CHAPTER 148: CHAPTER 148: MEMORIES (48)

"Forget it," Florence Fuller said, "In a couple of days, I need to go with my classmates to SJ to participate in a competition as a host, I can’t make it."

Laura Yates: "What competition host could be more important than the family banquet, this is your..."

Florence put down her bowl and looked at her, "Can you guarantee she won’t trip me up? Dad has cut off my living expenses, and she can’t stand me at school, even inciting others to spread rumors about me. Can you assure that Clara Fuller will behave herself at the banquet that day?"

"What nonsense are you talking?" Laura instinctively defended Clara Fuller: "Clara isn’t that kind of person."

"Tch."

Florence then looked at Michael Fuller, "Dad, it’s better if I don’t go to keep our family from causing a commotion that day, otherwise it’d be even more embarrassing."

Michael’s expression was heavy: "Fine, keeping a low profile is also good."

Clara secretly breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at the exquisite gift box: "Then I’ll go try this dress first. After all, it’s designed by a famous designer abroad, any unsuitable parts need to be mentioned and altered in advance."

Her remarks, everyone could discern the underlying meaning.

Clara walked off happily, while Laura wanted to follow but felt that she couldn’t leave at that moment.

"Coming of age ceremony, it should be grand." Florence’s tone was laced with jealousy.

Michael and Laura realized it too, both showing a bit of embarrassment. Laura thought for a moment: "Florence, later on, Mom will make up a birthday party for you, certainly better and grander than Clara’s."

"Better not, or else she’ll make a scene again."

Michael put down his chopsticks: "The bowl must be held level, after all, you are the biological daughter of the Fuller Family, whatever she has, you should have too."

Florence sneered in her heart, but outwardly remained nonchalant, which to Michael and Laura appeared as if she was putting up a front.

She said nothing.

Michael took out a card: "Enjoy yourself at SJ, tell me what you want when you get back later, it’s a supplement for your coming of age ceremony."

Florence knew when to stop, taking the card: "Anything at all?"

"Yes."

Florence held back a laugh: "Okay."

——

Florence spent a week in SJ City; she was temporarily assigned by her teacher to act as the host for this competition, which was held at a university in SJ, requiring scriptless and bilingual hosting.

For the three days before the competition, Florence stayed at the hotel memorizing that long script.

This task was suddenly assigned to her, likely because of some issue with the school’s original choice. The supervising teacher also emphasized that the competition was important and would be recorded and broadcasted.

Florence has never been someone to drop the ball.

The competition started with her hosting, cheerful and confident, seamlessly switching between languages, her control over the event was impressive, leaving a deep impression on the local university teachers even after she left SJ.

Upon returning to Cloudsea City, Florence immediately sought out Michael to redeem her coming of age gift.

She had her eyes on a property.

A luxury home at Starlight Residence.

Michael’s face froze when he saw the over 100-million price tag; Florence knew exactly what kind of person he was, feigning timidity: "Is it too expensive?"

The implication being, do you think it’s too expensive?

Michael chuckled: "Expensive, but not unaffordable."

Florence: "Dad, you’re amazing, just over 100 million and it’s as good as bought."

"We’ll go see the house and handle the paperwork tomorrow," Michael, although a bit pained, figured that buying such real estate could be useful; it could be mortgaged in future emergencies.

Clara was stunned next to them, overwhelmed with jealousy. The Fuller Family had held a grand and noteworthy coming of age party for her, where she received many gifts. Laura and Michael only gave her two pieces of jewelry worth around ten thousand each. But how come with just a few words, Florence received a house at Starlight Residence?

That was the best location and most expensive luxury property in Cloudsea City.

And her, though never wanting for food or drink, didn’t have a single property or car of her own.

Clara clenched her hand, wondering why no matter what she did, she couldn’t get rid of Florence.

The property transaction was processed quickly, and the day she received the title, Florence, having no classes in the afternoon, excitedly brought Ethan Harper to see the house she acquired.

Fully furnished, with wide-open views and convenient transportation.

"I must admit, you have great taste and really know how to plan for yourself, very impressive." Ethan looked at her, "Considering only for yourself is the best choice."

Florence stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, stretching lazily: "Spending so much time with you wasn’t in vain after all."

Ethan looked at her, and more than being with him, it seemed Florence, at a young age, already knew how to plan her future, not placing her hopes on anyone, but on herself.

She clearly knew his capabilities, and while by his side, she was eager to learn and establish herself, just as he must do his utmost to teach her the methods to stand firm in society.

He could even foresee a future day where Florence stood spiritedly at the place she wanted to be.

Perhaps it’s not bad, him running the household with love and care, while she earns and supports the family outside.

Not bad at all.

"What are you thinking about? I’ve been asking you something, why are you smiling so broadly." Florence stood in front of him, puzzled by the huge smile on Ethan’s face.

"Nothing, just happy for you."

Florence gave a look of disbelief.

"What did you just say?"

"I asked what color curtains you like, what style." Florence repeated.

What’s this man thinking?

"Do you want to decorate?"

"Yes, it’s so empty but I don’t know how to decorate." She leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, troubled: "Should I hire a designer? But that’s a hassle, I still have to attend school, no time to coordinate."

"I’ll help you." Ethan had a thorough grasp of her preferences: "Trust me, and leave it to you."

Florence was certainly willing, taking out a card: "This is money I earned from buying stocks, spend wisely."

Ethan took her card, finding an essence that matched his earlier imagery.

"Aunt Monrose also gave me a few of her paintings, said they’d be air-shipped in a couple of days. Find a suitable place to hang them when they arrive."

Ethan glanced around the living room, then went to check each room.

"Do you need help decorating your master bedroom?"

"Sure." Florence’s phone rang, it was a call from the driving school instructor, she needed to rush over.

"Decorate as you see fit, I’m not particular about the room as long as I can sleep in it, you know the password, I’m off to the driving school, see you tonight!"

Florence left in a flurry, leaving Ethan standing in the new apartment, smiling gently.

For now, let’s assume the role of the male host in arranging things.