Free Web NovelChapter 436: Chapter 436: Apprehensive
Adrian Hawthorne then took out a radio. "These radios go for fifty-one apiece. You guys can sell them too. I’ll give you a six-yuan commission for each one."
He tuned the radio to a station and played a segment of Vessarian opera. Winston Lowell and the other two listened, utterly captivated. They grew even more excited, and their admiration for Adrian Hawthorne flowed stronger than the mightiest river.
They also felt a little ashamed. ’We’re several years older than Adrian Hawthorne, yet we’re as useless as they come, completely clueless about everything. But thankfully, our luck is good. We’ve run into a God of Wealth like Adrian Hawthorne! We’ll definitely make a fortune in the future. We’ll live the good life—in a western-style house, driving a fancy car, eating bread, and drinking milk!’
After giving them some instructions, Adrian Hawthorne set aside half of the fabric to be taken back to Millstone Peak later. Winston Lowell offered him his bicycle. The first thing he planned to buy after making some money was a bicycle of his own. A man’s love for a set of wheels, no matter his age, is the same as a woman’s obsession with beautiful clothes.
"This place can’t be left unattended, day or night. You three will take shifts."
As he was about to leave, Adrian Hawthorne gave them a few more reminders. Winston Lowell and the other two assured him repeatedly that they understood the stakes.
Adrian Hawthorne placed Tang Xiaonan on the bicycle’s crossbar, and the two bags of fabric were tied to the rack on the back. Goldie Thorne pushed from the front, while he and Jim Thorne held on from behind to keep it steady. They had eaten lunch in Vessaria before setting off, so they estimated it would be evening by the time they reached Millstone Peak. That was perfect, as they wouldn’t be seen. Carrying two large bags in broad daylight would be far too conspicuous.
They started and stopped along the way, with the three men taking turns pushing the bicycle. Tang Xiaonan wasn’t tired, but her rear was sore from sitting, so she would occasionally get down to walk for a bit. The closer they got to Millstone Peak, the more anxious Jim Thorne grew.
It was completely dark by the time they reached Millstone Peak. Most families had already turned out their lights, and there wasn’t a soul on the road. They took the goods to Adrian Hawthorne’s home first. Old Master Tate and Rosalind Green were both there and were overjoyed to see them.
"You’re finally back! Felix and Aurelia just left a moment ago. They’ve been coming here every single day to ask when you’d return. They’ve been worried sick," Old Master Tate said with a smile.
Jim Thorne’s scalp tingled, and he grew even more anxious. ’I’m afraid I won’t be able to escape a whipping when I get home.’
Tang Xiaonan patted him gently on the back. "Don’t worry, Jim. I’ll protect you."
’If Mom and Dad really try to hit Jim, I’ll just get in the way. They definitely wouldn’t be able to lay a hand on me.’ Tang Xiaonan was quite confident in herself. ’After all, I’m their precious darling!’
Jim Thorne felt a little better. ’My little sister really is the best,’ he thought. ’She knows how to look out for me.’
Adrian Hawthorne had Rosalind Green bring over a pair of scissors and a ruler. With a quick SNIP, SNIP, SNIP, he cut a piece of the blue fabric and then a piece of the floral-patterned fabric. Both bolts were four and a half feet wide, and he cut a ten-foot length of each—enough for three new outfits.
"Take these back with you."
Adrian Hawthorne handed the brand-new fabric to Goldie Thorne. If they brought something back as a gift for their elders, the Thorne family’s anger might cool down a little.
Goldie Thorne accepted the fabric without hesitation. ’With this much fabric,’ he thought, ’I can definitely get past Mom and Dad. My sister-in-law should be easy to win over, too. It’s my older brother I’m worried about.’
"This fabric is so beautiful! Oh... and these dresses are beautiful too!" Rosalind Green held a dress up against herself, wishing she could change into it and try it on right that second.
But—
"Mom, you can’t wear these now!"
Adrian Hawthorne took the dresses back. His mother, Rosalind Green, already attracted enough trouble just wearing her coarse cloth clothes. If she were to change into a beautiful dress, he was afraid they’d never be able to swat away all the pests.
A shadow passed over Rosalind Green’s eyes, but she forced a smile. "I won’t wear them. I have to work every day. It would be a waste to wear new clothes."
She understood what her son meant. ’I just got carried away for a moment. Of course I won’t wear them. I can’t cause any more trouble for my son.’
