave in. "Well, take your time. Your health is important. Don''t overwork yourselves. If you need any seedlings or flowers, just let Nigel know. We can bring them over."


    My dadughed excitedly. "Nigel


    brings in more than enough precious flowers and nts. My eyes have really been opened. I''ve never seen so many different kinds of flowers, nts, and trees before. Our yard is filled with treasures now. Even the books say these are some rare nts!"


    I felt truly content as I saw how enthusiastic my dad was.


    "Do you still want to go back to our hometown?" I asked him.


    He knew I was joking and smiled. "We''ll definitely go back, but it has to be when we have time. I want to go back with your mom to look around."


    I patiently reiterated to him, "Just


    sell the house already, Dad. We''re staying here for good. You''ve already gotten used to life here, and I can''t go back there. My whole life and family are all here. Why would you want me to be distracted?"


    I almost spilled the beans, but no matter how I exined, they always found reasons to evade me.


    "The climate in our small town doesn''t suit you, and look at the year you''ve spent here. Have you had any health issues? So why do you still want to keep that house?


    "I''ve told mom this too. If you don''t want to part with your books, we can arrange for someone to pack them and send them here. This ce is huge. We can set up your study and make aboratory for you without any issues."


    After saying that, I looked at my father. But in that instant, I suddenly noticed his expression stiffen.


    Something felt strange to me.