Free Web NovelChapter 1294: Chapter 1292: Experiencing the Feeling of Being Cared For and Spoiled
Griffith Squire entered the operating room and came out shortly after. Still under anesthesia, his handsome face was pale like marble, brows furrowed despite his unconscious state.
It was the first time Leah had seen him lying there so weakly, her eyes misty, while a doctor explained the patient’s condition and post-operative precautions.
Cornelius Turner and Richard Shaw were listening intently, with Cornelius even taking notes.
Griffith was soon transferred to a special care unit. When Leah came out of the room, she saw a man leaning against the white wall, making a call to the old lady.
"Tonight, Leah and I won’t be coming back."
"Yes, Leah’s brother is in the hospital, and we need to stay overnight."
The man’s voice was deep, calm, and steady, with features softer than before. Seeing her come out, his eyes grew slightly tender. He approached, held her hand, and led her away, still on the phone.
"We’ll be careful; tonight, make sure Casimir Shaw doesn’t sleep past ten." Richard listened to the old lady’s advice further before hanging up. He looked at Leah and said, "Aunt Zhao will bring our toiletries and clothes later. Shall we go out to eat first?"
Leah nodded, looking at his broad shoulders, feeling her eyes become a little wet, her voice now hoarser: "Richard, I want something spicy."
Leah loved spicy food, but Richard believed it was too stimulating for the body. He often took Leah to eat mild food, but today was different.
"Then we’ll have spicy." He smiled indulgently, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "There’s a famous Sichuan hotpot nearby; I’ll take you there."
"Okay." Leah nodded eagerly, eyes moist, tightly holding onto Richard’s big hand. Normally less delicate, the incident with Griffith had left her yearning to feel pampered and cherished.
Cornelius, returning with medicine from the doctor, brightened at the news of hotpot, about to join in when Richard’s sharp gaze froze his words.
Not until Richard and Leah entered the elevator did Cornelius snap out of it, thinking a hotpot meal could wait until his boss was awake, when they’d book the whole place to their heart’s content!
Having rid themselves of the third wheel, Richard contentedly fetched the car and took Leah to a nearby Sichuan hotpot. In Imperial City, this place was exceedingly expensive, with queues lasting three to five hours.
Richard led Leah into a private room directly. Seeing the long line outside, Leah’s eyes sparkled, "Richard, no need to queue?"
"No need." Richard chuckled. The hotpot owner was an ex-soldier of his. After discharge, he declined a stable government job, entering the hotpot business. It was Richard’s first time here, surprised by its exceeding success.
"Richard, you’re amazing." Leah didn’t hesitate to give a thumbs-up. He chuckled; she found skipping queues impressive, regardless of when he held the rank of Major General or wielded significant power.
Despite some resignation, Richard was in high spirits after the praise.
"I’ve heard the food here is delicious. Eat as much as you like."
Soon seated, a slightly overweight man in a floral shirt entered the room excitedly, "Major General! If I’d known, I’d have driven over to get you."
The man was clearly moved, shaking hands tightly with Richard, eyes moist. "I still visit our old comrades; it pained me to hear you left the military district."
With tears in his eyes, Richard patted his shoulder, smiling faintly, "Jacob, it’s been years. How did you gain all this weight?"
Embarrassed, the hotpot owner Jacob Thorne scratched his head, "No idea how it happened. Is this the Major General’s wife?"
Jacob was briefly taken aback by Leah’s beauty, then dutifully saluted, "Ma’am, I served in the Southwest Military Zone, third company, eighth platoon, Jacob Thorne."
Leah smiled slightly, "Nice to meet you, Boss. We’re just here for hotpot—no ranks or titles."
Jacob, ensuring no other staff interrupted, personally took care of their orders and left them to enjoy their meal.
"He was a bright young soldier I trained," Richard explained why they skipped the line.
"Do you ever pay when dining out?" Leah posed a serious question, considering Richard and his family’s army connections.
Richard was momentarily taken aback, rubbing his forehead he said, "We pay, but it usually gets waived. Hence, we rarely dine out."
Leah: "..."
The hotpot tasted excellent. Leah went for the super spicy broth, while Richard chose a mild one, both eating merrily.
Shrewd and astute, Jacob didn’t interrupt their meal, only returning to see them off, speaking with Richard under a streetlamp.
Leah stepped aside, noticing Jacob’s beaming admiration and realizing more than ever that Richard was a soldier.
Only veterans understand military camaraderie, a bond forged strong enough to entrust one’s life to another.
Richard had countless soldiers in and out of services under him. If united, they could move mountains; no wonder the authorities sought to strip the Shaw Family of its military power.
Regardless of Richard’s official position, the military culture was deeply ingrained.
Wrapping up his conversation, Richard quickly returned to Leah, clasping her hand, "Sorry I took so long, are you tired of waiting?"
She saw Jacob still waving, smiling, "Your soldiers really admire you?"
"Perhaps I used to be quite strict," he said, rubbing his forehead with some embarrassment, as his face slightly flushed.
