CHAPTER 227: CHAPTER 228: GRANDPA IS NOT LEAVING TONIGHT

Laughing, always laughing. Just because he looks good when he laughs, does he have to keep doing it? Vera grumbled to herself. She ignored him and picked up her chopsticks to get some food. Let him laugh all he wanted; she was going to channel her anger into her appetite and devour all the delicious food.

Ignoring Kris Cooper, she ate heartily without reservation. Once she was full, she immediately stood up and left the dining table.

He lifted his gaze from his soup bowl, watching her quickly exit the dining room. Kris Cooper glanced at the documents on the table before calmly continuing to sip his soup.

Anyway, she’ll definitely come looking for him on her own. The night is long; there’s no need to rush.

...

"You big scoundrel! Taking advantage of me and still playing innocent!"

Running all the way to her room at the back, Vera grumbled a few words about Kris Cooper, then took out the script she had printed earlier from her schoolbag and began to read it intently.

Initially, she assumed it was just another clichéd spy movie. However, as she continued reading, she discovered it was much more than that; the emotional arcs and character personalities were crafted to be incredibly rich and poignant.

Just from reading the script, Vera found herself loving the movie, especially the role of the second female lead. She realized the character wasn’t merely a straightforward villain; it was *her* story, *her* hidden troubles. By the time she finished, her eyes were glistening with tears. She had fallen completely in love with the character.

No, I absolutely have to portray this character perfectly.

Setting down the script, she immediately went to her wardrobe. Opening the doors, she saw her clothes, already neatly sorted and organized. After rummaging for a moment, she pulled out a small cheongsam and changed into it.

Vera then walked to the mirror, picked up a comb, and styled her long hair into a bun. She studied her reflection for a moment, then turned, found a pair of high-heeled shoes, and slipped them on. Now feeling a bit more in character with her appearance, Vera picked up the script and began to practice earnestly in front of the mirror.

Time slipped by unnoticed. The sky outside had gradually darkened, but she remained completely oblivious.

Kris Cooper, who had been waiting in the front courtyard for her to approach him, finished his work. Still, the girl hadn’t come. Puzzled, he picked up the documents he had finished reviewing, left the study room, and walked to the door of her room.

As he reached the doorway, he heard the girl’s aggrieved voice from inside, seemingly tinged with a faint sob.

"You despicable men, you’re all liars! Every single one of you just wants my body..."

The girl is crying?!

Kris Cooper’s heart clenched, and he thrust open the door.

His sudden entrance startled Vera, who was standing before the mirror. The script in her hand slipped and fell to the ground with a soft THUD. Her heart still pounding, she turned her face, sighing in relief only when she saw it was him.

"Why didn’t you knock? You scared me to death!"

Before the mirror, the girl was dressed in a light-colored, floral-patterned cheongsam, her long hair coiled into a bun. She possessed a kind of allure Kris Cooper had never seen in her before.

He stepped forward and picked up the script from the floor for her. Glancing at the title, "Flame," Kris Cooper finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He’d thought the girl was genuinely crying; turns out she was just acting.

Vera, who was thoroughly enjoying her acting, immediately took a step forward. She flicked open the small sandalwood fan in her hand and, thrusting out her chest, struck an S-shaped pose before him.

Her face slightly lowered, she cast a coquettish glance up at him. Then, in a soft, alluring voice, she recited the line she had just memorized, her every movement filled with charm.

"Sir, you see, my wine is already warmed, and the room is nice and toasty. Are you still planning to leave tonight?"

Kris Cooper reached out, encircled her waist, and pulled her into his embrace.

"In that case, I won’t leave tonight."