Though he spoke with a smile, Vicente’s voice was still

    maic, his presence undiminished–he even outshone the

    older men around him.

    Ellsworth and he… were evenly matched.

    But their temperaments were different, each with their own

    unique charm.

    Ellsworth and Vicente caught up with each other.

    Kelsey, smiling, took the initiative to reach out and greet

    Vicente. “Mr. Leach.”

    Kelsey greeted him first, which made Vicente notice her. He turned slightly and gently shook her hand. “Mrs. Townsend.”

    Since Kelsey stayed close to Ellsworth, Vicente assumed she

    was Ellsworth’s wife.

    After all, Ellsworth’s marriage was no secret.

    When Vicente called her Mrs. Townsend, Ellsworth smiled and

    exined, “Mr. Leach, this is Ms. Kelsey Graham. A friend.”

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    Vicente smiled apologetically. “My mistake.”

    Hearing Ellsworth’s exnation, Kelsey nced at him, a trace

    of disappointment shing in her eyes, but she quickly regained

    herposure and smiled, echoing, “Sorry to have made you

    Vicente returned Kelsey’s polite smile, then asked Ellsworth,

    “Your wife didn’te today?”

    Ellsworth replied, “She had other ns today and is busy.”

    “Oh!” Vicente responded with a meaningful tone.

    As the three chatted, Alvin called Vicente over again, asking him

    to exin some policy issues to his oldrades.

    In the whole house, except for Ellsworth, Harriet, and Kelsey,

    everyone else was older than Vicente, so he was especially

    polite and humble.

    After methodically answering their questions, Alvin looked at

    Vicente and said, “Vicente, I invited a few young friends today.

    They’re all outstanding young people. Help me take care of

    them and don’t let them feel neglected.”

    As Alvin spoke, he looked around the room, spotted Harriet

    reading alone in the small sitting room, and called out to her

    twice.

    Seeing this, the housekeeper paused her work, bent down beside Harriet, and quietly reminded her, “Ms. Chavez, Sir Leach

    is looking for you.”

    Hearing the housekeeper’s reminder, Harriet quickly put down

    her book, thanked her, and got up to walk over to Alvin.

    It was only when she got closer that she realized Vicente was

    there too.

    “Sir Leach.” After greeting Alvin, Harriet turned to Vicente and

    said politely, “Mr. Leach.”

    Vicente smiled and extended his hand, his voice maic. “Ms.

    Chavez, we meet again.”

    Seeing that they knew each other, Alvin said, “Vicente, you know

    Harriet? Comrade Harriet is quite remarkable–she got a patent

    in high school, became a project leader at a young age, and is

    very strong technically. Reginald thinks highly of her.”

    Vicente gently shook Harriet’s hand and smiled calmly. “I had

    the pleasure of meeting Ms. Chavez a few days ago when I

    visited Gxy Innovations for an inspection.”

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    Harriet gently withdrew her hand from Vicente’s and smiled

    modestly. “Sir Leach, you tter me.”

    “Not at all, not at all,” Alvin said, then turned to Vicente and

    instructed, “Vicente, help me take good care of Harriet. Don’t let

    her feel neglected.”

    Vicente agreed to Alvin’s request and then apanied

    Harriet, chatting as they strolled.

    Harriet had studied Robotics and Automation Engineering, so

    Vicente talked with her about topics in that field. This put

    Harriet at ease, and she spoke more than usual.

    When they reached the small sitting room, Vicente picked up

    the professional book Harriet had just been reading. “Is this the

    book you were reading, Ms. Chavez?”

    Harriet replied, “The book belongs to Sir Leach. I was just

    flipping through it out of boredom.”

    Vicente smiled and said, “Sorry for making you bored at my

    grandfather’s birthday party, Ms. Chavez.”

    “…” Harriet said, “Mr. Leach, that’s not what I meant.”

    As Harriet exined, Vicente smiled even more and said gently,

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    “Just teasing you, Ms. Chavez. No need to be nervous.”

    Harriet responded with a calm, polite smile.

    Still… it wasn’t a very funny joke.

    After strolling and eating some snacks with Harriet, Vicente

    saw that the old men ying chess had finished and asked

    Harriet if she wanted to y a couple of games.

    Thinking it would be a good way to pass the time, Harriet

    agreed.

    The two sat across from each other, each taking a side. Harriet

    opened with a knight move, and Vicente responded in kind.

    After a few moves, people started gathering around to watch.

    Seeing their strategies, the old men who had just yed

    couldn’t help but praise the young people’s quick thinking,

    especially giving Harriet a second look.

    This youngdy seemed quiet and unassuming, no one knew

    where she came from, but she yed chess quite well. Some of

    the old men might not even be her match.

    After several rounds, Vicente’s moves were unpredictable, but

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    Harriet held her own.

    At this point, one of the old men said, “It’s a draw–no winner or

    loser.”

    “Where is this youngdy from? She’s impressive. Vicente, is

    she your girlfriend?”

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