Free Web NovelChapter 378: Chapter 378: Rolling Around and Acting Cute
Adrian Hawthorne had already gone to the village chief’s house last night to ask for time off. He brought two bottles of good wine and two packs of pastries. The chief’s wife was incredibly gracious. Without even waiting for her husband to speak, she made the decision on the spot, telling him to just stay in Tristone for as long as he needed and come back whenever he pleased.
Besides, it wasn’t the busy farming season, so Old Master Tate was more than enough to handle things on his own.
Goldie Thorne finished his tea in one gulp, slapped his thigh, and said, "I’ll go get the permit right now."
Adrian Hawthorne went back to his room, grabbed two packs of Peony cigarettes, and stuffed them into Goldie Thorne’s hands. "Give both packs to the village chief. Don’t you dare embezzle any."
Goldie Thorne immediately abandoned the thought of pocketing one of the packs. He gave a few dry laughs. He didn’t dare underestimate Adrian Hawthorne anymore. Though the boy was young, his methods were more ruthless than an adult’s. He was thoroughly convinced and was counting on this kid to lead him to riches!
After Goldie Thorne left, Tang Xiaonan ran to Adrian Hawthorne’s side. She hugged his arm without a word, just staring up at him with pleading eyes. Adrian, of course, understood what she wanted, but it really wasn’t convenient to bring such a little girl along. He wasn’t going on a vacation.
"I’ll bring you back some tasty treats. The roast goose in the south is especially delicious."
Tang Xiaonan shook her head forcefully. ’If I go south, I can eat until I’m stuffed.’ Such petty bribes weren’t going to win her over.
"You won’t have to look after me, and I don’t need a ticket. Just take me with you. I won’t even take up much space when I sleep, just give me a little corner of the bed. I don’t eat much, either. I’m very easy to take care of..."
The more Tang Xiaonan spoke, the more pitiful she sounded. Her eyes welled up with tears. If she kept going, she was going to cause a flood.
Adrian Hawthorne looked completely helpless. ’I knew I shouldn’t have let this chubby girl find out about the trip south,’ he thought. ’This little butterball is too clever; she’s not easy to coax at all.’
"Your parents won’t agree to it."
"As long as you agree to take me, my parents will definitely say yes! Mr. Hawthorne... Please, I’m begging you..." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Tang Xiaonan’s lip trembled as she looked at him with watery eyes. Her pleading, soulful gaze could melt a heart of stone. Adrian Hawthorne finally relented. "If your parents agree, I’ll take you."
"Pinky swear! You can’t go back on your word!"
Tang Xiaonan was overjoyed. She stuck out her pinky to make a swear with Adrian Hawthorne. She had already made up her mind: she would convince Felix Thorne and his wife, even if she had to throw a full-blown tantrum.
Dollar had just finished a bowl of rice mixed with bones and its belly was adorably round. It trotted over to Tang Xiaonan and flopped onto its back. Tang Xiaonan rubbed its belly, and Dollar grunted in contentment, tucking in its four paws in a charmingly goofy pose.
Goldie Thorne returned quickly with the permit. The document itself was simple; the important part was the village committee’s official seal. You needed this permit to buy train tickets. It was like a modern-day ID card—without it, you couldn’t get anywhere, not even a room at a guesthouse.
"Go home and pack. We’ll leave early the day after tomorrow. I’ll go buy the train tickets tomorrow."
Adrian Hawthorne’s expression was calm, but Goldie Thorne, on the other hand, was getting restless. He had been to the south once a few years ago and had been dreaming of going back ever since. He never thought his wish would come true so soon.
Jim Thorne deliberately lagged behind to have a quiet word with Adrian Hawthorne, asking him to buy his train ticket for him since he had school tomorrow.
"So it’s settled. I’m strong and I know how to fight. If you get bullied out there, you’ll be glad you brought me along. You don’t have to pay for the ticket, I’ve got my own money."
Jim Thorne pulled a wad of cash from his pocket and shoved it all into Adrian Hawthorne’s hands. His personal stash amounted to over thirty yuan, which was enough for a round trip to the south.
After stuffing the money into his hand, Jim Thorne took off running. Adrian Hawthorne stared helplessly at the cash. He didn’t really mind bringing Jim Thorne along, but he doubted Felix Thorne and his wife would agree to let the boy leave home.
The moment she got home, Tang Xiaonan started trying to sweet-talk her parents. She didn’t mention going to the south—Felix Thorne and his wife would surely never agree to that. Instead, she said she wanted to go to Tristone.
"Mr. Hawthorne is going to Tristone to visit his relatives, and I want to go have fun."
