Chapter 661

Lily Waters priced each straw weaving at just one dollar, not because she undervalued her father's craftsmanship. No one understood better than her how many sleepless nights these intricate creations had cost him. Rather than letting them gather dust at home, selling them at a low price could at least ease the worry lines on her parents' foreheads.

Seeing Lily mention the straw weavings, the woman quickly explained, "The price is set at one dollar each. Feel free to pick any you like. Buy more, and I'll give you a discount."

Alexander Hamilton had already decided to purchase them at market price but nodded without revealing his thoughts.

Relieved, the woman enthusiastically added, "There are more straw weavings hanging in the backyard. If you want to see fireflies, you can spot them right in the yard. Lily wasn’t exaggerating."

The house was indeed cramped. The living room had a room on either side, barely enough for a family of four. Staying overnight would make it hard to even turn around.

The two exchanged a glance, silently agreeing on the same concern.

Lily, perceptive as ever, chimed in sweetly, "Don’t worry, Dr. Carter. There’s a small cottage behind our house. Once it’s tidied up, it’ll be perfect for staying. The stars are especially clear from there."

Before leaving, she tugged at Lotus Waters and instructed, "Go tell Dad we have guests. Ask Mom to cook fish for lunch. If Dad’s busy, you can catch one from the pond."

Lotus nodded and dashed off barefoot, his small feet kicking up dust.

Lily carried firewood into the kitchen. To save money, the family only ate two meals a day, with lunch being the only proper one.

Now alone in the living room, Evelyn Carter and Alexander sat in silence.

Alexander meticulously peeled a lotus pod, tasted a seed, and handed it to Evelyn. "It’s refreshingly sweet."

Evelyn accepted it. "Fresh lotus seeds are the best."

His fingers grew more adept, selecting the plumpest pods. One by one, glistening white seeds emerged, neatly arranged on a small plate.

"Are we really staying to see the fireflies?" Evelyn kept her voice low.

"Of course," Alexander answered without hesitation. "An opportunity like this is rare."

Evelyn’s voice dropped further. "I took a look at that cottage. It’s even more rudimentary than this place—earthen walls, a thatched roof. It might leak when it rains or lets in drafts."

Villagers held onto old structures, keeping them even after building new homes. The "cottage" Lily mentioned was likely an old temporary shed for watching the fish pond.

Alexander, who couldn’t even stand the firm dormitory beds, would struggle here. Thinking of his lingering cold, Evelyn couldn’t help but press further.

"I’m not doubting your sincerity. But that place is worse than the rural clinic. It’s practically wilderness survival..."

Alexander paused his peeling. "It shouldn’t rain tonight. If there’s a draft, we can set up a tent."

"Where would we get a tent?"

"In the trunk," he said casually. "I bought it in town last night."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "I thought you went to withdraw cash?"

"I browsed around while I was there," he replied offhandedly. "Since we’re here, might as well contribute to the local economy."

Evelyn smirked. "What else did you buy?"

Alexander listed them effortlessly. "Everything for camping. Two sets of tents, sleeping bags, new bedding, and mosquito nets."

He had nearly emptied the outdoor supplies store. The owner had been so thrilled he’d opened the warehouse for him.

Evelyn rubbed her temples. "You turned the Cayenne into a cargo truck?"

"Making the most of it," Alexander said, glancing at the straw weavings filling the room. "I want to buy them all. What do you think?"

With his wealth, purchasing the entire village wouldn’t be an issue. Evelyn knew his real purpose for this trip was likely to play the role of a generous benefactor.

Lily was bright and endearing, and the affection in Alexander’s eyes was unmistakable.

"Any favorites?" His gaze was intense.

Evelyn looked at the swaying straw weavings by the window, sunlight filtering through in dappled patterns. "They’re all lovely."

"No rush. Take your time," Alexander said softly. "We have the whole day."

The sweetness of lotus seeds lingered on their tongues. They savored the rare tranquility until the sound of Lotus’s bare feet running back shattered the peace.

"Mom! Sis! I caught a fish!"

The boy’s face was flushed with excitement, water droplets clinging to his cheeks. He held up a small fish strung on a straw rope, ready to bolt into the kitchen.

Seeing him drenched, Evelyn quickly stopped him. "Change into dry clothes first. The fish isn’t going anywhere."

Alexander stood and took the rope. "I’ll take it. You go change."