novelraw Chapter 301 - 168: It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
Chapter 301 - 168: It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
She took out the computer and put it on the desk, then went out to ask for the WIFI password, and connected the computer, iPad, phone, and TV. Only then was she done.Lawrence Winters went to the bathroom to take a shower. The toiletries and skincare products inside were all complete, all of which she ordered herself to be delivered to the new home.
After tidying up, she went to find Kenneth Osborne, wearing long-sleeved pajamas.
Kenneth Osborne lived right next door to her, with their balconies adjoining, separated only by a bathroom.
Kenneth had also just finished his shower and was tidying up his workspace.
He chose this room because it came with a modest-sized living room, perfect as a workspace.
Lawrence stuck her head in to take a look, seeing him busy, she decided not to disturb him, waving with a smile, "Night Kenneth, I’m going to sleep, good night!"
Kenneth turned his head and smiled at her, saying, "Good night."
He quickly finished tidying up, confirmed plans with a few friends, and also went to bed soon after.
Nick Zeller and Gabrielle Winters were efficient; once the kitchen was organized, the whole house was almost ready.
The two of them bid goodnight to the old Daoist in the living room and went to their respective rooms to sleep.
The old Daoist sat alone in the living room, feeling like the head of the family, the kind that everyone relied on for meals.
He didn’t feel too burdened; instead, he straightened his back proudly.
...
Perhaps it was because of the excitement from last night, but Lawrence and the others woke up late in the morning.
They all slept until after ten o’clock.
Luckily, the party was set to start at one o’clock in the afternoon, so after some tidying and a light breakfast, friends started arriving.
The first to arrive were Nick Zeller’s clients, whom he and Gabrielle Winters entertained in the small living room.
This area, compared to the larger living room by the entrance, was relatively private. Outside the small living room was a large terrace where they could chat while enjoying the view.
They prepared some snacks, beverages, light foods, and tea for casual conversation.
To support Nick, the old Daoist also joined them on this side.
Friends of Lawrence and Kenneth Osborne gathered in the large living room near the elevator.
As soon as one entered the room, soft jazz music, like a gentle flow of water, could be heard. The soulful female singer’s murmurs neither made it too quiet nor disturbed conversations.
Lawrence just placed her favorite snacks on the long table when the doorbell by the elevator kept ringing.
She hurried to open the door.
"Wild Girl! Sister Three Hundred Million! How did you come together?!" Lawrence exclaimed with delight, hugging Wild Girl first, then Sister Three Hundred Million.
Their companions were Joyce Shaw and Blake Leaf, respectively.
Wild Girl and Joyce brought a bottle of red wine, while Sister Three Hundred Million and Blake brought a bouquet of lilies of the valley and a Black Forest cake.
Sister Three Hundred Million laughed and said, "We couldn’t miss Lawrence’s housewarming party!"
She looked around the house, clicking her tongue in admiration, "Lawrence, you turned out to be a hidden rich kid!"
"Hahaha... Sister Three Hundred Million, you’re flattering me. Actually, this place belongs to my relatives; I’m just staying temporarily," Lawrence winked, "When you meet my relatives, make sure to call him ’Old Immortal,’ okay?"
"Consider it done, ma’am!"
Wild Girl and Sister Three Hundred Million giggled, each grabbing one of her arms, leading her into the living room.
Kenneth Osborne came over and said to Joyce Shaw and Blake Leaf, "Perfect timing! Help me set up this other long table."
"Nora just put those snacks she likes, not many guys are into them."
Joyce Shaw and Blake Leaf laughed together, rolled up their sleeves, "Come on, let’s help you."
Soon, the three of them set up another long table, covered it with the same colored tablecloth, and Kenneth placed some snacks men like on it, along with the essential beer for any men’s gathering.
Lawrence, Wild Girl, and Sister Three Hundred Million hadn’t seen each other for a while and were chattering about work experiences over the past two months.
Kenneth Osborne opened a canned beer and said to Joyce Shaw, "Come on, have a beer."
Joyce Shaw waved his hand, "I still need to drive, so I’ll pass."
Kenneth then asked Blake Leaf, "What about you? Are you driving too?"
Blake Leaf laughed heartily, "I don’t have to, Sister Three Hundred Million is driving."
Saying so, he took the canned beer and downed half of it in one go.
Soon after, some sales representatives, Kenneth’s former clients, arrived.
They were all young people around their age, quickly bonding and even starting a karaoke session.
Blake Leaf, more outgoing now than in college, had an unexpectedly great singing voice, like a professional singer, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Kenneth Osborne sipped beer from a can, scanning the room, spotting Joyce Shaw sitting alone in a corner, not drinking but looking a bit downcast.
He appeared much thinner than before, with noticeable dark circles, clearly worn out.
Kenneth pondered for a moment, walked over to sit next to him, and said, "If you don’t want beer, how about something else? The grape juice over there is fresh-squeezed. The mango juice is too sweet; you didn’t seem to like sweet things before."
Joyce chuckled, "I like sweet things now." He got up to get himself a glass of fresh-squeezed mango juice, and returned, saying, "It’s quite noisy here; is there a quieter place?"
Kenneth, seeing this, knew he had something to say, and took him to the balcony outside the living room.
This balcony was slightly smaller than the large terrace but much wider than the balconies of the other rooms.
The two leaned on the balcony railing, looking at the distant scenery through the crystal-clear glass.
Joyce was struck by the vast and vibrant cityscape, exhaling a breath, and said with a smile, "This place was bought by Lawrence’s family, right? Do you dare to move in? Aren’t you afraid classmates will laugh at you?"
Kenneth smiled, "If I dare to move in, I’m ready to face such gossip."
"Doesn’t it sting a bit?" Joyce half-jokingly said, "Haven’t you seen the class chat? People are already saying you’re freeloading..."
Kenneth threw his head back in laughter, his face completely relaxed. His pristine teeth gleamed in the sunlight, resembling a predator showing its fangs.
Seeing Kenneth like this, who could say he was "freeloading"?
Kenneth took another sip of beer, speaking leisurely, "Would people who like me say I’m freeloading?"
"Of course not," Joyce quickly replied, "Many classmates are speaking up for you in the chat."
"That’s right. The ones gossiping don’t like me, so why should I care? Isn’t that silly?" He shrugged, "Besides, people who don’t like me will find fault with anything I do. So why value their opinion? I’m not living to please them."
Joyce looked at him with a complex expression, sighing again, "...If only I had a heart as strong as yours."
"What’s wrong with you? You seem preoccupied." Kenneth turned around, leaning against the balcony railing, holding a can of beer in one hand and hugging his elbow with the other.
He stood against the light, yet seemed to gather all the brightness around him.
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This is an extra update for the "odie949700" Alliance Hierarch, the third update at 7 PM.