Scarlett could only play dumb.
Kay was being far too obvious!
Yesterday, he escorted her home. This morning, he waited alone for her at the crossroads. He showed concern about her family’s situation, insisted on calling her uncle “Uncle,” yet made sure Leo addressed him as “Mr. Miller.” If someone were to say Kay had no sense of propriety, his actions showed otherwise—he clearly understood boundaries.
Having a man show interest in her felt somehow to Scarlett.
Her younger years were consumed by the struggle to make a living in her previous life. Her mind was filled with thoughts of work, leaving no room for romance. With neither beauty nor family background in her favor, she had never experienced a young man pursuing her relentlessly. Once, a client admired her resourcefulness and wanted her as a daughter-in-law, but she reluctantly went to meet his son. The moment the wealthy factory heir saw her, he turned and left, dismissing her as plain and unsophisticated.
Later, after achieving success in her career, she attempted to explore relationships. With her achievements and financial status, her prospects improved significantly. Yet, mature men seemed more interested in benefits. Before things even started, they were already suggesting she buy several properties in school districts, have children early, or let them manage her finances. All those ridiculous requests led Scarlett to distance herself.
Now, here was Kay—handsome and confident—showing her attention. On external qualities alone, he was more than enough.
Faced with the attentiveness of such a young man, Scarlett didn’t know how to respond. Weren’t people supposed to be more conservative during these times? Scarlett thought Kay was far too bold!
“Let’s get through breakfast first,” William interrupted. “At noon, I’ll treat the two of you to a proper meal to thank you both for helping Scarlett.”
William was preoccupied with his plan to visit the police station to gather information. He couldn’t bring Scarlett along, but he worried about the possibility of accomplices among the hooligans. Kay stepped in at the perfect time to alleviate his concerns:
“I’ll accompany Scarlett to sell the eggs. Once we’re done, we’ll meet back at the guesthouse.”
Leo, holding his plate of dumplings, felt bitter. He knew he was being left behind again.
“Mr. Miller, how about I go to the police station with you to inquire? I was there yesterday, so the officers might remember me.”
William hesitated. “And your goods?”
In those days, anyone hauling goods over long distances was undoubtedly transporting something valuable. William didn’t know whether Kay and Leo were independent traders or hired drivers, but in either case, separating the men from the vehicle was risky. While staying at the guesthouse, someone would have to take turns sleeping in the truck to guard it.
“We’re only guarding against rats at night. During the day, it’s fine. The cargo bed has a locked enclosure.”
William glanced at the truck parked in the guesthouse courtyard. Its cargo bed was welded shut with steel bars as thick as a baby’s wrist, secured with a hefty padlock. His eyelid twitched—what on earth were these two transporting that required such intense security?
He immediately grew wary.
Kay offered no explanation, so Scarlett jumped in to smooth things over:
“I can sell the eggs myself. The area is full of people—it’s just outside the factory grounds. As long as I avoid remote places, what could possibly happen in broad daylight? Thank you for your kind offer, Kay, but—”
Kay said nothing, simply fixing his gaze on Scarlett.
That look was enough to make Scarlett feel as though she might melt under its intensity.
Leo suddenly turned serious. “Mr. Miller, I think it’s best to investigate this thoroughly. About those hooligans yesterday…”
Leo half-dragged, half-pulled William away.
The guesthouse courtyard was now empty, leaving only Scarlett and Kay behind.
