Chapter 13

Ryan Miller is not an ingrate. He can go against everyone in the The Miller Family, but the one person he can never ignore is his grandmother.

  Mrs. Miller gave a gentle “hmm”: “Let’s talk inside.”

  In the living room, Mrs. Miller sat upright, taking a sip of hot tea from her own thermos.

  “It’s been so many years, you’ve grown taller,” Mrs. Miller said.

  “Grandma, we haven’t seen each other in seven years.” Ryan Miller gave a small laugh, reminding her, his tone not exactly warm.

  Mrs. Miller nodded. “Seven years. You’ve only come to Haicheng to see me once.”

  Seven years ago, Mrs. Miller left Mancheng and moved to Haicheng, where it’s spring all year round.

  Ryan Miller flashed a white-toothed smile. “I’ve been busy, Grandma.”

  Of course, Mrs. Miller knew this was just an excuse. This grandson of hers, who never liked his teachers in school, didn’t get a proper job after graduating, and besides spending money and having fun, what could he possibly be busy with?

  “How many times have you been home since I left?” she asked.

  Ryan Miller slouched on the sofa, sitting carelessly. “What kind of question is that? I go home every day.”

  “Sit up straight.” Mrs. Miller frowned. “You know what I’m talking about.”

  At the mention of the The Miller Family, Ryan Miller lost all patience. “Grandma, just say it. Why did you want to see me this time?”

  Mrs. Miller took off her shawl and set it aside. “Your brother’s engagement party is this Friday. It’ll be held at the house with the garden in the suburbs. You need to come.”

  This kind of thing could have just been passed on as a message; there was no need for her to come in person. But since Evan Miller and Ryan Miller, these two brothers, could never get along because of the elders, if someone else came to tell him, Ryan Miller probably wouldn’t show up.

  It just so happened she was coming home from the airport and passed by, so she stopped in.

  Ryan Miller only raised his eyebrows slightly at her words, fiddling with his locked phone. He felt a bit restless, wanting a cigarette.

  Seeing his silence, Mrs. Miller said, “This is a big family event. Many media outlets will be there. You must attend.”

  In today’s internet age, no matter how powerful someone is, it’s impossible to completely hide a living person. Ryan Miller’s existence has long ceased to be a secret. If he’s not there that day, rumors about the The Miller Family mistreating an illegitimate son will surely start again.

  “Ryan Miller—”

  “Got it.” Ryan Miller cut her off, smiling. “I’ll be there.”

  Seeing him agree so readily, Mrs. Miller was actually a bit surprised.

  Her grandson, whom she hadn’t seen in years, was now sitting across from her, smiling obediently, and promised again, “How could I miss such an important occasion? Don’t worry, I’ll be there on time.”

  ——

  “You’re really going to your brother’s engagement party?!” William Harris exclaimed in surprise.

  “Yeah.” Ryan Miller crossed his legs, leaning on the sofa, propping his chin up and looking at him speechlessly.

  He never thought that one day he’d end up in a nail salon where even the wallpaper was pink Hello Kitty.

  “Make this flower really pop,” William Harris instructed the manicurist.

  “It’s just one nail, how much more ‘pop’ do you want? Maybe I should stick a bee on it for you.” Ryan Miller said with disdain. “Seriously, why are you fussing over your nails?”

  “They organized a qipao party… Ugh, what would a guy like you understand!” William Harris said. “So, why did you ask me to come with you? Shopping for clothes? Oh right, you have to wear a suit to that kind of event, right? Do you have one?”

  “I do.” Ryan Miller thought of something and let out a snort. “My grandma sent me a whole set of clothes.” Afraid he’d embarrass himself with his outfit.

  William Harris asked, puzzled, “Then why are you at the mall today? Don’t you usually hate shopping the most?”

  “I…” Ryan Miller paused, casually ruffling the hair by his ear. “Where did you get that white hair done last time?”

  William Harris replied, “Upstairs. Why? You want to get your hair done? Don’t tell me you want a slicked-back look—wow, that’s flashy!”

  Ryan Miller didn’t bother with him, got up and said, “I’m heading up.”

  William Harris: “Alright, I’ll come find you when I’m done.”

  The one doing William Harris’s nails was the owner of the shop. As soon as Ryan Miller left, the owner lowered her voice and whispered, “Wenwen, why didn’t you tell me Ryan Miller was coming? I would’ve worn a prettier dress today.”

  “I didn’t know he was coming either,” William Harris said. “And don’t bother, Ryan Miller doesn’t like women.”

  The owner was stunned. “Huh? He’s also…”

  “Yeah.” William Harris winked flirtatiously. “Didn’t see that coming, did you?”

  “Not at all,” the owner said. “Oh my god, all the handsome guys are yours, and I get nothing.”

  William Harris shook his head, his earrings swaying with the motion. “No, no, no, he’s definitely not mine.”

  “What, Ryan Miller isn’t handsome enough? You don’t like him?” the owner gossiped. “Has he ever been with anyone?”

  “We’re too close, I don’t feel anything, and I wouldn’t make a move.” As one nail dried, William Harris held up his hand, propping his chin. “Nope, our little Ryan Miller is still pure. Says he likes guys… but after all these years, I’ve never seen him with anyone.”

  The design on William Harris’s nails was so intricate, it took a full hour to finish.